3 days in New York - where to stay, what to see
Discussion
My wife, my self and one of my daughters are going to New York for a short, three day, break at the end of May. We'd like to do the sites, see a show and go shopping.
As such, does anyone have suggestions as to (1) Sites worth seeing; (2) A decent hotel to stay - ideally near Central Park.
As such, does anyone have suggestions as to (1) Sites worth seeing; (2) A decent hotel to stay - ideally near Central Park.
I stayed in the Wolcott Hotel in easter, its a budget hotel but really close to the action, only a couple of blocks down from the Empire State. Whilst it was a budget hotel the rooms were great, perfectly comfortable etc.
In terms of things to see, the Empire State at night is a must, absolutley fantastic views across New York.
East Village is fantastic, really bohemian, its real New Yoik.
Dont bother with the WTC, theres not much there really at the mo.
Ellis Island, again, a bit of a waste of time. No feeling to the place, spose its worth a visit if you have relatives that went through there or something though.
Times Square - Incredible at night and pretty safe. Your kids will love the Toy's R Us
Ben
In terms of things to see, the Empire State at night is a must, absolutley fantastic views across New York.
East Village is fantastic, really bohemian, its real New Yoik.
Dont bother with the WTC, theres not much there really at the mo.
Ellis Island, again, a bit of a waste of time. No feeling to the place, spose its worth a visit if you have relatives that went through there or something though.
Times Square - Incredible at night and pretty safe. Your kids will love the Toy's R Us
Ben
Hotel depends on budget, a nice cheap hotel is www.radiocityapartments.com although probably booked now for may, it is slap bang in times square.
www.tripadvisor.com is your friend, honest reviews of hotels.
Empire at night:
[img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ian.storey4/night1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ian.storey4/night2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ian.storey4/night3.jpg[/img]
I would go just before dusk, then you can see daytime and night.
tkts booth in times square will sell show tickets discounted, huge queues though if not early.
If going into macys, go to the visitors centre first, show passport get a pass that will get you 11% off every purchase for entire stay. Bloomingdales also do it but very limited on what they discount.
Statue of liberty can be seen by going to the island (you still cant go up though) or by getting the statten island ferry past it for free.
Check out ticketmaster and see if any concerts/basketball etc on while you are there too.
For getting about i would use the subway every time, a $21 pass gives you 7 days unlimited use, the subways are very safe and easy to use, and go everywhere.
>> Edited by Ian_S on Saturday 30th April 17:14
www.tripadvisor.com is your friend, honest reviews of hotels.
Empire at night:
[img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ian.storey4/night1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ian.storey4/night2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ian.storey4/night3.jpg[/img]
I would go just before dusk, then you can see daytime and night.
tkts booth in times square will sell show tickets discounted, huge queues though if not early.
If going into macys, go to the visitors centre first, show passport get a pass that will get you 11% off every purchase for entire stay. Bloomingdales also do it but very limited on what they discount.
Statue of liberty can be seen by going to the island (you still cant go up though) or by getting the statten island ferry past it for free.
Check out ticketmaster and see if any concerts/basketball etc on while you are there too.
For getting about i would use the subway every time, a $21 pass gives you 7 days unlimited use, the subways are very safe and easy to use, and go everywhere.
>> Edited by Ian_S on Saturday 30th April 17:14
4 days in New York a couple of years ago. One of the best times I've had!
Came back knackered.
We stayed in a hotel just off Times Square. Can't remember the name, but it was an art deco type place.
Mid range price.
I would suggest a hotel as close to Times Square as poss. There are some posh ones right in the centre. depends how much you want to spend!!
A limo from the airport is a must (about £100) Your first view of the Manhatten skyline is one you will always remember, especially if it's dusk.
I would also suggest room only, like we did.
We never ate in the hotel, not even breakfast. There are just so many places to eat within a few mins of the hotel.
Empire State, Liberty, and Ellis Island, the Guggenhiem museum, I found them all fascinating.
Central park is worth a walk. It's bigger than I thought!
The subway is great fun as are the yellow cabs.
Shopping: Levi's are cheap. I came back with half a dozen pairs. Macy's is worth a look. Virgin megastore.
