Frommer’s New York City 2011

It’ll Make You Long for the Big Apple

When I received Frommer’s New York City 2011 in the mail, I first noticed the beautiful cover and then after picking it up, the rather heavy weight of the book for its size.  (It weighs close to 1.5 lbs.) But after flipping through the book and admiring the photos, I quickly realized that this guidebook is worth its weight in gold.

The first 22 pages of the book reveal the Best of the Big Apple, from the Best Things to Do for Free to the Most Unforgettable Dining Experiences. I love this section, because, as we all know, the choices in NYC are beyond overwhelming and this section gives you instant, no-fail options.

There is also a chapter on New York City In-Depth, which gives readers a general history and some cultural information. There’s the quintessential chapter on Planning Your Trip, and one called New York City Neighborhoods and Suggested Itineraries, which is excellent. It made me recall my first trip to New York, years ago, when I was completely confused about the city’s layout and neighborhoods. I sure could have used this guidebook then. There’s even a Manhattan Address Locator to help you find the nearest cross street and figure out exactly where you are located.

The Chapter on Where to Stay will give you options in all neighborhoods and with a wide variety of price ranges and family-friendly hotels. Even more important than where you’re going to stay, is what you’re going to eat! Chapter 6, Where to Dine, offers every type of cuisine by neighborhood. I totally appreciate the easy-to-read maps, that make it much easier to figure out where each restaurant is located, in relation to wherever you are in the city. And by the tie I was done with this chapter, my stomach was growling.

The extensive Chapter 7 will give you some great options for Exploring New York City, organized by neighborhoods. Once again, simple maps will help you find each sight with ease. No guidebook would be complete without a chapter on Shopping, and this one is much better than the last guidebook I picked up in New York last summer. I like the Shopping A to Z section the best, listing countless stores by category.

The book ends with a chapter on New York City After Dark and a short but essential chapter on Fast Facts, in case you are in a hurry or have an emergency. If all this weren’t enough, there’s a fantastic fold out map in the back. I’m obsessed with maps, and I really appreciate the rare ones that are easy to read - like this one.

Frommer’s New York City 2011 is all you’ll need to plan your next trip. In the past, I have loaned out my NY guidebooks and didn’t mind not getting them back. This time I’m keeping this guidebook for myself. Honestly after reviewing this book, I cannot wait for my next trip. This book will certainly be with me every step of the way. And I don’t care a bit if the book’s a tad weighty.

Debbie Glade is the Geography Awareness Editor for Wandering Educators.