New York, New York!

L_S1991 · 25-07-2013 12:20pm #1

Hi all,

I'm heading over to New York in September with my boyfriend for a week (both in our 20's).

I was there a good few years ago myself but just wondering does anyone have any recommendations on what to do/where to go/eat/visit? I like to be organised

We're planning on shopping a fair bit and heading to Woodbury Common on one of the days.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially on places to shop/eat!!

Thanks

mrshopkeeper · 25-07-2013 10:58pm

You lucky thing! I've been to NYC several times. I am not usually into the nerdy Museum/History stuff but I thought the trip to Staten Island was well worthwhile. But to your real question as to where to eat and shop, we discovered Soho and Tribeca only on our third visit to NYC.

Mrsshopkeeper found a store for bags/shoes in Soho that was way beyond the mainstream re value and a class apart from the Department stores but I couldnt begin to guess where exactly it was down there.

And my favorite place to have ever eaten was this place http://www.churrascariatribeca.com/ (if ye are vegetarian avoid it at all costs!) It is expensive but maybe worth one visit. Don't go near the 'All You Can Eat' Salad Bar or you'll be full by the time the good stuff comes round.

roundymac · 26-07-2013 10:21am

Take a boat cruise on the circle line ircleline42.com/new-york-cruises/home.aspx, also the hop on- hop off bus tours from back of Time Square. Every one from Ireland heads to Woodbury Common but Jersey Gardens is another option.

coylemj · 26-07-2013 10:30am

If you're going to be there for a week then take the time to do the Staten Island Ferry, it's free and there's a great view of the harbour.

Novella · 26-07-2013 8:39pm

I loved Woodbury Common, I was there in February. My advise would be to bring a small wheelie suitcase with you so that you don't have to lug shopping bags around all day. I have also been to Jersey Gardens, though back in 2009, and I preferred Woodbury Common. It depends on what kind of shopping you'd like to do. Woodbury Common has more higher end stores but you can get some great discounts, whereas Jersey Gardens is a regular high-street type shopping mall.

To eat, Eatery on 9th Ave at 53rd St is SO good! We went there a few times during our one week trip because the food was delicious and the staff were really friendly and nice. (http://www.eaterynyc.com/ Website, if you're interested!)

Have a great trip!

periodictable · 27-07-2013 11:02am

I'd suggest s trip to the Cathedral of St John The Divine in Morningside heights.
Construction began in 1892 and is ongoing-when I lived there I used to go watch the stone masons carving the figures over the main doors. It has some amazing and fascinating memorials inside, and is a great place to get away from the craziness of the city. It really is one of the hidden gems of the city.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Saint_John_the_Divine

If you take the A train all the way uptown to Fort Tryon Park-get off at 191st, you have the Cloisters, part of the Met Museum, but set on a hill, overlooking the Hudson. JD Rockerfeller built it, and purchased the Jersey palisades across the river to preserve the natural scenery, so that today there is little development on that shore part of New Jersey.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Tryon_Park

Further up another subway stop is the last intact forest of Manhattan in Inwood park-where you get a feel what Manhattan Island looked like when the Dutch arrived.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inwood_Park

You could also take the Circle Line trip around the city by boat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_Line_Sightseeing_Cruises

For shopping take the PATH train to New Jersey shopping Malls where sales tax is lower then in Manhattan

SHOVELLER · 28-07-2013 11:46am

A great way to see the city is to hire a Citibike. Their version of Dublinbikes which only arrived there in May.

Its a great rush cycling around Manhattan!

http://citibikenyc.com/

L_S1991 · 28-07-2013 8:34pm

mrshopkeeper wrote: »

You lucky thing! I've been to NYC several times. I am not usually into the nerdy Museum/History stuff but I thought the trip to Staten Island was well worthwhile. But to your real question as to where to eat and shop, we discovered Soho and Tribeca only on our third visit to NYC.

Mrsshopkeeper found a store for bags/shoes in Soho that was way beyond the mainstream re value and a class apart from the Department stores but I couldnt begin to guess where exactly it was down there.

