ES T I S AT S E PPS A
websterapartments.org @websterapartments @websterApt 419 W 34th, New York, NY 10001
NYC The Webster Apartments’ guide to the best sites, eats, and apps to help you navigate your new city.
SITES EATS APPS
INTRODUCTION THE FIRST TIME I WENT TO THE TOP OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WAS LIKE A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE. The sky was clear blue with puffs of cumulus nimbus clouds decorating the sky. It was a crisp 56 degree fall morning. I walked onto the observation deck in hand with my significant other and thought,
“I have to MOVE here—to a city as big as my DREAMS.”
// SOPHIE WALKER, 22 Some people move here and live a modest life. They work 9–5 at a job they have never been too excited by. They live for the weekend and do not feel satisfaction from a hard day’s work. Their vacation time is the only memorable part of the entire year. Those people live in New York, but they never experience the magic and splendor of NYC. Webster Women, on the other hand, make their dreams happen. They take life by the reins, and they work their asses off. Webster women put in the work and make sure they don’t forget why they moved here. I know it can be hard to know where to start when you first move to NYC. So I hope you use this book to get familiar with your new city and find some places not included in the lists along the way. New York can be daunting at times, but if you keep your head up and remember why you came here, your experience in New York can be one of the best of your life.
CONTENTS
1 EATS 2 APPS 3
SITES
The best tourist attractions and photo spots in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The tastiest places to eat and drink in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The most useful applications to help you live comfortably New York City.
CHAPTER 1
MANHATTAN SOME OF MANHATTAN’S BIGGEST TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PHOTO SPOTS.
1. Midtown Hours: Vary based on the store but it stays lit 24/7 Photo spot: With the “Naked Cowboy.” Everyone should see Time’s Square at least once in their life. It’s bright, it’s beautiful, and there really is nothing else like it in the whole city. 2. All of east Manhattan Hours: 24/7 Walk down Fifth Avenue and just keep on walking. You will see site after site and experience it like a local, by walking. 3. Upper East and Upper West Side Hours: From sun up to sun down. Biking, swimming, sunning, eating—you can do it all in Central Park. It’s one of the only quiet places in Manhattan and it never smells like urine. 4. Midtown Hours: 7:00am–8:30pm Even Manhattanites marvel at it’s architecture. It is located catty corner to the Rockefeller Center Plaza. 5. Midtown Hours: 8:00am–midnight You can go to the top or marvel at it from Rockefeller Plaza, which is home to the 30 Rock Christmas tree and ice skating rink during the winter and an outdoor restaurant during the warmer months.
1. TIME’S SQUARE 2. FIFTH AVENUE 3. CENTRAL PARK 4. CATHEDRAL SAINT PATRICK'S 5. ROCKEFELLER CENTER 6. BRYANT PARK 7. NEW YORK CIT Y PUBLIC LIBRARY
8. GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL 9. BUILDING EMPIRE STATE
10. HIGH LINE 11. ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER 12. 9.11 MEMORIAL 13. THAT THE CHURCH STOOD 14. LIBERT STATUE OF Y
15. LITTLE ITALY 16. CHINATOWN
“NEW YORK NOT A CITY IT’S A WOR // IMAN MOHAMED ABDULMAJID
6. Midtown Hours: Seasonal but minimally from sun up to sundown. You can always find something to do or eat in Bryant Park. 7. Midtown Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:00am–7:00pm Friday and Saturday 10:00am–5:00pm Beautiful on the inside and outside, and located directly in front of Bryant Park. 8. Midtown Hours: 5:30am–2:00am Stand under the constellation ceiling mural and pay $20 for a crappy beer.
K IS Y. RLD.” 9. Midtown Hours: 8:00am–2:00am Going to the top of the ESB is practically a religious experience. Whether you go one time or five times ESB always over delivers. 10. Chelsea Hours: from sun up to sun down. Take a stroll on the High Line, which is a lush park built on an abandoned elevated railroad track in Chelsea. 11. Financial District Hours: 9:00am–10:00pm You don’t just go to the top of One World Trade Center.
