New York "Must Do's"

[littl_flier]

Hi Guys,

A friend and I are heading off to NYC for the first time on Saturday for a holiday. I've had a look in the guidebooks but they're bursting with suggestions, so I was hoping you could all give me some tips on the things we should definitely see, and your experiences in the Big Apple. Even the things to avoid would be great.

Thanks,
littl_flier

 

[Febs]

Wow, it's here already!

From a post I made on OCAU a few weeks ago:

Here's what we did in 7 days:
- Statue of Liberty (cruise/explore statue) <-- Book beforehand just to be safe
- "Top of the Rock" Rockefeller Centre
- Empire State Building
(Do one of these in the day, and one at night. Great views.)
- Times Square
- Meatpacking District (good nightlife/restaurants, great bars)
- Wall St
- UN
- NBC Tour (great)
- Tom's Diner from Seinfeld (only the outside - the inside is completely different and the food is terrible)
- Central Park (dedicate at least 3 hours)
- Madison Square Garden
- 5th Ave shopping
- Comedy Show
- Chinatown, Little Italy
- Ground Zero
- Century 21 while at Ground Zero
- Plus a LOT of walking around and exploring stuff like Soho, Union Sq, Chrysler Building, Broadway, Macy's (average) and probably a lot I'm forgetting.
- ...and last, but by no means least (warning to those easily offended)

Have a blast mate. I absolutely loved NYC.

Cheers,
- Febs.

PS: 300 Madison Ave if you're like me and like to get a photo in front of every one of our buildings you come across overseas.

 

[Alanslegal]

Hi, just a 3 things I suggest would be:-
1) Visit the Chrysler Building rather than the Empire State Building...I know everybody who visits NYC for the 1st time often has the Empire State building high on their checklist but the queues are super long, expect 2hr+ waiting times however you can minimise the wait by lining up very early in the morning
2) (impress your partner) and Try your ice skating prowess at the Rockefeller Plaza or at Central Park
3) Go & see an Ice Hockey match - truly action packed sporting!
Hope you enjoy NYC =)

 

[littl_flier]

Thanks Febs, that's exactly the type of list I'm after.

Has anyone had any luck with seeing a theatre show? Would you recommend using TKTS (50% off both) or just pre-buying?

 

[moa999]

I'd do Chrysler and Empire State.

Catch the Subway.
Hot Dogs and Pretzel - great late night pizzas.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Walk down Wall St (near Ground Zero)
East Village
Union Square - great little theatre there that has random bands without pre-ticketing

Definitely meatpackers for restaurants/ bars

Catch a cab late at night down one on the main nth-sth streets and go green all the way

If you want some great cheap shopping and have a day free - get a bus to Woodbury Common in New Jersey from the main bus terminal
As well as Century21 near ground zero there is also Sym's which is a bit more organised and typically less packed

 

[Febs]

No worries.

I guess I should also list the things I really would've liked to do, but should've thought of earlier:

- See a taping of "Late Night with Conan O'Brian" (even though I don't really like him much) or "Saturday Night Live"
- See a Yankee's game
- See the Harlem Globetrotters

If you're going to LA, I highly recommend getting free tickets to a TV taping through someone like Free TV Studio Audience Tickets | Audiences Unlimited, Inc. . We saw the taping of "'til Death" (with Brad Garret - the tall brother from Everybody Loves Raymond) which was actually really enjoyable - and they fed and entertained us during the breaks.

Hi, just a 3 things I suggest would be:-
1) Visit the Chrysler Building rather than the Empire State Building...I know everybody who visits NYC for the 1st time often has the Empire State building high on their checklist but the queues are super long, expect 2hr+ waiting times however you can minimise the wait by lining up very early in the morning

When we were there (4pm-ish on a weekday) the queues were no longer than 20min. Worth it even for a 2 hour wait IMO. Great views, and it's so iconic you can't not do it.