And my favorite place to have ever eaten was this place http://www.churrascariatribeca.com/ (if ye are vegetarian avoid it at all costs!) It is expensive but maybe worth one visit. Don't go near the 'All You Can Eat' Salad Bar or you'll be full by the time the good stuff comes round.

Hi guys,

Sorry for the delay in replying but thank you all so much for the info!!

mrshopkeeper I think I will definitely be giving Soho a visit & finding that bag/shoe shop ;-)

L_S1991 · 28-07-2013 8:36pm

Novella wrote: »

I loved Woodbury Common, I was there in February. My advise would be to bring a small wheelie suitcase with you so that you don't have to lug shopping bags around all day. I have also been to Jersey Gardens, though back in 2009, and I preferred Woodbury Common. It depends on what kind of shopping you'd like to do. Woodbury Common has more higher end stores but you can get some great discounts, whereas Jersey Gardens is a regular high-street type shopping mall.

To eat, Eatery on 9th Ave at 53rd St is SO good! We went there a few times during our one week trip because the food was delicious and the staff were really friendly and nice. (http://www.eaterynyc.com/ Website, if you're interested!)

Have a great trip!

Thanks for all that info!! Did you buy your small wheelie case out there as I plan on bringing a large one with me in general but that might be too big to bring to Woodbury?

L_S1991 · 28-07-2013 8:38pm

periodictable wrote: »

I'd suggest s trip to the Cathedral of St John The Divine in Morningside heights.
Construction began in 1892 and is ongoing-when I lived there I used to go watch the stone masons carving the figures over the main doors. It has some amazing and fascinating memorials inside, and is a great place to get away from the craziness of the city. It really is one of the hidden gems of the city.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Saint_John_the_Divine

If you take the A train all the way uptown to Fort Tryon Park-get off at 191st, you have the Cloisters, part of the Met Museum, but set on a hill, overlooking the Hudson. JD Rockerfeller built it, and purchased the Jersey palisades across the river to preserve the natural scenery, so that today there is little development on that shore part of New Jersey.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Tryon_Park

Further up another subway stop is the last intact forest of Manhattan in Inwood park-where you get a feel what Manhattan Island looked like when the Dutch arrived.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inwood_Park

You could also take the Circle Line trip around the city by boat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_Line_Sightseeing_Cruises

For shopping take the PATH train to New Jersey shopping Malls where sales tax is lower then in Manhattan

I did most of the touristy things when I was last there so I think I will give them a miss this time but the circle line trip sounds fab so I may look into it!! Thanks :-)

Novella · 29-07-2013 8:56pm

L_S1991 wrote: »

Thanks for all that info!! Did you buy your small wheelie case out there as I plan on bringing a large one with me in general but that might be too big to bring to Woodbury?

No, I brought it with me inside my big suitcase. It was packed with my clothes and stuff and there was still space for more clothes, shoes etc. around it so it was fine. I was planning on bringing it home as hand luggage but it turned out that I could still fit it inside my other case.

You could buy one there if you wanted too though, and when I was at Woodbury, there were people with all sorts of sizes of cases so I wouldn't worry about it much if you wanted to bring your large one.

clairefontaine · 29-07-2013 10:49pm

periodictable wrote: »

I'd suggest s trip to the Cathedral of St John The Divine in Morningside heights.
Construction began in 1892 and is ongoing-when I lived there I used to go watch the stone masons carving the figures over the main doors. It has some amazing and fascinating memorials inside, and is a great place to get away from the craziness of the city. It really is one of the hidden gems of the city.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Saint_John_the_Divine

If you take the A train all the way uptown to Fort Tryon Park-get off at 191st, you have the Cloisters, part of the Met Museum, but set on a hill, overlooking the Hudson. JD Rockerfeller built it, and purchased the Jersey palisades across the river to preserve the natural scenery, so that today there is little development on that shore part of New Jersey.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Tryon_Park

Further up another subway stop is the last intact forest of Manhattan in Inwood park-where you get a feel what Manhattan Island looked like when the Dutch arrived.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inwood_Park

You could also take the Circle Line trip around the city by boat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_Line_Sightseeing_Cruises

For shopping take the PATH train to New Jersey shopping Malls where sales tax is lower then in Manhattan

I would add Ellis Island to this list.

