New York is synonymous of underground music, swinging 70s and stars who started their path to glory here, leaving their undeletable mark in the city.
If your big passion is music, there are a few places you can’t really miss when visiting the Big Apple.
Start from the Greenwich Village, to visit the world famous Café Wha (115 MacDougal Street, between Bleecker and West 3rd Streets). Since 1959, its live stage has hosted many future rock and folk legends taking their first steps towards immortality.
Some names? Bob Dylan (fresh off Duluth, MN), Jimi Hendrix and a young Bruce Springsteen, who met here his long-time guitarist and friend Steve “Miami” Van Zandt (yes, that’s the guys from the Sopranos).
Another place you can’t miss is the Ed Sullivan Theater (1697-1699 Broadway, between 53rd and 54th West). Since 1927 it has changed name a few times, but this is the name it will always be known for. It was in this very theater that in 1956 Elvis Presley changed the history of music forever, with his signature move and a live show that was broadcasted live on TV and sent shockwaves among young American girls.
Many famous bands, such as the Doors, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles all hit this spot in the golden age of Rock and Roll. The theater also hosted the David Letterman Show, until May 20th 2015 when the famous program shut down.
If you are into some rock-themed shopping, don’t miss the Strand Bookstore (825 Broadway, Greenwich Village): 28 kilometers of used and new books form one of the biggest and most fascinating independent bookshop in the world: you won’t be able to leave empty handed or without asking how was Patti Smith when she worked as shop assistant at the bookstore. If you are not interested in books you can also opt for some gadgets straight from the 70s.
Another historic corner, although its high prices are far from the rock and punk spirit of the area is Trash and Vaudeville (East Village, 4 St Marks Place): Dee Dee Ramone e Keith Richards were regular customers of this funky clothes shop. You can just take a look and pay your regards to them.
