New YorkI visited NYC for a week and stayed at the Park Central Hotel. A very centric and beautiful hotel near Central Park. The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant but it has a lot of places to eat right next door. The easiest way to see NYC is walking and taking a uber/lyft, so comfortable clothes and shoes are a must. Also, always check the weather before going out, especially during fall, there are days where you might need to wear an extra layer of clothes. The best way to sightsee is to buy a CityPass, which i recommend to buy before arriving to NYC so you have enough time and days to see everything. If you are staying for less time in NYC there is a pass that lets you choose 3 sites out of 6, the one i bought let me choose 6 sites. With the tickets you generally avoid really long lines, but if you want to go at a comfortable time go during the morning before lunch. The tickets include:
The Empire State Building Experience: with this ticket you can only see the 80 and 86 observatory, the 102 floor is sold separately. you can go here at any time, just redeem the ticket at the ticket kiosk.
American Museum of Natural History: go to the information desk and present the voucher. didn’t have time to go here.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: go to the information desk and present the voucher. The metropolitan museum of art is a whole day or 2 day experience, I recommend going during the day, like the first thing that you’re going to do day that day.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck OR Guggenheim Museum: i chose the top of the rock observatory, you can go here at any time during the day. if you choose the museum, just go to the information desk and present the voucher.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island OR Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises: i chose the statute of liberty and ellis island. the statue of liberty does not include the tour inside the statute nor going to the crown. you have to buy that separately and ahead of time. i didn’t have time to see Ellis Island but they tell me it’s a beautiful museum.
9/11 Memorial & Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: the 9/11 Memorial only has access to the museum, if you want to go to the One world observatory you have to buy tickets separately. If you like US armed forces subs, ships and planes you can choose to go to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.
I recommend that you take a stroll or bike ride through Central Park, it’s free (except the tours, carousel and the rink) like the zoo, there are ponds, statues, waterfalls, gift shops, ice skating rink, really romantic corners and resting spots to have picnics, there are guided tours, and places to eat.Go shopping through Time Square and 5th Ave, you never know when you might see something interesting like a concert or a performance. You can also go shopping to Chinatown.If your taking the subway go to Grand Central Station.If you buy ahead of time, you can to enjoy a Broadway show (really buy ahead of time, Alexander Hamilton is sold out until August 2017 and they just released tickets for Aug- Nov 2017 which are selling fast).Where to Eat:
Patsy’s Italian Restaurant: they have gluten free pasta available. The food and service is excellent. They make you feel at home, they know the menu and know what to recommend. Everything is fresh, well seasoned, light and made with love. I tried various sauces with my pasta like bolognese, clam sauce, marinara. Also tried meat and fish and they were very tender.
Fresh & Co.: They have a large and varied gluten and lactose free breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have vegan options, sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. Its a grab and go place because its small and doesnt have alot of tables. its affordable and serves large portions of food.
Park Cafe: a place good for breakfast. they serve large omelettes and other things like french toast, sandwiches, bagels, etc. the service is average, it’s just a place to eat and go on with your day. the drinks are a bit expensive, i suggest you stick with water and go to another place to buy coffee (the coffee is really watery for my taste) or orange juice ($5 dollars for less than 80z)
Benash Delicatessen: another place for breakfast. right in front of Park Cafe and it’s much better in service and food. the prices are reasonable because they serve alot more food, coffee and juice (12oz of coffee and juice for $3). the really large omelette comes with sausage, bread and hash brown.
Rosie O’Grady’s: a steak and seafood Irish pub that has a relax ambiance for lunch and dinner. they have excellent refreshing salads, tender lamb chops, filet Mignon and steak. crispy fries, super delicious french onion soup, and really fresh sea food. the service is excellent and they make you feel at home.
If you want authentic Italian food visit Little Italy. If you want the best coffee in NYC go here. They are also the only ones that sell lactose free milks like almond, soy, etc. We ate at Pellegrino’s a super star restaurant with zagat awards for many consecutive years. Friendly staff, excellent food and great atmosphere. They offer gluten free pasta and vegan/vegetarian dishes.
Uncle Jack’s: its a lot of food, so share. the food is excellent and they have the best cuts of meat, like cowboy, porterhouse, steak, etc. try the home made fries, they are huge and crispy good. looks like a fancy place but it’s pretty casual.
Bill’s Bar & Burger: they offer gluten free bread. there burger are pretty big but delicious.