I’ve just landed at JFK this late afternoon, and I’m heading towards my Tudor City hotel on Manhattan. This is not my first visit to New York, as some of you readers might remember, but I’m looking for a different perspective this time instead of what I always do. I’ve already gotten some excellent restaurant recommendations from our very own Off the Rack Leah, but let’s talk about shopping now 🙂
What are your go to places on Manhattan, Brooklyn or elsewhere close to Manhattan? Clothes, shoes, lingerie? I’ve avoided going to the Century 21 on Manhattan as I’ve heard it’s always crowded with tourists and I get really anxious in very crowded places. Is it a visit though?
It’s also my friend’s first visit to NYC, so what would you recommend as must sees? Off the beaten track or just something one must see?
We’ll be going for drinks at the Marriott Marquis tonight so we can tick off a skyline view at night off our list + Times Square.
And on Saturday it’s time for the Big Bust Clothing Swap! I’ve brought a LOT of goodies for the swap, pretty much unused Kris Line & Freya bras and Bravissimo and Pepperberry clothes that I’ve ended up only wearing once or twice.
Actually, the Century 21 near Lincoln Center is always quite pleasant when I’m there! I avoid the downtown one like the plague, too. Too crowded!
Thanks for the tip! I saw this when I was in NYC and we went there on our way to Central Park. It was a little confusing but not too crowded and did score a new adorable wallet, a top and a maxi dress there.
I never find anything good at Century 21, but agreed that the Lincoln Center location is not so bad. For more discount shopping, try TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Burlington Coat Factory (it’s not just coats). For shoes, DSW.
As for “Must-See” things, touristy edition: Go up the Empire State Building at night (it’s open till 2am!). Do a Circle Line “Best of NYC” boat tour. AVOID TIMES SQUARE AT ALL COSTS (exceptions can be made for the TKTS booth).
Less-touristy: Go to the Bedford Ave stop on the L train and explore the hipster mecca that is Williamsburg. Lots of good restaurants and shopping and EXCELLENT people watching. Check out the Museum of Art & Design, it usually has few visitors and is right at Columbus Circle. Read this list of best rooftop bars and pick one out: http://www.refinery29.com/rooftop-bars-nyc#slide. MUST MUST MUST check out the Highline elevated park on the west side.
Leah, without your Empire State tip we would’ve missed it! And we took your tip and rode the L train to Bedford Avenue and went for an amazing dinner at a french bistro with live chanson music. On our way back to Manhattan we remembered this tip about Empire State being open late and we went there, just eight people were there. Loved it. We missed the highline park though did see where it is. Something for next time I suppose.
Take the ferry to Governor’s Island. It only costs $2 RT on weekdays, and I think you can get a free one hour bicycle rental on weekday mornings.
Darlene, that would’ve been lovely I think. We took the Water taxi and saw the Governor’s Island from the river and heard about the history.