Unwind At The Russian And Turkish Baths
Normally:
I really wouldnt recommend a trip to the spa as one of the many unique things to do in New York City, especially in a notoriously expensive city like NYC.
However:
The Russian and Turkish baths in New York have been in business for more than 125 years, serving locals and celebrities alike.
If youre looking for a little detox sesh, then the Russian and Turkish Baths will provide you with a wonderfully exotic experience.
Because:
More than just a trip to the spa, the Russian and Turkish Baths are one of the oldest remaining bathhouses in New York.
They are also owned by two Russian immigrants named Boris and David.
Therefore, taking a trip here means that youll get to experience one of the most authentic Russian/Turkish style baths outside of Russia and Turkey, since this facility offers a variety of different, totally authentic treatments, like a traditional Russian Platza leaf massage, where youll get whacked with branches that are doused in olive oil.
What, want something a bit more conventional?
Then try one of the spas many pools or saunas, which are a little less intense and slightly more low-key.
FYI:
The baths are also co-ed so be prepared.
However:
They do have reserved times for women only on Wednesdays, between 10 am and 2 pm, if a total sauna sausage fest isnt really your thing.
Address: 268 E 10th Street, New York, NY 10009
Admission: Tickets are $48 per person, with some services requiring an additional fee.
Eco Tiny House On Lake Placid
Location: Lake Placid, New York
Rates from: $91 per night
Accommodates: 3 guests
A unique, new and eco-friendly Tiny Home built with style and comfort in mind. Voted top ten most unique places to stay in the Adirondacks by NY Upstate. This two-bedroom house is great for families and couples alike. Located just minutes outside of Lake Placid. Its convenient to all things fun. Airbnb
For nature lovers, it doesnt get any better than this New York vacation rental on Lake Placid!
Unique features: eco-friendly tiny house Scandinavian design heated floors screened in porch fire pit
Cool sights nearby: Mirror Lake | Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum | John Brown Farm State Historic Site | Whiteface Mountain | Mount Van Hoevenberg | Lake Placid
Have A Drink At Goldbar A Swank Af Night Club Beddazled In Gold Skulls
Have an unhealthy obsession with all things Investigation Discovery as you attempt to satisfy your never-ending lust for the macabre?
If so then this is the bar of your Hannibal Lecter-style dreams.
Because NoLitas famed GoldBar is bedazzled with no less than thousands of gold-encrusted skulls.
Add in a fair few, super-luxe, 12, vaulted ceilings that are encrusted with gold leaf and you have a 2,500 square foot club/bar space that all the cool kids crave.
And did I mention?
This vibrant, posh AF bar also showcases some opulent beyond belief, crystal chandeliers that help make this one of the most luxurious after-hour spots in all of NYC.
However:
Truth be told, the glitz and glam is about all this place has going for it since the music is loud, the crowd pretentious, the staff less than helpful, and the drinks mediocre at best .
But:
If youre absolutely dying to visit this place for yourself, then do try to get here right when they open at 11:00 pm to avoid all the late-night debauchery that will ensue.
That being said though:
Do take everything I say with a huge grain of salt since I am old AF, love my granny panties, relate to the Golden Girls on a personal level, and like to be home by 10:00 pm at the latest.
Which is why:
I seriously doubt that I am their target demographic.
Although:
I have heard good things about their Ginger Mint Aphrodisiac, which features Grey Goose infused with horny goat weed, diner syrup, fresh lemon juice, and Perrier.
#justsayin
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Visit The Evolution Store
Quirky to the extreme:
The Evolution Store is tucked away inside of New York Citys ever-trendy, SOHO, art district.
However:
Take some time to look past all of the posh AF, galleries du jour here, and youll discover this distinctive, wood-paneled shop, which is brimming over with natural curiosities like framed butterflies, animal skulls, seashells, fossils, medical models, and more.
Plus:
All of the staff here are beyond helpful and are only too happy to answer any questions that you have about any of the high-quality items for sale here.
Because every beyond bizarre item sold here is of the highest quality and acquired from the same high-caliber businesses that supply some of the citys biggest museums.
So yes:
Everything here really s totally legit.
Also:
Dont leave before taking a quick peek at the shops super-rad, giant sloth skeleton. Cuz all my fellow science nerds out there really will think this specimen is rad to the extreme.
Address: 687 Broadway, New York, New York, 10012
Admission Fee: FREE!
Hours: Open Sunday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to Bleeker Street and walk to the store from there.
Swing By The Louis Armstrong House
Louis Armstrong had become the premier jazz musician in the entire world.
As such:
He and his wife Lucille could have lived anywhere in the world.
Yet:
Somehow, they chose to settle down in a quiet, unassuming house in Corona, Queens.
The couple then lived in this modest little brick house until it was transformed into the Louis Armstrong House Museum, in 1976, after the couple passed away.
