New York on my own in January

How's it going?
I was hoping to get some advice. I'm planning on going to New York for 3 nights in January on my own.

The reason being, I have a decent amount of avios points accumulated, and I can get return flights from Shannon to JFK in January for <€200
My wife can't take holidays in January, and isn't too interested in going anyway, and none of my friends are very interested. I have no problem going on my own anyway.

One of the reasons that I'm thinking of going in January, is due to how cheap the hotels are, and the fact I haven't had a day off from work since July. There also seems to be lots of clothes sales on in January

I booked a 3 star in Midtown for 3 nights for €260, but this is free to cancel.

If I go through with booking flights, I really only want to do a bit of shopping, go out for some American sized dinners, and go to some nice pubs for some beers in the evenings. I've done a lot of the main sight seeing things before (Statue of Liberty; Empire State Building; Ground Zero; High Mile; Time Square; Famine Monument).

Does anyone have any advice? Am I mad to go in January, despite the cost?
Where would locals go for a pint? I'm looking for pubs where I can go in, order a pint, sit down, and maybe chat to some locals casually.
I might try and see a show, or sports event when I'm there too. Anything else people might advise for an individual tourist?
Any Man vs Food style eating ideas?
Thanks

Caranica

I've been twice in January. First year it was +16c and the same week two years later was - 7c. But unlike here when it's really cold, life goes on as normal in NYC. I'd visit again in January no problem.

If you're looking at Broadway shows, check out www.broadwaybox.com for pre bookable discounted tickets that will save you having to queue at tkts in Times Square

finbarrk

Call for a pint and a bit of food to this place. Good place to sit at the counter and chat to people.
http://triplecrownnyc.com/

Owned by a Clare man. Martin O'Shea. It's near MSG, you could get a guided tour of the place, it's not too bad.
https://www.msg.com/madison-square-garden

Caranica

Caranica wrote: »

I've been twice in January. First year it was +16c and the same week two years later was - 7c. But unlike here when it's really cold, life goes on as normal in NYC. I'd visit again in January no problem.

If you're looking at Broadway shows, check out www.broadwaybox.com for pre bookable discounted tickets that will save you having to queue at tkts in Times Square

Excellent, thanks.
Not too worried about the weather. If it's cold, I'll wrap up well. Dont plan to be outside for too long

finbarrk

finbarrk wrote: »

Call for a pint and a bit of food to this place. Good place to sit at the counter and chat to people.
http://triplecrownnyc.com/

Exactly what I'm looking for. Some nice pints, and relaxing.
From what tripadvisor says, I basically need to go to Irish pubs if I just want to sit down and chat to some normal locals

finbarrk

I read about this place recently. It could be worth a call also.
https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2017/08/10/this-is-the-longest-and-newest-bar-in-new-york.html

Billy Mays

Go see the Knicks in MSG if they're playing


They're fairly sh!te at the moment so tickets should be easy to get

Billy Mays

Billy Mays wrote: »

Go see the Knicks in MSG if they're playing


They're fairly sh!te at the moment so tickets should be easy to get

Yeah, just checked that out. They're playing the Pacers one of the evenings. Will definitely look into getting a ticket.

Good to see no one thinks its a silly idea to go in January anyway. Might book this weekend

Billy Mays

Deleted User wrote: »

Yeah, just checked that out. They're playing the Pacers one of the evenings. Will definitely look into getting a ticket.

Good to see no one thinks its a silly idea to go in January anyway. Might book this weekend

Bring id with you or you won't be served alcohol, even if you look 70

Billy Mays

Billy Mays wrote: »

Bring id with you or you won't be served alcohol, even if you look 70

Ha, the East coast is so different from the West Coast. Was in California for a week during the summer, and didnt get asked for ID once, including a Dodgers game, but I know on the East Coast they ask everywhere

whippet

There is so many decent pubs downtown to even start
Mentioning .. the last few times I’ve been to NYC I havent even ventured anywhere near the usual spots.

RockDesk

I went in January before. It was really cold, but it's manageable.

Wear layers rather than 1 big bulky jacket.

Have good (leather?) gloves, and get a pair of magic gloves for underneath. I'm female so I wore tights under my jeans, and socks. Unless you're very hardy, I'd advise getting similar.

New York I think is a great place to be a solo tourist. Just know where you're going. The one day I was by myself I ended up walking 30 minutes in the wrong direction in the lashing rain!

Carmines is lovely. I went to the one on Broadway which is quite far up - I don't know if they're all the same, but that one had a bar area in the front. We were able to get a glass of wine and just a plate of pasta.

Benihana's is lovely as well. You'd probably be put at a table with other people because it's a Teppanyaki restaurant - don't know if that would bother you. But it's a bit of entertainment as well as lovely food.

Bubba Gumps in Times Square has really nice food but is a massive tourist trap. It's fun though and is nice for lunch.

