New York

Perazzi

Heading to New York end of October looking for done advice in best way to travel around and get reduce price to do a bit of sight seeing usuall attractions and live to see a show in Broadway and any advice and recommendations will be much appricated

SHOVELLER

How many new threads about Gotham are started here? New York should be a sticky at this rate. Collate all the information in threads already started.

upandcumming

Go to the Empire State at night. After 22.30. Less queues, less people and more time at the top.

Perazzi

SHOVELLER wrote: »

How many new threads about Gotham are started here? New York should be a sticky at this rate. Collate all the information in threads already started.

Thanks a mill your so good to go to rather effort 😂😂😂

Perazzi

upandcumming wrote: »

Go to the Empire State at night. After 22.30. Less queues, less people and more time at the top.

Thanks a mill

toadfly

You can get an unlimited subway card for $31 dollars, we were staying in Brooklyn so made great use of it. For Broadway shows, you can get 50% off selected shows on the day after 2pm, there are three places to get, two near times square and one down near Wall St. We went to the one near Wall St and there was no queue.

julyjane

Look up the new York pass for sightseeing and see if it's worth your while.

Perazzi

Thanks a mill everyone that is great help.

54and56

In a similar spot to the OP but bringing the kids aged 10 and 14 also for a total of four days.

Have researched the NY sticky on top here but the last post was 2013. The info that's in it is very useful (particularly the Metro Card info) but given the popularity of NY as a destination for couples and families for long weekends etc I'm sure it could be more comprehensive.

So far we have the following on our agenda:-

Sightseeing:
- Skating at Rockefeller - https://therinkatrockcenter.com
- Empire State Building (late night visit circa 22:30) - http://www.esbnyc.com
- Ground Zero - http://www.911memorial.org
- Intrepid Museum - http://www.intrepidmuseum.org
- The Met - http://www.metmuseum.org
- American Museum of Natural History - http://www.amnh.org
- Staten Island Ferry which is FOC (to see the Statue of Liberty) - http://www.siferry.com

Shopping:
- Century 21 discount department store - http://locations.c21stores.com/en/downtown (beside Ground Zero so do both at the same time)
- Woodbury Common Outlet Mall - Serious shopping trip. Requires a bus journey and empty suitcases!! - http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=7

Food and Drink:
- John's pizza bleecker street - http://www.johnsbrickovenpizza.com
- Katz Deli for the Pastrami Sandwich - http://katzsdelicatessen.com
- Tick Tock Diner - http://ticktockdinerny.com/beta2015
- Mcsorleys Old Ale House - http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d502665-Reviews-McSorleys_Old_Ale_House-New_York_City_New_York.html
- Papaya King for Hot Dogs - http://www.papayaking.com/index.php/home/st-marks
- A nice Steakhouse for a special meal - Take your pick, there are loads e.g. Keens Steakhouse - http://www.keens.com
- Lots of other places for Sushi, Mexican, Chinese, Greek, Vietnamese etc Just wander around and find good local spots. Sussing out places to eat is the least of my worries in NY.

Hope the above is of some help to others.

If there are any more recommendations for things to do, places to go or restaurants and/or bars to visit please let me know.

If we're going to invest in 4 x Metro Cards we might as well use them and head for the suburbs if there are interesting restaurants out there. We're big fans of Anthony Bourdain's culinary travel shows as well as programs like Diners, Drive In's and Dives so anything which would qualify for those type of programs would be of interest to us.

galteeboy

Heading to New York for New years Eve with the girlfriend and looking for some suggestions on what to do. Times Square is out of the question as I don't fancy standing in the cold for most of the day. What else would ye recommend to do for the night?

bee06

galteeboy wrote: »

Heading to New York for New years Eve with the girlfriend and looking for some suggestions on what to do. Times Square is out of the question as I don't fancy standing in the cold for most of the day. What else would ye recommend to do for the night?

Have a look here

http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057460555/1

galteeboy

bee06 wrote: »

Have a look here

http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057460555/1

Cheers

Perazzi

Thanks bee very helpful

Uno my Uno.

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

In a similar spot to the OP but bringing the kids aged 10 and 14 also for a total of four days.

Have researched the NY sticky on top here but the last post was 2013. The info that's in it is very useful (particularly the Metro Card info) but given the popularity of NY as a destination for couples and families for long weekends etc I'm sure it could be more comprehensive.

So far we have the following on our agenda........


......If there are any more recommendations for things to do, places to go or restaurants and/or bars to visit please let me know.