Since then:
Visitors have been able to take tours of the Armstrongs former home, where they can see exactly how the residence was furnished during the couples time here.
Throughout these informative, 40-minute tours of the building:
Guests can also listen to audio clips of Louis practicing his trumpet, enjoy an exhibit on Louiss incredible life, and even spend some time in the peaceful, Japanese-inspired garden that sits near the back of the house.
Because in total:
This vast, in-house collection features 1,600 recordings, 86 scrapbooks, 5,000 photographs, 270 sets of band parts, 12 linear feet of papers, five trumpets, 14 mouthpieces, 120 awards/plaques, and so much more.
If you happen to be in Queens and want to learn more about the king of jazz himself, then this is the place for you.
However:
No pictures please since photography is not allowed inside the building. You also must visit as part of a tour so definitely make advance reservations on their website.
Address: 34-56 107th St, Queens, New York, 11368
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Luxury Cottage With Spectacular Lake Views
Why you should stay: A lux getaway and incredible views that with wont break the bank.
- Nearest town: Greenwood Lake
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $289/night
Lake views, a private beach, and being just a quick drive from Mount Creek Ski Resort are some of the things you can expect from this ultra-luxurious cottage in Greenwood Lake.
Built on an elevated platform, youll wake up to uninterrupted views of the lakefront community. Sit on the wrap-around deck with your morning coffee and curl up next to the outdoor fireplace in the evening. With comfortable cushions, lanterns, and fairy lights, its a great setting for a romantic night under the stars.
If youre visiting during summer, consider having an al fresco dining experience on the tiered lawn. There are more than a few wineries in the area in case you want to host your own wine tasting and there are a few farmers markets in the area so you can be sure youre cooking with the freshest ingredients possible.
Why Is Times Square One Of The Best Places To Stay In Nyc
Times Square is not our cup of tea but it is extremely convenient and central. Connections to all of Manhattan and Brooklyn are made easy with various subway lines running through or very close to Times Square.
But the main reason to choose a hotel in Times Square is value. Even if you visit NYC at Christmas, you are going to find value in hotels around Times Square.
You can pick up a super cheap room at a decent hotel for excellent value, especially during the latter parts of covid restrictions. These current prices wont last long once everything is back to normal but it is still an easier place to pick up a bargain due to high competition for budget hotels.
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Simple Bungalow: A Top Airbnb In The Finger Lakes Region Of New York
Location: King Ferry, New York
Rates from: $112 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
Looking for a unique Airbnb in the Finger Lakes region of New York? Then you wont want to miss out on this budget-friendly vacation rental on Cayuga Lake.
Here, youll be able to enjoy the best that the Finger Lakes, one of the most unique places in the US, has to offer. This includes swimming on the lake, wine tastings, leaf peeping, and so much more. Its truly the perfect year-round retreat, making it among the top vacation rentals in New York.
Read next: 11 Coolest Airbnbs in the Finger Lakes
Unique features: Lakefront Airbnb kayaks fishing golf nearby wineries
Cool sights nearby: Long Point Winery | Moonshine Falls | Lucas Vineyards | Cornell University | Long Point State Park | Treleven Wines | Ithaca University
Stop By Tannens Magic Shop
Do you love magic almost as much as you love breathing?
If so then say hello to your new best friend, Tannens Magic Shop.
Because this fine purveyor of all things magical has been around since 1925 and is overflowing with a never-ending supply of invisible paint, multiplying billiard balls, and so much more.
However:
Dont expect to find any over the top, glitz and glam style decor from this shops unassuming interior.
Instead:
Youll discover a dimly lit barrage of vintage, brown, built-in, bookcases and glass display cases that showcase anything and everything youd expect from a bonified magic emporium.
A truly historic magic retailer that has sold, literal, tricks of the trade, to no less than Adrien Brody and David Blain.
And if you should happen upon a fascinating trick that calls you:
Please dont be shy and ask one of their beyond friendly staff members for assistance.
Because everyone here is a total magical professional who would be only too happy to model a trick for you.
And for a not-so-small, nominal fee:
The almost sorcerer-like pros here can teach you fun things like the F1 Nitro trick, a trick where a playing card is made to vanish from its deck and reappear in a nearby wallet or the ParaPad trick , which consists of a pocket-sized notebook that helps a magician read the minds of curious onlookers.
If youre looking for one of those almost otherworldly, unusual things to do in NYC, then look no further than Tennens Magic Shop.
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Top Picks: The Best Places To Stay In New York City
Dont have time to read the whole post full of me waxing poetic about all the things I love about New York City? I totally get it.
Heres a condensed version for you.
The 5 Best Areas to Stay in New York City for all Styles and Budgets
While all of the areas below are fantastic places to stay for your trip to New York, my absolute favorite place to stay in NYC is the area between Nomad and the Flatiron.
I spent the bulk of my time in New York City in this part of town, and it was a perfect home base for exploring all corners of the city.
