New York New York
Discussion
Hello People.
It's my 60th next year and rather than spend loads of money having a great big bash with all of my friend, I've decided to go to New York for a week instead with Mrs. A.
We've never been before and I would love to hear of the wonderful things to see and the not so wonderful, to avoid.
Staying in the Hilton (Midtown).
So far I have booked a Helicopter flight (without doors), and I am s
t scared of heights, so that's nice, and my birthday meal will be at PJ Clarks on 3rd as it looks authentic and not too posh. 
It's my 60th next year and rather than spend loads of money having a great big bash with all of my friend, I've decided to go to New York for a week instead with Mrs. A.
We've never been before and I would love to hear of the wonderful things to see and the not so wonderful, to avoid.
Staying in the Hilton (Midtown).
So far I have booked a Helicopter flight (without doors), and I am s
t scared of heights, so that's nice, and my birthday meal will be at PJ Clarks on 3rd as it looks authentic and not too posh. You'll have a great time, I've been twice and I'm heading back for 4 nights in December and can't wait.
Be prepared for lots of walking, I'd suggest trying to sort an itinerary out before you go and clump it into areas so you can spend more time doing stuff than travelling about.
Attraction passes are good as it'll save you some pennies on the entrance fees to things like the Empire State Building, Top Of The Rock, Statue of Liberty etc. We did 'The New York' pass each time and will be doing the same next month.
It's a great place, great food and loads to see and do, you'll have a blast. I fancied one of those open door helicopter rides but the wife won't even entertain it. It didn't help that a helicopter crashed into the top of a building next door to our hotel last time we were there I suppose!
Be prepared for lots of walking, I'd suggest trying to sort an itinerary out before you go and clump it into areas so you can spend more time doing stuff than travelling about.
Attraction passes are good as it'll save you some pennies on the entrance fees to things like the Empire State Building, Top Of The Rock, Statue of Liberty etc. We did 'The New York' pass each time and will be doing the same next month.
It's a great place, great food and loads to see and do, you'll have a blast. I fancied one of those open door helicopter rides but the wife won't even entertain it. It didn't help that a helicopter crashed into the top of a building next door to our hotel last time we were there I suppose!
RicksAlfas said:
USS Intrepid.
Walk on the Highline.
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge.
Stroll round Central Park.
Go up the Rockefeller.
Have a guided walking tour.
Visit twin towers site.
Marvel at how many places you recognise off the TV and from films!
You can canoe around the Intrepid, wish I had done that when I went! Seinfeld diner too. Must go back!Walk on the Highline.
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge.
Stroll round Central Park.
Go up the Rockefeller.
Have a guided walking tour.
Visit twin towers site.
Marvel at how many places you recognise off the TV and from films!
Places to eat will cause major debate on here but if you are looking for reasonably priced and "authentic NYC" then you may want to try places like -
Katz Deli on east houston street just be aware its gets busy because of the association with When Harry Met Sally alongside great pastrami
Tavern on the Green on 67th
Sylvias Soul Food on 126th Street and you get to see the delights of Harlem at the same time
Westway diner for an american diner experience. Try the corned beef hash for breakfast
In Midtown and times square avoid the people trying to sell you stuff, get you into venues (they are never the good ones) and trying to scam you.
As for sights, as said above get a combined ticket.
Katz Deli on east houston street just be aware its gets busy because of the association with When Harry Met Sally alongside great pastrami
Tavern on the Green on 67th
Sylvias Soul Food on 126th Street and you get to see the delights of Harlem at the same time
Westway diner for an american diner experience. Try the corned beef hash for breakfast
In Midtown and times square avoid the people trying to sell you stuff, get you into venues (they are never the good ones) and trying to scam you.
As for sights, as said above get a combined ticket.
Not to be a bore but i would search on New York, lots of the same questions and answers on there, I know as I’ve replied to many before being a resident of new york( and ex resident of Manhattan), but I still commute in for work
I’m sure hobo will also assist
A few local suggestions
Generally don’t eat in midtown lower than 20th , or upper east side is best(imo)
I know as a newbie you hit the usuals, great, but make time to walk the lower 20th streets too,
Do empire in the day and the rock for sun set. , rock has a nice view including the empire so makes the shots more nyc, plus if you go just before sunset your get a nice view of Central Park too
Places to east are too numerous, not sure on PJ, been there for drinks and otsters once but not amazing that I went back
Try a steak house, Gallaghers, wolfgangs on park ave . Peter ligers in Brooklyn has the biggest rep but personally not a fan
Pizza, lots of pizza, try a 1usd pizza place( inflation has reduced these ) but a great grab lunch for cheap, better pizza is johns on bleecker, o booking, just turn up and add graffiti to the walls and table if you want.
