New York ideas

Hello peeps,

I'm thinking about a trip to NYC, maybe sometime between November and April, but maybe later (I'll have to run it by 'im indoors who said he'd never go to the US and is now going to BOS in October!). We're flexible about when we go, and have checked reward seats in both UC and PE - as I might decide to use the 2 Amex PE upgrade vouchers I've got due to me at the beginning of September.

My questions are more around when folks feel is the best or a good time to go, and what there is to see and do - I'm an NYC virgin see. I know there are a few here who love it and spend so much time flying there they might as well emigrate...

I know there are threads about this somewhere, I'm too lazy to search, and there are threads about where to stay too, which I'll look up when I have more time. I've seen from TRs etc. that most people spend less than a week in NYC, and it looks to be around 4-5 days is the average.

All ideas welcome.
Cheers,
John

Hi Bretty,
I guess you will get a million and one replies on this. Fact is, there is so much to do, just like a US traveler coming to London for the first time.
All I can do is give you my little bit, like a lot of folks here I have been to this city lots for work over the last 10 years, our companies head office is here, I still find things to do that are new.
Make sure you tick off the major's, if you want to cram a lot in then be prepared for long days. The season is really down to you.
You will see things in winter that you will not see in summer and spring and the reverse is true. My personal little bit of info is DO NOT stay on or around Times Sq, stay out a bit, you get a better feeling. I now stay with a work friend who lives on the Upper East Side and it much more "real" NYC. Not saying you should think about staying that far out buy try somewhere like 5th Ave / Maddision Ave etc. You have better access to more IMHO.
You can always go back for a second look.....

Autumn, Winter and Spring are great times to visit NYC. .October has Hallowe'en, Christmas has skating at the Rockefeller and the over-the-top Radio City Music Hall, and spring in Central Park is lovely. Summer's too hot..

As LG says, I'd stay away from Times Square. It's a great city for walking (though it is a big city) and when the feet get tired you can resort to cabs or the subway, so you can stay out north, south, east, or west.

Many, many things to do. The usual iconics such as the Empire State, To Of The Rock, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station; the big museums and galleries such as the Guggenheim and now Ground Zero; the smaller museums such as the Tenement Museum.

Many, many places to shop and eat....

We've been a few times, and would go every year if price or reward availability made it possible.

Now, to kill two birds with one stone you have to arrange this so you take a flight serviced by a 747...

Just to say it could be cold. And I mean REALLY cold - not just a bit chilly like we get in the UK!

But don't let that put you off. New Yorkers don't let a bit of snow (or even a lot of snow) stop them. Central Park in the snow is something special.

I'd say 5 nights would be about right for a first visit. It's a tiring place - always busy and you'll walk far further than you think (although you can always hop on the bus or the subway - be sure to buy a Metrocard). So 5 days should be enough time to see the main sights without killing yourself!

I love doing the Circle Line boat trip, which goes all the way round Manhattan and gives you a great overview of the scale and geography of the island. The Staten Island Ferry (free) is a must for the views - avoid at rush hour though! The immigration museum on Ellis Island I found fascinating. I really enjoyed the High Line walk along an old elevated railway. And if you like your planes, you can go aboard Concorde at the Intrepid Air & Space Museum on the Hudson.

Just to say it could be cold. And I mean REALLY cold - not just a bit chilly like we get in the UK!

True - we were very lucky in our pre Christmas trip. Sharp, but not unpleasant.

+1 for High Line (and the Chelsea Food Market) and Staten Island Ferry, but we didn't find much to hang about for Staten Island itself

We did five days last November - leading up to Thanksgiving - flying home the morning after. Monday in and Friday home. Tiring but for us the right amount of time.

It meant the first few days were quiet and gave us lots of time to see what we wanted. Thanksgiving morning as they readied for the Parade we went up TOTR and were the only two visitors the whole 50 mins we were there. That was awesome.

Managed a huge amount of shopping in the pre sales without too many crowds and got outta there when the Thanksgiving mob descended. The shops were adorned in true Christmas decadence and the only thing we missed was the tree outside Rockerfella's - but hey what's a tree when there's Madison Ave shoe shops calling you?

We flew into JFK and my TR is here somewhere - we were in and out onto American soil in the shortest time.

So my vote is November - pre Thanksgiving.

Love Love Love NYC!
I could write a book on it but will be brief. There is something for everyone.

Last time we went (Feb this year) we stayed at the Premier Hotel near Times Square. This was a great central location but quiet, considering it was near Times Square. It was more like a private apartment block rather than a hotel. It is adjacent to the Millenium Hotel. They serve a great breakfast and the staff are very friendly. Accommodtion can be expensive so it is best to look around.

