Originally Posted by Munchkin03 (Post 1653894)

The Met is indeed far too general for anyone with a real interest in art. Like Rudith said, there are other specialized museums that won't be as crowded:

MoMA
Whitney
Neue Galerie
Frick
Jewish Museum
Cooper Hewitt

It all depends on what you're interested in. You can buy something called an ArtPass that will let you go to a few museums for something like $35. But, if you like one-stop shopping and fighting large crowds of tourists, knock yourself out at the Met. If, however, you insist--the Temple of Dendur is pretty cool.

I'm a big fan of the Brooklyn Heights Promenade--the only touristy things I'd suggest in Brooklyn would be the Promenade, the Brooklyn Museum, and Grimaldi's/Brooklyn Ice Cream factory. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is gorgeous.

Unless you plan on buying things that you can buy in Chicago with less madness, I'd stay away from Saks, Macy's (ewww), and Bloomingdales. Only go into Barney's or Bergdorf's or even Bendel's unless you came to run with the big dogs. Avoid Tiffany on 5th Avenue unless you're going during lunch on a weekday--the Wall Street store has much fewer Japanese tourists taking pictures of themselves at the counters.

My only real advice? Just be prepared for how expensive everything is. Yes, everything from bottled water to pizza to museum admissions will be far more expensive than where you come from.

Originally Posted by Rudey (Post 1654099)

Jon wrote me some ridiculous PM that made no sense. Probably because he couldn't respond to my comments after insulting me.

Originally Posted by Rudey (Post 1654099)

Evidently you just named a bunch of small galleries. Did you know that? Who knew the frick was a small gallery.

I guess I know nothing about art. Who knew?

The Jewish museum had a really cool wood sculpture exhibit not too long ago but I think it's gone. They have an interesting Warhol one now. I like the cafe at the neue.

Originally Posted by Munchkin03 (Post 1654156)

...I'm just a redneck from Florida since I don't think the Met is the end-all.

Originally Posted by DeltAlum (Post 1654143)

Sometimes one insult draws another. See early post about the worst possible advice, etc.

Subtlity is not one of your many virtues.

But come on, Rudey, don't complain.

You live to trade insults.

Originally Posted by Rudey (Post 1654200)

Worst possible advice is an insult? Who knew?

Now, now deltalum, it looks like you're making accusations again. Why is that? Perhaps you need to calm down by visiting a k-mart art museum with your art expert wife!

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle (Post 1654299)

Okay folks - let's bear in mind that what are or are not the best places to visit is a really subjective call. Tell the OP your favorite places, why you like them, and let him/her make up their own mind.

Originally Posted by Munchkin03 (Post 1653894)

My only real advice? Just be prepared for how expensive everything is. Yes, everything from bottled water to pizza to museum admissions will be far more expensive than where you come from.

Originally Posted by ZTAMich (Post 1654433)

J - you ain't never lied!! And be ready for the crowds of people!

Brooklyn or NY Botanical Gardens (NY location is in the Bronx) tho at this point the cherry trees are done & rose gardens aren't full yet...
MoMA or Cooper Hewitt
Uptown Churches - St John the Divine & Riverside (much less crowded than St. Patrick's)
Downtown if you don't mind some history
Conservatory Garden in Central Park
My one touristy suggestion/confession is that I like the Museum of Natural History, but that's probably the teacher in me talking!

Originally Posted by Rudey (Post 1654458)

Is the whale still there? I'm trying to throw a party there in the fall for this charity i'm involved with.

Originally Posted by wrigley (Post 1653478)

Hey GC I'll be in NYC for 5 days. Are some museums more overrated than others? Which places are a must see? Where is the best place for a NY slice of pizza? Favorite places to shop. Any suggestions would be great. :)