If we're going to invest in 4 x Metro Cards we might as well use them and head for the suburbs if there are interesting restaurants out there. We're big fans of Anthony Bourdain's culinary travel shows as well as programs like Diners, Drive In's and Dives so anything which would qualify for those type of programs would be of interest to us.

Thats a busy four days! Especially with a couple of young people.

I would forget about Woodbury Commons and the Suburbs (unless there is specifically something you want to visit out there), there is just much more interesting stuff to do in Manhattan for four days.

The Met and the History Museum are opposite each other on opposite sides of the Park, do the Met in the morning and then walk across the park to the Museum in the afternoon. The Met is a little bit stuffy though I think, the Museum is much more fun. There are tonnes of cool Diners, restaurants and bars everywhere, particularly around Chelsea, SoHo etc but even uptown as well, you won't have to go far for good food.

The only other advice I would give is to resist the temptation to overfill your days, distances and journey times can be deceiving and sometimes exhausting. Also the Subway can be a pain, It's old, doesn't really make a lot of sense at first and is packed at rush hour, which is from about 7 am to 9 am and 4pm to 7pm, also it can be quite patchy on the weekends.

Other things really demand a good bit of time, every day I see tourists trying to "see" the park in a half hour, its a waste. you've come along way, you should experience the things you do do properly.

Have a good time!

54and56

Uno my Uno. wrote: »

Thats a busy four days! Especially with a couple of young people.

I would forget about Woodbury Commons and the Suburbs (unless there is specifically something you want to visit out there), there is just much more interesting stuff to do in Manhattan for four days.

The Met and the History Museum are opposite each other on opposite sides of the Park, do the Met in the morning and then walk across the park to the Museum in the afternoon. The Met is a little bit stuffy though I think, the Museum is much more fun. There are tonnes of cool Diners, restaurants and bars everywhere, particularly around Chelsea, SoHo etc but even uptown as well, you won't have to go far for good food.

The only other advice I would give is to resist the temptation to overfill your days, distances and journey times can be deceiving and sometimes exhausting. Also the Subway can be a pain, It's old, doesn't really make a lot of sense at first and is packed at rush hour, which is from about 7 am to 9 am and 4pm to 7pm, also it can be quite patchy on the weekends.

Other things really demand a good bit of time, every day I see tourists trying to "see" the park in a half hour, its a waste. you've come along way, you should experience the things you do do properly.

Have a good time!

Thanks for the Advice Uno my Uno, much appreciated.

Yes our schedule is busy but we like to start early and eat on the hoof as we go with the exception of dinner which is usually pre-planned. We had a similar weekend in Oslo last year which was fantastic. I agree that it's better to do less in a relaxed manner and that's what we'll do. If we have to drop a few things off the schedule we will. We won't be boozing at night as we have the kids so things like the Empire State building will be enjoyed circa 10:30pm after dinner one night and skating at Rockefeller another night.

Ground zero will be done early Sat morning before Century 21 opens and the Met, Museum and Intrepid will be a full day by themselves as will either Woodbury Common or Jersey Gardens.

I'm sure we'll adapt as we go.

Looking forward to it very much!!

SHOVELLER

Oslo is entirely different to Manhattan. I was in Oslo in July and got everything done over a couple of days.

Anyway just stick to Century 21 and forget the malls for shopping. Also check out the High Line. We were there saturday and it is a great addition to the city. Getting cold now but the views are great as it weaves between neighbourhoods:

http://www.thehighline.org/

As you'll be busy for food on the go try 2 Bros Pizza and/or Papaya King but wouldnt worry about food as the choices are endless. If you need to have some quality sit down food try Won Jo in Koreatown on 32nd Street between 5th and 6th ave.

Uno my Uno.

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Thanks for the Advice Uno my Uno, much appreciated.

Yes our schedule is busy but we like to start early and eat on the hoof as we go with the exception of dinner which is usually pre-planned. We had a similar weekend in Oslo last year which was fantastic. ...

...I'm sure we'll adapt as we go.

Looking forward to it very much!!

Sounds like a plan, do be wary of the public transport though, I doubt it is as efficient as it is in Oslo.

I haven't been to the Malls but I've heard very mixed things about those two. Make sure you do your research before you go out, would be a shame to waste a day out there.

Valentina

My tip for sightseeing is skip the Empire State Building and get the Sun & Stars ticket for the Rockefeller Centre instead. You can visit twice in one day so you see everything in daylight and then all lit up at night. When you're on the Top of the Rock you can see the Empire State Building, Central Park etc and get great photos.

