Things to do in NYC

GrumPy

Hi,

@Mods: did a quick search, nothing came up.

Visiting NYC for the first time for 7 nights to see a friend over Paddies week. (Wednesday to Thursday)
I'll arrive a little after lunchtime and he will be working. Anyone recommend sight seeing I can do on my own?
(Bearing in mind I'll have a rucsack with my own stuff for the week, and some stuff he asked me to bring over; with no where to dump it until he clocks off work...)

I'm interested in pretty much anything to check out!
Cheers.

EDIT: Regarding spending money there. Is it advised to bring dollars/ use normal debit card (might be charges) use credit card (are cash withdrawals on credit charged there??

I've seen the travel mastercards An Post do, could be a good option. Any tips?

dave2pvd

GrumPy wrote: »

did a quick search, nothing came up.

InTheTrees

GrumPy wrote: »

I'll arrive a little after lunchtime and he will be working. Anyone recommend sight seeing I can do on my own?

Which airport do you arrive at?

And where does he live?

I'm just guessing but it'll probably take you at least a couple of hours (or more) to find your way from the airport to his apartment so you probably wont have too long to wait for him.

InTheTrees

GrumPy wrote: »

EDIT: Regarding spending money there. Is it advised to bring dollars/ use normal debit card (might be charges) use credit card (are cash withdrawals on credit charged there??

I've seen the travel mastercards An Post do, could be a good option. Any tips?

Credit card is best. Next comes Debit card as long as it has a Mastercard or Visa logo on it.

There'll probably be a charge for "foreign exchange" when you get $$ using the card but there always is isnt there?

Id have $100 cash on you when you arrive just for convenience, train fare, bus fare, a pint or two while you wait for your buddy, etc.

Euthro

All banks in NYC charge for using non-bank cards and you will be charged a conversion fee, 3dollars for bank charge, if you use any non-branch ATMs it will be more ie ones in shops bars etc. Takes an hour to get from JFK via train subway to manhattan, $55 for a cab+ $10 for tolls and you have to tip on top of that. Maybe someone else could help you with sight seeing but with bags and being jet lagged i would recommend bus tours, queuing for any major tourist attraction with your luggage would be torture. Could your friend leave a key with someone for you to drop your stuff off and go to the city from there ??

mloc123

The anpost currency cards are worth checking. We used one on a couple of trips to the US, no exchange charges per transaction and they are accepted anywhere that takes MasterCard.

GrumPy

InTheTrees wrote: »

Which airport do you arrive at?

And where does he live?

JFK
Woodside (Queens)

dave2pvd wrote: »

Yes, really. Try it yourself and you'll see.

endacl

Things not to do include buying a genuine ny hot dog/chili dog/ pretzel etc from a street vendor. They do not taste how you think they taste. The movies lied!!!

Things to do? Catch a jazz set at the blue note in Greenwich. Pricey-ish, but you'll be sitting ten feet from some of the finest musicians on earth.

dave2pvd

GrumPy wrote: »

Yes, really. Try it yourself and you'll see.

I suggest using the term 'New York' in the search field.

http://www.boards.ie/search/submit/?query=new+york

Dave1442397

GrumPy wrote: »

JFK
Woodside (Queens)

If you want to head to Manhattan for some sightseeing, take the Airtrain to the subway - it's the fastest and cheapest way to go. http://www.mta.info/mta/airtrain.htm

You could take the subway or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) back to Woodside.

I like to walk in Manhattan, but otherwise the subways are the best way to get around.

InTheTrees

Dave1442397 wrote: »

I like to walk in Manhattan, but otherwise the subways are the best way to get around.

Buses are good too, very easy to figure out. I forget the price of a day pass?

I love the grid pattern of the streets, its almost impossible to get lost. You always know where you are.

GrumPy

dave2pvd wrote: »

I suggest using the term 'New York' in the search field.
http://www.boards.ie/search/submit/?query=new+york

Nothing useful there.
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I looking forward to exploring!

SHOVELLER

InTheTrees wrote: »

Buses are good too, very easy to figure out. I forget the price of a day pass?

I love the grid pattern of the streets, its almost impossible to get lost. You always know where you are.

You can use your metrocard on the bus which is superb. A 7 day unlimited pass is $30 which is probably the best value for that length of time for any city in the world.