Hi, just a 3 things I suggest would be:-
2) (impress your partner) and Try your ice skating prowess at the Rockefeller Plaza or at Central Park

Definitely! Unfortunately we just missed out on this, as the Rockefeller Plaza rink was still a cafe at that stage. A few weeks later a mate was there and said it'd become an ice-skating rink already, so we only just missed it.

Cheers,
- Febs.

PS: Can't quite remember (and Facebook's "Trips" application is down ) but are you going to Toronto at all? I know you're going to Montreal, but not sure if you're heading anywhere else in Canada. I'll be in Toronto from 1-9th Dec.

 

[parsonstrish]

hi,
Some other suggestions. Take a bus tour of upper manhantan and harlem through a harlem gospel spiritual tour, miss the soul food lunch, definitely not soul food and not worth money. tours are sund. and wed. wed. does not include part of church service but gospel singing somewhere, i think.

Weather will be much colder now than when I was there month of October. I walked one end of Manhantan to the other, but not past top end of Central Park. Autumn trees were in bloom and my favourite season. May not be as enjoyable in the cold.

I saw 3 Broadway plays, 'Jersey Boys'; 'Hairspray'; 'The Drowsy Chaperone'. All different and fun in their own ways. Jersey boys tells the story of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, not as much fun as the other two but still good. Unfortunately, Broadway is in strike but off Broadway isn't. Just check when you arrive. You may be lucky to get seats at box offices but ask for single seats as you have more luck this way than together in some of the plays.

The major stores will have window displays for Christmas, go at night as more fun to look at, with lights. Plenty of lights around the city in other places. Grand Central Stn. may have its lazer show in the main dome.

A musical iceshow may be on at Rockfeller Centre, highschool muscial on ice.

The Radio City Hall Christmas shows starts next wk., I think, and should be good. The Rockettes put on a good show.

The people in the city are very friendly and helpful and want to assist others. Subway is easy to get around altho. easier to ask person waiting on the track than people in ticket booth, as p.a. systems are distorted and unable to understand. I asked 3 times and gave up.

The smells, sounds, sights of the city are certainly full of energy, enjoy.

 

[dragonman]

1. Go and see the Knicks in the NBA at Madison Square Garden.

2. The Carnegie Deli - great food from waiters with attitude.

3. Hot Dogs form a street cart.

 

[simongr]

I think everyone has covered off my key do's

I plan to do the proper Statue of liberty on my next visit having done the Staten Island version last time. I would also advocate a Basketball Game if possible as the atmosphere and experience is amazing.

Hopefully we will see a trip report and I can use that to plan my trip there with mrssimongr next year

 

[cssaus]

I'm sure that you'll have a great time in NY. Unfortunately most of the New York theatres are "dark" because there is stage hand strike so unless there's a resolution in the next day or so, you're going to luck-out seeing any Broadwy shows.

I'm in NY as of next week and have tickets for "Jersey Boy"

 

[trooper]

Lots of good ideas here of course...

I'dd just add a second vote for the bus tour (to get started/oriented at least)..we may have been lucky but the guides were excellent! Knowledgable, quirky, funny....

AND... as a result of my own interest in history.. the Museum on Ellis Island!!!! I thought THAT was outstanding.....

 

[dajop]

On my most recent visit (just over 24 hrs this times) I took the subway to Roosevelt Island, then caught the 'tramway" (cable car) back to Manhattan - something that's not mentioned in the NY highlights often but I thought pretty good, provided a different perspective on the city. And a must do is also walking across the Brooklyn Bridge (back towards Manhattan).

In the evening, even if ur not up to a club or bar visit, I also found wandering around the meatpacking district just a good buzz. The other thing I really enjoyed was wandering along the Hudson for about 30 or 40 blocks, watching the cyclists/bladers and others passing by.

