GA and NY Finland calling!

I'm going to visit NYC and Georgia (Atlanta, Marietta) in October 9th-22th (yeah a bit early.. but excited and dreaming)

Going to do it in backpack style and first time ever in U.S !!

So I would like to have some tips, especially about food, place to visit and shopping!
I'm simply into games, handcraft, cartoons, maybe some spooky places worth of visiting - everything funky and ordinary.

Also if someone would hangout with me it would be the coolest thing ever, as I know 0 people from NY and one guy from Georgia

Have you ever been to New York before?

no :/ Total first time U.S soil

I hope you really find some friends in NYC, its no walk in the park especially if you are going by yourself.

I've visited both, but I'm an authority on neither, so I'll just give you a couple tips for backpacking in the US. I recommend staying at an HI hostel. I know they suck in Europe, but they're actually very good in the states; close to city centers, with lots of amenities. This will be especially helpful in New York since you can meet a lot of like-minded travelers and see the city together, hostels are great for single travelers.

New York is big and busy and chaotic, I don't think you can really fathom it until you see it, and you might be in for a culture shock. I've been to every major European city, and nothing really compares to it. However, it's an easy learning curve for Europeans since it's very walkable and has a decent metro. Just don't be overwhelmed, embrace the craziness.

Luckily you'll have a friend in Atlanta, which will be a bit more difficult to sightsee thanks to its more "American" layout and public transit system. You've picked two interesting choices since you'll be seeing two very different kinds of this country. I wish you well on your trip.

SPOILERS! (Click to view)

P.S. I was in Helsinki last month, it's a cute city with the prettiest neoclassical square I've seen in Europe.

You might want to hit up Savannah, Ga since you're into spooky places. There are a lot of ghost hunters and tours since it is a historic town.

Well, I've never been to Georgia....but I can give you a few places to visit in New York City.

1.) Times Square - 42nd Street between Broadway & 7th Ave

Times Square is an iconic section of New York. It's where the ball drops on New Years, it's a HUGE tourist destination. Even though locals may grumble about it...a first-time trip to New York isn't complete without visiting Times Square

2.) The Museum of Modern Art (Moma) - West 53rd Street between 5th & 6th Ave

Moma is an amazing art museum and has works from all of the most important artists from Andy Warhol to Picasso.

3.) F.A.O. Schwartz - 5th Avenue at 58th Strteet

F.A.O. Schwartz is another big tourist spot. It's a huge toy store right in the middle of a very well-known shopping area. Even if you're an adult, it's neat to see some of the more expensive toys. When you're done visiting the toy store...you can walk up 5th Ave as far as 34th St and see some of the most expensive & famous shopping areas in the world...with names like Tiffany, Cartier, Prada, Armani.

4.) Central Park

Central Park is one of the largest & most beautiful urban parks in the world. Aside from the natural attractions like trees, ponds and the like...there is a zoo, the famous Tavern on the Green restaurant, jogging paths...


Now...you'll find all of those in any tour guide to New York...but I think they're a few of the things that you should definitely see...especially since it'll be your first time in the US.

Some of my personal favorite places to eat and/or drink are:

1.) Pete's Tavern - 18th St & Irving Plaza
Pete's is the oldest continuously operating bar in New York. There are older bars...but they have either been completely renovated..or moved altogether. Pete's has been at the same location & continuously operating since 1864. They feature Italian food on their menu and the bar is really amazing scenery wise.

2.) Vynl - 9th Ave between 50th & 51st St
Vynl is a retro 60's themed restaurant featuring an asian-themed menu...but they also have standard "American" food as well. They do feature several vegetarian-friendly menu options.

MoMA is great, but if I had to visit one art museum in New York (or even the entire country) I'd make it the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I live in atl, ga well metro, trust me it's close enough. Uh you should check out little five points they've got a little tiny bit of niffty stuff. I don't know it perticularly enjoy just kinda walking around down town during the day. everything out here has been closing up recently so by the time oct hits i don't know what to sugest seeing as it might not be there. but there is a club in marrietta that my friend does a drag king show at and it's quite fun to watch called Le Buzz.

Oh! I live near Atlanta, w00t! Actually, I'm moving...
:[

Consider applying to join the SG regional groups SGATLiens and SGNY

If the games you're into are tabletop, "The War Room" in Atlanta, Georgia is a good hang-out for all sorts of minis and military simulation games.

Live out in Marietta with some great nature parks for day hikes around the Chattahoochee.

I'm south of Marietta in Vinings, which is a pretty chill area. How's your stay going so far?