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Journal Title	New York Visit	Send this journal to a friend
Location	New York (United States)	More journals about New York
Author	Sean	Other journals by Sean

getting there

We flew with South African Airways. This was not a trip I'd like to repeat. The flight was delayed &, although not published, our flight from Cape Town to New York (via Johannesburg) went via Dakar, where we stopped for about 2 hours!

accommodation

We stayed at the Paramount Hotel, which was just about on Times Square. Great bar, though a bit pricey. You don't get more central than this. Other hotels nearby included The Muse and Edison. We were recommended the Hudson Hotel, which is on 356 W58th and is spectacular (and in a similar price range). The bar is worth visiting too. All in all, through the Paramount was a good choice given the central location.

restaurants

There's no shortage of choice. Some of our favourites that I can recommend included:

The Colliseum Bar & Restaurant (Irish/American) - authentic, cosy, good value - 312 W58th

For breakfast and dining try the deli's - they are tremendous - Duke's was our favourite (they are a chain).

Mr. Tang in Chinatown offers an authentic Chinese meal - they catch your crab or fish from the tanks in front of you! Or head North over Canal Street (up Mulberry) straight into Little Italy for a great Italian meal.

The Mercer Hotel has a great restaurant (the Kitchen on Mercer) - be daring & try the raw tune & wasabi pizza - it's fabulous.

To spoil yourself head up to the Beekman Tower Hotel on 49th & 1rst & dine at Top of the Tower on the 26th floor - spectacular views of East River & the city. Worth the visit just for drinks - the bar offers a great vibe, piano & singing to set the mood.

The Boathouse in Central Park is a lovely setting on a large pond with a great restaurant (albeit flooded with tourists).

For a real spoil & to celebrity spot, try the Four Seasons Hotel - L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon - officially the most expensive dinner I have ever had... still deciding if it was worth it!

The meat packing district in Chelsea offers a great little Italian gem in the form of Macelleria - located on 48 Gansevoort Str. Though the service is not great, the food is worth waiting for.

Eight on 8th is another great restaurant in Chelsea - the name tells you where it is! It caught fire while we were there!

bars & clubs

Mercer Bar in SOHO is a must. Try the pineapple Mojitos. Were were lucky enought to score a free round after chatting with the barman.

Drinks at the Top of the Tower are a must at night for the best views! Another option (which I didn't try) is the Lounge at the top of the World on W46th.

The Chelsea Hotel's bar, El Quijote has to go down as something special - very relaxed, good prices on liquour (unusual for New York) and new the vibe in Chelsea.

We visited the Gotham Comedy Club in Clelsea for a relaxed night of comedy with the main comic of the night being Gary Gulman from Last Comic Standing. Good snacks & cosy vibe.

BB Kings on 42st is great for Jazz & other performers. We saw the Bacon Brothers strut their stuff!

Head to the Hudson Hotel bar for something glitzy.

activities

Walking, Broadway Shows, Jazz, Comedy Clubs

must do's

Broadway offers some great shows. Get half price discounted tickets on the day at TKTS in Times Square. We were also given tickets to the David Letterman show free of charge, were we saw Artie Lange & Natalie Portman.

Spend a day at Central Park - lunch at the Boathouse & take in the magnificent scenery.

Comedy Clubs are a must. Carolines on Broadway is a highly regarded club.

Visit the top of the Empire State Building for awesome views - $20 / person.

useful info

Tipping - 15% is customary. Taxis - not necessary for the most part. The subway is fast & effecient & much of Manhattan can be walked.

Ground Zero is busy being developed into a commerative park with lakes so there is not much to see right now.