Cloisters is amazing. It was transported directly from St. Guillaume in France, also breath taking. It's weird that its in Manhattan.

I'd avoid Times Square. Far too many tourists.

dee_mc · 29-07-2013 11:18pm

Spot on clairefontaine, Time Square is overrated, you only need to see it once and definitely avoid shopping there!
If you're into hair products Ricky's is amazing; there are several of them around NYC.
I forgot to visit the High Line both times in NY, it's a park/garden on an old train line, have heard great things about it but as I say, missed it twice! http://www.thehighline.org/about/park-information
Favourite place to eat was Lansky's Old World Deli on Columbus, great relaxed Jewish deli where you can get a picnic to eat in Central Park, the shopping in that area is great too, lots of independent shops as well as a nice new Century 21 (avoid the one downtown in financial district, very cramped and poorly laid out) and l'occitaine shop etc. Strawberry Fields and the Dakota building are nearby for Beatles fans.
I loved the Hunger monument downtown, near the Museum of Jewish Heritage at Battery Park, both are rather depressing but great experiences.
Coffee and cake in the Trump tower was a highlight for us, spotted Jay Leno there too! FAO Shwartz toy shop is nearby and fun for all ages!
One of my favourite places to spend an afternoon in NY is the South Street Sea Port, nice little market stalls etc and restaurants with balconies, great views. Picked up some great real orchid jewellery there last time, and some cool graffiti prints as souvenirs

We loved the upper west side on Columbus and Broadway, fantastic selection of restaurants in this area and lovely for a stroll in the evening

If you can get to the Blue Note to listen to some jazz, do, you'll remember it always

Aaagh I wish I was going back, time to start planning again I think!

L_S1991 · 30-07-2013 7:28pm

Novella wrote: »

No, I brought it with me inside my big suitcase. It was packed with my clothes and stuff and there was still space for more clothes, shoes etc. around it so it was fine. I was planning on bringing it home as hand luggage but it turned out that I could still fit it inside my other case.

You could buy one there if you wanted too though, and when I was at Woodbury, there were people with all sorts of sizes of cases so I wouldn't worry about it much if you wanted to bring your large one.

Great, thanks I might end up putting a small suitcase in my large one then, but I had planned to bring a second bag that folds into nothing...! But when it's full it will be harder to carry... it's 25kg to the States isn't it? Do you know is the hand luggage still 10kg?

L_S1991 · 30-07-2013 7:39pm

dee_mc wrote: »

Spot on clairefontaine, Time Square is overrated, you only need to see it once and definitely avoid shopping there!
If you're into hair products Ricky's is amazing; there are several of them around NYC.
I forgot to visit the High Line both times in NY, it's a park/garden on an old train line, have heard great things about it but as I say, missed it twice! http://www.thehighline.org/about/park-information
Favourite place to eat was Lansky's Old World Deli on Columbus, great relaxed Jewish deli where you can get a picnic to eat in Central Park, the shopping in that area is great too, lots of independent shops as well as a nice new Century 21 (avoid the one downtown in financial district, very cramped and poorly laid out) and l'occitaine shop etc. Strawberry Fields and the Dakota building are nearby for Beatles fans.
I loved the Hunger monument downtown, near the Museum of Jewish Heritage at Battery Park, both are rather depressing but great experiences.
Coffee and cake in the Trump tower was a highlight for us, spotted Jay Leno there too! FAO Shwartz toy shop is nearby and fun for all ages!
One of my favourite places to spend an afternoon in NY is the South Street Sea Port, nice little market stalls etc and restaurants with balconies, great views. Picked up some great real orchid jewellery there last time, and some cool graffiti prints as souvenirs
We loved the upper west side on Columbus and Broadway, fantastic selection of restaurants in this area and lovely for a stroll in the evening
If you can get to the Blue Note to listen to some jazz, do, you'll remember it always
Aaagh I wish I was going back, time to start planning again I think!

