Great- now other passengers roll their eyes at YOU!

I was the person who always groaned when a couple with a baby approached my row on an airplane. Sitting next to a crying, poopy-smelling infant seemed like the kiss of death. How could I possibly relax and enjoy my infinite entertainment choices (music, magazines, apps) with this distraction?

Now that I have an infant of my own, I’ve gotten by comeuppance. Flying to grandma’s house last week was a major source of stress; questions raced through my mind at 3am. Will the baby cry? What will I do if he cries? What if I can’t stop him from crying? What if everyone on the flight hates me? And worst of all, what if he has an explosive poop at 30,000 feet?

In hindsight, the pre-flight anxiety was worse than the actual trip! Having survived two flights with my baby, I’m passing on a few tips for other moms and dads. If you have experience traveling with a baby and have additional suggestions, please leave a comment below!

 1. Consider the baby’s nap schedule

My four-month old is a crappy day napper, but he sleeps for 12 hours straight at night. Understandably, this night sleep is sacred! We don’t make any travel plans (when possible) that could interfere with his bedtime. When selecting a flight, opt for a departure and return that fall after wakeup and before bedtime (preferably 90 minutes before/after, in line with the NAPS system).

Our baby took one longish nap on each flight: 1 hour on the way out and 39 minutes on the way back (yes, those are long naps for him these days).

The plane’s constant hum and turbulence seem to have a calming effect on babies, so your little one will probably rack up some sack time during the flight.

2. Snag a bulkhead or an elusive 3 seater

We are not about to pay extra for seats, which makes it a challenge to score plum locations on an aircraft, where increasingly any seat not located in the middle of the last row is considered premium.

On our return flight, we were both assigned middle seats in adjacent rows, which added to my anxiety. We weren’t even sitting together! Logically, I knew we would end up seated together, as someone would likely be willing to switch seats given the prospect of sitting next to a baby for 5 hours. When facing this predicament, there are a few courses of action.

First, try calling the airline and pleading your case. If you are on a long haul or international flight, there may be a bulkhead seat with a bassinet. Calling the airline is the best way to secure one of these seats. On our domestic flights, this was not an option; calling did not help us snag a better seat– the rep told us to check the website closer to the flight. However, she did add our baby to my ticket as a “lap infant.”

Second, keep checking the airline website to see if more seats open up. Usually a block of seats is released 24 hours before the flight.

Third, arrive early to the airport on day of departure and ask the gate attendant to change your seats. On departure, the airline rep moved us to a 3-seater in the back row and said she would leave the third seat empty. We were able to put our car seat in the empty seat, without paying extra. We weren’t as lucky on our return flight, but we did get adjoining seats in the last row.

Note, the last row is baby central! Everyone upgrades and switches from the last row, so it tends to be the one left for desperate families with babies.

3. Bring a car seat stroller

A car seat stroller is the best option for a flight, since you can bring the car seat on board and strap it into the window seat if you score a 3 seater. According to the FCC, a car seat is the safest place for your child on an airplane. Make sure to confirm whether you have an FAA approved car seat before your flight. (Our Chicco KeyFit 30 had a small sticker stating it was approved).

While the car seat is safe, it might not be the most convenient option for breastfeeding moms. Our son is so long that his feet kept hitting the car seat when he stretched out on my lap to feed. Additionally, since I was feeding him at takeoff and landing, he was not in the car seat during these crucial times. And he fell asleep on my lap, not in the car seat.

The car seat would have been helpful on our turbulent landing, but he was already on my lap when the turbulence started and there was no way to safely get him into the car seat. If I am able to score a 3 seater on my next flight, I will strap the baby into the car seat for landing and descent, and will feed him by bottle.

4. Bring a pillow

Unless your baby breastfeeds upright and sleeps with his head on your shoulder (I wish!), you’ll want to bring a pillow. I opted to leave the Boppy and home and brought a standard size pillow; it was a comfy place for baby to sleep and was easy to stash behind me or by the window when it wasn’t in use.

If you are one of those lucky parents who have a baby willing to sleep on your chest past the newborn stage, then you won’t need a pillow and you probably don’t need a car seat. I’m envious of moms who wear the baby in a sling while they board and even on the flight– it seems way easier and involves less gear.

5. Prepare for an intense diaper change

Make sure to bring the diaper changing essentials (diapers, wipes, a change of clothes and a fold-out changing pad) in your carry-on baggage and hope your plane has a changing table in the bathroom!

Our first flight was on an older plane with no changing table, and the flight attendant instructed my husband to fold a blanket over the toilet seat. The diaper change was an intense experience– he came out of the bathroom after 10 minutes with sweat dripping down his face!

Don’t forget the hand sanitizer, as you never know what your baby (or his belongings) will touch in the bathroom.

6. Encourage baby to suck during landing

The most common advice given to traveling moms is to feed a baby during takeoff and landing to avoid ear discomfort. A flight attendant (and the Dr Sears website) assured us that this is more of an issue on landing, and that did seem to be the case on our flights. However, it’s tricky to breastfeed a baby on a descent that can stretch into a half hour or more of circling, bumping and steep drops in altitude. If you can’t feed the baby during this time, try a pacifier.

On our trip, I fed the baby just before takeoff and he slept through it. On the long and bumpy descent, baby started fussing so I held a pacifier to his mouth, which calmed him. He actually seemed to enjoy the frightening turbulence, while my husband and I were holding on to him for dear life!

7. Remember that everyone was a baby once

Yes, your baby might cry, scream, throw things and create the stinkiest poopy diaper imaginable. But try not to worry about what other passengers think of you. We were all babies once; we all cried, stank and interrupted someone’s sleep (probably on a nightly basis).

Those passengers may be giving you the stink eye, but they may be in the same boat in a few years!

Have you traveled with baby?

Share your flight tips with other readers by leaving a comment below!

Germs, crazy people and tons of stairs are just a few reasons I hesitated to take my newborn baby on the New York City subway.

I’ve been more adventurous than some of my new-mom friends; I took my baby to Target when he was one week old and bundled him up for brisk stroller walks in arctic temperatures. (I envy those moms with Spring and Summer babies).

Still, the subway seemed like an insurmountable obstacle until I met Noelia, a new mom who was going on regular subway trips to the New York Public Library and various museums with her newborn. She offered me some excellent advice and her can-do spirit was contagious.

At about two months old, my son made his debut on the NYC public transit system. Keep reading for my top tips– and remember, the first trip is always the hardest!