It is cinematic experience that cannot be missed. 12. Financial District Hours: 7:30am–9:00pm Do your research before going and read about the symbolism of the memorial. It make it even more moving. 13. Financial District Hours: 7:00am–6:00pm Again, a good place to research at the site or before going. It was the only building in the area not damaged by 9/11. 14. Ellis Island Hours: 8:30am–4:00pm Lady Lib is not in Manhattan, but you take a ferry from Manhattan to Ellis Island. 15. Little Italy Hours: Vary based on the store or restaurant. Favorite photo spot: In front of the Little Italy sign or anywhere with a canoli in hand. Little Italy makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie. There is also a flea market on Saturdays. 16. ChinaTown Hours: Vary based on the store or restaurant. This is the best area to buy souvenirs or gifts to bring home—just be sure to haggle. // Chapter 1 • SITES
BROOKLYN SOME OF BROOKLYN’S BIGGEST TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PHOTO SPOTS.
1. DUMBO Hours: 24/7 For the best views, take the train into Brooklyn and walk back across the bridge to Manhattan. 2. DUMBO Hours: 6:00am–1:00am For the best views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, this is your spot. 3. DUMBO Hours: 11:00am–7:00pm, closed Tuesdays It is right under the Manhattan Bridge, it’s only $2, and adults enjoy it as much as the children. 4. DUMBO Hours: Sunday 10:00am –5:00pm Favorite photo spot: In front of the Manhattan Bridge. This is a great spot for views of the Manhattan Bridge, unique food, and hand-crafted goods. 5. Park Slope Hours: 5:00am–1:00am It is a 585-acre oasis of scenic beauty for activities from baseball to birdwatching and skating to nature programs. 6. West Brighton Hours: 10:00am–6:00pm Exhibits include sharks, the conservation hall, sea cliffs, explore the shore, and an aqua-theater.
1. BROOKLYN BRIDGE 2. BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK 3. JANE’S CAROUSEL 4. MARKET DUMBO FLEA 5. PROSPECT PARK 6. NEW YORK AQUARIUM 7. BOTANICAL GARDEN
8. CONEY ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK
7. Prospect Park Hours: 10:00am–6:00pm This is the perfect spot if you ever start to miss fresh air. 8. Coney Island Hours: 11:00am–12:00am Whether you are going to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, to Coney Island Brewery, or you want to ride some roller coasters, Coney Island is always a good time. // Chapter 1 • SITES
TAKE NOTE: YOU CAN ADD TO THE LIST OR JOURNAL ABOUT ONE OF YOUR ADVENTURES IN NYC.
// Chapter 1 • SITES
CHAPTER 2
MANHATTAN SOME OF MANHATTAN’S BEST RESTAURANTS, ORGANIZED BY NEIGHBORHOOD.
1. Hell’s Kitchen Hours: Everyday 11:30am–10:30pm It is a slightly upscale Italian restaurant near The Webster. The service is wonderful and the food is authentic. 2. Hell’s Kitchen Hours: Weekends 11:00am –2:00pm and 5:00pm–2:00am, Week days 5:00pm–2:00am. Bea is know for their handcrafted cocktails and eclectic small plates. Go to bottomless brunch at Bea and try out the whole menu! 3. Midtown East Hours: Sunday–Thursday 7:00am–10:00pm, Friday –Saturday 8:00am–12:00am. It’s a classic tourist spot, but it lives up to the hype. Get ready for possibly the best cheesecake and cupcakes of your life. 4. Midtown East Hours: Monday–Friday 7:00am–6:00pm They serve plenty of caffeinated options as well as soup and sandwiches, but what really makes the trip worth while are their delicious chocolate chip cookies! They are the best in the city. 5. Midtown East Hours: Everyday 11:30pm –3:00pm and 5:00 pm–10:30pm. Steaks & fries, with a vegetarian option, make up the prix fixe menu at this unique French spot.
1. CASA NONNA 2. BEA 3. BAKERY MAGNOLIA
4. ESPRESSO MACCHIATO BAR 5. LEVENISE RELAIS DE L ENTRECÔTE
6. ROOFTOP REFINERY
7. MA X BRENNER 8. THE LITTLE OWL 9. RACLETTE 10. HOTEL CHANTELLE 11. DAUGHTERS RUSS & 12. 10ICEBELOW CREAM
13. BOQUERIA 14. BOLIO EMACK AND
15. DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY
6. Herald Square Hours: Everyday 11:30am–2:00am There are both indoor and outdoor portions to the bar on top of the Refinery Hotel, so year-round rooftop drinking is in the cards. It’s also got a solid brunch and cocktail menu. 7. Union Square Hours: Everyday 7:00am–12:00am From their crazy waffles, amazing milkshakes to thier make your own chocolate layered cake, everything here is delicious.
