New York Sightseeing Guide for NYC Tourist Attractions

NYC Tourist Pocket Guide Hot Tips

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.

* New York City is finally warming up*

River to River

CP summer stage

celebrate bklyn

Shakespeare

Bryant Park

River to River Festival

Now that warmer weather has finally arrived, the outdoor concerts now begin. One of the most well known events in NYC is the River to River Festival. This is an all summer event that has various dances, music, movies and much more. For more information visit www.rivertorivernyc.com

Central Park Summer Stage '08 Concerts

The 23rd Annual Central Park Summer Stage will begin this week, June 13th and continuing throughout the summer. CP Summerstage has a global reputation of one of the finest free performing arts festival in the nation. For a schedule of performers and other detailed information visit www.sumerstage.org

Celebrate Brooklyn

This year's Celebrate Brooklyn Festival marks it's 30th anniversary. The revitalization purpose of this festival has become one of the city's foremost summer cultural attractions. Starting on June 12th, the music, the dancing, the theater and film will take place again at the Prospect Park Bandshell. For a full shcedule and for more detailed information visit www.celebratebrooklyn.org

Shakespeare in the Park

From now until June 29th, Shakespeare in the Park will be presenting Hamlet. The event is free but you must pick up tickets at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park after 1pm. You can get to the theater by entering the park on East 79th Street & 5th Ave or 81st Street and Central Park West. For more information visit www.publictheater.org

Bryant Park Summer Film Festival

The 2008 HBO Bryant Park Film Festival will begin on June 16th. The first movie of the season will be "Dr.No". This event is free and anticipate high volume of people. It will be crowded. Must be there by 5pm to claim a spot on the lawn so have your blankets ready. For more detailed information and a schedule please visit www.bryantpark.org

** 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 success. Now we are right again about "The 39 Steps". What was a limited engagement run through the Roundabout Theatre Company is now moving to The Cort Theatre on West 48th Street. I am so happy that this show will be staying longer and regular performances will resume on April 29th. Out of all the Broadway shows that is out there now, the funniest, well-directed play in my opinion is "The 39 Steps".The acting technique is like nothing you have ever seen. Although it is only 4 actors, you forget there's only 4 actors when almost all of them are playing 20 different roles in one scene. They are amazing! The play itself is based off of one of Hitchcock's movies and within the play there are parodies of all the other famous Hitchcock films that makes this play so enjoyable to watch. No more excuses, definitely see this show.

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.

This has to be one of the most amazing modern exhibits I have seen so far. I will admit I usually love surrealism and impressionism and not big on modern art. But I was very impressed with this Artist, Cai-Guo Qiang. His technique, his experiments and his ability to be different really impressed me. His statement of being impacted by violence and yet displaying beauty within that really caught my eye. Although this remarkable exhibit has just ended on May 28th. You can still view it on-line. Click here to see this amazing exhibit.

* RESTAURANTS *

Porters on 7th ave in Chelsea. Very cool spot. They have big arm chairs at some of the tables.

Il Valentino on Sutton Place. Terrific service and a really beautiful restaurant.

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.