1. Opt for a Lightweight Stroller

It you are a NYC mama, you might have a luxurious (aka huge) stroller that can plow through snow piles and seamlessly navigate over sidewalk cracks. This is not the time to use that stroller! Most subway stops do not have an elevator, and you will be navigating steep stairs to get in and out of stations. You’ll need the lightest stroller possible.

I opted for the Key Fit Caddy, a lightweight, plastic base that fits my Key Fit 30 car seat. The car seat snaps into the stroller and can be hoisted fairly easily by a mom who is in OK shape but has not exercised since the first trimester (trust me). Simply grab the stroller from the side with your left arm holding the front (make sure to grip the stroller base, not the actual car seat ) and your right arm holding the rear. Then brace yourself for those stairs!

An easier option would be a baby carrier like a Baby Bjorn, Ergo Baby or sling. However, you’ll still need to carry a diaper bag for longer outings. Unfortunately, my baby could only stand carriers for short bursts so this was not an option.

2. Make Sure There is an Emergency Exit Gate

Strollers won’t fit through subway turnstiles, so you’ll need to enter through one of the special “emergency exit” gates (see photo below). Most entrances have these, although I recently discovered they don’t always work!

On a recent outing, I trudged down a flight of stairs with the baby stroller to find caution tape covering the gate and was told it was out of order. So back up the steps I went! If you are traveling with a companion, have them scout out the entrances (there are usually more than one per subway stop) to make sure there is a functioning gate.

To pass through the gate, you will need a MetroCard. If there is a subway employee present, point to your stroller and say you are going through the gate. Then swipe your MetroCard at a regular turnstile and pass through the gate. Again, be careful when choosing your subway entrance– look for one with a 24-hour booth.

If there is no MTA employee at the entrance and you have a traveling companion, have them go through the turnstile then open the gate for you. I recommend still paying the fare yourself on a turnstile since you don’t want to risk a fare jumper fine!

If you are by yourself and there is no MTA employee at the entrance, you are on shaky ground. You could ask someone to open the gate for you who has already paid their fare; I would definitely NOT recommend swiping your card in a turnstile, leaving the stroller on one side of the gate and passing through to open it. This is New York City, not Mayberry! You don’t want to take your eyes off that baby for a second.

The emergency gates all have a sign saying that an alarm will sound if you open them. This is not true 99% of the time. Even if it is, you need to get on and off the subway with your stroller so ignore the noise.

3. Choose an Elevator Entrance When Possible

If you are lucky enough to live near a subway stop with an elevator, rejoice! This makes your baby outing much easier. If you are averse to stairs, you might still be out of luck– it’s unlikely there will be an elevator in the station you are transferring in or exiting at your final destination.

When planning your visit, check the MTA website to see which stations have working elevators. Wikipedia also has a handy list of “accessible” subway stations (meaning they have elevators).

The elevators are slow but easy to use. At the Court Square 7 train stop in Queens (shown below), one elevator takes you and your baby up a flight to the turnstiles. Once you pass through the emergency gate, there is another elevator that takes you to the platform.

4. Ask for (and Accept) Help!

When I was 9 months pregnant and commuting to work every day on the subway, I learned that you can’t always depend on the kindness of strangers. Even when I was obviously pregnant, panting and resting my hands on my stomach to accentuate the bulge, I was only offered a seat on about half of my subway rides. (Usually by a young female who presumably could relate).

I’ve had similarly mixed results with the stroller. While scores of passengers have watched me struggle up multiple flights of stairs and not intervened, a surprising number of men have offered to help, unsolicited. A few times in Long Island City, men offered to help when I was merely standing by a subway entrance taking a photo or checking my phone. Chivalry may not be dead!

If no one comes to your aid, don’t be afraid to ASK for help. I’ve seen plenty of moms stop other passengers at the foot of a stairway and ask for assistance with their strollers. I’ve never seen anyone decline.

5. Hermetically Seal Your Baby

Just kidding! You don’t need to wrap your baby in plastic to shield him from airborne diseases and creepy riders. But it was convenient that, on my first subway outing with baby, the weather was so cold and snowy that the plastic cover was on my stroller. It definitely calmed my nerves a bit to know my baby was sealed in his little protective shell. Since then, I have not used the plastic cover.

Observe proper subway etiquette by trying to minimize your stroller’s footprint. Don’t block the entrance or aisle if possible, and always sit or stand next to the stroller with the brake activated. Since this is New York, most people will ignore your baby completely.

6. Feel a Sense of Accomplishment

When your biceps are burning from lifting that stroller up two flights of stairs, take pride in knowing that you are raising your baby to be a true New Yorker!

Have you taken your baby on public transportation?

Please share your tips for bringing a baby on the bus, train, subway or trolley by leaving a comment below!

This review is written by Downtown Traveler contributor Claudia Oddo, a first-time visitor to Blackout Haunted House.

In 2014, Blackout plays by new rules.

Do not speak unless instructed to do so
Follow all directions
The safety word is “safety”
….the choice is not yours…

Claudia after "surviving" NYC's scariest haunted house, Blackout

As I waited in anticipation at New York City’s most terrifying haunted house and read the mandatory waiver, each line filled me with more and more panic. I scanned the document as a cold-faced woman checked in visitors one by one. What was I signing up for?

I had read countless reviews of past Blackout haunts and knew to expect highly sexual and violent ‘simulated’ situations, which in past years included a rape scene and faux waterboarding.

Yet these reviews could not prepare me for my experience at all, as Blackout is known to change its shows each year. I was certain there would be a high level of intensity, and came properly dressed for the part thanks to Downtown Traveler’s 2013 Blackout review.

>> Mild spoiler alert! This is not a step-by-step walkthrough of Blackout. Read on for general details about this year’s show. If you don’t want any details, however vague, then skip to the ‘bottom line’ section below!

The Dreaded Wait

One of the first things I noticed as I got on line on a cold October night was how so many of the attendees were guys—where were all my fearless girls? There were a few, but certainly not enough.

This topic even came up in conversation with a guy standing in line in front me. A friend from his military days decided to cancel on him last minute after reading one too many chilling reviews— so he asked me why a 5’3″ girl wanted to enter Blackout.

After I corrected him, telling him that I was in fact 5’2″, I explained that Blackout looked like an absolutely exciting experience, unlike any other Halloween attraction.

I had the perfect build-up to this moment– first attending Blood Manor’s campy haunted house then visiting Nightmare: New York’s dark history show. Blackout was the next rational step, and an opportunity to push myself to new limits.