Upthai on upper east side is great Thai food, Katz as someone mentioned has legendary sandwich, expensive but big enough to share
I’d miss out green tavern personally, food is average and expensive but if you go at dusk and grab a drink it has a great atmosphere for sure
Just too many places to list hence do research on older replies, just dont randomly go in a place in midtown, 1pct are good, the rest over priced tourist crap
I’m sure hobo will also assist
A few local suggestions
Generally don’t eat in midtown lower than 20th , or upper east side is best(imo)
I know as a newbie you hit the usuals, great, but make time to walk the lower 20th streets too,
Do empire in the day and the rock for sun set. , rock has a nice view including the empire so makes the shots more nyc, plus if you go just before sunset your get a nice view of Central Park too
Places to east are too numerous, not sure on PJ, been there for drinks and otsters once but not amazing that I went back
Try a steak house, Gallaghers, wolfgangs on park ave . Peter ligers in Brooklyn has the biggest rep but personally not a fan
Pizza, lots of pizza, try a 1usd pizza place( inflation has reduced these ) but a great grab lunch for cheap, better pizza is johns on bleecker, o booking, just turn up and add graffiti to the walls and table if you want.
Upthai on upper east side is great Thai food, Katz as someone mentioned has legendary sandwich, expensive but big enough to share
I’d miss out green tavern personally, food is average and expensive but if you go at dusk and grab a drink it has a great atmosphere for sure
Just too many places to list hence do research on older replies, just dont randomly go in a place in midtown, 1pct are good, the rest over priced tourist crap
craigjm said:
Places to eat will cause major debate on here but if you are looking for reasonably priced and "authentic NYC" then you may want to try places like -
Katz Deli on east houston street just be aware its gets busy because of the association with When Harry Met Sally alongside great pastrami
Tavern on the Green on 67th
Sylvias Soul Food on 126th Street and you get to see the delights of Harlem at the same time
Westway diner for an american diner experience. Try the corned beef hash for breakfast
In Midtown and times square avoid the people trying to sell you stuff, get you into venues (they are never the good ones) and trying to scam you.
As for sights, as said above get a combined ticket.
Another vote for Sylvia’s and try going on a Sunday after everyone comes out of church. Nice food and great atmosphereKatz Deli on east houston street just be aware its gets busy because of the association with When Harry Met Sally alongside great pastrami
Tavern on the Green on 67th
Sylvias Soul Food on 126th Street and you get to see the delights of Harlem at the same time
Westway diner for an american diner experience. Try the corned beef hash for breakfast
In Midtown and times square avoid the people trying to sell you stuff, get you into venues (they are never the good ones) and trying to scam you.
As for sights, as said above get a combined ticket.
Don't be blinded by the glitz of New York, it's a filthy, stinking city with many problems. You'll see a lot of it just walking around.
That said however, it's a great place, there's some lovely parts especially in MidTown. Highline is a must.
I've been 3 times over the past 10 years and it changes every time
That said however, it's a great place, there's some lovely parts especially in MidTown. Highline is a must.
I've been 3 times over the past 10 years and it changes every time
DavePanda said:
Don't be blinded by the glitz of New York, it's a filthy, stinking city with many problems. You'll see a lot of it just walking around.
That said however, it's a great place, there's some lovely parts especially in MidTown. Highline is a must.
I've been 3 times over the past 10 years and it changes every time
erm, no midtown does notThat said however, it's a great place, there's some lovely parts especially in MidTown. Highline is a must.
I've been 3 times over the past 10 years and it changes every time
West village, lower east side and Chelsea does however...
We were there for a few nights in August. You haven’t said when you’re going, but in Aug it was effing hot. Made walking around a bit of a trial, which you will want to do.
We regretted staying in Midtown as there is no escape from the chains and the tourist traps. Wish we had stayed in an actual neighbourhood and travelled in. This way we would have been more likely to find places the locals frequent.
We did Summit one as our observatory experience. Impressive with great views of the Empire State and the Chrysler building. On the downside, it’s definitely been designed as an “experience” with the balls and the mirrors and the Alton Towers style ominous background sounds to heighten the drama. Felt intrusive and like gilding the lily, if New York can’t speak for itself, I give up.
An afternoon in Brooklyn was a nice change of pace. We were there on a Saturday and the huge number of brides having their photos taken with the Manhattan skyline as their backdrop was funny.
The ferry that circles Manhattan makes a number of stops around and about, midtown, Brooklyn etc and gives a bit of respite while letting you see the city from a different angle.
Here be Barr on YouTube appears to be the default source for everything NY and his advice is generally sound, but as with all things, because he has publicised it, everyone knows about it too.