 

[Keith009]

In addition to all of the above fantastic suggestions, I heartily recommend the 'Manhattan Comprehensive' tour organised by Grayline, which includes explorations of a few of the major sights (ferry out to the front of the Statute of Liberty, the UN office, Ground Zero, some cathedral of vague historical significance but I can't remember what exactly now etc). Great way to get started. Just rock up to their office near the corner of 8th and 42nd to get tickets. The guides are extremely passionate about their city and also very friendly. Takes up like a day but it does provide a great orientation to Manhattan and you can spend the rest of your time there checking out the city yourself with a vague idea of where most things are.

 

[drron]

Where do you start with NYC.A good place is the NYC tourist office on 7th between 52 and 53.Many sorts of info and the city tour busses depart from outside.Right near Times Square.If you are into museums and galleries ask at the desk for the museums guidebook as it is not on display.It contains several coupons for discounts.
Unfortunately littl_flier it is too late for you to get a BAG.A big apple greeter.New Yorkers will take you to some of their favourite places and it is all for free.You have to book at least 3 weeks in advance but better to do it earlier.You book at Welcome to Big Apple Greeter
I think it is better to go for greeters choice as knowing some of the greeters now they really prefer taking people to their favourite spots so your email is more likely to be picked up.
What about the brooklyn bridge.Walk over and have lunch at The River Cafe.A tourist mecca.
As you are going in the christmas season then the christmas markets have already begun.The main ones are Grand Central,Bryant park between 5 and 6th aves at 42nd,and union sqare broadway and 14th.
If you go to Grand Central then walk down 42nd to 2nd where between 42 and 43 at Boi you can get a delicious vietnamese roll to snack on as you walk up 43rd to Tudor City.If you watch Law and Order you will recognise this as many scenes shot here,also recently a scene from the Bourne Ultimatum.Then walk down the stairs to the UN.
Union Square is also a great place.some very good shops-Filenes basement for discounts and under it DSW a shoe lovers paradise.Just down broadway is the Strand bookshop with new and second hand books where I can while away an afternoon.
Personally i would go to the Top of the rock rather than ESB-I thought the view was better and of course there is the ice rink and christmas tree there as well.Though the ESB is close to Macys.By the way if you want to do some shopping in Macys,bloomingdales or lord and taylors dont forget the international shoppers discount card so you will get at least 11% of your shopping.
Enough for now but there is so much to do.We leave again on the 4th December for NYC and Christmas in the Adirondacks.

 

[THE TRIMMER]

Just to piggy back NYC must do,s, Could anyone give a comparison on Marriott residence Manhattan, & Intercontinental Barclay Hotels in New York,Which is better value. Regards.

 

[codash1099]

Some years ago, there was a ferry circular tour of Manhattan Island. I found it to be of particularly good value as a way to see many of the sights in a relatively short time.

 

[clifford]

Apart from all of the things that have been mentioned, one of the best (and free too) experiences I have had there is to walk from Central Park to Battery Park, starting on 5th Ave and then merging onto Broadway and beyond. It will probably take you 2-4+ hours depending on how many times you stop and look around and you will pass through an extremely wide variety of districts, with many different cultures and lifestyles on display. You will certainly get the real feel of Manhattan on this walk (but you need to be reasonbly fit and not averse to walking).

You could have an Italian/Greek/Chinese (or whatever) lunch on the way, and if you feel up to it, take the (free) ferry to Staaten Island and back, which will give you a good feel for the harbour and its environs.

I always try to do this whenever I'm in NYC (but maybe I'm just a little bit eccentric).

 

[Alanslegal]

Some years ago, there was a ferry circular tour of Manhattan Island. I found it to be of particularly good value as a way to see many of the sights in a relatively short time.

this ferry still operates i recently went on the 3hr round manhattan island ferry rides as i was showing around my '1st time in NY' friends. I recall it costing USD$29 + $1 in fuel fines!

just walk west along 42nd street and you reach the piers. the ferry ride is nice and slow, and the last hr gets pretty boring but hey you see the whole skyline, the guides points out to some apartments where some famous residents of NYC live, you see the Statue of Liberty, you go under some impressive bridges and find out there are heaps of hospitals on manhattan island......

