Time Out New York

The Time Out Guide to New York is, in my opinion, the best general guidebook you can buy to the city. It's updated annually, so the material is fresh, but best of all it brings the Time Out attitude and style to the guide book series. It's filled with full color photos (similar to the Knopf guides) and the listings contain not only the usual sights, stores and attractions, but also some of the more funky, out of the way places.

Plusses:

- Comprehensive coverage of most areas (see restaurant note below) - Lots of photos - Web site addresses for most listings - Content is also on their web site (www.timeout.com and www.timeoutny.com ) and updated regularly. - Not just the usual "everything is great" attitude that you get with Frommers or Fodors. - Contains ads for shows, hotels, restaurants (I like this as it gives more of a picture of the item. NOTE: There's big disclaimer in the front stating that even though they accept ads, their reviewers are independent)

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Another great travel book from the British Time Out people, in the tried and true Time Out format: Not alot on history or architecture, like you get with the Eyewitness or Knopf guides, but a straight to the point attitude in a easy to research portable book up-to-date and very helpful. The Time Out viewpoint is that partaking of the life of the city is as important as looking at the sights, so there is always great information on what to do after the museum closes, how to enjoy the city. There are 75 pages on sightseeing, a 114 pages on Arts & Entertainment, plus sections on bars, restaurants, and shopping. Each section is broken down by location, so the restaurants in Soho are listed togther, as are the bars in Midtown, which is the right way to do it.
Great for research before the trip to get an idea of what you plan to do &when, with websites for the individual places listed along with phone numbers and hours of operation. The maps are good; there are some pictures (nothing...Read more

Time Out New York (TONY) , which is updated annually, is a MUST for anyone visiting the city. The first chapter is a concise and fascinating history of New York, outlining important events throughout its vast history. Proceeding through this indespensible guidebook, you'll find detailed information about where to stay, eat, and drink, and the places and events not to miss in each neighborhood of the vibrant city. Because the guide is written by locals, the recommendations and warnings are pertinent and current from people "in the know," who astutely guide residents and visitors through the maze that would be overwhelming without this terrific guide. Each place listed also has address, phone, and often websited listed, as well as prices and review. The maps in the back of the book are easy to read and the book is well organized and indexed