Avoid Woodbury Common. It's not worth the time and IME you won't get any great bargains. Depending on what you're looking for you'll probably get it all between MACYS, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdales. When you go to the department stores bring your passport and look for the Info or Customer Service desk and ask for the visitors pass. This will give you an extra 10% off lots of products but there are some exclusions.

If you're into it, The Plaza Hotel near Central Park does a lovely Afternoon Tea. It's pricey but IMHO a great experience

I've an aunt living in Manhattan who always gives me tips and must see places but in all my visits I've yet to do them all.

54and56

Valentina wrote: »

My tip for sightseeing is skip the Empire State Building and get the Sun & Stars ticket for the Rockefeller Centre instead. You can visit twice in one day so you see everything in daylight and then all lit up at night. When you're on the Top of the Rock you can see the Empire State Building, Central Park etc and get great photos.

Avoid Woodbury Common. It's not worth the time and IME you won't get any great bargains. Depending on what you're looking for you'll probably get it all between MACYS, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdales. When you go to the department stores bring your passport and look for the Info or Customer Service desk and ask for the visitors pass. This will give you an extra 10% off lots of products but there are some exclusions.

If you're into it, The Plaza Hotel near Central Park does a lovely Afternoon Tea. It's pricey but IMHO a great experience

I've an aunt living in Manhattan who always gives me tips and must see places but in all my visits I've yet to do them all.

Superb advice thanks.

54and56

SHOVELLER wrote: »

Oslo is entirely different to Manhattan. I was in Oslo in July and got everything done over a couple of days.

Thanks Shoveller, appreciate the advice.

BTW, I'm not directly comparing Oslo to N.Y., I know N.Y.is much bigger and public transport isn't as slick but I have been turn by a couple of times over the years starting with USA 94 but never with kids so I'll have to judge their stamina and enjoyment as we go. Last thing I want is for then to remember N.Y.as a place they went where they were dragged all over the place and bored out of their minds!!! That would be totally counter productive.

54and56

SHOVELLER wrote: »

Also check out the High Line. We were there saturday and it is a great addition to the city. Getting cold now but the views are great as it weaves between neighbourhoods:

http://www.thehighline.org/

It was bugging me where I'd seen this before - Anthony Bourdain's New York Layover!! Phew, thought I was going mad there for a minute.

54and56

Well, isn't this the handiest tool for estimating the cost of getting around by yellow taxi - http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=NY

womandriver

If you have a student card you can get reduced priced tickets to some Broadway shows. Think we paid about $25 each. And we bought both tickets with one student card.

Suaimhneach

For broadway tickets, I went to the TKTS counter on Times Square - note they only sell same-day tickets for shows that day/night!! They also have v.specific opening times each day depending on whether there are matinee shows. Defo go to a different booth if you can per above advice.

If you really wanna see a show, I would recommending picking one and then getting better seats for it, rather than seeing two with crappy seats. Was just there and saw Wicked (amazing) and Kinky Boots (so funny and great musical).

Weather is CHANGEABLE. We were there for five days and two of them were FREEZING and it was hard to pack for it, but err on the side of caution.

Dont buy tickets from anyone on the street...

54and56

Suaimhneach wrote: »

For broadway tickets, I went to the TKTS counter on Times Square - note they only sell same-day tickets for shows that day/night!! They also have v.specific opening times each day depending on whether there are matinee shows. Defo go to a different booth if you can per above advice.

If you really wanna see a show, I would recommending picking one and then getting better seats for it, rather than seeing two with crappy seats. Was just there and saw Wicked (amazing) and Kinky Boots (so funny and great musical).

Weather is CHANGEABLE. We were there for five days and two of them were FREEZING and it was hard to pack for it, but err on the side of caution.

Dont buy tickets from anyone on the street...

Thanks Suaimhneach, appreciate the advice.

I'm embarrassed to say we won't be attending any shows. It's just not our cup of tea, we are cultural philistines in that regard I don't know what it is. We love good movies and all of us are voracious book readers but the only type of theatre we like are Oscar Wilde or John B Keane type plays. All the razzamatazz plays, big productions like the Phantom of the Opera and large scale musicals like Starlight Express etc just don't appeal to us despite trying them several times. We're more into wandering around, finding local eateries and bars and spending time immersing ourselves in the place we are visiting. We do enjoy natural history type museums and will also visit the big art museums but I personally don't enjoy the art museums, I just don't get it!!

