What you do should reflect how much time you have. If you only have a few days or a weekend, you might want to avoid things like Statue of Liberty since you have to take a boat to an Island, and then climb stairs up the interior. This all takes a lot of time and its not all that exciting. It reminds me of going to the leaning tower in Pisa. The view wasn't worth the hours of travel from Florence.
The Empire State Building is cool at night. I would skip it in the day.
My fav spot is Metropolitan Museum. Its right next to Central Park and on same street as other major museums like the Guggenheim and Frick Collection (The Museum of Modern Art isn't far either).
The Museum of Natural History is great too but on other side of Central Park. I like to do things according to east or west side of the park to make travel easier.
There are a lot of music venues around. Small clubs are located around Greenwich Village. Last time I was there I saw Dev Hines/Lightspeed Champion for 5 quid in a club with about 150 people.
I wouldn't recommend shopping in NYC. Everything is a lot more expensive. Nightlife will cost too. I'm sure its a lot like London.
I avoid Broadway shows because over the years they shrank the seats so they are like child size. It would be more comfy sitting on a milk crate. I used to buy tickets on the street the day of the show because they go off cheaper than in advance (sort of like plane tickets).
The summer is usually hot and humid in NYC. You wont need warm clothes (even at night) aside from maybe a windbreaker for boat travel or Empire State.
NYC is almost 50% immigrants. Throw in the summer tourists and don't be surprised if you go out and meet more Germans than New Yorkers lol.
I prefer to walk and skip subways. New Yorks subways, airports, bus stations etc are old and gritty. I get sick after every trip that includes subways lol.
New York feels like a machine during weekdays. People will step on you and keep walking like you're not there. Cars, trucks, taxis will seem like they are trying to hit you (they almost killed Churchill back in 1931 lol). Expect an edge but most of the people are nice once you talk to them. Most NY people take pride in trying to help people with directions etc.
I only go in to NYC a few times a year. A little goes a long way. Don't think I could take a whole week lol
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