Christ just spent half an hour Reading the reviews for The Carter! Amazing.
Reminds me why I always check tripadvisor etc before booking anything
's amzing eh! Murders and all sorts in that place!
Regards neighborhoods of NYC to check out, my favourite places:
Soho - wonderful steel facades to the buildings, cobbled streets, loads of smaller stores, bars, cafes, still has a bit of a ungentrified feel to it (sadly, New York City is getting more and more gentrified year on year).
Chelsea - loads of smaller art galleries on every street, well worth a wonder if you are into galleries, Tony Shafrazi gallery being one of the best. And the meat packing district close by as well has some galleries, and a load of bars.
East Village - ditto the gentrified thing - it has been, but still a lot of character and great streets to wonder regards stores, cafes, bars etc. Tomkins sq park is nice these days!
Nelson Rockefeller State Park / Battery Park - great views of the SOL from Battery Park, and if you wonder up to Rockerfeller State Park, it's a nice spot and good views, and also some great sculpture by the wonderful Tom Otterness.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn - loads of little art galleries, some cool bars, and cafes, good place for a wonder.
Long Island City, Queens - great art gallery - PS1, and also 5 pointz (if you are into graffiti!), and wonder up to Gantry State Park for some great views of Manhattan - a bit different to the classic views you normally associate with the city, and the giant Pepsi Sign
Coney Island / Brighton Beach, Brooklyn - sadly Coney Island isn't what it was, cos guess what - yeah more development and gentrifications
But on a sunny day it's a lovely boardwalk and beach. And Brighton Beach is an interesting spot - it's called Little Odessa for a reason!
Oh and if you like Dive Bars - try Rudy's in Hells kitchen