We just got back from Montreal on Sunday and I leave on Thursday for New York City. I have a conference to attend from Jan 2-5 but there will be plenty of time to wander around the city. The only time I’ve ever been to NYC was for a very quick visit – I got a research scholarship when I was an undergrad and went to the library at Columbia University to look at a microfilm. I stayed with a friend in New Jersey and was only in town for one day and since there was a big snow storm that day, I didn’t really get to walk around or visit anything. The little bit that I saw made me want to go back so I’m pretty excited about this trip. I bought the Moleskine City Notebook and I’m busy filling it with tips for restaurant and cafes. Any suggestions? I’ll also be meeting a few friends from the blogosphere, which is quite exciting.
building bridges 
Lucky you!!
Here are some restaurant suggestions:
Cuban:
http://www.victors1959cafe.com/
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/havana-alma-de-cuba/
Italian
Cafe Napoli, 191 Hester Street in Little Italy
Asian
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/olliesnoodleshop03/
Mexican
http://www.rosamexicano.info/
Have an amazing time!
Oi Alexandra, explorei Manhattan em outubro passado e tem algo que você não pode deixar de fazer, especialmente se for em um dia de sol, fazer o trajeto da Brooklin Bridge à pé ou de bicicleta se preferir. Mas ao fazer, a dica é ir de metrô até o lado oposto à Manhattan e voltar a pé do Brooklin em direção à Manhattan. O Skyline é imperdível!
bjs e boa viagem!