The list is endless.
Don't forget to say hello to the naked cowboy
(well, nearly) who plays the guitar in Times Square!!
Oh, and the site of the World Trade Centre was quite moving.
Came back knackered.
We stayed in a hotel just off Times Square. Can't remember the name, but it was an art deco type place.
Mid range price.
I would suggest a hotel as close to Times Square as poss. There are some posh ones right in the centre. depends how much you want to spend!!
A limo from the airport is a must (about £100) Your first view of the Manhatten skyline is one you will always remember, especially if it's dusk.
I would also suggest room only, like we did.
We never ate in the hotel, not even breakfast. There are just so many places to eat within a few mins of the hotel.
Empire State, Liberty, and Ellis Island, the Guggenhiem museum, I found them all fascinating.
Central park is worth a walk. It's bigger than I thought!
The subway is great fun as are the yellow cabs.
Shopping: Levi's are cheap. I came back with half a dozen pairs. Macy's is worth a look. Virgin megastore.
The list is endless.
Don't forget to say hello to the naked cowboy
(well, nearly) who plays the guitar in Times Square!!
Oh, and the site of the World Trade Centre was quite moving.
Personally, I wouldn't bother with the limo. Taxi to anywhere in manhattan is $45 flat rate plus toll if you take the tunnel. Tell the cheeky begger to take the bridge though so you get to see the city as you come in.
Not too sure about hotels as it depends on budget. Again, personally, I would bother with shelling out with too much as you will hopefully be out of the hotel more than you'll be in it. The city will empty your pockets bloody quickly too as everyone and their mother wants a tip! Queue the Resoviour Dogs opening scene.
Get to the museums, a show and take the kids to the zoo in Central Park. There are quite a few car hire places too. Get to SoHo for some shopping and do the big shops (Barney's, Macey's etc). Might be an idea to rent something and get out of the city for the day but that might be a bit tight if you only have 3 days.
Just remember not to use the dodgey taxi drivers who come up to you at the airport as they will charge a fortune. Also, avoid using the hotel phones, or at least clarify the charges as some of them are hideously expensive.
Should be a good trip if you get everything in and the weather is sweet.
Good Luck
MARA
wow, I re-read that and I am becoming a tight arse
Not too sure about hotels as it depends on budget. Again, personally, I would bother with shelling out with too much as you will hopefully be out of the hotel more than you'll be in it. The city will empty your pockets bloody quickly too as everyone and their mother wants a tip! Queue the Resoviour Dogs opening scene.
Get to the museums, a show and take the kids to the zoo in Central Park. There are quite a few car hire places too. Get to SoHo for some shopping and do the big shops (Barney's, Macey's etc). Might be an idea to rent something and get out of the city for the day but that might be a bit tight if you only have 3 days.
Just remember not to use the dodgey taxi drivers who come up to you at the airport as they will charge a fortune. Also, avoid using the hotel phones, or at least clarify the charges as some of them are hideously expensive.
Should be a good trip if you get everything in and the weather is sweet.
Good Luck
MARA
wow, I re-read that and I am becoming a tight arse
I stopped at the Days Midtown on Fifth Avenue, five minutes walk from Central Park and Times square.....
Seriously suggest you definitely take at LEAST two open top bus tours as New York is just TOO big to wander round aimlessly......Well worth the money, for what you get to see.....
Also, Ground Zero....
Central Park, (plus the Dakota Building) where Yoko Ono lives and John Lennon was shot......
The Flat Iron AND Chrysler building,
Empire State,
Macy's
Statue of Liberty...(not as tall as I expected)
Brooklyn Bridge
Harlem
Coney Island, (A very atmospheric run down amusement park).....30 mins on the underground...
Get up early, and stop out late, there's loads to do and see.............
Seriously suggest you definitely take at LEAST two open top bus tours as New York is just TOO big to wander round aimlessly......Well worth the money, for what you get to see.....
Also, Ground Zero....
Central Park, (plus the Dakota Building) where Yoko Ono lives and John Lennon was shot......
