NYC Tourist Pocket Guide for NYC Tourist Attractions

The staff of the NYC Travel, Pocket and Japanese Guides shares their favorite spots in the city. Also, to comment on our selections or to suggest a hot tip, check out our NYC Pocket Blog.

*Attraction Admissions Fare Hike*

Bklyn Museum

Price Increase on NYC Attractions

We all know that this has been a difficult time for most of us across the nation. Whether you are in a retail clothing store, restaurant owner, a theater goer and even the tourism campaign has been slow these past few months. But none has been hit harder than some of NYC's finest cultural institution and attractions within the past few months which will explain the new increase in admission price hike within this past month. Here are the few places that have increased their admission rates this month:

Central Park Zoo: As of March 1st the new admission price is $10/ Adults, $5/ Children and $7 for Seniors.

Prospect Park Zoo & Queens Zoo: As of March 1st the new admission price is $7/ Adults, $3/ Children and $4 for Seniors.

Staten Island Zoo: As of March 1st, the admission rate went up $1 making the new price $8/ Adults, $5/ Children and $6 for Seniors.

Brooklyn Museum: As of March 21st, the admission rate goes from $8 to $10 for Adults, and from $4 to $6 for Students and Seniors.

Other places has taken into affect such as Madame Tussauds also recently raised their admission price. Other museums have cut down on some of thier annual events or closed down all together. For more information please visit the attraction website.

** NEWS FLASH: NEW YORK CITY HITS TOURISM RECORD! **

For those of us that have been living in NYC these past two years have noticed the amount of tourists flocking in to New York City. It's to a point that us locals have been moving about an inch per minute it seems. New York City does seem to get more and more crowded with tourism and of course the tourists that decided to live here. If you've noticed and have wondered why, there's finally an explanation.

According to Monday, January 14th report from CNN, it has been estimated that 46 Million people have visited NYC in 2007. This is up 5% from 2006. Tourists have spent $4 Billion more in 2007 than they did in 2006. All this due to our dropping dollar and favorable rate exchange that has set the new record for the Big Apple. NYC & Co. has now launched an international visit NY campaign that ranges from Television Ads to billboards. To read the full article as reported on CNN, click here.

* STAFF FAVORITE *

We first predicted "In The Heights" would be a huge success. Then, we were right again about "The 39 Steps" and what started out as a limited engagement is now a permanent residence on Broadway. Once again our psychic ability about entertainment prevails. There is nothing more fun than re-living the 80's rock era with the new off-broadway hit "Rock Of Ages" (Now moving to Broadway in March 2009). The high hair and the fashion fads were not the only memorable cheese fest of the 80's, the music is what still lives on today as classics we will forever love. Audiences will be taken in for the rock concert of a lifetime.

Fuerzabruta! The English translation for the Spanish word is of course "Brutal Force". Enough said with that definition. Fuerzabruta is a high energy-driven show with dynamic stunts and beautiful visuals that connect the audience with the actors. Startling sounds might make you jump and before you know it the music will have you raving like you are 18 again. There's a reason why this show has won audiences and critics all over the globe.

Once again the very popular Butterfly Conservatory returns to the Museum of Natural History for it's 11th consecutive year. In a re-created troical environment, more than 500 species of butterflies that reside within the 1,200 square-foot vivarium.

This rare and interactive exhibit is the only one of it's kind that can magically turn a chilly winter day into a summer vacation within minutes. Both fun and educational for the entire family. The butterfly conservatory will be ongoing until May 25th. For more information visit www.amnh.org

* RESTAURANTS *

Pacific Grill at South Street Seaport - Pier 17, indoor and outdoor dining on the water, offering breathtaking views, and featuring some of your favorite tropical drink.

Porcao Rios is located on Park Avenue South. One of the best Brazilian barbeque places in NY, Porcao Rios offers variety of food within an elegant atmosphere.

Firebird on Restaurant Row (46th St between 8th & 9th Ave). Great for a quick bite or drink after work. Definitely try the Honey Vodka.

* SPAS AND SALONS *

Salon Ziba has the most sophisticated line of hair products for every hair type imaginable. Salon Ziba has also expanded thier salon and image by becoming a spa as well for facials, waxing and massages. Now you can take care of all parts of your body and soul at one popular destination.

* SHOPPING *

Renato Vasconcelos Located on Orchard Street in the Lower East Side. All Brazilian imports. His Jewelry is GORGEOUS and the prices are great. He does hair too!

Sam Ash I come from a long line of musicians...This is THE place.

Top Gun Into leather? They’ve got hot stuff.

* CLUBS *

Webster Hall One of the most famous clubs in NYC inside a well-preserved historic building that keeps locals and tourists coming back. Check out thier calendar of events for up to date knowledge of shows and concerts. Also, the interactive show Awesome 80's Prom performs at the landmark club.

* TOURS/MUSEUMS/ATTRACTIONS *

St.John the Divine Cathedral may not be as crowded as the touristic St.Patrick's, but I find it to be quieter with a nice garden and beautiful peacocks. Also, a tour of the catherdral is available on the weekends and takes you through parts of the cathedral that most locals have never seen.

American Museum of Natural History Beyond the dinosaur bones that greet it's visitors at the main entrance, there's dozens of new exhibits and newly renovated old exhibits that are interactive and keep kids wanting to learn more.

NY City Center is a good place to go for a variety of thier encore theatrical performances and dance companies.