Wow, thanks for all the insight!!

I know Times Square is full of tourists but I liked it the last time I was there, and I think it's a definite must see for a first time NYC visitor (my boyfriend)

I've heard about Rickey's and will most certainly be tracking one down!!

I just Googled The High Line, looks so pretty, especially at night, I think that might be worth a... eh... romantic visit! :rolleyes:

Thanks for the tip about coffee and cake in the Trump Tower, I love both so I must try it there!! & also FAO Shwartz toy shop because my boyfriend is still a kid at heart!!

Definitely start planning another trip, sounds like you love the city so much!! I've a countdown going until mine! :cool:

seachto7 · 30-07-2013 7:50pm

How about don't go shopping at all.

L_S1991 · 30-07-2013 7:53pm

seachto7 wrote: »

How about don't go shopping at all.

Well you clearly read my first post...

Novella · 30-07-2013 9:06pm

L_S1991 wrote: »

Great, thanks I might end up putting a small suitcase in my large one then, but I had planned to bring a second bag that folds into nothing...! But when it's full it will be harder to carry... it's 25kg to the States isn't it? Do you know is the hand luggage still 10kg?

I flew with US Airways and I am pretty sure it was 23kg checked and 10kg hand luggage but you were allowed to have a small case carry-on and a laptop bag or handbag.

I flew with Virgin Atlantic last month to another part of the US and it was the same.

BillJ · 02-08-2013 2:50pm

OP where are you staying if you don't mind me asking?

Me and my girlfriend really want to go also but aren't sure where the best place to stay is.

Want to go for 6-7 nights so staying right in the middle of manhattan is out of budget for us!

Joe Hall · 10-08-2013 3:29am

BillJ wrote: »

OP where are you staying if you don't mind me asking?

Me and my girlfriend really want to go also but aren't sure where the best place to stay is.

Want to go for 6-7 nights so staying right in the middle of manhattan is out of budget for us!

Same Question!?!? Where to stay at a reasonable cost???

SoulTrader · 10-08-2013 3:39am

Joe Hall wrote: »

Same Question!?!? Where to stay at a reasonable cost???

What is your budget? (same question to Bill J). I find there can be plenty of value in Manhattan if you do your research. I've visited twice a year on average for the past 6 years, so pretty familiar with Manhattan options.

L_S1991 · 10-08-2013 8:03pm

BillJ wrote: »

OP where are you staying if you don't mind me asking?

Me and my girlfriend really want to go also but aren't sure where the best place to stay is.

Want to go for 6-7 nights so staying right in the middle of manhattan is out of budget for us!

Hey BillJ, sorry I'm only replying now, I never got an email for your message!!

I am staying in the New Yorker hotel (http://www.newyorkerhotel.com/), so pretty much in the middle of Manhattan. It wouldn't be the cheapest place to stay but I stayed here the last timeI visited the city and really liked the place and I got a suuuuper deal this time too!! I personally think it's in a great location, it's right beside Macy's as well!!

I wouldn't have much knowledge about other hotels outside Manhattan, sorry!

Whiteflag12 · 10-08-2013 9:42pm

hey there, if you're stuck for time check out Jersey Gardens instead of Woodbury Common. I'm heading over that direction in a few weeks and we only have 4 nights in NYC before we move on to the next leg of the journey. Woodbury is fab, but you need to allow a FULL day... I'm talking about first bus out, last bus back! The day flies by... bring a big bag with you!!!

L_S1991 · 11-08-2013 9:23am

Whiteflag12 wrote: »

hey there, if you're stuck for time check out Jersey Gardens instead of Woodbury Common. I'm heading over that direction in a few weeks and we only have 4 nights in NYC before we move on to the next leg of the journey. Woodbury is fab, but you need to allow a FULL day... I'm talking about first bus out, last bus back! The day flies by... bring a big bag with you!!!