The wait alone made me realize how far I was from Blood Manor’s funny zombie strip club, as after signing my paperwork I entered a bomb shelter-like atmosphere with a mask that was placed over my nose and mouth.

Once you sign those papers, know that your experience officially begins, and you can only wait to see what will happen next.

New Rules In Play

This year Blackout announced a new set of rules, which was clearly posted at the entrance:

“you will not walk through alone
the choice is not yours”

To be perfectly honest, I was looking forward to a solo experience. The traditional Blackout rule that “you must walk through alone” is what set it apart from other NYC haunted houses.

Not only are visitors required to go in a group, but don’t expect to go in with your friends…after all it truly isn’t your choice. We lost all our rights the moment we crossed our T’s and dotted our I’s on that waiver, remember?

Also, once two members in your group of four say the ‘safety’ word, your entire experience is over. This rule was unsettling in itself as it makes you depend on complete strangers to not cut your Blackout experience short.

** UPDATE: Blackout has now changed its ban against solo entry, presumably following feedback from fans, and offers ‘Walk Alone’ tickets exclusively on Sundays now until November 2, 2014. These tickets cost more than the standard group entry.

Blackout is not for the faint-hearted

This isn’t your typical zombie makeup, fake spider-filled haunted house. I’m not even sure if haunted house is the appropriate term for this unique and exhilarating experience.

Be prepared to face the simulated violence and sexually charged situations you have read about, and know you will find yourself way beyond your typical comfort zone with some of the Blackout actors. Also be prepared to see actors who are semi or fully naked.

Know that legal lines will not be crossed— you will not actually be assaulted– but you will be heavily involved in frightening scenes, and you will definitely have physical interactions with the characters.

You will be touched. You will be screamed at. And you will never experience a single moment of tranquility.

When going through the Blackout experience, stopping to try and piece together the completely twisted story line is impossible and pointless, because nothing can prepare you for your next scene.

The best thing to do is to carry on and follow all the instructions that are thrown your way. This will also ensure you have the best experience possible. Consider this a test of how adaptable you are to a breath-stopping situation.

Dealing with high expectations

As I stressed, each scenario at Blackout is different from the last, and the interaction between actors and visitors is always unique— so the best expectation to have is nothing.

I unfortunately did not experience the level of intensity I expected at this year’s Blackout performance. Still, as a first-time “survivor” of Blackout, I can honestly say that I have never gone through anything as extreme as this in my life.

I left the haunt without a single scratch, and the seasoned Blackout veterans in my group had mixed feedback about this year’s experience. I shared some of their disappointment, as I truly wanted to go in alone to amp up my level of fear. There were still many visitors (presumably first-timers) who came out of those exit doors in awe and completely speechless at what had just happened.

The Bottom Line

I have never been placed in such powerful and adrenaline-inducing situations as the ones I experienced at Blackout. Despite disappointment with the new group-entry rule, I recommend you visit the haunted house and judge it for yourself. Whether you are a proud haunted house veteran or a newbie like me, it’s worth a trip downtown to see what Blackout has to offer this Halloween season. I’m already excited to see what Blackout has in store for us next year.

Details

What: Blackout Haunted House
Where: 225 East Houston Street (at Essex Street), Manhattan, NY
When: Open now through November 8, 2014. See website for show times.
Cost: $45 group/ $75 Sunday ‘Alone’ Tickets
Tickets: Purchase advance tickets on the Blackout website. Walkup tickets may also be available at the door
For more info: Follow Blackout on Twitter (@nychauntedhouse) and Facebook for the latest news and ticket details

New Yorkers, get ready to face your fears.

Now in its 11th season, Nightmare haunted house stays fresh by embracing a new theme each year. The 2014 haunt, New York, pays tribute to the city’s dark past and chilling present, blending legendary horror stories and urban legends into a fearsome experience.

My Nightmare journey began while waiting to enter the house in a room displaying some of New York’s spooky history, including references to infamous serial killer Andre Rand (known as the evil incarnation of the mythological Cropsey legend), Typhoid Mary and another notorious murderer, David Berkowitz. (Keeping with the 2013 theme, Killers 2, you’ll still encounter a fair share of serial killers in the 2014 haunt).

Before I entered the house, Nightmare’s staff asked visitors if they wanted an ‘X’ smeared on their foreheads, suggesting that this would amplify the experience. Having read Downtown Traveler’s 2013 review of Nightmare haunted house, I knew this meant allowing actors to touch you during the tour. I was thankful when another staff member clarified this after seeing some puzzled faces. It is definitely important to let visitors know what they are saying yes to, since some might not be too thrilled about getting touched!

Like everyone in my group, I opted for the ‘X’ and prepared to enter through doors covered by the graffiti message “Welcome To Hell”.

>> SPOILER ALERT! The following review contains a walk-through description of Nightmare: New York haunted house, including information on characters and set design. If you want to be 100% surprised by this year’s show, scroll down to the “Details” section.

Claudia waiting to enter Nightmare: New York haunted house

Realistic New York Street Scenes

Upon entering the house, actors appeared from the dark to taunt and scream at us. Two visitors were immediately singled out for additional attention and whisked away.

As we walked through sets showing New York City street life, I almost felt like I was still in my daily reality.

Walking past some sketchy rooms, one character asked for  spare change and began to lose it when he didn’t receive any. This scene was followed by a 1980s subway train car, which was so perfectly designed I almost forgot it wasn’t real. The train car was covered in graffiti and filth, with typical underground travel noise including a passenger mumbling to himself. Not long after we entered, the passenger broke out in full hysteria—which isn’t too different from my late night commutes home. Still, it startled all of us and we made a quick exit.

Having these near-reality experiences certainly played with my mind, and I had to keep reminding myself this surreal New York backdrop was only a performance. Thankfully a large alligator popped out of nowhere outside of the train cart, and I was able to laugh it off, because there is no way they could exist in NY…right?

Touchy Times

I recommend opting for the ‘X’ option as it adds an extra element to your Nightmare experience. Just remember it is a performance and no true harm will come to you— so let down your guard and get in the Halloween spirit!

Characters touched my hair and shoulders, poked and startled me as I was walked through the sets. They reached out for my group in pitch-black rooms, causing us all to jump and feel paranoid about what could come next. At one point I grabbed on to the shoulders of a stranger in my group who thankfully told me ‘it was ok’—not my bravest moment.