Despite my complaints re: tourist traps, we did enjoy Ellen’s Stardust diner. Solid diner fare with wannabe broadway singing stars as waiting staff. One waiter tucking the mic under his chin as he did his spot while pouring three drinks from the dispenser was impressive. Would recommend, but you’ll almost certainly queue.
We regretted staying in Midtown as there is no escape from the chains and the tourist traps. Wish we had stayed in an actual neighbourhood and travelled in. This way we would have been more likely to find places the locals frequent.
We did Summit one as our observatory experience. Impressive with great views of the Empire State and the Chrysler building. On the downside, it’s definitely been designed as an “experience” with the balls and the mirrors and the Alton Towers style ominous background sounds to heighten the drama. Felt intrusive and like gilding the lily, if New York can’t speak for itself, I give up.
An afternoon in Brooklyn was a nice change of pace. We were there on a Saturday and the huge number of brides having their photos taken with the Manhattan skyline as their backdrop was funny.
The ferry that circles Manhattan makes a number of stops around and about, midtown, Brooklyn etc and gives a bit of respite while letting you see the city from a different angle.
Here be Barr on YouTube appears to be the default source for everything NY and his advice is generally sound, but as with all things, because he has publicised it, everyone knows about it too.
Despite my complaints re: tourist traps, we did enjoy Ellen’s Stardust diner. Solid diner fare with wannabe broadway singing stars as waiting staff. One waiter tucking the mic under his chin as he did his spot while pouring three drinks from the dispenser was impressive. Would recommend, but you’ll almost certainly queue.
Time of year makes a big difference on how to spend your day in NYC. Winter is brutal. Summer is baking hot. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to be in the city but those seasons last a week each. Today I will be taking the kids to Bryant park to ice skate. It’s a great place for us because our wedding photos were taken there.
Update… stood in Bryant park.
We will also be walking on the high line and dropping in to Hudson yards where they seem to have bought every Christmas light on the planet and put them into one mall.
Recommendations from a local…
Check out restaurant week. If it coincides with your trip then jump all over it. You can eat at Michelin star restaurants for a fraction of the price. I have met Jean George and Eric Ripert as a result.
Walking a lot. But, the weather can have a big impact. Today is 50F, February will be single digits and August can be triple. It still amazes me how big a range of temperatures there are here. Those freezing temperatures in Winter come with a bitterly cold wind that means you will have to skip from one indoor place to another.
If you can walk, high line is great and they have food stalls on the walk during warmer times. I normally skip them and go to Chelsea Market. It’s located at the South end of high line and is a load of restaurants.
You can also walk the Brooklyn bridge. There’s Smorgasburg on the other side. Might be a cab ride (I’ve only ever driven) but the Williamsburg location is the one to go for. Do not go to Peter Lugers. It’s mediocre. You will notice how everything is “World Famous” in the US and sometimes they get caught up in their own hype. My experience of Lugers was crap. If you want steak, go to Wolfgang’s on (I think) 34th. Wolfgang’s is a group of ex-Lugers employees just done right.
I took the kids on the Beast a few years ago. It a jet boat on the Hudson. I used to have an office on the Hudson River and watched it fly by many times a day. We ended up doing it towards the end of the season and got soaked. So, be warned it does get wet.
Watch YouTube videos on the history of Central Park and how it is all fake and then walk around. I find the place amazing. There’s so many different landscapes and you can find tranquility in the center of the madness that is NYC.
Update… stood in Bryant park.
We will also be walking on the high line and dropping in to Hudson yards where they seem to have bought every Christmas light on the planet and put them into one mall.
Recommendations from a local…
Check out restaurant week. If it coincides with your trip then jump all over it. You can eat at Michelin star restaurants for a fraction of the price. I have met Jean George and Eric Ripert as a result.
Walking a lot. But, the weather can have a big impact. Today is 50F, February will be single digits and August can be triple. It still amazes me how big a range of temperatures there are here. Those freezing temperatures in Winter come with a bitterly cold wind that means you will have to skip from one indoor place to another.
If you can walk, high line is great and they have food stalls on the walk during warmer times. I normally skip them and go to Chelsea Market. It’s located at the South end of high line and is a load of restaurants.
You can also walk the Brooklyn bridge. There’s Smorgasburg on the other side. Might be a cab ride (I’ve only ever driven) but the Williamsburg location is the one to go for. Do not go to Peter Lugers. It’s mediocre. You will notice how everything is “World Famous” in the US and sometimes they get caught up in their own hype. My experience of Lugers was crap. If you want steak, go to Wolfgang’s on (I think) 34th. Wolfgang’s is a group of ex-Lugers employees just done right.