Hey Whiteflag, thanks for the heads up!! I've been to Woodbury Common before and I agree it's fab & you need a FULL day but we've decided we're definitely going to do that one day as we both love shopping!! If we have any spare time we might just make a trip to Jersey Gardens too

SHOVELLER · 12-08-2013 9:01pm

If stuck for time for shopping try Century 21 on Cortlandt Street near the World Trade Centre. Great bargains.

dee_mc · 12-08-2013 9:48pm

SHOVELLER wrote: »

If stuck for time for shopping try Century 21 on Cortlandt Street near the World Trade Centre. Great bargains.

Century 21 is great but the other locations in Queens and Lincoln Square are quieter and better laid out in my opinion

L_S1991 · 13-08-2013 8:34am

dee_mc wrote: »

Century 21 is great but the other locations in Queens and Lincoln Square are quieter and better laid out in my opinion

You're not the first person I've heard that from, thanks for the tip!!

80s Child · 20-01-2014 2:06pm

Hi folks,

Following on from a few previous posters, I'm just wondering about reasonable accomdation and where? I'm thinking of maybe €750-€1000 for 5 nights..I know, not a lot for this city!!

Also, is Manhattan the 'best' place to stay from a newbie point of view? I'm looking for a central enough location with a good night life close by, even though, with the local infrastructure, I suppose everything is close by!

OP, i checked out The New Yorker, but it was coming in at €294.00 a night... a bit rich for my blood I'm afraid.

Any help, greatly appreciated folks!!

Tangey99 · 20-01-2014 2:46pm

80s Child wrote: »

Hi folks,

Following on from a few previous posters, I'm just wondering about reasonable accomdation and where? I'm thinking of maybe €750-€1000 for 5 nights..I know, not a lot for this city!!

Also, is Manhattan the 'best' place to stay from a newbie point of view? I'm looking for a central enough location with a good night life close by, even though, with the local infrastructure, I suppose everything is close by!

OP, i checked out The New Yorker, but it was coming in at €294.00 a night... a bit rich for my blood I'm afraid.

Any help, greatly appreciated folks!!

I posted the following info in another thread.

I stay in New York a few years ago. I found that Radio City Apartments had a great location, 5 mins walk to Times square etc, was pretty quiet and good price. Not a fancy place by any means, but clean. They are generally always pretty much full, so you need to look about them early.

A studio queen bed for 5 random nights in Sept is $1500, which is over your budget.

You might try priceline, but of course all you get is a idea of the area you are staying in, you don't get to know the actual hotel until you are already committed, which might be risky.

youngblood · 20-01-2014 9:26pm

Speaking of Budgets and hopefully seasoned travellers may help me out here but is a budget of 1600e (flights & accom) for 2 for 4 nights in new york in april pushin it a little?
Any replies/info appreciated

dee_mc · 20-01-2014 9:38pm

youngblood wrote: »

Speaking of Budgets and hopefully seasoned travellers may help me out here but is a budget of 1600e (flights & accom) for 2 for 4 nights in new york in april pushin it a little?
Any replies/info appreciated

Hi! I'm always on the lookout for good NY deals so here's what I came up with: I checked skyscanner.ie for random dates in April and found flights from Dublin to JFK via Heathrow for E504, and I checked booking.com for a hotel I can personally recommend (Quality Inn in Woodside, Queens) for the same dates, it came to just over E400 including taxes etc for the 4 nights.
The hotel is 3 minutes walk from subway, 15-20 mins subway ride from Time Square. Should leave you with some shopping money!

