Most people visiting New York City hit the most well known (and most crowded) sights and miss seeing the "real New York."
A West Village stroll will take you to a neighborhood of homes on tree-lined streets that have not changed much in nearly 150 years. On this stroll you will encounter some of the most confusing streets in the entire city. It is advised that you have a map handy as this area does not conform to a normal and orderly street grid. Some of the places you will pass are a former female detention center that is now the
Jefferson Market Courthouse, a bakery where there is always a line out the door waiting for (of all things) cupcakes and a pub where you can rest a spell while enjoying a drink.
If you have a taste for pizza,
Grimaldi's Pizzeria, in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge is the place to get a coal fired baked pizza. The view of Manhattan from this place is one of the prettiest you will find in New York.
The
Contemporary Art Center is the place to see exhibits by some of the most provocative artists of the world. This center also has an architectural garden in the summer that is ever-changing. On summer Saturday nights there is a free dance party.
Grand Central Terminal is a place that takes provides not only provides transportation but also has spectacular structure. The ceiling mural is one of the highlights of this building. There is also a place where you can whisper into the wall and be heard on the other side. Elevated passageways give you a great view of the entire place. Even if you do not have need transportation this is a place where you will not get bored.
The Time Warner Center is a place where you can shop, dine and drink while enjoying the view of Central Park. Two of New York's most expensive dining rooms are located in this building. While sipping a drink you can listen to jazz music at one of the Lincoln Center's venues. You can get a picnic basket prepared at one of the delis located here and enjoy it in the park.