The Flat Iron AND Chrysler building,
Empire State,
Macy's
Statue of Liberty...(not as tall as I expected)
Brooklyn Bridge
Harlem
Coney Island, (A very atmospheric run down amusement park).....30 mins on the underground...
Get up early, and stop out late, there's loads to do and see.............
I'm there twice a month at the moment and likely more often in the future if I can get some vc money to get a new business off the ground. Got back to London today after a several days in NY, quite bizarre because my 85 year old Mum and my sister were there on a weeks hols. They did the boat trip from close to SS Intrepid down past Ellis Island, S of L and up the East river. Fabulous skyline (albeit lacking a certain landmark or two these days) and great for the photo album on a good weather day. They also got the helicopter tour from Pier 6 and said it was fantastic - especially since neither had been in a chopper before.
They stayed in the Milford Plaza close to Times Square and got a great deal off Expedia. I usually stay at the Radisson Lexington at 49th because I can usually get such a great price - it's only 10 blocks from Central Park and the same from Bloomingdales. Great position for trips to 5th Ave etc.
Do take the long ride in the horse drawn carriage through Central Park - nothing to match it.
Take in a show but book before you go - Expedia again. Chicago is well worth the $35-45 per seat cost.
They stayed in the Milford Plaza close to Times Square and got a great deal off Expedia. I usually stay at the Radisson Lexington at 49th because I can usually get such a great price - it's only 10 blocks from Central Park and the same from Bloomingdales. Great position for trips to 5th Ave etc.
Do take the long ride in the horse drawn carriage through Central Park - nothing to match it.
Take in a show but book before you go - Expedia again. Chicago is well worth the $35-45 per seat cost.
Empire State Building at night (well worth queuing for the views of NYC);
Grand Central Station (get your shoes shined and visit one of the World's finest delicatessens);
Chrysler Building;
Flat Iron Building;
Times Square (at night is best. Don't forget your camera);
Staten Island ferry;
Central Park (go for a jog around there if you have the time and inclination)
MOMA is good.
Wall Street is interesting and is easy to take in briefly if you do do the Staten Island ferry. I really wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, but ran out of time.
Window shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, Fifth Ave. is a must. The displays are works of art. Tiffany's is a bit of a let down. Macy's was, for me, a vision of hell. Nike Town is a must if you are into sportswear. You could break the bank quite easily in there. Bloomingdales is supposed to be great, though I never went there (I wasn't really interested in shopping though when I visited NYC).
Have fun! I bought the "Rough Guide to NYC". It is excellent.
Edited to add, don't see "Phantom of the Opera." I hate Lloyd Weber, but was press ganged into going by my friends. It was completely and utterly sh!t.
>> Edited by EmmaP on Sunday 1st May 00:57
Grand Central Station (get your shoes shined and visit one of the World's finest delicatessens);
Chrysler Building;
Flat Iron Building;
Times Square (at night is best. Don't forget your camera);
Staten Island ferry;
Central Park (go for a jog around there if you have the time and inclination)
MOMA is good.
Wall Street is interesting and is easy to take in briefly if you do do the Staten Island ferry. I really wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, but ran out of time.
Window shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, Fifth Ave. is a must. The displays are works of art. Tiffany's is a bit of a let down. Macy's was, for me, a vision of hell. Nike Town is a must if you are into sportswear. You could break the bank quite easily in there. Bloomingdales is supposed to be great, though I never went there (I wasn't really interested in shopping though when I visited NYC).
Have fun! I bought the "Rough Guide to NYC". It is excellent.
Edited to add, don't see "Phantom of the Opera." I hate Lloyd Weber, but was press ganged into going by my friends. It was completely and utterly sh!t.
>> Edited by EmmaP on Sunday 1st May 00:57
I had a four night stay in NY in 2002 and got a room at the Radisson Lexington for a reasonable rate from expedia.
I'd echo a lot of advice from here, but would add that the best way to see the city is on foot. The southern tip including Wall St., Ground Zero and a trip via the Staten Ferry to see the Statue of Libery and Ellis Island can be done in one day.
