The Best Souvenirs & Gifts in New York City.

When you visit New York City you will be bombarded by hundreds of different street vendors and small gift shops trying to sell you NYC souvenirs. The problem is there is nothing unique or authentic about these tacky items. When I visit New York City, I look for a souvenir that is useful, and handmade by the wonderful artisans of New York City.

Here is one of my all-time favorite things I have ever purchased from New York City and you can purchase these on Etsy as well.They are tumbled marble coasters with a print of a vintage map of New York City featured on the top. They look great in my living room, and are used every day.

You can find them on Etsy by going here or my clicking on the image: http://etsy.me/1hmxkJX

I also saw these awesome I Love New York coasters, which I think I might purchase for my dining room. I like the modern chic feel these coasters have. They are featured here: http://etsy.me/1hvuzoi

The Free Guide to Free Things to Do in New York City

To download the Free Guide to Free Things to Do in New York City, just click here!

The most exciting store in Manhattan...with a catch!

There are thousands of places to shop within Manhattan, but there is one store in particular that is making a huge splash in the Home Decor market and that store is NYC Design+Craft. But there is a catch. They don't actually have a physical store. Instead they sell all of their handmade products online at Etsy:
www.etsy.com/shop/NYCDesignCraft.

The store specializes in travel themed decor, including Vintage Map Coasters & Magnets, Framed Prints, & more. NYC Design+Craft.

If you are looking for a unique gift or keepsake, even customized gifts like their Personalized Map Coasters, we would encourage you to visit.  

Aside from their Personalized Map Coasters, NYC Design+Craft also sells the following:

• Boston Map Coasters
• Disney World Map Coasters
• Banksy Map Coasters
• Antique World Map Coasters
• New York City Vintage Map Coasters
• and more....

NYC Design+Craft, a selection unique gifts that we love!

Great New York City Souviner Ideas

When you visit New York City you will be bombarded by hundreds of different street vendors and small gift shops trying to sell you NYC souvenirs. The problem is there is nothing unique or authentic about these tacky items. When I visit New York City, I look for a souvenir that is useful, and handmade by the wonderful artisans of New York City.

Here is one of my all-time favorite things I have ever purchased from New York City and you can purchase these on Etsy as well.They are tumbled marble coasters with a print of a vintage map of New York City featured on the top. They look great in my living room, and are used every day.

You can find them on Etsy by going here or my clicking on the image: http://etsy.me/1hmxkJX

I also saw these awesome I Love New York coasters, which I think I might purchase for my dining room. I like the modern chic feel these coasters have. They are featured here: http://etsy.me/1hvuzoi

 

NYC FREE: Landmarks & Famous Attractions

New York City is home to more landmarks and other famous attractions than any other place in the country. What's even better is that many of these places are totally free. Here is a list of the best free Landmarks and Famous Attractions in the Big Apple:

1.) Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry runs from Battery Park to Staten Island offering riders a chance to experience amazing views of Lower Manhattan for free. The only bad part is that it takes you to Staten Island.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/statfery.shtml


2.) Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal was built in 1913 and is one of New York City's most famous landmarks. The beautiful ceiling, energy of the crowd, and the sounds of trains docking the stations will make you fall in love with this amazing NYC landmark.

http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/   


3.) The New York Public Library

Nothing beats the smell of old books! Especially if those old books are housed in the beautiful New York Public Library.  In addition to beautiful architecture and an impressive book collection, the museum is features temporary exhibits on a variety of topics. Once you are finished touring the library, go directly behind the library to my next attraction.

http://www.nypl.org/ 


4.) Bryant Park

Smaller than central park, but just as beautiful. Tree lined walkways, hundreds of tables, large lawn and surrounded by mid-town skyscrapers, it's easy to see why people love Bryant Park. Bryant Park also offer free summer movies in their lawn, as well as plays, ice skating and music.   

http://www.bryantpark.org/


5.) St. Patrick's Cathedral

Bloomingdale's isn't the only landmark on 5th avenue, because right in the middle of all the amazing shopping sits one of the country's most beautiful cathedrals. St. Patrick's Cathedral is stunning. Words can't describe it.

www.saintpatrickscathedral.org  


6.) Rockefeller Center 

Built during the Great Depression, the construction of Rockefeller Center is in the heart of Manhattan. Rockefeller Center has continued to be an important New York City complex and visitors can enjoy the Art Deco architecture, watch live broadcasts of NBC shows and take in the occasional live performances of some of the world's biggest acts.  

http://www.rockefellercenter.com 

FREE Shows in New York City

If you are planning a trip to New York City, did you know that you can attend a live taping of your favorite talk shows? Here’s a list of the city's most popular shows that you can attend while on your visit:

- The Late Show with David Letterman

- The Daily Show with John Stewart

 

- The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert

 

- Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

- Live with Kelly and Michael

- The Rachel Ray Show

- Good Morning America

- The Early Show

10 Cheap Things: New York City

There are millions of things to do in New York City, and here I will highlight some of my favorite affordable things to do in the Big Apple. If you've been planning a trip, or currently live New York then you know how expensive this city can be. So here are some fun and affordable options for the city:

10.) The New York Aquarium - Coney Island 

The suggested donation on Pay What You Wish to See the Friday Fish Day is $13.00 at the New York Aquarium at Coney Island. But having been there several times, I would suggest you only pay a few dollars to get in.

9.) New York Transit Museum

 If you live in New York or your planning a trip, I would suggest visiting the  New York Transit Museum. Here you can learn about the history of the amazing transit system, and see some great artifacts. It's a true New York museum celebrating the real New York way of travel.

8.) Chinese Bus to Atlantic City

Are you a gambler? Would you like to get away from the city for the day? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then I would suggest heading to Chinatown and jumping on one of their buses to Atlantic City. You will pay roughly $12.00 for a round trip bus ticket, but once you arrive to the casino you will be given $20.00 to begin placing your bets. So you are technically getting paid to visit what is the second largest gaming town in the country. Enjoy.    

7.) Cathedral of St. John the Devine

Head to Morningside Heights and enjoy the largest cathedral in the world, along with their biblical gardens.

6.) Charles A. Dana Discovery Center

Do you like to fish? If so, then you should head to the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. Here children of all ages can fish, and they will provide you with the equipment you need to get started. The only catch is that you have to throw your catch back.

5.)  Julliard School

There is no greater place for the performing arts than Julliard. Here you will find the world's most talented musicians, dancers, and actors. Come and enjoy one of their FREE live shows.

4.) Big Traffic

Max Silvestri, Gabe Liedman and Jenny Slate have teamed up and helped put Williamsburg in the comedy spotlight with their weekly stand-up show, which features touring comedians as well as local stars. Check it out! 

3.) Catch the Subway 

If you are adventurous and not afraid of possibly getting lost in a city of 11 million people, then I would suggest hoping on a subway car and jumping off at a random stop you have never been before. You will get to discover new things and see how others live in this diverse city. You will this to be vary enlightening and liberating. So get out there and try new things.

2.) Walking Tours

Walking tours are some of the most education and fun tours you can experience in the city. Many times these tours are led by New York residents, and they can give you the insight into NYC that will have you looking at the city in a whole new way.

Here are some of my favorite tours:

- Big Apple Greeters
- The New York City Big Adventure
- Free Tours by Foot - New York
- Bronx Trolley Tours
- Made In NY 

1.) Get Lost

Get lost, ask for directions, try news things, and just enjoy the fact you are in the greatest city in the world.