NYC is old.  But it’s definitely not boring!  NYC’s old history goes hand in hand with its abundance of different cultures on the same island. Or half of it in this case.  A lot of the history stands in the food, not just the sky scraping landmarks, although those are undeniably  significant to the history as well.  

1.Good Morning Empire State Building!!!

The Empire State Building peaks out of the NYC skyline. Everything I get lost in the city, I just look up at the Empire State Building Point and find my way.  Much like a North star guiding me home.  Anyways, the Empire State Building is perfect to view the rest of the city from the 86th and 102nd floors.  Tickets for the main deck on the 86th floor go for $34 for adults, $27 for children, and $31 for seniors.  A more expensive option for the view would be the Sunrise Experience, a pricey $100 per person.  This attraction is a must see.  Only experiencing the perspective of looking up at the buildings does not give justice to the city’s beauty, but the Empire State Buildings view from the 86th floor does.

2.Katz’s Delicatessen 

(As if you weren’t gonna visit Katz’s Deli without me mentioning it, but…)  There is not much to say about this place that you probably haven’t heard already.  The famous Katz’s Deli has been around since 1888 will be 130 years old in 2018.  The deli seems to always be packed full of people, but when you get to that counter, don’t hesitate on getting the pastrami sandwich for $19.95.  The hand carved pastrami is something to be admired, but don’t you dare ask for mayo.  

3.The Town Hall

Music lovers I’m urging you to visit the Town Hall and surround yourself in NYC history.  This hall had opened its doors in 1921 and features eccentric and versatile concerts to this day.  Ever heard of “Netflix and chill?”  Well don’t miss out on the upcoming, “NYC Gay Men’s Chorus: Xmas and Chill.”  Don’t lie to yourself, there is absolutely some part of you that wants to watch this performance play out before your very eyes.

4.Aux Épices

Aux Épices, translating to “with spices,” combines French and Malaysian cuisine.  This fusion is everything that’s great about the United States. Its diversity.  The melting pot cuisine was inspired through the marriage of the owners, Marc and Mei.  I would suggest the turmeric salmon for $17.95.

5.Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

The Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise allows you to enjoy the classic views of NYC in a quick trip.  It tends to get really cold on the boat so it would be advisable to bring extra layers.  Adults go for $37 for adults and free for children for 1 and a half hours. This cruise takes you all around the bottom half of Manhattan(below 59th).

6.Rudy’s Bar & Grill

NYer’s do find their way around restrictions when they break the rules hard enough to accommodate their wants, like manufacturing a space that hides people from being seen drinking or selling alcohol(speakeasy).  That’s right, Rudy’s Bar and Grill has been rumored to be part of fabulous speakeasy history following the Prohibition in 1919.  With, also rumored, frequent visits from Al Capone.  Everyone at some point in time can relate to being broke, or at the very least committing to a budget, then, you could also appreciate the free hot dog alongside a cold drink.

7.Washington Square Park

This landmark is home to Stanford White’s Washington arch built in 1889 to recognize George Washington’s 100 year inauguration anniversary.  If you never heard of George Washington, he’s the guy on the US dollar bill.  He’s also the countries Lying on the warm grass, listening to the park’s newest musicians(or eldest), and watching the occasional protest or naked tanner during the summertime becomes therapeutic.  Especially after walking long Manhattan blocks.  

8.Kesté Pizza & Vino

Kesté, translating to “this is it,” in Italian, tells you where it’s at when it comes to pizza.  Although this restaurant was only opened in 2009, they assemble authentic 300 year old Neapolitan Pizza.  The owner learned his Neapolitan techniques when living in Naples, Italy.  The great quality pizzas range from $20-$26.  I would recommend the Pistacchio e Salsiccia for $24 made with pistachio pesto. Changed my life.

9.Cinema Village

This gem is the oldest cinema in Greenwich Village still operating.  This cinema house adapted to its changing digital environment through catering to innovative independent cinemas.  A key place to experience a piece of New York history in the eyes of cinema.

10. China Town Ice Cream Factory

An ice cream shop like you’ve never seen before, the China Town Ice Cream Factory provides unique Asian  flavors for just a few dollars.  It’s also been in operation for over 4 decades and is family operated.  If you’re a peanut butter lover like me, you have to try the Zen Butter flavor.  It has peanut butter ice cream with sesame seeds, something I could never think of, perfectly adheres to my taste buds!!!

Manhattan, Below 59th St. Tip:

–Don’t think that you’ve mastered jaywalking so fast.  Take a second to look both ways one more time(even on one way streets) as there happen to be a lot of bikers on the road.   

Map provided by Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1RqwD8SpPomrrSmDLkkcL6pFDHNI&ll=35.76406541140883%2C-86.78814148359379&z=5

Sources

Buy Tickets. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from                                                                                     http://www.esbnyc.com/buy-tickets

Cinemavillage. (n.d). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from                                                                                 https://www.cinemavillage.com/about-us/

Keste. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from                                                                                                http://www.kestepizzeria.com/about-us/