In one particularly creepy hospital scene filled with ill patients lying in their beds, a character screamed and insisted that she wasn’t sick, yet moments later she expelled (simulated) bodily fluids that fell onto my arms. I cannot describe the look of disgust I must have had on my face, but they got me good.

Plot Twists

We were given time in each room to fully experience every individual performance, and there were great transitions between stories to keep the experience scary and entertaining.

Each room in Nightmare was unpredictable. I never knew what to expect next– from a roach-infested apartment and rat-filled dumpsters, to lines of pigeons sitting directly overhead. You will be startled by each New York City horror.

But nothing prepared me to be ordered into an empty parking lot and to have a cloth bag pulled over my head. My group had to blindly follow a rope, making our way back into the house through a maze with disturbances all around us. This was one plot twist I never anticipated!

The gates of "Hell" at Nightmare haunted house

The Bottom Line

Nightmare is a thrilling, chilling haunted house experience. They sure know what scares the average New Yorker, so make sure to remember this isn’t reality— although the scenes displayed aren’t too different from the gritty streets of New York City.

Details

What: Nightmare: New York Haunted House
When: September 26- November 1, 2014
Where: Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, 107 Suffolk Street, Manhattan
Tickets: $30 online or $35 at the door (Timed Tickets) VIP (‘front of the line’) and student tickets available. To purchase, visit NightmareNYC.com.
Follow Nightmare on Facebook or Twitter at @NightmareNYC.

This review was written by Downtown Traveler contributor Claudia Oddo, a New Yorker experiencing the city’s haunted house circuit for this first time.

Got scythes?

If you’ve always dreamed of wielding a massive sword, scythe, hammer or gun, then you need to get yourself to NY Comic Con. It’s a safe place to interact with weaponry that could only be dreamed up in comics, anime, films or TV.

New York-area cosplayers have an impressive ability to shape EVA foam, pizza boxes and Nerf guns into weapons that can only be described as badass. Read on for the biggest, baddest weapons I spotted on the convention floor during my Thursday visit to NY Comic Con.

For more photos, check out my 2012 article about impressive cosplay weapons!

Naruto

The Japanese manga Naruto is the source of NY Comic Con’s largest weaponry. This giant sword accompanied the character Zabuza and was made of foam, making it lightweight (if not easy to carry around a crowded convention hall).

This massive white paddle was wielded by the character Killer B from Naruto.

Dead Master from Black Rock Shooter

Giant swords aren’t just for dudes! Many women at NY Comic Con bring impressive homemade weaponry like this scythe from Black Rock Shooter.

Soul Eater

Maka from Soul Eater was another popular costume at the 2014 NY Comic Con. The look includes a giant demon scythe, which is considered Maka’s partner and bears the name of the series, Soul Eater. The version shown above took 2 months to make from PVC and cardboard.

Another variation on the scythe included a glossy coating that looked suspiciously like cling wrap or clear packing tape.

Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy

With Guardians of the Galaxy costumes taking off at this year’s NY Comic Con, there were multiple takes on surly character Rocket Raccoon. This woman carried a giant gun modeled off of the movie version, which was created using hand-cut cardboard, plastic and a hot glue gun. It took over 80 hours to complete.

This Rocket Raccoon weapon is actually a Nerf gun, carefully painted to look like a real weapon. Let’s hope she didn’t wave this in front of any cops outside of the Javits Center!

Rwby

The animated web series Rwby inspired young women to create monstrously large scythes. This hybrid weapon, which is also a rifle, is known as Crescent Rose. The girl dressed in red in the above photo (pictured with her twin sister) got some help from her dad in carving the scythe from a wood door and attaching it to the handle of a paint roller. It features moving parts and is a true feat of DIY weaponry.

Another Rwby fan created her scythe from a pizza box, which she painted red and black. Massive in size, it was challenging to photograph in a single frame!

And Another Red Sword…

This fangirl wielded a painted wooden sword crafted by a friend who accompanied her to the convention. I didn’t get many details about the weapon , since she spotted another cosplayer dressed as a favorite character and ran over to take photos. If you can identify this costume and weapon, please leave a comment below!

>> UPDATE: Thanks to reader tips, we can now identify this weapon as Ryuko’s Scissor Blade from the anime Kill la Kill!

League of Legends

League of Legends is another source of insane weaponry. As the photo above proves, not every badass weapon at NYCC is homemade. This woman purchased a massive gun online to go along with her Jinx costume, after deciding it was too complicated to make herself. The weapon was still impressive, especially the shark-like teeth at the end of the gun. Yikes!

A staff completed this woman’s Nidalee “The Bestial Huntress” costume from League of Legends.

Iron Man

Chain mail may not have the glamor of a giant scythe, but I consider it effective weaponry so am including it on this list! This is homemade chain mail that has been fashioned into an Iron Man costume using over 120 hours of labor. That’s what you call dedication to a costume! This man also made his pregnant companion a matching chain mail vest.

Ice Climbers from Super Smash Brothers

You don’t need to go through a gallon of silver spray paint to make an awesome cosplay weapon. This duo, dressed as the ice climbers from the Super Smash Brothers video game, created their mallets out of wood dowels and jugs of Poland Spring water secured with packing tape.

Winter Soldier

This gun looked so detailed I thought it must be a toy gun painted black for NY Comic Con– but it was actually handcrafted from paper mache and foam. It was incredibly lightweight, making it relatively easy to carry around the convention floor.

Nico Minoru from Runaways

Sometimes a weapon is an integral part of a costume. The magical staff identifies this woman as Nico Minoru from the Marvel comic Runaways. She crafted the weapon, known as the Staff of One, herself.

Batman Universe

Batman costumes are incredibly popular with children (see our NYCC kids costume photos) and adults alike, but grown-up fans tend to accessorize with scarier weapons. The man above made this awesome DIY sword in a single day from EVA foam. When I interviewed him about the costume, I heard the character name as Deathstone–  although I haven’t seen any online references to Deathstone in the Batman universe. If you know the correct name of this character, please leave a comment below!

>> UPDATE! Thanks to reader tips, we can now identify this character as Deathstroke (aka Slade Joseph Wilson), nemesis of Batman and Green Arrow! 

Harley Quinn is consistently one of the top women’s costumes at NY Comic Con, and I went through a bit of Harley fatigue this year. I only stopped to photograph one example of the costume, after being drawn in by this impressive weapon. This DIY version of Harley’s hammer was created from foam and poster board, and ribbon was used to decorate the handle. If you are looking to create your own Harley Quinn hammer, there are tons of online tutorials.