I took the kids on the Beast a few years ago. It a jet boat on the Hudson. I used to have an office on the Hudson River and watched it fly by many times a day. We ended up doing it towards the end of the season and got soaked. So, be warned it does get wet.
Watch YouTube videos on the history of Central Park and how it is all fake and then walk around. I find the place amazing. There’s so many different landscapes and you can find tranquility in the center of the madness that is NYC.
I was there a week ago...
Don't underestimate how expensive it can be. Remember all prices you see are plus tax. If its food or drink its plus tip too.
My top list to do:
ESB
Intrepid
Ellis / Statue Of Liberty.
One WTC
Chelsea / Highline (really nice area to just wander)
Central Park
See a show / tv show(if you so wish)
Times Square
Cable car to Rosevelt Island (cheap fun)
5th Ave walking around / big stores
As for it being a dirty place. Its improved a LOT.
Yeah you see the occasional weirdo and druggie but its way, way better than it used to be.
The subway used to be pretty risky but in recent times its much safer. Trips are cheap and trains are clean (ish) and run very regularly.
Get yourself a metro card ($1) and stick $50 on it and you will be good all week for 2 people.
After that there are loads of little things you can see and do. Its up to you really, there is a museum for almost anything!
One top tip... consider using the air taxi to JFK on your way home. Its about $250 ppn but trust me the 10 minutes vs the 1.5 hrs on the road you will be glad you did. The helipad is right behind the new Chelsea mall.
Don't underestimate how expensive it can be. Remember all prices you see are plus tax. If its food or drink its plus tip too.
My top list to do:
ESB
Intrepid
Ellis / Statue Of Liberty.
One WTC
Chelsea / Highline (really nice area to just wander)
Central Park
See a show / tv show(if you so wish)
Times Square
Cable car to Rosevelt Island (cheap fun)
5th Ave walking around / big stores
As for it being a dirty place. Its improved a LOT.
Yeah you see the occasional weirdo and druggie but its way, way better than it used to be.
The subway used to be pretty risky but in recent times its much safer. Trips are cheap and trains are clean (ish) and run very regularly.
Get yourself a metro card ($1) and stick $50 on it and you will be good all week for 2 people.
After that there are loads of little things you can see and do. Its up to you really, there is a museum for almost anything!
One top tip... consider using the air taxi to JFK on your way home. Its about $250 ppn but trust me the 10 minutes vs the 1.5 hrs on the road you will be glad you did. The helipad is right behind the new Chelsea mall.
As others have said, the time of year is crucial. In summer an afternoon drinking daiquiris around the lake in Central Park is great. Not so great other times of year.
The Met makes for a fascinating afternoon. The express trip up the Empire state is pretty good. If the weather is good, Zabars on the upper west side is a good place to pick up picnic provisions for Central Park.
My fave activity the last time I went was walking the Highline, slowly, soaking it up and dropping off a couple of times for coffee.
The 9/11 memorial where the twin towers were is very moving - be prepared to be caught off guard by that.
Times Square is kind of ok but don’t hang around ground level long - head into one of the hotels that overlook it and grab a cocktail with a view. There is an absolutely awesome oyster and seafood place under Grand Central that is a must-do lunch venue.
But most of all, just soak it up. It will feel both strangely familiar and alien at the same time!
The Met makes for a fascinating afternoon. The express trip up the Empire state is pretty good. If the weather is good, Zabars on the upper west side is a good place to pick up picnic provisions for Central Park.
My fave activity the last time I went was walking the Highline, slowly, soaking it up and dropping off a couple of times for coffee.
The 9/11 memorial where the twin towers were is very moving - be prepared to be caught off guard by that.
Times Square is kind of ok but don’t hang around ground level long - head into one of the hotels that overlook it and grab a cocktail with a view. There is an absolutely awesome oyster and seafood place under Grand Central that is a must-do lunch venue.
But most of all, just soak it up. It will feel both strangely familiar and alien at the same time!
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 26th November 20:22
gotoPzero said:
I was there a week ago...
]The subway used to be pretty risky but in recent times its much safer. Trips are cheap and trains are clean (ish) and run very regularly.
Get yourself a metro card ($1) and stick $50 on it and you will be good all week for 2 people.[
I wouldn’t bother with a Metrocard. They have ‘oyster’ readers on all the way in gates now and your contactless credit/debit card will work a treat. Safe and cheap way to get around.]The subway used to be pretty risky but in recent times its much safer. Trips are cheap and trains are clean (ish) and run very regularly.
Get yourself a metro card ($1) and stick $50 on it and you will be good all week for 2 people.[
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