http://www.skyscanner.ie/transport/flights/dub/nyca/140406/140410/airfares-from-dublin-to-new-york-in-april-2014.html?rtn=1
http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/quality-inn-woodside.html?tab=1&origin=hp&error_url=%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fquality-inn-woodside.en-gb.html%3Faid%3D356998%3Blabel%3Dgog235jc-hotel-XX-us-qualityNinnNwoodside-unspec-ie-com%3Bsid%3D51ac1002aefd280f33a086436c4ba31f%3Bdcid%3D1%3B&do_availability_check=on&aid=356998&dcid=1&label=gog235jc-hotel-XX-us-qualityNinnNwoodside-unspec-ie-com&sid=51ac1002aefd280f33a086436c4ba31f&checkin_monthday=6&checkin_year_month=2014-4&checkout_monthday=10&checkout_year_month=2014-4

80s Child · 21-01-2014 11:14am

dee_mc wrote: »

Hi! I'm always on the lookout for good NY deals so here's what I came up with: I checked skyscanner.ie for random dates in April and found flights from Dublin to JFK via Heathrow for E504, and I checked booking.com for a hotel I can personally recommend (Quality Inn in Woodside, Queens) for the same dates, it came to just over E400 including taxes etc for the 4 nights.
The hotel is 3 minutes walk from subway, 15-20 mins subway ride from Time Square. Should leave you with some shopping money!

http://www.skyscanner.ie/transport/flights/dub/nyca/140406/140410/airfares-from-dublin-to-new-york-in-april-2014.html?rtn=1
http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/quality-inn-woodside.html?tab=1&origin=hp&error_url=%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fquality-inn-woodside.en-gb.html%3Faid%3D356998%3Blabel%3Dgog235jc-hotel-XX-us-qualityNinnNwoodside-unspec-ie-com%3Bsid%3D51ac1002aefd280f33a086436c4ba31f%3Bdcid%3D1%3B&do_availability_check=on&aid=356998&dcid=1&label=gog235jc-hotel-XX-us-qualityNinnNwoodside-unspec-ie-com&sid=51ac1002aefd280f33a086436c4ba31f&checkin_monthday=6&checkin_year_month=2014-4&checkout_monthday=10&checkout_year_month=2014-4

Cheers for that!
To be honest, i was thinking of staying outside Manhattan anyway, as I'd rather the moer chilled out bars for a bit of craic.
I was very impressed with the flights; we're flying direct from Shannon in October for 520e a piece return. Now, a collegaue of mine mentioned that this maybe one of the flights, on the return journey, that stops in Dublin on the way back, but sure, who cares!! I'll be asleep anyway!
If anyone else has other little gems of accomodation ideas, keep them coming!

carlmango11 · 21-01-2014 10:17pm

youngblood wrote: »

Speaking of Budgets and hopefully seasoned travellers may help me out here but is a budget of 1600e (flights & accom) for 2 for 4 nights in new york in april pushin it a little?
Any replies/info appreciated

It's normally about 500 for a return flight for one. That leaves ~600 for accommodation.

I know a place where you can stay dirt cheap (like $20 a night)... but you won't like it

But really, if you're willing to not stay in a hotel then it can be done easily. Check airbnb.com. It's really good for decent, low price accommodation. Maybe look at Williamsburg and Astoria. They're just a few stops from Manhattan and nice areas.

80s Child · 21-01-2014 10:54pm

carlmango11 wrote: »

It's normally about 500 for a return flight for one. That leaves ~600 for accommodation.

I know a place where you can stay dirt cheap (like $20 a night)... but you won't like it

But really, if you're willing to not stay in a hotel then it can be done easily. Check airbnb.com. It's really good for decent, low price accommodation. Maybe look at Williamsburg and Astoria. They're just a few stops from Manhattan and nice areas.

Hey carl,

I just had a look at airbnb, it's unreal!! Have tou used this before and if so, what experience have you had with it?
I have to admit that I was a bit sketchie at first, but it looks the business to be honest!
Cheers in advance!

Paul_Hacket · 22-01-2014 8:33pm

80s Child wrote: »

Hey carl,

I just had a look at airbnb, it's unreal!! Have tou used this before and if so, what experience have you had with it?
I have to admit that I was a bit sketchie at first, but it looks the business to be honest!
Cheers in advance!

