Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I need some advice. I live in Finland, and I haven't been to New York since 1992, when I stayed there for six weeks. What has changed?
Is Chinatown still a place to buy fake Rolexes and Gucci bags?
Is Harlem still out of bounds for a pale Scandinavian.
Is 42 street still a no, no?
Is the bus still the best way of transport in Manhattan?
Can I find a sauna, that isn't a decoy for something elese?
s Chinatown still a place to buy fake Rolexes and Gucci bags?**I would think B'way and 27th street instead**
Is Harlem still out of bounds for a pale Scandinavian.**maybe in Central Harlem like in the 130s- 140s**
Is 42 street still a no, no?**not any more tho maybe after theater hours**
Is the bus still the best way of transport in Manhattan?**subway**
Can I find a sauna, that isn't a decoy for something elese?**no idea**
Thanks. That was fast help. The subway was good, but a little rundown in 1992.
The sauna is important for me from Finland, you cannot be sure there is one in the hotel.
you know everybody says how bad the city was in the early 90's and 80's, but really i still noticed tremendous improvement over how it was from the 70's
i mean, i felt much much safer in Times Square in 1992 than i did 15 years prior. in fact, no comparison. much safer.
I need some advice. I live in Finland, and I haven't been to New York since 1992, when I stayed there for six weeks. What has changed?
Is Chinatown still a place to buy fake Rolexes and Gucci bags?
Can't help you here. I only do Chnatown for fish.
Is Harlem still out of bounds for a pale Scandinavian.
Nobody bats an eyelash anymore at white folks in Harlem, especially 8th Ave 110th-125th, which has rapidly gentrified. Same for the few blocks around the intersection of Lenox and 125th. Upscale restaurants and new housing galore.
Is 42 street still a no, no?
The Deuce is crowded beyond belief, family-friendly, many new shops, restaurants ,theaters since then. The old 42nd Street with porn theaters, hookers and drugs is dead. The new one, along with Times Sq itself, is Tourist Central
Is the bus still the best way of transport in Manhattan?
Going crosstown yes. Going north/south take the trains, which are generally much better, cleaner and safer than 20 years ago. Many stations also have time clocks telling when the next trains are coming. But many lines are now rerouted or changed on weekends due to construciton.
Can I find a sauna, that isn't a decoy for something elese?
You're coming from Finland and want more sweaty naked people? Just can't give it up, huh? You can pay for a day pass or sometimes get a free guest pass at many locations of the big health club chains like the New York Sports Club, Crunch or Equinox. Most locations have saunas, but not every one does so check first.
1. Please don't buy fake Rolexes and Gucci. It's not a great idea either to be dependent on fake labels, or to support crime.
2. Much of Harlem has become astonishingly safe. In fact, the Scandinavian-born Marcus Samuelsson has opened a restaurant at 125th Street.
3. 42nd Street ( I assume you mean West) is even tackier than it used to be but, again, perfectly safe.
4. I guess most people prefer subways for speed, but I prefer buses myself.
Welcome back!
Minor nitpick but Marcus Samuelsson was born in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden.
edit: And I don't know what these guys are talking about, I almost never use buses in Manhattan. Only subways or feet. Am I missing out? I just hate waiting for a bus when I know I can usually walk as fast as a bus travels (given that a bus has to stop in traffic). But I'm not as elderly as old man Kefir King, so maybe that makes the difference.
Very good information, many thanks.
I have been avoiding New York for some reason and instead chosen to travel to the west coast. Now I will give it a new try.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