I'm sure you're aware that Broadway shows are really expensive. Here's a list of what's on in January https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/whats-on/broadway/calendar/jan . You can change the dates to be specific to your time, and also change to select Off-Broadway.

Yamanoto

Are you flying economy or business OP?

SNN-JFK should only be setting you back €100 return + 26000 Avios if traveling on EI, but booked by telephone via BAEC.

Yamanoto

Yamanoto wrote: »

Are you flying economy or business OP?

SNN-JFK should only be setting you back €100 return + 26000 Avios if traveling on EI, but booked by telephone via BAEC.

Not sure what this is, but the economy tickets are paid for now, and cost my €200

Not going to lose any sleep over what I could have paid.
Now I just need to plan an itinerary

schemingbohemia

If you're into gigs the Bowery Ballroom is a great venue and they hold back a decent number of tickets to sell on the door on the night of the gig in order to upset Touts. When I was in NY on my own went to a gig there - Frightened Rabbit - and it was great. Even if show is Sold Out they'll still have tickets on the door.

schemingbohemia

schemingbohemia wrote: »

If you're into gigs the Bowery Ballroom is a great venue and they hold back a decent number of tickets to sell on the door on the night of the gig in order to upset Touts. When I was in NY on my own went to a gig there - Frightened Rabbit - and it was great. Even if show is Sold Out they'll still have tickets on the door.

Great, thanks. Had a quick look, and doesn't seem to be anything on while I'm there. I'm going to keep a close on potential small concerts.
Would love to see Book Of Morman as well.

Ideally, I'm hoping to come across things by accident.

If I was to plan to visit some neighbourhood for an afternoon coffee, and just people watch, where would be best?

Yamanoto

Deleted User wrote: »

Not sure what this is, but the economy tickets are paid for now, and cost my €200

You book your reward seats on Aer Lingus by calling British Airways Executive Club (rather than booking via Avios.com or Aer Lingus).

Fully refundable for cancellation, up to 24hrs in advance too.

dar100

Done my honeymoon in january. Was good. Enjoy

Batgurl

[Deleted User] wrote: »

If I was to plan to visit some neighbourhood for an afternoon coffee, and just people watch, where would be best?

People watching usually needs to be done outside and weather in january will likely jinx you on that front. If (by some miracle) it’s bearable, I’d head for the Greenwich Village for people watching.

If it’s cold, you could consider grabbing a drink in Grand Central Station at the Campbell. Pricey but a fascinating place to people watch with a great backdrop.

holly8

Deleted User wrote: »

Great, thanks. Had a quick look, and doesn't seem to be anything on while I'm there. I'm going to keep a close on potential small concerts.
Would love to see Book Of Morman as well.

Ideally, I'm hoping to come across things by accident.

If I was to plan to visit some neighbourhood for an afternoon coffee, and just people watch, where would be best?

Lower East Side neighbourhood always does it for me

Naked Lepper

NYC institution, massive pastrami sandwiches. delicious and a must visit:
https://www.katzsdelicatessen.com/our-story

BohsCeltic

This place is good for food, drinks and chats.
Good location too.

http://www.jackdemseys.com/phone/index.html

Loads of great ideas here. Thanks everyone

BohsCeltic

I also found a great to see the city by just walking from MSG all the way down to the WTC.
You get to see a lot of things on the way.

kerry4sam

Thread moved to where it would be better suited.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

SHOVELLER

Mods as this topic invariably comes up regularly is there any way this could be a sticky and added to as the topic comes up?

Would make a lot more sense than coming up all the time as a fresh thread.

I booked the Moxy Hotel just near Times Square.
Seems they have a fancy roof garden. Should be good for photos anyway.
Booked a ticket to the Book Of Mormon as well. Very excited about that.
Other than that, my plans include going to the American museum of Natural History. Walking to Wall Street from Times Square, and visiting a few happy hour spots as well as some places with massive breakfasts

Baggly

SHOVELLER wrote:

Mods as this topic invariably comes up regularly is there any way this could be a sticky and added to as the topic comes up?

Mod

Will take a look at it for ya.

Baggly

MOD

Hi Shoveller,

I have discussed with my co-mod and we wont be stickying this thread.

While there will be common bases for threads, each will be unique in its own way, so each poster is free to create their own thread without posting in someone elses thread or taking the advice that would have suited another poster. Anyone can come in and take that advice if they wish, but we want to encourage people to post their unique query or request for advice.

In addition, we want to keep the number of stickies to a min, and allow the top threads to stay at the top of the thread list by themselves!

Bandana boy

Asking only workmans wages
I went looking for a job
But I got no offers


had a great time in New York otherwise but stay away from seventh avenue

SHOVELLER

Pter wrote: »

MOD

Hi Shoveller,

I have discussed with my co-mod and we wont be stickying this thread.