The forecast for this coming weekend (which is when we are there) is overcast but no rain and temps between 11c and 15c - http://www.yr.no/place/United_States/New_York/Manhattan/long.html

I do however remember being in NY years ago and couldn't believe how brutally cold the wind chill factor was. I've been north of the Arctic circle with the kids and although the temp was -15c it was calm high pressure conditions and didn't feel really cold at all once you were moving around but -5c in NY with a northerly wind whipping down the avenues between the high rise buildings nearly froze me to death.

In my experience the best strategy is to go with a few layers which you can add or remove easily e.g. base layer and polo top with a light fleece and a light rain jacket complimented with a skull cap and gloves. Keeping the jacket, skull cap and gloves in a light backpack covers all bases. If it's too warm the fleece can be taken off and kept in the back pack but if it's cold you can wear the jacket over the fleece and add hat and gloves if necessary. That's the plan anyway!!

Uno my Uno.

Its been a bit chilly the last few days but not very cold, jacket and scarf weather. Enjoy the trip, let us know how you get on!

54and56

Uno my Uno. wrote: »

Its been a bit chilly the last few days but not very cold, jacket and scarf weather. Enjoy the trip, let us know how you get on!

I certainly will. I've received a lot of input from this and another NY related thread so I'll happily write up what we found good and not so good.

BTW, I just came across this CityPass website which looks good value. Just over $400 for two adults and two kids for pretty much all the sites we want to see when we're there - http://www.citypass.com/new-york

traprunner

Go to Top of the Rock (Rockerfeller centre) rather than the Empire States. It's much cheaper and has better views. A good sunset there is amazing.

yew_tree

+1 on Top of the Rock. You get a more overall view of Manhattan and the surrounds including great view on Central Park. Also check out 1 WTC - new observation deck opened there. Hope to go up next time I am over myself.

Perazzi

Had a great time in New York stayed in the Edision nice place no problems there at all would decimate stay at same place again and Marcos the recpionest was very helpful
Did hop on hop off bus best way to find out about the place
Did a Broadway show really enjoyed it
Got a metro card for the week cheap way to get around
Would I go again yes I would for sure.

julyjane

What's the best way of getting a good deal on a decent hotel? I booked my flights today for next September and a hotel called Row NYC for 4 nights for $1189 so hoping for a decent exchange rate but it could go either way. I can also book in euro for about €1100 and both have free cancellation so I'd be covered if the exchange rate got worse but either way it's an awful lot of money

iusedtoknow

that is actually not that bad for NY to be honest. The normal formula for hotels in NY is as follows:

Cheap and Clean and Central. Choose 2.

Cheap and clean tend to be out side of Manha (either an outer borough or across the hudson in NJ.
Cheap and central tend to be fleatraps/bed bug central
Clean and Central tend to not be that cheap

julyjane

Yeah I had a feeling that would be the case I think the hotel charges another $100 then. Any hotel sites that price in euro are going to be poor value now with the exchange rate the way it is so if the rates improve, and I hope they do or we will be eating in McDonald's for the duration of our stay, I'll look again.

54and56

julyjane wrote: »

Any hotel sites that price in euro are going to be poor value now with the exchange rate the way it is so if the rates improve, and I hope they do or we will be eating in McDonald's for the duration of our stay, I'll look again.

If anything rates are going to get even worse as the US have strongly indicated they will start increasing interest rates in the coming months. That will strengthen the US$ Vs all other currencies.

coylemj

julyjane wrote: »

Yeah I had a feeling that would be the case I think the hotel charges another $100 then. Any hotel sites that price in euro are going to be poor value now with the exchange rate the way it is so if the rates improve, and I hope they do or we will be eating in McDonald's for the duration of our stay, I'll look again.

US interest rates will start to go up soon which will only strengthen the USD exchange rate. That hotel is offering a discount for upfront payment so if I was you and could afford to, I'd pay them now in USD. You can use travel insurance to recoup most of the money if you have to cancel because of illness. You'd need to have the travel policy in place before you book and pay for the hotel.

54and56

coylemj wrote: »

US interest rates will start to go up soon which will only strengthen the USD exchange rate. That hotel is offering a discount for upfront payment so if I was you and could afford to, I'd pay them now in USD. You can use travel insurance to recoup most of the money if you have to cancel because of illness. You'd need to have the travel policy in place before you book and pay for the hotel.

^^^ Sound advice.