“THE REVE SUC
8. West Village Hours: Everyday 9:00am–11:00pm It is a delicious Mediterranean/ New American eatery. “Little” is rather literal though, so get a reservation.
9. East Village Hours: Everyday 11:00am–12:00am One of the trendiest eating experiences in NYC—they have a unique menu then melt cheese on top right in front of you. 10. Lower East Side Hours: Everyday 11:00am–12:00am No need to worry about postdinner or post-brunch plans if you’re eating on this rooftop in the Lower East Side.
// FRANK SINATRA • speaking of his
11. Lower East Side Hours: Everyday 8:00am–8:00pm For a classic Jewish bagel and lox, this is your spot. The bagel board is a must if you have the time. 12. Lower East SideHours: Everyday 11:00am–11:30pm They make gorgeous rolled ice cream creations . You get to watch them prepare your ice cream on a frozen slat and roll it right up.
E BEST VENGE IS CCESS.” move to NYC
13. Upper East Side, Flatiron District, or Soho Hours: Everyday 11:00am–11:30pm Boqueria serves tasty tapas made with market-fresh ingredients. Their Nutella stuffed churros cannot be missed. 14. Upper West Side, Upper East Side, or Lower Manhattan Hours: Everyday 12:00pm–10:00pm This dessert chain serves
creative flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt as well as other sweet treats. Also, everything is made in house. 15. Soho Hours: Everyday 8:00am–7:00pm This is your spot is you love French treats, but they also offer frozen s’mores on a stick, and cookie shots!
// Chapter 2 • EATS
BROOKLYN SOME OF BROOKLYN’S BEST RESTAURANTS, ORGANIZED BY NEIGHBORHOOD.
1.
Williamsburg Hours: Friday–Sunday 12:00pm–11:00pm Microbrewery with tastings & tours that offer an inside look at the creation process.
2. Williamsburg Hours: Everyday 12:00pm–12:00 am A wonderful bar for all beer lovers. The bar tenders offer free tasting and can help you find the perfect drink. 3.
Bed Stuy Hours: Everyday 6:30am–9:00pm The original Dough is in Brooklyn where they bake the donuts fresh daily. The flavors are creative and never disappoint.
4. Williamsburg Hours: Saturdays only 11:00am–6:00pm It’s a seasonal outdoor foodie market offering 75+ vendors paired with city skyline views. 5.
Bed Stuy Hours: Everyday 12:00pm–3:30pm and 6:00pm–12:00am A retro hangout serving American fare and signature cocktails in a fun and feminine space.
1. BROOKLYN BREWERY
2. TORST 3. DOUGH 4. SMORGASBURG 5. FANCY NANCY 6. ROOM THE COUNTING
7. THE BAGEL STORE
6. Williamsburg Hours: Everyday 5:00pm–4:00am. It is a stylist wine bar and cocktail lounge serving generous helpings of food such as cheese boards and fancy bar food. 7.
Williamsburg Hours: Everyday 6:00am–6:00pm They are known for their gorgeous Rainbow Bagels. They are so fun to photograph too! // Chapter 2 • EATS
TAKE NOTE: YOU CAN ADD TO THE LIST OR JOURNAL ABOUT ONE OF YOUR ADVENTURES IN NYC.
// Chapter 2 • EATS
CHAPTER 3
GREATER NYC THE APPS YOU NEED TO LIVE COMFORTABLY IN NEW YORK CITY.
.
1. Navigation: Car, public transit, walking, or car service. Google Maps is the best app for navigating New York. It keeps up with the always changing weekend Subway schedules, the best routes for walking, and it even tells you an estimated Lyft or Uber price/time. Now you can even download your local area to navigate offline. 2. Navigation: NYC public transportation New York Subway app is great for all New York public transit. The map on the app is thesame as the maps on the public transportation too, so if you get used to using it, you can easily find your way without using the app. 3. Navigation: Traffic Waze app is like any other navigational app, but it lets users give updates on the traffic as they use the app. It gives you the fastest routes and live updates on traffic. 4. Financial: Currency Converter Currency Converter is pretty self-explanatory. If you are moving to NYC from another country this can really come in handy!
