New York New York
Discussion
craigjm said:
Adenauer said:
When I put my flight details into the Blade website it still spits out 1,875 dollars. Maybe I'll check it closer to the time.
Out of interest, where do they land in Manhattan?
West 30th or east 34th Out of interest, where do they land in Manhattan?
Hmm, both are still a few miles away from where we need to go. It's a nice idea but I think we'll Train it in
Adenauer said:
Hello People.
...my birthday meal will be at PJ Clarks on 3rd as it looks authentic and not too posh.
Only just saw this thread. All I'll add is that we ate at PJ Clarks in 2019 and loved it. Great ribs and a nice atmosphere without being 'stiff'. It may have changed since then of course, but we'd definitely go back....my birthday meal will be at PJ Clarks on 3rd as it looks authentic and not too posh.
Take the ferry from the bottom of Manhattan to Staten Island. It is free and has great views of the Manhattan skyline. When we went, the ferry was escorted by a coastguard gunboat (which was interesting - not sure if they still do that).
There was a new mall created on Staten Island which is where the ferry docks. It goes past the Statue of Liberty as well with good views.
Other places - intrepid museum is worth a visit (as mentioned above). The touristy bits around Times Square, Central Park - in winter they have ice skating there (as well as the Rockefeller centre), Battery park at the southern end of Manhattan. The Highline and the twin towers memorial.
There is glitz and glamour and lots of high-rises - it is an almost permanent construction zone. There is also a lot of dirt and poverty, lots of homeless people around - the juxtaposition of the haves and have nots is stark (albeit not as stark as it is in LA), but at no times have I felt unsafe on Manhattan.
The helicopter ride will fly by (pun intended). We did a 30 minute circuit a few years ago and it was over so quickly (and yes we did get the full 30 mins), so make the most of it.
There was a new mall created on Staten Island which is where the ferry docks. It goes past the Statue of Liberty as well with good views.
Other places - intrepid museum is worth a visit (as mentioned above). The touristy bits around Times Square, Central Park - in winter they have ice skating there (as well as the Rockefeller centre), Battery park at the southern end of Manhattan. The Highline and the twin towers memorial.
There is glitz and glamour and lots of high-rises - it is an almost permanent construction zone. There is also a lot of dirt and poverty, lots of homeless people around - the juxtaposition of the haves and have nots is stark (albeit not as stark as it is in LA), but at no times have I felt unsafe on Manhattan.
The helicopter ride will fly by (pun intended). We did a 30 minute circuit a few years ago and it was over so quickly (and yes we did get the full 30 mins), so make the most of it.
Edited by TriumphStag3.0V8 on Tuesday 29th November 14:01
TriumphStag3.0V8 said:
There is glitz and glamour and lots of high-rises - it is an almost permanent construction zone. There is also a lot of dirt and poverty, lots of homeless people around - the juxtaposition of the haves and have nots is stark (albeit not as stark as it is in LA), but at no times have I felt unsafe on Manhattan.
There is a lot of building work, I guess its like painting the Forth bridge. Edited by TriumphStag3.0V8 on Tuesday 29th November 14:01
I thought it was a lot cleaner than pre covid. I also did not see a single homeless person actually sleeping rough. I saw lots of weridos and a few people who were clearly on something but even on the subway it was pretty good tbh. And even in rush hour 5pm we didnt find the subway that busy.
I was talking to a local and they said that a lot of people left NYC during covid and just never came back. I guess eventually it will catch back up.
It's probably 20yrs since I went to NY, but I do remember aching each evening from all the walking, despite using the underground to get everywhere. When you pop up to the surface and start walking a couple of blocks to your destination, then realise you have walked the wrong way and have to turn around and retrace your steps, and then continue a further two blocks... Plus a stiff neck from looking up at all the tall buildings.
I enjoyed catching the Staten Island ferry which was free at the time, we didn't get off at the other and instead came straight back simply to get a great view of Manhattan skyline. Also took a nice 15min helicopter ride around NY which was impressive.
