On going to New York

Hit up Craigslist for short term sublets and the like. Lots of people bail for the summer and sublet their places. I've had friends come and stay and do this. It's not cheap but much more reasonable than a hotel.

New York is best to just walk around and loiter. Check out Bryant Park in mid-town (right near ICP), Central Park and the water fronts. I would say avoid the touristy spots (Times Square and the like) unless you want to photograph tourists. Speaking as a native, New Yorkers don't go to Times Square unless they have to. Check out the outer boroughs. There is amazing graffiti and such in DUMBO in Brooklyn and in Williamsburg. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and have some pizza at Grimaldi's on the Brooklyn side or ice cream on the Brooklyn Promenade (great views of lower Manhattan). Just walk and explore. Take the train out to Coney Island, it's going to be gone soon (developers are trying to create a high end resort). Walk around the Meatpacking district great old warehouses and hip clubs. There is so much to see here your eyes will melt.
 
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Pablito said:
I've seen those accomodations. Very much like a prison without the bars.
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Well, I would like to recommend them! I have spent 4 days in NYC two years ago, and I slept in a hostel (I think the link/name is in this topic already) for 33$ a night. It was an room for six but I didn't care, I was out in the city the whole time anyway, and the other people in my room were great. The euro was pretty strong back then also, so it was definitely cheap and I was right in the middle of the action (Manhattan, a few blocks from central park). You're about my age, so I think you'll be fine when you sleep there --I mean, I wouldn't recommend this to my dad or anyone looking for hotel style comfort, of course...

About the photo opportunities: they're everywhere!
Have a good time and make sure to visit B&H if you can.
 
For cheap travel in NYC, get a 3 day subway pass. I don't know the current price, but it gives you unlimited subway travel for 3 days. With that and a good city map showing the subway routes, you're good to go just about anywhere.
 
Check out the Hosteling International USA website for info on the hostel on Amsterdam Ave and 103 St in Manhattan. It always looks like a happening place in the summer. The website says shared rooms are $29.00 and single rooms are $90.00. Great location with lots of cheap restaurants in the neighborhood.
 
completely agree with the comments above about avoiding touristy spots. Only go if you do not want to see New Yorkers! Regarding the Empire State Building, last year they tested staying open until 2am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday; apparently there were no lines because it was so late and because people didn't know it would be open. That might be an interesting time to go, especially on a foggy or drizzly evening. Otherwise, avoid it. They set up the lines so that it looks like you are just going to wait a little while, but that's just until they move you to the next line. I have heard of people waiting upwards of 2 hours.
 
mich8261 said:
completely agree with the comments above about avoiding touristy spots. Only go if you do not want to see New Yorkers! Regarding the Empire State Building, last year they tested staying open until 2am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday; apparently there were no lines because it was so late and because people didn't know it would be open. That might be an interesting time to go, especially on a foggy or drizzly evening. Otherwise, avoid it. They set up the lines so that it looks like you are just going to wait a little while, but that's just until they move you to the next line. I have heard of people waiting upwards of 2 hours.
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I went to NYC Feb 2006. I went up the Empire State Building around 10pm. It took me more time to ride the elevator to the observation deck than that I had to wait in line. And this was a Friday night IIRC. I could check the dates but I'm a little lazy today. You can check for yourself on my blog:_my NYC adventures (plus photos!)_.
 
We'll be in NYC June 21, 22, and Broklyn June 25 so we will take in the Magnum Festival on one of thiose days-thanks for the tip. The Leica Gallery always has something special. I can heartily recommend a Lower east Side photo excursion, as I did that two years ago. There is a story on every corner. I also suggest seeing the hanging Formula 1 car in the Museum of Modern Art.
 
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