First Timer in New York - 4 or 5 nights??

JimboJones99

My wife and I are hoping to head to New York for the first time in Spring of next year (Late Feb or early March).

Planning on doing the full tourist experience and see most of the sights, take in a show, maybe a game at Maddison Square gardens etc.

I am just wondering if 4 nights will be enough or should we extend it at least 1 more night?

Thanks

endofrainbow

With a month you wouldn't see all NY has to offer. 5 nights obviously would be better. It will be bitter cold late Feb/early March.

McSween

5 nights. Ive been there twice in february. It is very cold. Flight cancelled due to snow for one of those trips. April, on the other hand, is very nice

fdevine

Heading ourselves for the first time in early November. Only going for three nights which is all we can manage, or afford.

We know it's not nearly enough time but trying to pack as much as possible into the two full and two half days.

Firstly , we don't plan of leaving Manhattan, except for the Staten Island Ferry. One evening will be taken up seeing a Broadway Show. The remainder will be taken up with a combination of sightseeing and browsing shops. Museums and the like are pretty much off the agenda and likely won't have the time to fully explore Chelsea, Little Italy and areas like that.

Depending on what you want to see you will likely still only scratch the surface with 4-5 nights so prioritising and planning will be key.

Worth noting that it could be quite late in the afternoon by the time you get to your hotel so could limit what you can do. Time of the week will also impact. Weekdays likely quieter but places close earlier. Weekends busier with later opening.

Nigel Fairservice

Definitely go for 5 days if you can. I've been 6 times and still feel like I haven't seen it all. I would go back in the morning.

Xander10

lots to see and do, so go for the extra night if the budget allows. You won't get bored.

coylemj

Another consideration - will your legs carry you around NYC for 4 or 5 days? It's a city which involves an awful lot of walking - OP and his wife may not have the stamina to do as many days walking as the other people contributing here.

Tombo2001

I would seriously consider going at a different time - its baltic there in February and gets dark early. IMHO you would get so much more out of NYC in June or May or Sept / Oct.

5 nights though. Amazing place. Really is. Plus its like three or four cities in one, a day in Brooklyn, a day in Harlem etc....

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119583795#Comment_119583795

You should walk across Brooklyn Bridge at the very least, and walk around that area just below the bridge.

JimboJones99

Thanks everyone, your replies have been very helpful.

Hopefully can do 5 nights as budget should stretch that far, childminders might not though!!

Definitely reconsidering Feb/Mar. May or June may not be doable but certainly going to see if we can do something in April.

Thanks again and if anyone has any more suggestions, keep them coming, much appreciated!

antfin

If you're on a budget it's definitely worth getting to grips with the main subway routes on a map before you go. Saves a lot of walking or taxis and is very cheap and convenient.

Ferris_Bueller

Visited New York for the first time back in mid April, it was amazing, even better than I expected. As others have said I'd say there is so much to do there that even a month wouldn't get you through everything. We went for 6 nights and I felt like I got a good grasp of Manhattan but our days were jam packed. Go with the 5 nights if possible!

Treppen

Any tips on sim card for a week in NY?

There are unlimited data t mobile ones delivered to Ireland for about €30. Or buy when you get there?

shanec1928

Been to new york several times in February, i wouldnt let the weather put you off. Its also one of the more cheaper months to visit if that's a factor.

youcancallmeal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119610143#Comment_119610143

Good thread here discussing esim option Airalo, heading to the US myself in a few weeks so going to try it out. Feel free to use my referral code ALAN9533, $3 for me and you. Means you can buy the 1GB option for $1.50 so no big loss if it doesn't work out

Treppen

Excellent thanks