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And the Survey Says...

Columbia Student Affairs staff were asked to weigh in on their favorite New York City experiences, restaurants, and places to visit. Here are our collective recommendations.

Good Eats

New York City is the food capital of the world – known for its variety of ethnic cuisines, great restaurants and the ability to find any kind of food at any hour of the day!

  • Try a Cannoli at Rocco’s Pastry Shop in the West Village (243 Bleecker Street).
  • Experience dim sum in Chinatown.
  • Shake Shack has one of the best burgers in town (Madison Sq., Upper East, Upper West, Battery Park, Theater District, and Brooklyn).
  • Check out Katz’s Deli for a classic NY eatery (205 East Houston Street).
  • Eataly is the largest artisanal Italian food & wine marketplace in the world! (200 5th Avenue).
  • Chelsea Market is one of the reasons why New York is a foodie's mecca (75 9th Avenue).
  • In the mood for some comfort food? Check out Red Rooster(310 Malcolm X Boulevard).
  • Grab a slice of pizza at the original Patsy’s Pizza(1st Avenue and 118th).

Things to Do & Places to See

If you have a free afternoon, or just a few hours, here’s a list of our must-see places around Manhattan!

  • Take a stroll in Central Park, Riverside Park or across the Brooklyn Bridge.
  • Ride a bike along the Hudson River (rentals are available).
  • Walk along the High Line Park, built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan's West Side.
  • Play a game of mini-golf at Pier 25 along the West Side Highway.
  • Visit the Museum of Natural History in the Upper West Side.
  • Soak in some Jazz at Lincoln Center.
  • Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, East River Ferry, or Circle Line.
  • See the sights at the South Street Seaport.
  • The Cloisters museum and gardens is easily accessible by subway, bus, or car.
  • Check out the Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg!