Customer Reviews

City Secrets: New York City

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In the rapidly changing face of New York City fast becoming another strip mall full of chain shops and uniformity, it is refreshing to note that yes, real New York still exists--those unappreciated, and undervalued landmarks, shops, and restaurants that truly define NYC. Famous luminaries living in the city--architects, artists, curators, and gourmets--guide you to those hidden gems through witty, and informative stories on the cultural, and historical significance of each place. Entries are organized by neighborhood, and comes complete with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and directions. City Secrets is a must for saavy travelers, and residents alike--there are many things here I never knew about. rkchin

As a seasoned New Yorker (20 years and counting), I am not easily impressed by guide books. "Secrets" cannot be judged alongside the patronizing, cliche-ridden rest of the pack. I found myself alternately nodding and grinning (at the secret places I'd already discovered) and rushing out the door (to uncover the ones I hadn't). Finally a book that appeals equally to both the First Time visitor and the Veteran New Yorker. Smartly written, funny and insightful. Think you've seen it all in New York? Think again!

I have observed an odd phenomenon. Despite it's age and crushing population, visitors, residents and even self-styled experts on NYC are always exploring and claiming to have made "discoveries" or unearthed amazing secrets. This book is another example of a book that proves the point. I am happy to report that the author (editor, really) has crafted a book that really has nuggets of knowledge that most readers will find new, interesting or both. Its facts are arranged logically and the writing conveys the passion one feels when exploring an exciting place such as NYC. Without the passion, the book would only be a book of lists. And, because the author has asked his friends to write only about things that they love, each short "secret" narrative is alive with personal insights and opinions - I like that. If you have read this far, I bet you will like the book as well.

The newest in Robert Kahn's City Secrets Series of guidebooks is the best yet. Like the others it is useful, entertaining, packed with enticing "secrets" and elegant graphics. City Secrets New York is filled with information even the most seasoned New Yorker or lifetime resident will relish. A real page-turner even while at home, and fantastic for the frequent or first-time visitor as well.

It's nice to get people who are in the know to give you their personal tips as to where one should go and what one should see in New York. It's such a big city that you really need the extra help not to miss something great during your visit.
City Secrets New York is also great for local New Yorkers that don't even know what they are missing.
Very enjoyable and very informative reading.
If I travel to London or Rome, I will buy those City Secret editions as well.
Alex

City Secrets New York City is not only an amazing guide to the lesser known sites and sounds of New York but it is the perfect gift for those traveling to the great city. I find the strolls through the neighborhoods helpful and amusing. The commentary offered by the contributors is inciteful and offers an education to the great city rarely found in other travel guides.

I am having my wedding in New York City and along with our "save the date cards" we have sent out copies of City Secrets New York to guests. I believe City Secrets is a charming primer for anyone planning to visit the city!

Almost every afternoon, as I go to collect the kid at school, I run into a foreign couple at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 94th Street. They have a guidebook in hand. And yet they are lost.

"Looking for the ICP?" I ask, meaning the Institute for Contemporary Photography.

They nod.

"It used to be here," I say. "Then a hedge-fund billionaire bought it and spent $50 million renovating it --- and adding a lead-lined room to protect against a chemical, biological, or dirty bomb attack. The ICP is now at 43rd and 6th Avenue."

They look glum --- they realize their guidebook is old and discredited, and the ICP is miles away --- so I tell them about the Frick Collection, a pleasant walk down 5th Avenue. "The most beautiful museum in the city," I say, "Turners. Vermeers. An interior fountain."

They look grateful, if still befuddled --- their guidebook didn't rave about the Frick --- and they dutifully head toward 70th Street. (They'll never get there. At 88th Street, the Guggenheim will seduce them. It always does.)

If they'd been carrying City Secrets: New York City, they'd know nothing about the ICP --- but they'd learn quite a lot about the Frick. They'd know you can see the entire collection in 30-45 minutes, or spend a lot more time with its pictures, atrium and fountains. They'd find praise from Agnes Gund, President of the Museum of Modern Art, and two painters. And they'd get an art historian's description of the "spiritual ecstasy" conveyed by Giovanni Bellini in his painting, Saint Francis in the Desert.

The City Secrets guides --- there are also ones for Books and Movies that make [...] seem positively lowbrow --- are created by a Manhattan architect named Robert Kahn. He knows a lot of smart people in the arts and media, and he leans on them for their best expertise. The rest: the most interesting guide to Manhattan since Hidden New York.

[Warning: "City Secrets: New York City" is not for first-time visitors to New York. If your itinerary is the Empire State, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Chinatown, a standard guidebook will do quite nicely. Buy a Zagat Restaurant Guide and a Metrocard, and you're set.]

Kahn's book is rich in lovely little facts that enhance a visit. Ellis Island, for example. As you enter, you must climb a flight of stairs. That was by design --- as a museum architect explains, immigrants who had trouble making that ascent were immediately led off to doctors for further investigation. Anna Quindlen recommends the Peking Duck House, where you can order the specialty without calling in advance; another suggests the Bridge Café, a charming old haunt of mine. A film producer urges you to ignore "a particularly American species, Frat Boy," who thinks he owns the Corner Bistro --- press beyond those tables and settle in for a great burger, fries and a beer. [You'll even learn about that great Village restaurant, Chumley's, which has no sign. Sadly, it's closed.]

Kate Spade needs 300 words to praise Bemelmans Bar sufficiently. The Metropolitan Museum of Art fills 16 pages --- I was happy to see that there's a full page about a small, magic room called the Gubbio Studiolo. The good news: These 550 pages make time for the hawks in Central Park and Nathan's hot dogs.

You don't have to come to New York to learn from "City Secrets: New York City" --- it's equally enjoyable as a glorious armchair travel guide. And, with a fast Internet connection, you can drop in at most of the destinations. Seen that way, this is a colossal bargain.

I absolutely love this book-- I recently moved to NYC, and this book is by far the best at introducing me to the parts of the city that go beyond tourist-ville.

The only problem-- it was published in 2002, and it's high time for an updated version. I went out with the book today, and two of the places had new addresses and one had disappeared altogether. Yes, I should have confirmed ahead of time, but it was still annoying.

Still worth the buy-- just make sure you look up any establishments before making extra efforts to go there!

Even if you know the city, this book is an excellent addition to a guidebook collection. Lots of "insider" views, with good backstories for the places. Every time I open it, find a new place to check out, and not a dud so far. Good size and nice printing to boot

I have an armload of NYC guides and this one is a delight to read. It is a love affair with the big apple and a great addition to a standard get around the city type book