I enjoyed catching the Staten Island ferry which was free at the time, we didn't get off at the other and instead came straight back simply to get a great view of Manhattan skyline. Also took a nice 15min helicopter ride around NY which was impressive.
Edited by LeadFarmer on Wednesday 30th November 00:29
Ha ha we did that a few times even with google maps!
After a while I realised that they have GPS repeaters in the subway stations (not on the lines) so got off the train and waited for a few seconds for the google maps to update then look at the map and make sure we are going up the right exit and head the right way.
After a while I realised that they have GPS repeaters in the subway stations (not on the lines) so got off the train and waited for a few seconds for the google maps to update then look at the map and make sure we are going up the right exit and head the right way.
I'm not sure if it's been mentioned what month you're going in but either way make sure you pack a variety of clothes.
I went back in may and one night we were watching a game in the pouring rain, freezing cold because it was 8 degrees. 2 days later we were strolling round central park in shorts and t-shirt with belting sunshine 20+ degrees.
All the main attractions have been mentioned. It's a brilliant city but be prepared for how expensive it is. Beer you're talking $8 for a little 330ml bottle. Wine is about $16-$20 a glass. I just shut my eyes, paid, and called it all fun holiday money. No point going there to sit in a hotel room and do nothing, enjoy it.
I went back in may and one night we were watching a game in the pouring rain, freezing cold because it was 8 degrees. 2 days later we were strolling round central park in shorts and t-shirt with belting sunshine 20+ degrees.
All the main attractions have been mentioned. It's a brilliant city but be prepared for how expensive it is. Beer you're talking $8 for a little 330ml bottle. Wine is about $16-$20 a glass. I just shut my eyes, paid, and called it all fun holiday money. No point going there to sit in a hotel room and do nothing, enjoy it.
LeighW said:
Adenauer said:
Hello People.
...my birthday meal will be at PJ Clarks on 3rd as it looks authentic and not too posh.
Only just saw this thread. All I'll add is that we ate at PJ Clarks in 2019 and loved it. Great ribs and a nice atmosphere without being 'stiff'. It may have changed since then of course, but we'd definitely go back....my birthday meal will be at PJ Clarks on 3rd as it looks authentic and not too posh.
One of the best trips I've done from NYC (twice) is to Niagara Falls for the day, here was my recollection;
-Pickup was from in the city...a big old school tour bus comes hurtling around in the city that never sleeps (rubbish it was dead of the night at 4AM).
-Red eye Plane from La Guardia
-On the United plane (Bombardier where it wobbled and we had to move around to distribute the weight)
-Buffalo to Falls in a similar old school tour bus
-Day trip around Canadian and US side parks
-Lunch was at the Marriot overlooking the falls (insane views I'll have to try and find some pics of this)
-Back to the airport for some buffalo wings (Insane again)
-Back to the hotel knackered like a zombie but loving the fact you've seen one of the natural wonders of the world.
It won't be cheap now days (this was 10+ years ago now) with old uncle sam's dollar rates but you can probably DIY the trip and reduce tour guide prices, I DIY'd the second time.
-Pickup was from in the city...a big old school tour bus comes hurtling around in the city that never sleeps (rubbish it was dead of the night at 4AM).
-Red eye Plane from La Guardia
-On the United plane (Bombardier where it wobbled and we had to move around to distribute the weight)
-Buffalo to Falls in a similar old school tour bus
-Day trip around Canadian and US side parks
-Lunch was at the Marriot overlooking the falls (insane views I'll have to try and find some pics of this)
-Back to the airport for some buffalo wings (Insane again)
-Back to the hotel knackered like a zombie but loving the fact you've seen one of the natural wonders of the world.
It won't be cheap now days (this was 10+ years ago now) with old uncle sam's dollar rates but you can probably DIY the trip and reduce tour guide prices, I DIY'd the second time.
Boozy said:
LeighW said:
Adenauer said:
Hello People.
...my birthday meal will be at PJ Clarks on 3rd as it looks authentic and not too posh.