When we were there they had several foot of snow in just a few hours. It was a winter wonderland and Central Park looked fantastic.

Must do's for a first timer would include: Central Park, Central Station, Top of the Rock (better views than ESB), ferry ride around Manhattan, Chinatoen for Dim Sum, Little Italy, Shake Shack, Katzs Deli, Ellis Island, shopping, shopping, shopping, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Subway (safe and efficient and cheap). Greenwich Village is a great just to stroll around. And I always visit the barbers for a facial and cut-throat shave.

Sigh, make me want to back. You will have a fab time Bretty.



So many great places to visit. Outstanding places to eat.

Must dos to start with in no aprticular

Big fan of NYC too, and have been in the spring (end of March) and summer so can't comment on the other seasons. Spring was great though, and it was really lovely - the weather was crisp, sky was blue, and made great pictures. It was pleasant, and being someone who's always cold, I was quite happy with jeans, top and a jacket.

I agree 're staying away from times square. Our favourite hotel is the Sherry Netherland, on 5th and 59th (i think), just on the southeast corner of central park. The location was great, just on the edge of the upper east side, and if you or your other half enjoy shopping, it's next to all the great shops and Bloomingdales. The service was really excellent, and we loved being in such a beautiful and grand building. We also walked pretty much everywhere from there. I have also stayed at the courtyard midtown east, which was less luxurious but it was cheaper and pleasant.

If you love good food, I would highly recommend Bouley, and also The Modern which is in Moma. Spending a day at Moma with a break for a lovely meal was wonderful.

You have to see a show on Broadway, and there will be something that suits every taste.I know some people book tickets on the day but generally I book ahead online and there are often decent discounts. Another evening activity that I can recommend is the Mecury Lounge, for live music. We managed to catch a great local band, who was absolutely fantastic, and the atmosphere was intimate and fun.

For places to see, we bought a city pass online, which is worth checking out as it's good value, and you can pick and choose what to see, with a queue jump. In addition to the main attractions, I would also recommend The High Line (maybe after a stroll in the Chelsea market), and also a return ride on the Roosevelt tramway, for a mere 5 USD to see the skyline from above. I also enjoyed a jog in central park, not being a runner usually.

The final tip is probably to head to Brooklyn in the morning, and walk back to Manhattan on the bridge against the crowd. That way you will have the beautiful Manhattan skyline in front of you the whole way.

And now I want to go again! You will love it! In fact I don't know anyone who doesn't fall in love with NYC. Oh and if you haven't already, there's a book called the confession of a new York taxi driver, which I read on my way out to NYC on the vs flight. It's a good laugh, and I felt almost familiar with the city by the time I got there. If you want a light hearted read before the trip, that could be perfect.

Thanks guys that's all very helpful.

@pjh if I go on a 747 then it's definitely UC in the pointy end. Otherwise I think I'd be happy with PE, and since I've never yet tried PE it might be a good start. Could even do a combi fare and try both!

@gumshoe the cold doesn't bother us. We usually holiday somewhere cold during the winter, we went to Tallinn, Estonia a few years ago and it was -13! Fabulous. I have thermal long johns for those kinds of trips.

I think you all know how much I like shopping, after all I bought an extra expandable suitcase in Canada last year to accommodate my habit, and took and filled a spare bag in Japan this year. We're running out of room at home, quite literally. We just shopped in Krakow - both had room in our cases, filled; bought an extra backpack for some and had some shipped! (which arrived today, yay). I need a bigger home

I am thinking about maybe around Christmas or January, otherwise early spring as we shall be in Japan in April.

Time to start looking at hotels and stuff to come up with some more firm plans before I make my presentation to 'im indoors

Big fan of NYC too, and have been in the spring (end of March) and summer so can't comment on the other seasons. Spring was great though, and it was really lovely - the weather was crisp, sky was blue, and made great pictures. It was pleasant, and being someone who's always cold, I was quite happy with jeans, top and a jacket.

I agree 're staying away from times square. Our favourite hotel is the Sherry Netherland, on 5th and 59th (i think), just on the southeast corner of central park. The location was great, just on the edge of the upper east side, and if you or your other half enjoy shopping, it's next to all the great shops and Bloomingdales. The service was really excellent, and we loved being in such a beautiful and grand building. We also walked pretty much everywhere from there. I have also stayed at the courtyard midtown east, which was less luxurious but it was cheaper and pleasant.