Krieg the Psycho from Borderlands

This woman made a super-intimidating buzz axe out of foam to complete her Krieg the Psycho costume from the video game Borderlands. It took two full months to complete.

Scorpion from Mortal Kombat

Attending NY Comic Con while pregnant does have some advantages– like spotting amazing costumes during frequent trips to the bathroom line! That’s where I noticed this fangirl, who spent a couple of days crafting a styrofoam sword for her costume, Scorpion from Mortal Kombat.

Link from The Legend of Zelda

Bow-and-arrow sets seem to be making inroads at NY Comic Con. That’s a fortunate development for cosplayers with limited time and money, since you only need a tree branch and piece of twine to pull off the look! This fanboy was dressed as Link from The Legend of Zelda.

Princess Mononoke

This duo dressed as Princess Mononoke and Ashitaka from the Japanese anime Princess Mononoke. A DIY spear completed this adorable couples costume!

What’s your favorite weapon from comics or anime?

Share your opinion by leaving a comment below! For more NYCC coverage, check out these posts on Women’s Costume Trends and Creative Kid’s Costumes.

What kid doesn’t like dressing up for Halloween? The only thing better is dressing up on a random day, meeting up with tens of thousands of like-minded peers, and receiving dozens of compliments on your creative costume. Perhaps that is what draws so many child and teen cosplayers to NY Comic Con. That, and fanboy parents!

Each year I’m impressed by the passionate boys and girls that pay tribute to their favorite comic, film, TV, anime and video game characters at NY Comic Con. Some come with parents who also dress in costume, while others roam the halls in packs of tweens. In addition to spotting several pregnant woman (no doubt gestating future cosplayers), I met a few babies this year who were already showing their love of pop culture with adorable outfits.

Read on for my favorite kids costumes from 2014, all taken at the opening day (Thursday). For more photos, check out my 2013 story on best kids costumes!

Clockwork Orange

I’m not sure I’d want my kid watching 1960s classic A Clockwork Orange, which was originally rated X for violence. But I was impressed with this teens’s costume: a dead-on representation of the lead character who made milk seem menacing.

My Little Pony

My Little Pony costumes remain popular at NY Comic Con, inspiring a diverse group of cosplayers ranging from kids to women and men (aka “bronies”). These girls described their costumes as “awesome” and I certainly won’t disagree!

Blade

This boy, visiting the Con with his dad, proves you don’t need to spend hours in a makeup chair to have a recognizable costume. He dressed as vampire slayer Blade, memorably portrayed by Wesley Snipes in the film trilogy.

Dr Who

As a non-viewer, I gather the most beloved character from the Dr Who universe is the 11th Doctor, based solely on the popularity of the costume at NY Comic Con. Tweed blazers and red bowties peppered the convention floor this Thursday. One of the more creative looks was worn by this boy, who attended with his mom. He created his 11th Doctor costume using items purchased from Hot Topic (who knew they were in the cosplay game?) and a thrift store.

Nightmare Before Christmas

This homemade skeleton costume caught my eye for its attention to detail and simplicity. By attaching felt bones to a sweatsuit and donning a styrofoam-plate mask, this boy crafted an impressive Jack Skellington costume from Nightmare Before Christmas. I did not catch the name of his companion’s character, but they were a creative duo!

Zombies

Perhaps the most enthusiastic kids I met at 2104 NY Comic Con, these boys were dressed as a zombie killer (L) and a zombie (R). A smiling mom was present to hold their extra props, like a severed hand and a piece of human flesh. As with many cosplayers, they gamely switched poses for several photos.

Homegrown Characters

Comic Con is a great place for kids to unleash their creativity! I met several boys and girls dressed as homemade characters or who created their own twists on well-known figures. This boy was dressed as “Summer Soldier”– a take on Winter Soldier from Captain America.

I spotted this boy and his also-costumed brother hanging out with their mom on the convention floor. After asking me who I was, he agreed to pose for photos in his “Justice Man” costume, a role he created.

Sometimes an outfit speaks to you, even if you don’t have a character in mind. This boy donned a white bodysuit with limited visibility (thankfully his dad was present to guide him), but it didn’t relate to a specific character.

Showing the blurry line between performance art and cosplay, this young man dressed in an outfit he often wears on the weekends– complete with flak jacket and goggles– but added an empty box as headgear. He invited everyone he met at the convention to sign the box, making it a memento of his visit. What a clever idea!

Jem

Some costumes seem to be driven more by parents than kids. This little girl was dressed as cartoon rocker Jem, who had her heydey in the 1980s. Having grown up with Jem and The Holograms, I was getting a bit nostalgic at the sight of this costume.

The Batman Universe

The Batman universe remains a leading source of costumes at NY Comic Con. While adults and teens seem to favor the villains, the smallest kids are typically dressed as Batman or other heroes. These teens wore dramatic makeup for their Joker costumes.

These little girls dressed as Wonder Woman and Batman as they roamed the booths at Artist Alley. They were clearly excited about the custom drawings they’d just received at the convention.

Parents often dress in costume alongside their little ones. This aspiring Batgirl got a lift from Batman.

With all of the Batman costumes at the 2014 convention, who wore it best? My vote goes to this baby Batman, whose look consisted of a onesie and matching pacifier. He seemed to be enjoying the event, as his parents attended to him in a comfy stroller.

Team Fortress 2

This Engineer costume from Team Fortress 2 is incredibly practical, since it can be reused to help renovate a house.

Homestuck

Who are the sassiest cosplayers in New York City? The award goes to the packs of teens and tweens dressed as characters from the web comic Homestuck. Do your homework before attending the Con, because they will give you sarcastic answers about their characters! Easily recognizable for their blue/gray face paint, these young comic fans also dominated the kids costume category at 2013 NY Comic Con.

Angry Birds

Families that Con together, stay together! I ran into this trio of siblings with their mom, who was also dressed in costume and who assured me that their cosplayer dad was nearby. The girls dressed as Angry Birds, which was surprisingly not widely represented on the first day of NY Comic Con.

Pokemon

Pokemon remains a tried and true costume for the under-25 set. This little boy is the brother of “Justice Man” (whose photo appears earlier in this article) and took a break from the hustle and bustle of the convention to read a book. Kudos to his mom for raising such studious and enthusiastic comic fans!

Guardians of the Galaxy

Hollywood movies tend to have an outsize effect on costume popularity. Last year Thor and Loki were popular costumes, while in 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy took center stage. This boy, who attended the Con with his dad, was the youngest Star-Lord I spotted at the convention.