 

[Alanslegal]

also for street food, try out the Gyro!!!!

 

[littl_flier]

Firstly, a huge thanks to everyone for the excellent replies. Forget the guidebooks, we'll create an AFF guide to NYC. I love the suggestions so I'll pass those over to the executive to be approved now.

Apart from all of the things that have been mentioned, one of the best (and free too) experiences I have had there is to walk from Central Park to Battery Park, starting on 5th Ave and then merging onto Broadway and beyond. It will probably take you 2-4+ hours depending on how many times you stop and look around and you will pass through an extremely wide variety of districts, with many different cultures and lifestyles on display. You will certainly get the real feel of Manhattan on this walk (but you need to be reasonbly fit and not averse to walking).

Thanks Clifford, we've definitely penciled in the Central Park walk but it will really depend on the weather- unless of course it's snowing and that's fine. Based on trying to cram so many things in, would you recommend hiring a bicylce to ride around on? This might help stimulate the muscles and warm us up a little bit. Besides, a bike ride could be romantic......

Unfortunately littl_flier it is too late for you to get a BAG.A big apple greeter.New Yorkers will take you to some of their favourite places and it is all for free.You have to book at least 3 weeks in advance but better to do it earlier.You book at Welcome to Big Apple Greeter

Thanks drron, this looks fantastic. We saw it on Getaway a little while ago so we signed up about 8 weeks ago. I haven't heard anything back though so I've sent away a quick email. I love the fact that it's a local showing us around and they're not out working us for a tip. I'm sure a small present mightn't go astray though. Do you know what the normal turn-around time is on the Big Apple Greeter service?

Union Square is also a great place.some very good shops-Filenes basement for discounts and under it DSW a shoe lovers paradise

I seem to remember seeing Nat from Getaway doing a segment about bargain shopping in NYC, particularly a store that had substantial discounts on the brandname clothing and accessories. Is this Union Square, Century 21 or another? The girl I'm travelling with is quite keen to shop up for a new wardrobe so the combined 152kgs we'll have coming home might max out if we're not careful.

Unfortunately most of the New York theatres are "dark" because there is stage hand strike so unless there's a resolution in the next day or so, you're going to luck-out seeing any Broadwy shows.

I'm in NY as of next week and have tickets for "Jersey Boy"

Aha, so I'll have a friend in NYC. It would great if there was a quick resolution because I really would like to see something live. Is this affecting the musicals like The Lion King or Hairspray?

1) Visit the Chrysler Building rather than the Empire State Building...I know everybody who visits NYC for the 1st time often has the Empire State building high on their checklist but the queues are super long, expect 2hr+ waiting times however you can minimise the wait by lining up very early in the morning

When we were there (4pm-ish on a weekday) the queues were no longer than 20min. Worth it even for a 2 hour wait IMO. Great views, and it's so iconic you can't not do it.

Personally i would go to the Top of the rock rather than ESB-I thought the view was better and of course there is the ice rink and christmas tree there as well.

I'd do Chrysler and Empire State.

Unfortunately the person who I'll daringly refer to a ms littl_flier (although that might get me into trouble) has plainly told me I'm visiting the ESB. I love the idea of doing one at night and one during the day. So that leaves me with Rockfeller Centre and Chrysler building. Which is best? And should we do the Empire State during the day or at night?

Hi, just a 3 things I suggest would be:-
2) (impress your partner) and Try your ice skating prowess at the Rockefeller Plaza or at Central Park

Definitely! Unfortunately we just missed out on this, as the Rockefeller Plaza rink was still a cafe at that stage. A few weeks later a mate was there and said it'd become an ice-skating rink already, so we only just missed it.

Absolutely, this sounds great. I'm definitely keen on Ice Skating but will it be cold enough to do the Central Park Ice Skating that's on all the movies? (eg. Home Alone) Otherwise the Rockfeller sounds great!!!

Again, a huge thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I really appreciate it. I think I'll print this thread off to take with us.