The Bottom Line
If you already know your way around New York City, the Not for Tourists Guide to New York City can help you home in on areas you want more information about. But if this is your first time in New York, you are likely to feel confused or overwhelmed by the many maps and listings. This book is recommended for someone who has just moved into New York City and wants to find essential services such as ATMs, gyms, schools, hospitals restaurants, supermarkets, and more.
Pros
- Pocket sized
- Cool-looking black-and-silver cover
- 150+ pages of detailed maps and listings
Cons
- Book lacks an introduction or overview
- Small font is difficult to read
- The city is constantly changing, and printed information goes out of date
Description
- Guide book aimed at new arrivals to the city.
- Plentiful maps and listings with addresses of essential services.
- Special sections go into detail on parks, transportation, sports, landmarks, gay and lesbian life.
- Hotels are usefully listed by location and stars awarded.
- Seating plans (require magnifying glass to read) and information on major sports arenas included.
- Small, fold-out subway map and useful elastic place-holder are glued onto the inside back cover.
- Calendar of events notes what months major events take place in, but not the specific days.
Guide Review - Not for Tourists Guide to New York City
The world doesn't need another travel destination guide book. Fortunately, the people at the Not for Tourists Guide to New York City understand that. Instead they have compiled a well-mapped and detailed book that can help the new arrival get his bearings along with his bagels. And buses. And bars.
Margin notes, which are in even smaller type than listings, allow the editors' real preferences to show through. It's clear they haven't just researched New York City; they live here, too.
Sample:
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The post office on Doyers Street always has a hellish line — it's worth going somewhere else.... Canal Street is the major tourist area, but it's where I buy my $10 knock-offs."
