Topic: What to do in NYC?

[roryot]

Heheh what a nice subject name for a topic! Anyway, heading to NYC this Friday with family for a week. Won't be actually in Manhatten all week, but should get in a couple of days at least.

Asking what I should photograph is probably like asking what sweet I should take in a sweetshop, but I would like some other camera / photo related ideas - galleries to visit, good photo bookshops, good newstands (what American photo mags should be bought), cool cafes and bars, that kind of thing. And if anyone does have some good street photography tips let me know. Tilt my camera and point it at strangers?!

Sorry this is a bit of a gloating post (heeheh, can't wait to go, can't wait to go!), I'll add some pics when we get home ...!

[Francois]

A visit to the Guggenheim is a must (it's a Frank Lloyd Wright building...)
Chrysler building is also an icon... though its image has been largely overused in the last few years. But it's gargoyles are some of the best.

[gothamtomato]

My favorite photo gallery, the John Stevenson Gallery, is now open by appointment only. I guess they couldn't afford the ground floor rent anymore. Here's the contact info:  http://www.johnstevenson-gallery.com/contact.php
They have beautiful film-based work that is definately worth a look.

Also, visit the Metropolitain Museum of Art. Have a drink at their bar on the roof overlooking the park. It's fabulous.

Soho Photo, at 15 White Street (in Tribeca) sometimes has interesting work. The exhibit of their annual competition opens on July 1.

Also, get a copy of Time Out NY, to find listings of all kinds of events that are free or close to it.

If you've got some bucks, see Gypsy on Broadway.

American Photo magazines are mostly crap. All the best photo mags are coming out of the UK, in my opinion.

[Ed Wenn]

I've not visited NYC for about 4 years, but prior to that I was a regular there and tried to visit twice a year to see friends etc. After something like my 10th trip over The Pond someone suggested we try out one of the free tours supplied by Big Apple Greeters (http://www.bigapplegreeter.org/). I was sceptical; after all, what could a cheesy tourist tour offer a seasoned visitor to NYC like myself? Heh, well obviously I couldn't have been more wrong and it turned out to be the best (albeit most tiring) day I've spent in the very fine city of New York and now I'm a convert, a zealot even, to the cause of the Big Apple Greeters.

I can't recommend the organisation enough. We did the Brooklyn tour, but there are others on offer. They may even have a photography one on offer?

[Ed Wenn]

....Bummer! I just noticed this section in their request form,

"Request your visit at least 3 to 4 weeks before arriving in New York City."

...which I guess counts you out on this occasion, right?

OK, a recommendation in lieu of the B.A.G. tour; pay a visit to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. I loved it so much I went twice on different trips.

[dbrooks]

It may be an obviously touristy thing to do but put aside some time to have a good wander through Central Park. I lived a block away from Central Park for about six months and spent time every weekend exploring it without ever getting bored. For such a (relatively) small space it contains a wealth of photo opportunities and is ideal for people-watching (the roller-disco crew on a weekend morning being a particular fave). I don't think there's anywhere else in the world where you can emerge from a winding path through a dense piece of woodland to be greeted by skyscrapers.

Make sure you pay homage to the Temple of Zuul from Ghostbusters at 55 Central Park West (which you can see from the Park).

p.s. cheesy postcript - I love it so much that on my last trip I proposed to my wife in a secluded corner of the Ramble (just as a coachload of Japanese tourists appeared as I was on bended knee - they got good photos).

[roryot]

Thanks for the replies! I had Central Park on my list alright, and also the Staten Island Ferry and maybe walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Thanks for the tip on the Metropolitain Museum of Art gothamtomato - the rooftop cafe sounds great!
And looking at some of the other forums, a trip to the outlet malls for office depot for the last of the 600 film at retail price will have to be undertaken!
The Lower East Side Tenement Museum sounds great too - thanks for that tip Ed
 

[outofcontxt]

The ferry ride is a must. Just make sure to park yourself in the left rear deck so you can see the receding skyline as well as a good glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.

And so many museums, so little time. Definitely go to the Met and be sure to check out Cleopatra's Needle. It's right behind the museum further west into Central Park. While you're in the vicinity, there's always the Guggenheim as well.

I usually make a pilgrimage to the Empire State Building. The evening views from the observation deck are spectacular. For another great view, try the Top of the Rock, the observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Center. They're open to the public after a very long absence. For photography, check out the International Center for Photography (founded by the late, great Cornell Capa) in Midtown as well as Soho Photo.

In any event, enjoy!

[roryot]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Off tomorrow, hooray 

[Ed Wenn]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Off tomorrow, hooray 

Rory, hope you get a chance to read this before you go. May be too late.

Anyway, if you're heading West to NYC from Europe and need to stay awake for a few extra hours upon arrival to get over the time difference then I'd definitely suggest a walk to the Empire State on your first evening. Last time I was there it was open till 9 or 10PM. Like Sean says, the views from it at dusk/evening time are wonderful and it's waaaaaaaaaaaaaay quieter on the visitors front, so you don't get herded about like cattle. No queues of tourists. Bliss. Then you can walk back to wherever you're staying (assuming yr in Manhattan) and sleep like a baby on yr first New York night.
 

Have a great time.