I stayed first at the Freehand, which is a budget-friendly option a few blocks from the Flatiron building with relatively small rooms, but a great location and fantastic amenities.
I also stayed at the Ace Hotel, a classic boutique hotel option, which had roomier rooms and an amazing lobby , but was a little bit more expensive. I wanted to stay at the Made Hotel, but it was sold out for the time I was there.
If its your first time in NYC, you should look atMidtown Manhattan.
Its central, close to both Central Park, Chelsea, and Times Square, and its well-connected to the rest of the city via the Subway.
If youre on a budget, look at Pod 51, a budget hotel with 358 basic rooms and a super accessible price point.
Id also look at the CitizenM Times Square, one of the most highly rated hotels in the area.
If youre looking for a younger, hipper crowd, look at Chelsea and Greenwich Village.
Best Places to Stay in NYC: Top Rated Hotels
Why Stay In Upper West Side
Anyone looking for some peace and quiet will feel right at home in the Upper West Side. Known for Central Park, this is the place to be if you want to combine shopping, a plethora of museums, and peaceful tree-lined streets. This is an ideal area for families due to the family-friendly restaurants and wide-open riverside spaces that are ideal for cycling or walking. Its also very easy to get to the other popular areas on the subway due to the good connections so youre not sacrificing action for the quieter location. Its also known to be one of the safest areas in the city.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Manhattan
There you have it, travelers! The best accommodation in one of New Yorks coolest neighborhoods. At any of these places, you can enjoy a great nights rest and a convenient location.
If youre still unsure where to stay in Manhattan, we recommend the Upper West Side. Its close to everything while offering more budget-friendly accommodation, so youll have more cash to spend on your adventures!
Both the Freehand New York and Midtown Condo provide excellent city accommodation, offering a top location and comfortable amenities.
And dont forget to take out Travel Insurance for your trip! I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simplejust click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and youre on your way!
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Chelsea & Greenwich Village Best Area For Party Lovers
It doesnt matter if its your first time or the billionth time in New York City, Chelsea and Greenwich Village are some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in New York. Greenwich Village with the Washington Square and Chelsea with the High Line Park offers amazing New York City views and are filled with life.
The areas also have their fair share of glitz and fashion. They are home to the high-end boutiques of Diane Von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, and Alexander Wang. If you are a real foodie, you can enjoy your food at one of the many beautiful restaurants these areas have to offer. Also, if you are looking to tickle your funny bone, Greenwich Village has amazing comedy clubs that you should visit.
Pros and cons of staying in Chelsea & Greenwich Village
PROS
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Tips For Booking The Best New York City Hotels
- The best piece of advice we can give for booking a hotel in New York City is to pick one close to a subway station. Having a long walk to the nearest subway station will very quickly become annoying.
- Remember, NYC hotels will typically include a 14.75% tax rate and a US$ 3.50 city tax per night. However, some hotels might try to include a further fee for something such as Resort Tax. Do not book a room with any extra additional fees, other than basic tax and city tax.
- To find all additional fees for a hotel room on Booking.com: Click on a hotel below, click select rooms, click on a room type, scroll down to the Not Included section.
- Hotels will run promotions and discounts at different times of the week, month and year. Always shop around, click on every single hotel in each area to get prices for your travel dates.
- For example, if you visit New York City in Winter, a typical mid-range or even luxury hotel could have huge savings and be well within your budget.
- We use Booking.com for almost all hotel bookings when we travel. If you create an account and sign in to Booking.com, then book 5 hotels within 1 year, you will become a genius member and that activates tons of awesome perks. There are no contracts or ties of any kind when signing up. This is the quickest and easiest way to save money on hotels.
- Create a free Booking.com account here.
Visit The Intrepid Sea Air And Space Museum
Okay:
Im gonna get a little personal here.
Now:
While I myself am not super into military history and the idea of learning about American military and maritime history by exploring a collection of ships at New York Citys Pier 86, this place still means a lot to me.
See:
My dad and I arent super close since we basically have NOTHING in common, besides shared DNA.
But:
One of the really fond memories that I do have of him is when he took a day off from work and took me to visit the Intrepid Air and Space Museum when I was five.
Clearly:
It was a pretty amazing experience since that memory is still very vivid and remains with me to this day.
If youre looking for one of the more unusual museums to visit in NYC, then consider grabbing some tickets to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum.
I mean:
Not only does this museum showcase a rich collection of military artifacts from within their permanent collection, but they also have a fantastic assortment of rotating, special exhibits that cover a wide range of topics like naval history, space exploration, technology and more.
Thats why:
If youre looking to embrace your inner history nerd and spend a day learning about American naval military history, aboard an actual, aircraft carrier that was once used by the navy, then the Intrepid Sea and Space Museum is the place to go!
And if youre feeling a bit peckish afterward:
Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY
Hours: Open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
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