Sasquatch Meets Game of Thrones

Families don’t have to dress alike to make an impression. The adults in this trio were dressed as Khaleesi and Jon Snow from Game of Thrones, while their younger companion donned a grassy bodysuit that defied explanation. There didn’t seem to be a specific character represented, but the suggestion of “Sasquatch” was thrown around by the paternal figure. Perhaps that would make an interesting episode of Game of Thrones— the Lannisters versus Big Foot!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is sure to be a popular kids costume this Halloween, and this young boy nicely pulled off the half-shell look. He didn’t attend the Con with the girl in the photo, but their parents thought it would be cute to pose them for photos (and it was)!

And the Coolest Hair Award Goes to…

While not a full-on costume, this hair stands out as a work of art. The leopard-print mohawk was created by this boy’s mom (at right in the photo), who used q-tips to apply the color. She is definitely the coolest mom ever!

What’s your favorite kids costume?

Share your opinion by leaving a comment below! For more photos, check out these articles about NY Comic Con 2014!

Think all the attendees of NY Comic Con look like “Comic Book Guy” from The Simpsons?

Get with the program… this is 2014!

The annual pop-culture convention at the Javits Center attracts plenty of women with a passion for comics, anime and video games– as well as cult films, TV shows and web series. Whether dressed as Japanese lolitas or badass warriors, women cosplayers arguably have the best costumes at NY Comic Con and certainly attract a lion’s share of attention, especially when opting for racy costumes.

I love meeting and interviewing the dedicated cosplayers of NYCC but, at 7-months pregnant, I had to scale back my coverage this year to include only the opening day (Thursday). Notably, I met a number of other pregnant women or recent moms at this family-friendly event! Next year I’ll be sure to come back with a Batman-dressed baby in tow.

Read on for the top 10 women’s costume trends spotted during my foray to the West Side of Manhattan. For more inspiring women’s costumes, check out my best women’s costumes of 2013, 2012 and 2011 posts!

#1. Poison Ivy Rules

Poison Ivy from Batman appears to have overtaken Harley Quinn as the most popular women’s costume at NY Comic Con 2014. While there were plenty of Harleys on the convention floor, it struck me how many women donned a red wig and tight red dress to portray the world’s sexiest eco-terrorist. Most made their own costumes by gluing or sewing individual leaves onto green corsets or dresses, a painstaking process that puts Project Runway contestants to shame.

>>> Tip for visiting photographers: Last year, I made the mistake of wearing a bright green dress and black boots to NYCC. With my red hair, I was actually stopped and asked to be in photos because people thought I was dressed as Poison Ivy! Since I attend NYCC to meet and take pictures of cosplayers, I went with a more muted look this time around.

#2. Bobbleheads

I don’t recall ever seeing this many bubble-headed cosplayers in midtown Manhattan! Signifying a budding trend, several women created their own costumes that involved domed headgear. The woman in the above photo was not emulating a specific character, but was inspired to dress as a “space cadet.”

This adorable costume has a surprisingly deep meaning. Created and worn by artist Lu Yang, the character is called “Cancer Baby” and is meant to raise awareness and acceptance of cancer patients.

#3. Lolitas

A popular look for several years now, lolita fashion continues to grow at NY Comic Con. The trend isn’t based on a specific character, but rather started as a Japanese fashion inspired by Victorian clothing. As always, it’s challenging to define what a “women’s” costume is at NY Comic Con due to the gender bending looks (see #8 below). The above cosplayer may have a Y chromosome, but he is rocking this dainty frock!

#4. Anything Can Be Sexy (Even Zombies)

There are three main categories of women’s costumes at the Con: (1) sexy, (2) clever and (3) scary/badass. The sexy category gets the most attention from photographers and male attendees, who often stop short to snap photos of women in spandex and corsets. If you want to feel like a movie star for a day, sexy is the way to go! Fortunately, any character can be made sexy with liberal use of makeup, short skirts and ample cleavage. This woman rocked her Silent Hill nurse costume, confirming monsters can be just as sensual as Batman villainesses.

#5. Clever Can Trump Sexy

Proving you don’t have to bare skin or spend hours with a hot glue gun to have an amazing costume, this woman employed poster board and a dowel for her Sims character costume. Her simple, clever look captured smiles and nods as she walked across the convention floor.

#6. Girl Bonding

Ladies unite! While outsiders might think men drive the worldwide comic con industry, women often visit with other female friends or in groups. When their outfits coordinate, it makes a strong impression. This trio was dressed as animal-inspired super heroes– Sabretooth, Black Canary and Black Cat– albeit from different comic universes.

#7. Badass Women

Some of the most impressive weapons wielded at NY Comic Con are in the hands of women cosplayers.  Whether dressed in traditionally male costumes or adopting the look of no-nonsense female characters, these ladies are not to be messed with! Check out our 2014 Badass Weapons article for more photos of ladies packing heat.

#8. Gender-Bending Characters

NY Comic Con is a safe, accepting place to explore issues of sexuality and gender.  There is no clear gender line here, as women don traditionally male costumes and men dress as female characters– and for many costumes, it is anyone’s guess whether the masked participant has XX or XY chromosomes. The overriding theme is love of cosplay, and there are no rules to follow when paying tribute to a favorite character. Last year, Loki (the villainous brother in Thor) was one of the top women’s costumes at NYCC. The above tribute to 1990s comic and film The Crow made me nostalgic for the grunge era!

#9. Intricate Makeup

Not to sound stereotypical, but women do seem to have the best makeup at NY Comic Con. From the blue faces of Homestuck to the ‘living doll’ look above, fangirls know how to bring characters alive with face paint and even drugstore cosmetics. The best makeup often takes hours to complete, but the end result is amazing!

#10. Women Reign

There are plenty of women at NY Comic Con dressed as queens, princesses and other traditionally female characters. And more power to them! Not every cosplayer has to weild a huge sword or homemade bazooka. I was struck by the elegance of this costume, Queen of Years from Dr Who.

What’s your favorite women’s costume from NY Comic Con?

Share your opinion by leaving a comment below! For more cosplay photos, check out our library of Best NY Comic Con Costume articles covering the past 4 years of the convention.

Today’s post is written by Claudia Oddo, a New York City-based writer and editor of NewYorkerAbroad.com. This was her first time visiting a New York City haunted house.

You haven’t experienced NYC nightlife until you’ve partied with the undead.