If you love good food, I would highly recommend Bouley, and also The Modern which is in Moma. Spending a day at Moma with a break for a lovely meal was wonderful.

You have to see a show on Broadway, and there will be something that suits every taste.I know some people book tickets on the day but generally I book ahead online and there are often decent discounts. Another evening activity that I can recommend is the Mecury Lounge, for live music. We managed to catch a great local band, who was absolutely fantastic, and the atmosphere was intimate and fun.

For places to see, we bought a city pass online, which is worth checking out as it's good value, and you can pick and choose what to see, with a queue jump. In addition to the main attractions, I would also recommend The High Line (maybe after a stroll in the Chelsea market), and also a return ride on the Roosevelt tramway, for a mere 5 USD to see the skyline from above. I also enjoyed a jog in central park, not being a runner usually.

The final tip is probably to head to Brooklyn in the morning, and walk back to Manhattan on the bridge against the crowd. That way you will have the beautiful Manhattan skyline in front of you the whole way.

And now I want to go again! You will love it! In fact I don't know anyone who doesn't fall in love with NYC. Oh and if you haven't already, there's a book called the confession of a new York taxi driver, which I read on my way out to NYC on the vs flight. It's a good laugh, and I felt almost familiar with the city by the time I got there. If you want a light hearted read before the trip, that could be perfect.

Thanks mrsw, that's useful. We've used city pass in Toronto and plan on doing the sane in Boston later this year. I'll check out the hotel too.
Thanks

I forgot to say that weather permitting, a rooftop bar would be a must. I tried booking the bar at the Refinery Hotel for my summer trip but there was a private function going on. Apparently it has great views of the empire state building.

Actually I am one of those people that always have a detailed itinerary for every trip I make, so if it would be of help send me a pm and I'll email them across to you. I'm currently in Sicily so will be able to send it next week

I forgot to say that weather permitting, a rooftop bar would be a must. I tried booking the bar at the Refinery Hotel for my summer trip but there was a private function going on. Apparently it has great views of the empire state building.

Actually I am one of those people that always have a detailed itinerary for every trip I make, so if it would be of help send me a pm and I'll email them across to you. I'm currently in Sicily so will be able to send it next week

I forgot to say that weather permitting, a rooftop bar would be a must. I tried booking the bar at the Refinery Hotel for my summer trip but there was a private function going on. Apparently it has great views of the empire state building.

Actually I am one of those people that always have a detailed itinerary for every trip I make, so if it would be of help send me a pm and I'll email them across to you. I'm currently in Sicily so will be able to send it next week

i havent been for 15 years but would agree five nights would be good. i went for 3 and 4 nights but always felt it was too short. though the first time was just to buy a drumkit from nyack.
i went in both spring and october. personally preferred october.
also as everyone says there is lots to do. you will walk alot and the food is simply amazing.
we managed to see a broadway show but didnt get to see any sports.
im sure whatever you do will be coool

Thanks again, I think I'll have to see a Broadway show, I'm a show queen anyway, so it's a must!

Another vote for the circle line boat tour the top of the rock and the empire to the 101st floor (not just the 86th)
The intrepid and shake shack or a burger.
I recently stayed in the holiday inn express times sq and foun that to be a good location close to everything.
I will be returning in October for a long weekend an got a good deal on a Hilton garden inn right on times sq (not built yet!)
I Love NY.

I agree with other posters - reading all this makes we want to go to NYC again too!!

Totally agree with all the sightseeing suggestions above, but if you are planning a winter trip, would add Bryant Park Ice Rink and Christmas Market - a lovely atmosphere in the evening (and the Bryant Park Grill is great for a good dinner).

For the epitome of Christmas spirit, Radio City Music Hall is fabulous. I have been twice and, yes, it is a little bit tacky and sentimental, but I still want to go again!

Just need to persuade my OH that we need to go again!

John, I went for this first time in September (Simons 4th), the weather was hot and humid! We really enjoyed, so we're going back in march for 5 days then visiting Washington for another 5 days.
We did 1 day of buildings, sites etc.
1 day we were so very "tired" from the previous nights shenanigans (Broadway bingo with very strong "skinny bitches" in a colourful bar/club is never a good idea) so we did a day on the open top bus, think the ticket is for 2 days.
We ventured out of NYC for one day and went to Woodbury common for some outlet shopping. That was good!
There's so much shopping tho you will love it! the £ as it is makes it even better!
Food is amazing over there, we used tripadviser and weren't disappointed. We even booked our restaurants weeks in advance to get a table.
We stayed at "the out NYC" a straight friendly establishment! I wouldn't recommend, it doubles as a nightclub on the weekends. But the staff are all beautiful, our room was massive and they have a wicked happy hour every day!