Greenwich Village and SoHo ar worth walking around. If you are of a vintage that remembers punk rock then at least see the famous CBGBs on the Lower East Side, though don't bother going in (the Bowery Ballroom down the road is a much better place to catch a gig nowadays)
MOMA was undergoing major refurbishment when I was there and I only saw a couple of must-see pieces such as Van Gogh's Starry Night, but it's fully open now and surely a must.
Personally I found Times Sq to be a tourist hell, and once visited forever avoided. GCS is definitely worth a look however. Central Park and Strawberry Fields are worth a visit.
If it is open outside of winter, the ice rink outside the Rockerfeller centre is good, and you also have the Ed Sullivan Theatre, where David Letterman is filmed, nearby.
Apparantly, a real taste of NY can be found by the Fulton Fish market in the early morning. This is pretty much right under the Brooklyn Bridge, and there's a bar nearby which Buffalo Bill Cody frequented.
All in all, I can't wait to go back! Enjoy.
I'd echo a lot of advice from here, but would add that the best way to see the city is on foot. The southern tip including Wall St., Ground Zero and a trip via the Staten Ferry to see the Statue of Libery and Ellis Island can be done in one day.
Greenwich Village and SoHo ar worth walking around. If you are of a vintage that remembers punk rock then at least see the famous CBGBs on the Lower East Side, though don't bother going in (the Bowery Ballroom down the road is a much better place to catch a gig nowadays)
MOMA was undergoing major refurbishment when I was there and I only saw a couple of must-see pieces such as Van Gogh's Starry Night, but it's fully open now and surely a must.
Personally I found Times Sq to be a tourist hell, and once visited forever avoided. GCS is definitely worth a look however. Central Park and Strawberry Fields are worth a visit.
If it is open outside of winter, the ice rink outside the Rockerfeller centre is good, and you also have the Ed Sullivan Theatre, where David Letterman is filmed, nearby.
Apparantly, a real taste of NY can be found by the Fulton Fish market in the early morning. This is pretty much right under the Brooklyn Bridge, and there's a bar nearby which Buffalo Bill Cody frequented.
All in all, I can't wait to go back! Enjoy.
I'm living in Manhattan at the moment, and it's a great place to be.
I'd say that the main things to do are
1) Grey line bus tour
2) Circle line boat trip (the three hour one that does the whole island)
And other than that, I'd just recommend that you have a good walk around. Everything is just so different here, and, although the organised tours give you agood overview, you will not see it properly without walking between some of the different areas.
I'd say that the main things to do are
1) Grey line bus tour
2) Circle line boat trip (the three hour one that does the whole island)
And other than that, I'd just recommend that you have a good walk around. Everything is just so different here, and, although the organised tours give you agood overview, you will not see it properly without walking between some of the different areas.
I usually stay at the Sheraton Manhattan, its about five blocks south of Central Park and in walking distance to just about everything you would want to see.
Check out the Museum of Natural History, and see if you can get tickets to any of the shows. I saw "Wicked" there last summer, it was a very good show.
I also recommend the China Grill in the CBS building first floor and Gallaghers for the best steak you will ever eat.
Check out the Museum of Natural History, and see if you can get tickets to any of the shows. I saw "Wicked" there last summer, it was a very good show.
I also recommend the China Grill in the CBS building first floor and Gallaghers for the best steak you will ever eat.
I would say definitely walk round (though don't do what I did on the last night and walk from 5th St (or something like that) in Greenwich Village to 57th St in Manhattan in high heels. Despite the pain of the last four blocks, it was a magical experience at 2am and one that I shall never forget, taking in Times Square en route.) It is a great way to get a real sense of the place, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of the great city.
If it all gets a bit much for the old back, take thirty minutes out and get a Chinese massage in China Town. That was one of my highlights.
I fell in love with the city to the extent that I would love to live there. Circumstances dictate that this is not possible though at present.
>> Edited by EmmaP on Sunday 1st May 15:25
If it all gets a bit much for the old back, take thirty minutes out and get a Chinese massage in China Town. That was one of my highlights.
I fell in love with the city to the extent that I would love to live there. Circumstances dictate that this is not possible though at present.