Only just saw this thread. All I'll add is that we ate at PJ Clarks in 2019 and loved it. Great ribs and a nice atmosphere without being 'stiff'. It may have changed since then of course, but we'd definitely go back....my birthday meal will be at PJ Clarks on 3rd as it looks authentic and not too posh.
I would still consider a steak house like Gallagher's or Wolfgangs on Park and eat a huge juicy ribeye, or all you can eat meat from Fogo de Chao if you want a variety of meet (the ribeyes at the steak house is pretty much all you can eat to be honest)
Someone mentioned Keens steakhouse, ironically steak is not its specialty but lamb, or mutton to be precise. If you like lamb then go for the mutton chop, sensational, size of your plate, this double chop melts like butter and is incredibly juicy, really fantastic
One thing people dont got and 100pct should, is a nice Hibachi, would be fun for a birthday too with all the food throwing and flaming volcanoes as the chef cooks in front of you ,not expensive either, Benihana may be the original/ most famous but Flame on the lower east side is the best ive been too, plenty of food and the chefs are not jaded from putting on 'the show'
Thanks everyone for all of the help.
These are now our definites.
The Highline and the twin towers memorial.
Central Park.
Top of the Rock.
The Empire State Building.
Helicopter flight.
Statue of Liberty.
The ferry from the bottom of Manhattan to Staten Island.
Walk along the Highline.
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge.
Sylvias Soul Food Gospel choir thing.
Ellen’s Stardust diner – Probably.
And we’ll be using the Skytrain thing to get to and from the airport.
I reckon that's more than enough for a week with the odd bit of spontaneous stuff thrown in.
These are now our definites.
The Highline and the twin towers memorial.
Central Park.
Top of the Rock.
The Empire State Building.
Helicopter flight.
Statue of Liberty.
The ferry from the bottom of Manhattan to Staten Island.
Walk along the Highline.
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge.
Sylvias Soul Food Gospel choir thing.
Ellen’s Stardust diner – Probably.
And we’ll be using the Skytrain thing to get to and from the airport.
I reckon that's more than enough for a week with the odd bit of spontaneous stuff thrown in.
Edited by Adenauer on Friday 2nd December 10:37
abzmike said:
Good selection - But you probably don't need to do both Top of the Rock and Empire State - the former is better with the view of the latter. Also try and do one of the towers at dusk - the view comes alive when the lights come on.
Empire at day, Top of the Rock at night IMO. We head back next week and we're going to do The Edge and Summit as they look pretty decent.
Adenauer said:
Thanks everyone for all of the help.
These are now our definites.
The Highline and the twin towers memorial.- Whilst at he Highline explore the area, some very nice places to see
Central Park.- take a day to do the park, your going in August to go to the Whole foods on Columbus circle, buy a picnic and picnic in sheep's meadow with the rest of the New Yorkers admiring the interaction between nature and man made skyscrapers (ok, CP is also man made but..)
Top of the Rock. - Go an hour before sunset to enjoy the view of central park, and the opposite side to watch sunset over Manhattan and Empire State
The Empire State Building. morning would be good to watch Manhattan wake up, its cool all times of the day though
Helicopter flight.get your Go Pro out, its an awesome experience
Statue of Liberty. -erm, no, dont, really
The ferry from the bottom of Manhattan to Staten Island. - fantastic thing to do, get to the back of the ferry ASAP and enjoy the stunning view of Manhattan , also the best way to see/ photograph the Statue of Liberty
Walk along the Highline.i think you mentioned it above, but go ear doors or it gets so crowded you queue and that's not what's its about
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge. recommend you use the subway to get to Brooklyn, eat at the pizza places under the bridge , admire the statue of liberty, grab an ice cream from under the bridge then walk towards Manhattan in the evening when its all lit up
Sylvias Soul Food Gospel choir thing. never been but sounds good
Ellen’s Stardust diner – Probably. mum and dad did it and loved it
I really would add Flame Hibachi , its great fun and my 86year old dads favorite , he was good at catching food and gilling his mouth with soju!