Great stuff. I would choose Highline +++ for a great casual stroll. Breakfast at the Mandarin Oriental - especially the omelette. Dinner at Rosa Mexicana. And then I would choose to go to Flight Club during the day - but I can't imagine you are a sneakerhead so I doubt you'd find shrinkwrapped trainers particularly fascinating

Good luck with it.

(I'm also looking to speak to Virgin Atlantic flyers of all tiers who'd like to chat about the service and the brand - any takers just message me and I'll explain what I am trying to find out)

For the epitome of Christmas spirit, Radio City Music Hall is fabulous. I have been twice and, yes, it is a little bit tacky and sentimental

That's a tad like saying "Australia is a bit big" or "Simon Cowell's trousers a bit high waisted"

Live camels, duplicating Scary Santas and a story that seemed to say that video games cured all unhappiness (may have misunderstood that bit) were the order of the day when we went. Still thought it was great and the Rockettes routines were treat, particularly the tin soldiers....Some of it I didn't get until somebody pointed out that the separation of church and state in the US means that nativity plays are not a feature of US childhood in the state school system.

You're all very helpful. Darren please do elaborate on what "Broadway bingo" is. I'm not sure we would want to stay at "the out NYC" my OH shies away from notorious homosexual establishments for fear of bumping into screaming queens tanked up on vodka dancing on tables in tight t-shirts

He can't cope and he is in his senior years so I don't force him lol

I will walk the High line every time I go for the rest of my life. love seeing NYC from there. Also, for high views, take the lift to the Cocktail Bar on the top of the Rock, no charge, but..... you have to buy a cocktail, that's all they expect. If you are there in Winter it is indoors with great views down Manhattan, but for views of Central park you have to go the Gents loo. Yep Honest, no kiddin.Dont make our mistake though, it was great not to have to queue, it was great not to have a ticket charge... but we spent over $100 on cocktails. loved it that much and the cocktail waiter was a star.

Broadway bingo was in essence bingo but you needed to answer a question, listen to a musical clip or watch a video about musicals. Get it right and you stamp out the number.
From what I remember the compare banned me from playing!
Don't think he was to impressed with me on top of the table in a tight t-shirt with a bottle of goose in my hand screaming out the answers!



I won't go back to the out. Not my cup of tea! Not a Latino go-go dancer in sight...I miss Miami!!!!! Lol

Been a few years since I have been to New York. We bought a 3 day pass from attraction tickets direct, gets you in pretty much anywhere for 3 consecutive days.

Also the hop on hop off bus tour is worth looking at. We bought a 5 day pass and used them for transport around New York. Very handy and saved us a lot compared to taxis etc. get on and off where u please as many times as you like. they went past all the attractions and had different loops depending where u wanted to go. We stayed in the renaissance Times Square and there was a stop directly at the hotel door.

We visited in January for 5 nights. Would have liked longer. Place never sleeps.

Would love to be heading back. Oh and head to the cold stone creamery, best ice cream in NY!!!!

Enjoy!

Hi John
We go over to NY twice a year to stay with family just 12 miles outside NY so I can't comment on hotels, but often we'll go to NY for the day.
Timing - I can recommend the run-up to Christmas so that you see Macy's shop windows - yes really, they have every window decked out with huge Heath-Robinson style moving scenarios, utterly fascinating to watch them move. And at that time you'll see the fabulous Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Centre. Central Park and the horse-drawn carriages, lots of them all trotting along behind each other. Top of the Rock is fabulous, the views in every direction are breath-taking. I love the walk along the Hudson in the area of Battery Park and there are restaurants right beside the river and then you can walk a few yards and admire the new Freedom Tower. Ferry views - for my money you can't beat the ferry from Paulus Hook, Jersey City to West 39th Street, midtown Manhattan because you get the wonderful view of everything from the Empire State Building to the Freedom Tower and you've also got the Statue of Liberty just to the side. And, if that's not enough, you're crossing the stretch of water where Sully Sullenberger landed that plane on the Hudson - and marvel anew at his skill. And yes, definitely the High Line, a long walk formed from an old high-level railway (think the height of a railway bridge above a road in the UK). You can still see the rail lines in places but the rest is a garden. The end of it is the Meat Packing district, all old cobbles, old buildings, wonderful Chelsea Market food areas and little restaurants.
PM me if you want photos of some of these to persuade him indoors.