I live in New York, airbnb is legit. You should just make sure that anywhere you rent has plenty of reviews from previous tenants. When renting through them I would establish with the apartment owner whether the unit has any noise issues (this can be a problem here) and what the check-in/check-out procedure will be.

If this is your first time in the city I would stay in Manhattan. While Manhattan has famously become disneyfied and homogenized in recent years the majority of the best sights are still there and it's eminently walkable and bikeable, which isn't really true for the outer boroughs.

From your username I'll presume you're relatively young - I'd recommend you search airbnb for rentals in the following areas:

East Village - lots of bars and restaurants, some fading vestiges of the area's alternative culture.

Soho - Beautiful buildings with lots of shopping, pricey bars and restaurants. More than a little bit full of itself but undeniably beautiful.

West Village - Still has some jazz clubs and a somewhat bohemian atmosphere. Lots of restaurants, pretty streets, the parts east of 7th Avenue can be a bit tacky though with too many idiots drinking there on the weekends.

If you want to stay in Brooklyn I would really only consider WIlliamsburg. It's just one stop over the river on the L train and has tons of restaurants and nightlife in a walkable area. It's hipster central, which some people find amusing and others infuriating.

Avoid:
Chinatown - fun to visit but a little too scuzzy to stay in

Times Square and Midtown - the absolute pits in almost every respect. Locals do not go here to dine (the food is appalling and overpriced) or to socialize. The shopping is better downtown (below 14th street) so is the nightlife. The only people on the streets are tourists and unhappy office workers who desperately wish they worked in another part of the city. The number one mistake Irish people make is staying here.

Financial District - very dead in the evenings, bad food, over crowded during the day.

Tribeca - parts are pretty but it's generally very overpriced and somewhat isolated from other parts of the city
Upper East Side - boring people, not well served by the subway, not very interesting visually, proximity to Central Park and Museums is its only plus.

Queens: I live in Queens, it's a great place to live if you're here long term but honestly has relatively little for most visitors and large chunks of it are pretty grim visually, including Woodside.

Upper West Side: Parts of it are beautiful but it's relatively isolated from the rest of the city and has very little in terms of nightlife, cultural amenities and restaurants.

Jersey: Do not stay in Jersey. Do not go to Jersey. Do not get on a bus and go to Jersey Gardens or any of the other god awufl shopping destinations. You can get better deals downtown. Do NOT go to Jersey.

carlmango11 · 22-01-2014 10:35pm

80s Child wrote: »

Hey carl,

I just had a look at airbnb, it's unreal!! Have tou used this before and if so, what experience have you had with it?
I have to admit that I was a bit sketchie at first, but it looks the business to be honest!
Cheers in advance!

What Paul_Hacket said!

80s Child · 22-01-2014 11:01pm

Paul_Hacket wrote: »

I live in New York, airbnb is legit. You should just make sure that anywhere you rent has plenty of reviews from previous tenants. When renting through them I would establish with the apartment owner whether the unit has any noise issues (this can be a problem here) and what the check-in/check-out procedure will be.

If this is your first time in the city I would stay in Manhattan. While Manhattan has famously become disneyfied and homogenized in recent years the majority of the best sights are still there and it's eminently walkable and bikeable, which isn't really true for the outer boroughs.

From your username I'll presume you're relatively young - I'd recommend you search airbnb for rentals in the following areas:

East Village - lots of bars and restaurants, some fading vestiges of the area's alternative culture.

Soho - Beautiful buildings with lots of shopping, pricey bars and restaurants. More than a little bit full of itself but undeniably beautiful.

West Village - Still has some jazz clubs and a somewhat bohemian atmosphere. Lots of restaurants, pretty streets, the parts east of 7th Avenue can be a bit tacky though with too many idiots drinking there on the weekends.

If you want to stay in Brooklyn I would really only consider WIlliamsburg. It's just one stop over the river on the L train and has tons of restaurants and nightlife in a walkable area. It's hipster central, which some people find amusing and others infuriating.