>> Edited by EmmaP on Sunday 1st May 15:25
When shopping in Macy's go to the Visitor Centre (on the Mezzanine floor) and show your UK passport for a discount of 11% (this applies to ANY Macy's in the US 
)
We stayed at the Roger Williams http://hotelrogerwilliams.com/home.php which is in a great midtown location, 2 blocks East of the Empire State Building. Continental brekkie is included (a rarity in NY!).
Also, book Empire State Building tickets online and print them out (barcodes). The ticket office opened at 9.30 when we were there, but the lifts are open from 9.00 - we got the roof almost to ourselves!
) We stayed at the Roger Williams http://hotelrogerwilliams.com/home.php which is in a great midtown location, 2 blocks East of the Empire State Building. Continental brekkie is included (a rarity in NY!).
Also, book Empire State Building tickets online and print them out (barcodes). The ticket office opened at 9.30 when we were there, but the lifts are open from 9.00 - we got the roof almost to ourselves!
Thanks guys, in the light of all your ideas we're gonna stay for four nights (five days) and not three.
We're booked to stay at the Warwick Hotel, which looks pretty good to me:
www.warwickhotelny.com/
We will enjoy early starts and late finishes, and plenty inbetween.
We're booked to stay at the Warwick Hotel, which looks pretty good to me:
www.warwickhotelny.com/
We will enjoy early starts and late finishes, and plenty inbetween.
[quote=EmmaP]Empire State Building at night (well worth queuing for the views of NYC);
Grand Central Station (get your shoes shined and visit one of the World's finest delicatessens);
Chrysler Building;
Flat Iron Building;
Times Square (at night is best. Don't forget your camera);
Staten Island ferry;
Central Park (go for a jog around there if you have the time and inclination)
MOMA is good.
Great list EmmaP and I would add FAO Schwaz a great toyshop, Radio city, Rockerfeller centre and the UN building. Also go to the Bull and the Bear bar on the back of the Waldoff, the bar just has a nice feel about it, friendly full of the wall street crowd and very laid back. Really there is so much to do. I go at least once a year and on my last trip (Last month) I noticed that the queuing is getting out of hand, albeit a necessity but I think it can be managed better. For the Ellis Island trip we arrived at 8.40 and by the time we went through security we arrived at the island at 11.10, if you go to the Statue of Liberty you have to go through another security check before you can enter the statue. Empire State is the same 2 hours from entering the buildings front door to accessing the elevators, however regardless of this a great city to visit.
Have fun
Grand Central Station (get your shoes shined and visit one of the World's finest delicatessens);
Chrysler Building;
Flat Iron Building;
Times Square (at night is best. Don't forget your camera);
Staten Island ferry;
Central Park (go for a jog around there if you have the time and inclination)
MOMA is good.
Great list EmmaP and I would add FAO Schwaz a great toyshop, Radio city, Rockerfeller centre and the UN building. Also go to the Bull and the Bear bar on the back of the Waldoff, the bar just has a nice feel about it, friendly full of the wall street crowd and very laid back. Really there is so much to do. I go at least once a year and on my last trip (Last month) I noticed that the queuing is getting out of hand, albeit a necessity but I think it can be managed better. For the Ellis Island trip we arrived at 8.40 and by the time we went through security we arrived at the island at 11.10, if you go to the Statue of Liberty you have to go through another security check before you can enter the statue. Empire State is the same 2 hours from entering the buildings front door to accessing the elevators, however regardless of this a great city to visit.
Have fun
srebbe64 said:
Thanks guys, in the light of all your ideas we're gonna stay for four nights (five days) and not three
Good idea! I stayed for five days. I planned each day carefully so as to get the maximum out of it. And yes, it really is worth queing for two hours to get to the top of the Empire State Building. You can get your photograph taken too in front of a picture of it. I had mine done with my friends and I struck a pose mimicking King Kong, hanging off the top of the tower.
Have fun! I'm sure you will.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Will do Jamie. Originally I was going under duress. Every year I take my eldest son to Le Mans so my missus said I need to take my eldest daughter somewhere! Because she's a "Friends" fanatic, she said New York would be her first choice. I didn't particularly fancy going to a big noisy city, but, thanks to the very positive response on this thread, I'm really looking forward to it now!
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