This week I attended an exclusive press preview for one of NYC’s most prominent haunted houses, which does not open to the public until October 3rd.

Before leading visitors on a spooky tour of the haunted house, Blood Manor actors flooded into the press party– sneaking-up behind guests and crouching under tables– giving us a few shrieks and a sneak preview of what was in store.

After being asked to play ring-around-the-rosie with a zombie who tossed herself to the floor, and accepting an invite to play in the haunted house forever, I took a deep breath and prepared myself to go into this dark and menacing attraction.

I recommend going through Blood Manor’s thrilling haunted house this Halloween season; read on for my top 5 reasons to visit.

>> Spoiler alert: This post reveals details of the Blood Manor sets and characters. If you want to be surprised, scroll to the end of the article for show location and ticket info!

1) Bloodthirsty Cast

I was tremendously impressed with the Blood Manor cast. Not only do they have some of the most terrifying make-up and costumes, but they also always keep true to their characters.

My few failed attempts of jokes at the press party assured me that I was never going to get a laugh or smile from a murderous butcher, who instead glared at me with his piercing eyes.

The actors played out some great scenes in the house, including a crying girl covered in blood screaming at my group to trade places with her. She and her killer corned a fellow visitor, leaving her shrieking.

The cast engaged with visitors, making them as jittery and panicky as possible. Depending on the room (such as the zombie strip club) you may even be treated to a few jokes.

The actors do not touch you, except on Touch Me Thursdays, but they sure get close enough. You’ll feel a bit shaky when you leave the house! 

2) Chilling Sets

All of the rooms are perfectly designed to create a scary atmosphere for visitors. Maggots cover tables, body bags and skeletons hang from the ceiling, and of course blood is scattered just about everywhere. This haunted house certainly keeps true to its name.

You can see great effort went into the incredibly detailed rooms. If you are brave enough to ignore the ‘murderer’ yelling at you to leave each set, try and stick around to explore!

3) Fun Effects

There are many special effects at Blood Manor, some scarier than others. Strobe lights placed at the entrances to rooms were especially effective during my visit, as they disoriented me and made me jump when seeing the monster about to accost our group.

There are also realistic sound effects, including chain saws and other torture devices, that left some of my group members with goosebumps.

The 3D section amplifies the effects, and makes the sets and the actors really pop out!

4) Group Friendly

Unlike some competitors, you are allowed to walk through the tour with a group. This was great news for me, as I had never been to a haunted house before—and it is a good idea for first-timers.

Upon entering, I jokingly told the other group members (who I met only an hour ago) that I would be clinging on to them should anything happen. And funny enough, all four of us formed a single-file line gripping onto each other in the first pitch-black room we entered.

5) Great Laughs and Screams

Blood Manor really plays around with fears that many people have, such as darkness, monsters, and body bags—but balances the terror with some great laughs.

I mean, who can’t giggle when a zombie stripper is hitting on you, and a giant bloody chicken is running around in a room?

There is also a shirt with the words, “ I pissed my pants at Blood Manor,” that you get for free if you do exactly what the shirt states! I confirmed with the staff that this DOES in fact happen, and they feel truly accomplished when it does.

The bottom line:

Blood Manor is a fun, thrilling and campy haunted house experience in the heart of New York City. It’s absolutely worth the visit!

Details:

What: Blood Manor Haunted House
When: Oct. 3 – Nov. 8, 2014
Where: 163 Varick Street, Manhattan
Tickets: $30 plus $3.50 fee online; $35 at the door. “R.I.P Express” tickets ensure a fast-pass through the lines for $50 plus $3.50 fee online; $60 at the door. To purchase, visit BloodManor.com or call 212-290-2825
Blood Manor Promo Code: EN163 (enter for $5 off e-tickets)

Note that Blood Manor will be instituting a new general admission “timed ticket” entry system for Halloween 2014. All on-line and “at the door” tickets will be sold in half-hour time slots (for example- 7:30pm – 8:00pm). A limited number of tickets will be sold for each time slot.
Social Media: Follow Blood Manor on Twitter at @BloodManor and Instagram at @BloodManorNYC

Live the high life. Or just gawk at the super-rich!

Yachts, mansions and lobster dinners are just a few of the perks enjoyed by America’s moneyed class. You too can indulge in the lifestyle of the top 0.1% with a visit to Newport, Rhode Island– long home to coal magnates, train magnates and gawking tourists.

I just returned from a two-night stay in Newport and quickly adapted to the town’s relaxed vibe. With historic homes from the 19th century, mansions straight out of The Great Gatsby and what appears to be world’s highest concentration of fudge shops, there are plenty of attractions to keep you occupied for a weekend visit.

These are my top picks for Newport activities.

5. Eat Lobster at the Beach

We take a road trip from New York to Maine nearly every summer, and about half of our time is spent trying to find the best lobster roll in New England. I think we finally discovered the perfect mix of taste and value in Newport, where the Easton’s Beach Snack Bar offers twin rolls and fries for only $12. This coastal town may be home to gilded-age mansions, but it is possible to find cheap and tasty eats within its borders! As a bonus, the lobster shack is located in the middle of a public beach. Try to arrive early to snag a free spot, or better yet walk or ride a bike from town. Otherwise, you’ll pay upwards of $20 on weekends for private parking.

4. Take the Cliff Walk

This free, 3.5 mile walk hugs Newport’s rocky coast and brings you close to mansions (without paying an entrance fee). You don’t need any special gear, since the path is mostly paved and flat. It’s popular with families; kids clearly enjoy scampering across the rockier sections of the trail. Hurricane Sandy damage is still being repaired, so a portion of the path was closed when we visited in June 2014.

3. Gawk at Yachts

Newport’s harbor is lined with boats of all sizes, but the most impressive vessels are the enormous private yachts. These are the 21st century equivalent of the town’s mansions– and even have bouncers manning the gates. The pier is packed with restaurants, making it easy to sip a cocktail, stare out at the sea, and imagine living the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Make sure to head to the waterfront on your Newport visit.