While there will be common bases for threads, each will be unique in its own way, so each poster is free to create their own thread without posting in someone elses thread or taking the advice that would have suited another poster. Anyone can come in and take that advice if they wish, but we want to encourage people to post their unique query or request for advice.

In addition, we want to keep the number of stickies to a min, and allow the top threads to stay at the top of the thread list by themselves!

Appreciate the answer but disagree. New York is the most popular city to visit and comes up here very frequently. And to be fair the majority of new threads are asking the same questions re where to go, sites to visit etc.

Baggly

No problem Shoveller. Suggest if you wish to discuss further we take to PM to leave the thread for advice for the OP. Im happy to agree to disagree but understand if you want to get your point across to me!

whitey1

Download the yelp app and plug in “Dive Bars”. Having been to NYC about 20 times I always find some great places and interesting people

(While not in NYC, using the same tactic in another city I met an true life anarchist. Crazy stories all which he could back up)

Fathom

whitey1 wrote: »

Download the yelp app ... (While not in NYC, using the same tactic in another city I met an true life anarchist. Crazy stories all which he could back up)

SoCal yelp sometimes dated. Old info. Yelped temp employment agency. Called. Phone disconnected.

whitey1

Fathom wrote: »

SoCal yelp sometimes dated. Old info. Yelped temp employment agency. Called. Phone disconnected.

NYC is pretty accurate. As long as the reviews are current, the establishment is still open

Fathom

whitey1 wrote: »

NYC is pretty accurate. As long as the reviews are current, the establishment is still open

Good to know.

Captain Red Beard

I stayed in one of the Pod hotels in midtown, there was a bar near there called The Black Sheep, had some cracking nights, lock ins in there.

poisonated

Free tours by foot is a great company. They do tours that are free but by foot and you tip what you think it’s worth.

markc91

Looking for somewhere to go for the Superbowl in NYC next weekend if anyones been over for one?

FatherTed

Pter wrote: »

No problem Shoveller. Suggest if you wish to discuss further we take to PM to leave the thread for advice for the OP. Im happy to agree to disagree but understand if you want to get your point across to me!

I agree with Shoveller and have suggested an All Things NYC in the past. I live in the area and like to help but I used to post the same tips over and over again to the point I don't bother anymore. Just a simple sticky thread with a list of where to stay, how to get around, restaurants/bars/attractions would suffice.

stargazer 68

Restaurant Recs would be great. Heading at the end of the year - have been a few times so have a couple of restaurants that I like but going with sisters and kids (adults) this time. Kids first time so would like to be prepared with places to eat at. Have Harleys Smokeshack up in Harlem - love the place and Da Nico in Little Italy. So will be gathering other spots in the meantime.

I suppose since I started this thread, I should give some feedback on my trip.

Flights:
Went with AerLingus from Shannon. If I never have to fly from Dublin airport again, I'll be over the moon. So quick and easy to get through. Flight was run by ASL for AerLingus. Staff were top notch. In flight entertainment was so-so.

Accomodation:
Moxy NYC (Near Times Square)
Great location, and very clean, modern hotel. I was only about a 2 minute walk from Penn Station for which I was very grateful
Room was small, despite them telling me I had been given a free upgrade. On a side note, I've heard that a number of times when visiting the States recently, and if true, I'd hate to see a regular room.
Anyway, room was perfect for a single traveler, and would probably be ok for a couple

Activities:
First evening, I just went to Macys and bought a jumper
Went to the Triple Crown Ale House for a few drinks. Not much craic in there. I sat at the bar, and watched some sports. Plenty of people around me, drinking/eating on their own, but no one interacting, incl. the staff
Left and went to John Sullivans then. Much more to my liking. Sat at the bar. Chatted to the barman. Chatted to other people drinking there. Much more welcoming. Both bars were charging $8 a beer

Day 2:
Went to Andrews Coffee shop for breakfast - Proper dinner type place. Very reasonable, and tasty
Did more shopping
Walked to 5th Avenue, and then strolled north to Central Park. Took my time, just walking through the park, and left at the American Museum of Natural History. Museum was excellent. Really enjoyed walking around in there.
Went to see Book Of Mormon that evening in the Eugene O'Neill theater. I had booked tickets a few months previous for about $70. Fantastic show, and would go again

Day 3:
Got the subway to the bottom of Manhatten
Walked through Times Square
Walked through China Town
Went to the Tenament Museum - Really enjoyable
Stopped in McSorely's Ale House for a drink - definitely worth visiting. Probably would have been slightly better with another person, as you are forced to sit with other people, so while very interactive, you're almost certain to be sitting with another group
That evening, met a friend in Lillies Victorian Establishment - Nice place with good food

Day 4: Went home
Dont buy drink in JFK. $11 for a beer
Or sweets. I was bringing some back for work. Cost me a fortune