And we’ll be using the Skytrain thing to get to and from the airport.
I reckon that's more than enough for a week with the odd bit of spontaneous stuff thrown in.
These are now our definites.
The Highline and the twin towers memorial.- Whilst at he Highline explore the area, some very nice places to see
Central Park.- take a day to do the park, your going in August to go to the Whole foods on Columbus circle, buy a picnic and picnic in sheep's meadow with the rest of the New Yorkers admiring the interaction between nature and man made skyscrapers (ok, CP is also man made but..)
Top of the Rock. - Go an hour before sunset to enjoy the view of central park, and the opposite side to watch sunset over Manhattan and Empire State
The Empire State Building. morning would be good to watch Manhattan wake up, its cool all times of the day though
Helicopter flight.get your Go Pro out, its an awesome experience
Statue of Liberty. -erm, no, dont, really
The ferry from the bottom of Manhattan to Staten Island. - fantastic thing to do, get to the back of the ferry ASAP and enjoy the stunning view of Manhattan , also the best way to see/ photograph the Statue of Liberty
Walk along the Highline.i think you mentioned it above, but go ear doors or it gets so crowded you queue and that's not what's its about
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge. recommend you use the subway to get to Brooklyn, eat at the pizza places under the bridge , admire the statue of liberty, grab an ice cream from under the bridge then walk towards Manhattan in the evening when its all lit up
Sylvias Soul Food Gospel choir thing. never been but sounds good
Ellen’s Stardust diner – Probably. mum and dad did it and loved it
I really would add Flame Hibachi , its great fun and my 86year old dads favorite , he was good at catching food and gilling his mouth with soju!
And we’ll be using the Skytrain thing to get to and from the airport.
I reckon that's more than enough for a week with the odd bit of spontaneous stuff thrown in.
Edited by Adenauer on Friday 2nd December 10:37
As a resident here's my advice: I wouldn't bother with central park. It's just a park and you've been to one of those before. If you're deadset on going, just place a foot on it to say you have, and turn around.
If you're flying into JFK then just get a taxi over Brooklyn bridge. Again, it's just a bridge and if you're looking for a better one it's on the West coast.
I'm not sure NY is pretty enough from the air to justify a helicopter trip without it being a taxi, especially as you'll probably see the city when flying in/out.
Sylvias - yes. It's great.
9/11 Memorial - yes, a must-see for tourists.
Otherwise, book a sport to see, probably the Knicks since it's freezing at the moment. Go to 5th Ave, walk through Saks and Macy's, enjoy the pizza from pretty much anywhere, but I'd recommend you eat out in the mom & pop restaurants if you want great food and stories. The museums are pretty good if you have time to kill, the Natural History and the Met are well worth the time. Have a look at the different areas, SoHo is nice, Tribeca, China Town etc. There are bus tours as well, which may be easier than walking. People think they can walk everywhere in the city and then realise it's a bit bigger than they expected.
Anyway, enjoy the trip
If you're flying into JFK then just get a taxi over Brooklyn bridge. Again, it's just a bridge and if you're looking for a better one it's on the West coast.
I'm not sure NY is pretty enough from the air to justify a helicopter trip without it being a taxi, especially as you'll probably see the city when flying in/out.
Sylvias - yes. It's great.
9/11 Memorial - yes, a must-see for tourists.
Otherwise, book a sport to see, probably the Knicks since it's freezing at the moment. Go to 5th Ave, walk through Saks and Macy's, enjoy the pizza from pretty much anywhere, but I'd recommend you eat out in the mom & pop restaurants if you want great food and stories. The museums are pretty good if you have time to kill, the Natural History and the Met are well worth the time. Have a look at the different areas, SoHo is nice, Tribeca, China Town etc. There are bus tours as well, which may be easier than walking. People think they can walk everywhere in the city and then realise it's a bit bigger than they expected.
Anyway, enjoy the trip
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