1. GOOGLE MAPS 2. NEW YORK SUBWAY 3. WAZE 4. CURRENCY CONVERTER
5. MINT 6. VENMO 7. SEAMLESS 8. TV FOOD MAPS 9. UNTAPPD 10. YELP 11. SAFETREK 12. FACEBOOK MESSENGER 13. GOOGLE TRANSLATE 14. CURB 15. HOPPER
// Chapter 3 • APPS
5. Financial: Budgeting Use Mint to set a monthly budget you can stick to. You put in your bank account information and it tracks your spending in real time. 6. Financial: Money exchange In NYC, servers act as if splitting a check is rocket science and asking them to do so is requesting a pound of flesh. So get Venmo, that way you and your friends can tally up what everyone owes and use Venmo to give exact amounts. That way, you don’t have to always carry cash. 7. Food: Delivery Seamless allows you to order and pay for takeout from almost any restaurant. It tells you the delivery fee, estimated time, and the most popular dishes. With Seamless there is no worry about having cash or unexpected fees. 8. Food: Tourist restaurants TV Food Maps tells you places near you that your favorite TV characters ate at. 9. Food: Bars Untapped tells you the best beer bars near you and what your friends on the app are drinking. 10. Food: Restaurant rating, overview, and delivery Use Yelp to find the best rated restaurants in any area of NYC. You can also use it to order delivery or takeout and pay through the app.
“ONE TO N INSTA // TOM WOLFE
11. Safety: Personal safety SafeTrek is a must have app. Whenever you feel unsafe, you can press the button on the app until you get to a safe place. If you let go of the button and do not put your password in, it notifies the police of an emergency and your location. 12. Communication: Messaging and video chat Facebook Messenger is great for people whose phone number you do not have or to communicated internationally for free.
E BELONGS NEW YORK TANTLY.� 13. Communication: Translation If you are moving from another country and need help communicating in English, Google Translate is the best app for you. 14. Travel: Taxi Cab Curb helps you find a cab quickly and it never serges. 15. Travel: Flight pricing Hopper tells you the best times to fly and buy. It makes traveling easier and less stressful. // Chapter 3 • APPS
16. Travel: Car service Lyft app connects you with local drivers for a car service. Drivers use the app to navigate, so you know you are taking the fastest route and you don’t have to explain where you are going. 17. Travel: Travel organization If you have trouble keeping your itineraries straight or keeping up with flight confirmations, Tripcase is for you. It does all the organizing for you and helps you know you aren’t forgetting anything.
16. LYFT 17. TRIPCASE 18. UBER 19. WI-FI FINDER 20. GOLDSTAR 21. TODAY TIX
18. Travel: Car service Uber is similar to Lyft but most people use both apps to avoid serge charges. During busy times, both apps serge their prices, so watch out for that. 19. Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi locater Wi-Fi finder helps you locate what businesses near you have free Wi-Fi. 20. Tickets: Concerts, sports, theater or other live performances Goldstar helps you find and purchase tickets to most live events. 21. Tickets: Cheap Broadway tickets TodayTix lets you see what shows are on Broadway that day and purchase tickets for as low as $50. The seats are usually in the mezzanine but it’s worth it. // Chapter 3 • APPS
TAKE NOTE: YOU CAN ADD TO THE LIST OR JOURNAL ABOUT ONE OF YOUR ADVENTURES IN NYC.
// Chapter 3 • APPS
COLOPHON Typefaces Sentinel Lite, Lite Italic, and Semibold. Mr. Eaves Sans OT Regular, Bold, Heavy, and Heavy Italic. Printing Details Printed at Kemp and Sons Printing in Opelika, Alabama on Neenah Classic Crest Avon Brilliant White Super Smooth 80lb Text. The cover was printed on Neenah Classic Crest Avon Brilliant White Stipple 80lb Cover. Sources The body copy was compiled from several online sources and first-hand experiences. The imagery was taken from various photographers on Shutterstock. For more information, please inquire.
websterapartments.org @websterapartments @websterApt 419 W 34th, New York, NY 10001