2. Act Like a Kid in a Candy Store

There’s something about New England that makes me crave fudge. It’s not something I eat in New York City, but it’s impossible to resist when I’m walking past a candy shop like Kilwin’s. This Newport store serves every type of chocolate delicacy, from candied apples to dipped Oreos. The fudge is made right in the store and you can watch the entire process from the window. If you give in to temptation, make sure to try the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

1. Visit the Mansions

Newport was the summer playground for the Vanderbilts and other uber-rich society families at the turn of the 20th century. Based in New York, they packed up their entire households (including servants and fine china) each summer for 8-week stays at these massive “cottages.” The Breakers is the most famous mansion in Newport, but we opted to visit The Elms– mainly because it was the shortest walk from our hotel. The interior is packed with marble, gold paint, tapestries and velvet furniture; the coal magnate who built it had the refined taste of a Kardashian. We splurged on the Servant’s Life Tour ($15 per adult), a new offering inspired by Downton Abbey. The docent took pains to explain how difficult it must have been to work at the Elms, shuttered out of view and forced to walk  82 steps to the upstairs servant’s quarters. Still, the life of a mansion servant was probably much more attractive to a 19th century immigrant than working in a Lower East Side sweatshop.

What’s your favorite Newport attraction?

Share your pick with other readers by leaving a comment below!

Today’s guest writer is Claudia Oddo, a New Yorker living in and blogging from Valencia, Spain.

After living for a year in Valencia, I understand why it’s so popular among locals. Spain’s third-largest city boats delicious cuisine, perfect weather and an exhilarating festival. I hope my top 5 attractions encourage you to experience and fall in love with this enchanting Mediterranean city.

1. The birthplace of Paella

Spain is to thank for many of the world’s tastiest dishes, including paella. Typical Valencian paella consists of white rice, green vegetables, meats that range from chicken and rabbit to snails or seafood, beans and seasoning. Many proud Valencianos say that these are the only required ingredients in a paella, and anything else is just ‘rice with other things’.

Since Valencia is the birthplace of paella, the bar is set high. Paella was created in the small village of El Palmar/Albufera, which is a 30-minute bus ride from the city center. With a reputation for having the best paella, it sees a steady stream of tourists and locals who indulge in the delicious regional cuisine for lunch.

Based on several visits to El Palmar/Albufera, I recommend going during the lunch hours of 2-5 pm and eating at Restaurant El Sequer de Tonica. Their lunch menu includes delicious tapas and desserts, aside from the mouth-watering paella. There is simply nothing better than to experience a dish in its birthplace.

2. Turia River Park

Locals call this innovative park “el rio” (the river), which can confuse non-natives who expect to find an actual waterway. Turia River Park was once a river and brought a disastrous flood in the late 1950s. As a result, the river was converted into a park that cuts through the center of Valencia.

Turia River Park now contains beautifully cut gardens, charming fountains, bike lanes, soccer fields, lovely bridges and gorgeous views. Perfect for picnics, sports, running, and strolls to the City of Arts and Science, this picturesque park puts New York’s Central Park to shame.

3. The Fallas Festival

An entire article can be written about this thrilling, traditional Valencian festival. Unlike the well-known La Tomatina (tomato-throwing festival) that was even copied in Brooklyn last summer, Fallas is less familiar outside of Europe. The festival begins in March, marking the beginning of spring, and technically lasts for 5 days (although celebrations tend to span the full month). Even schools and businesses close for the festivities.

Each neighborhood has Falla houses (think of competing, Game of Thrones-style dynasties) that compete by building their own “falla” (effigy), which is usually a political pun or gag. The houses compete in different leagues, and on the last night of this lively festival, known as ‘La Crema’ (burning night), all but one effigy are destroyed. The surviving falla is called a “ninot” (small falla), and is officially pardoned. On this night, the entire city is on fire– literally and figuratively– as revelers enjoy music, parties, food, drinks and dancing in the streets.

Other Falla events take place throughout the month, such as the “masceltas” (a firework/explosive sound show that happens every day at 2 pm in Plaza del Ayuntamiento for 15-20 minutes), weekend fireworks at night, paella cook-offs, light shows, beauty-pageants, bullfights, “La Ofrenda” (where falleros give roses to the Virgin Mary), tent-discos, and much more. This fiesta is definitely worth experiencing at least once in your life—but don’t expect to get any sleep!

4. City of Arts and Science

The futuristic, architectural beauty of La Ciudad de los Artes y las Ciencias makes it a must on any top-5 list. Located at the end of Turia River Park, this ‘city’ holds several rich cultural activities that are perfect for science, art and music lovers.

The City of Arts and Science includes buildings such as L’Hemisfèric (which represents a human eye), an IMAX Cinema, El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (an interactive museum of science), L’Oceanogràfic (the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe) and El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (a performance center for opera and music).

At night, a 3-level disco club called Mya/Umbracle draws a youthful crowd of partiers with its beautiful views and top-40 pop and house music blasting throughout the night. Warning! Unless you add yourself to an online student list, entry can range from 10-15 Euros, and that doesn’t include the New York City-priced cocktails.

5. Horchata (“Orxata” in Valencian dialect)

Not to be confused with horchata from Mexico or South America, the Spanish version of this popular drink originated in Valencia. It is refreshing healthy, served cool and made with tiger nuts (a plant called cyperus esculentus), water, and sugar.

My favorite horchata is served half ‘granizado’ (like a Slush Puppie) and half liquid, accompanied by “fartons” (a sweet bread pastry) that is meant to be dipped into the drink. The pastry compliments the taste of the horchata and quickly becomes addictive.

This drink is perfect for sipping by the shore on a long summer day, or by a farmhouse next to where the tiger nuts are cultivated. The village of Alboraia is where the tiger nuts are grown, and is the best place to have a good-quality horchata. Horchateria Vida is a local family-run farmhouse horchata spot that has been around since 1880. It is accessible by car, bike, or even a metro ride followed by a short walk.

Sipping this scrumptious drink in the hot sun with the sounds of local farm animals, and away from the city center, guarantees a relaxing afternoon. But if you happen to be in Valencia’s city center, one of the most famous places to try this beverage is Horchateria el Siglo by Plaza de la Reina.

Other Attractions

A top 5 list can’t contain all of Valencia’s attractions. Don’t miss the Old City Center with it’s cobblestone streets and rich history; the El Carmen neighborhood for delicious tapas, wine, creative street art, and vivacious night life; Malvarossa beach for its clear water and seaside cafes; the bohemian neighborhood of Benimaclet for local music and art shows; the Central Market, which holds some of the best fresh produce and is a perfect way to mingle with locals, and much more! Valencia is the perfect place to experience the Mediterranean feel of coast Spain.

About the Writer

Claudia Oddo, 22, was born with a passion for travel and loves to explore foreign cultures. She hails from Brooklyn, New York and now calls Valencia home.

Follow Claudia’s adventures at NewYorkerAbroad.com.