Avoid:
Chinatown - fun to visit but a little too scuzzy to stay in

Times Square and Midtown - the absolute pits in almost every respect. Locals do not go here to dine (the food is appalling and overpriced) or to socialize. The shopping is better downtown (below 14th street) so is the nightlife. The only people on the streets are tourists and unhappy office workers who desperately wish they worked in another part of the city. The number one mistake Irish people make is staying here.

Financial District - very dead in the evenings, bad food, over crowded during the day.

Tribeca - parts are pretty but it's generally very overpriced and somewhat isolated from other parts of the city
Upper East Side - boring people, not well served by the subway, not very interesting visually, proximity to Central Park and Museums is its only plus.

Queens: I live in Queens, it's a great place to live if you're here long term but honestly has relatively little for most visitors and large chunks of it are pretty grim visually, including Woodside.

Upper West Side: Parts of it are beautiful but it's relatively isolated from the rest of the city and has very little in terms of nightlife, cultural amenities and restaurants.

Jersey: Do not stay in Jersey. Do not go to Jersey. Do not get on a bus and go to Jersey Gardens or any of the other god awufl shopping destinations. You can get better deals downtown. Do NOT go to Jersey.

Paul, you're a legend! Your detailed reply is exactly what I, and I'm sure many others, have always wanted; a where to stay/ not stay in specific detail!

I had to laugh at your Jersey comments, I read it first in the car an almost wet myself! All I ever here is about people going to Jersey Gardens shopping! Hilarious!

We're relatively well travelled (I have been to Galway ya know..ha ha) but I can't believe I've never come across airbnb.com! The prices compared to the hotels are just unreal! Which means it gives us a few more deniros to spend on things we'll enjoy, rather than just a bed!

To yourself and Carl, thanks very much!

Oh, I may be back looking for a few more bits, so keep an eye on us here just in case ; )

Munstermissy · 22-01-2014 11:13pm

Heading over in 3 weeks and looking to go to a show. Would I be better off booking tickets on line or rock up on the day to purchase? I believe there is a ticket office somewhere around Times Square if anybody can give me directions, would be much appreciated.

yew_tree · 24-01-2014 11:53am

I have stayed in Midtown before, east near 55th street and 2nd Ave. Nice bars down along there. I think the west village is the nicest place to stay but I have even stayed in Midtown on a quiet enough street near herald square (price was right).

Don't be but off by area's listed above....once you are near a subway stop you can be in most places in 20mins max.

80s Child · 02-03-2014 11:44pm

Just to give an update, we've booked our stay. It came in at €1281 for 5 nights, for 4 of us. Now, it is on the first floor and there is one or two comments about noise so we'll have to see.
Obviously, we've booked through airbnb so hopefully it will work out. We can't wait to be honest!!:D

dee_mc · 03-03-2014 12:08am

Just back from a great week at the Holiday Inn on 26th and 6th avenue. Highly recommend - great location about 10 minutes walk from Herald Square, 5-10 minutes from Flatiron building/Madison Square Park, 10 minute walk from Penn station (we got the AirTrain on arrival, opted for a cab on departure as we'd accumulated a bit of extra baggage!), extremely convenient to Madison Square Gardens if you're lucky enough to be taking in a concert or game during your stay! Lots of good restaurants, bars and delis nearby too. Very clean, friendly hotel with good sound proofing, blackout blinds, comfy beds etc, I will definitely stay there again.
We used Newark for the first time and it was a breath of fresh air compared to JFK, short queues and handy access for Manhattan. We got return flights for €400 from Shannon with United/Lufthansa, booking through skyscanner.ie.

80s Child · 03-03-2014 12:27am

Any sports on between Oct25 - 30 lads? In NY obviously, not the world in general..

cena · 03-03-2014 12:41am

80s Child wrote: »

Any sports on between Oct25 - 30 lads? In NY obviously, not the world in general..

Ice hockey, american football ,basketball.

InTheTrees · 03-03-2014 3:28pm

http://www.mlssoccer.com/schedule

New York, New York!

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