5 days in New York City - Tourist-ish recommendations please
Discussion
Evening all!
A group of friends and I are planning a last minute trip to New York City, more specifically, Manhatten.
The only main areas to visit which I know of are Central Park, Ground Zero, Liberty Island & The Empire State Building.
As per the title, it's a five day trip, so can the PHers out there please give me a run down of the tourist-type things I should see in such a short time?
We're considering at least one night out, so can anyone please recommend decent bars and clubs?
Finally, what are the best areas in which to stay? We've been considerings apartment rentals and 3* hotels for around £140 per night (based on two sharing a room).
If there's anything else you guys and gals think I should know, then please let me know.
Many thanks in advance,
Darren
A group of friends and I are planning a last minute trip to New York City, more specifically, Manhatten.
The only main areas to visit which I know of are Central Park, Ground Zero, Liberty Island & The Empire State Building.
As per the title, it's a five day trip, so can the PHers out there please give me a run down of the tourist-type things I should see in such a short time?
We're considering at least one night out, so can anyone please recommend decent bars and clubs?
Finally, what are the best areas in which to stay? We've been considerings apartment rentals and 3* hotels for around £140 per night (based on two sharing a room).
If there's anything else you guys and gals think I should know, then please let me know.
Many thanks in advance,
Darren
Not sure about "Ground Zero" - there are building sites that are closer to home! 
I can however recommend going to the top of the Rockafella centre an hour before the sunset time and get a great sunset view of Empire state and Chrysler Building. Wrap up though - it gets seriously cold.
Have a good trip!
I can however recommend going to the top of the Rockafella centre an hour before the sunset time and get a great sunset view of Empire state and Chrysler Building. Wrap up though - it gets seriously cold.
Have a good trip!
We went for a few days in May last year, and were blessed with glorious weather (clear blue sky and 28C), so some things are probably dependant on the time of year and weather ... but providing its not too cold, I can recommend a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Central Park is great... in fact there are quite a few little parks dotted all over the place. Great for people watching.
We didn't think much of Ground Zero. As someone else said, despite the tragedy it represents, at the end of the day its just a building site right now (unless its changed a lot since last year).
Loads of Starbucks all over the shop for coffee breaks. The best place we ate was Metrazur, which is on a balcony at one end of the main concourse of Grand Central Station ... If it was Waterloo Station you'd think "urgh, yeah right", but Grand Central Station is an incredible building and the food and drink were top notch. Wasn't even that pricey. Worked out at less than £30 a head for a three course meal with a bottle of wine:
http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/Metrazur/
There are loads of chain places like TGI Fridays, but (TGI in our experience) was really pricey and the service was poor.
You can get a New York City Pass, which is basically a book of tickets to the main tourist attractions. Also gets you to the front of the queues in most places. We bought ours in advance via the travel agent.
Central Park is great... in fact there are quite a few little parks dotted all over the place. Great for people watching.
We didn't think much of Ground Zero. As someone else said, despite the tragedy it represents, at the end of the day its just a building site right now (unless its changed a lot since last year).
Loads of Starbucks all over the shop for coffee breaks. The best place we ate was Metrazur, which is on a balcony at one end of the main concourse of Grand Central Station ... If it was Waterloo Station you'd think "urgh, yeah right", but Grand Central Station is an incredible building and the food and drink were top notch. Wasn't even that pricey. Worked out at less than £30 a head for a three course meal with a bottle of wine:
http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/Metrazur/
There are loads of chain places like TGI Fridays, but (TGI in our experience) was really pricey and the service was poor.
You can get a New York City Pass, which is basically a book of tickets to the main tourist attractions. Also gets you to the front of the queues in most places. We bought ours in advance via the travel agent.
Edited by stevesuk on Thursday 2nd September 19:37
Went last year - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I've been 6 or 7 times now and I love the place...
I did a blog of all that we did and saw when I took my Mum there a year or so ago, it should give you some ideas:
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/showthread.ph...
Good luck, have fun.. NYC is an awesome place
I did a blog of all that we did and saw when I took my Mum there a year or so ago, it should give you some ideas:
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/showthread.ph...
Good luck, have fun.. NYC is an awesome place
iluvmercs said:
We're considering at least one night out, so can anyone please recommend decent bars and clubs?
You're considering a night out? You're planning on staying in for the other nights? It's NYC, for God's sake!My favorite place (in the world, probably)...
http://www.thebackfenceonline.com/
or
http://www.peculierpub.com/
or
http://www.kennyscastaways.net/
but anywhere around Bleeker Street/Greenwich Village/West Village, unless you like it more upmarket. The more down & dirty, the better, IMO.
I stayed at the Affinia Dumont.
http://www.affinia.com/New-York-City-Hotel.aspx?na...
big rooms and includes a small kitchen.
just down from the empire state building.
http://www.affinia.com/New-York-City-Hotel.aspx?na...
big rooms and includes a small kitchen.
just down from the empire state building.
bull996 said:
Apartment rentals under 6 months in length are illegal in New York.
Please be very careful, its a huge scam and you could end up looking for somewhere else when you arrive.
If I were you, I would just look for family hotel rooms etc.
This may be true for a NY resident looking to rent an apartment in normal circumstances.. it is certainly not true for holiday rentals... check out vrbo.com or lodgis.com for a selection of the thousands of short term holiday rentals available in NYC.Please be very careful, its a huge scam and you could end up looking for somewhere else when you arrive.
If I were you, I would just look for family hotel rooms etc.
Edited by bull996 on Saturday 4th September 19:37
AdeTuono said:
The more down & dirty, the better, IMO.
This is great advice....if you want to see a NYC at it's finest and most interesting when it comes to bars and restaurants there is no reason to be north of 14th St. That's where you'll find places that you won't anywhere else in the world and not pay through the nose for it....Mid Town Manhattan restaurants and bars are generally boring, very over priced and unless they are very expensive the food is generally average.K50 DEL said:
bull996 said:
Apartment rentals under 6 months in length are illegal in New York.
Please be very careful, its a huge scam and you could end up looking for somewhere else when you arrive.
If I were you, I would just look for family hotel rooms etc.
This may be true for a NY resident looking to rent an apartment in normal circumstances.. it is certainly not true for holiday rentals... check out vrbo.com or lodgis.com for a selection of the thousands of short term holiday rentals available in NYC.Please be very careful, its a huge scam and you could end up looking for somewhere else when you arrive.
If I were you, I would just look for family hotel rooms etc.
Edited by bull996 on Saturday 4th September 19:37
Have a read here-I am not trying to score points, but there are lots of bad sories here.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k15...
AdeTuono said:
This place is great. I thought it was a little secret I discovered. Great on a tuesday night with jason rosen. Terra blues next door is great and the blue note jazz bar is just around the corner. All worth checking outEdited by Guvna on Sunday 5th September 21:11
"We're considering at least one night out"
Helicopter ride
Lunch at Oyster Bar in Grand Central
Live show at BB Kings Bar and Grille (Times Square)
Broadway Show
Lunch at the River Room under Brooklyn Bridge for jaw dropping view of Manhattan
Breakfast at the Brooklyn Diner next to Carnegie Hall
Shopping at Maceys
Etc etc etc etc etc etc
Etc etc etc etc etc etc
Helicopter ride
Lunch at Oyster Bar in Grand Central
Live show at BB Kings Bar and Grille (Times Square)
Broadway Show
Lunch at the River Room under Brooklyn Bridge for jaw dropping view of Manhattan
Breakfast at the Brooklyn Diner next to Carnegie Hall
Shopping at Maceys
Etc etc etc etc etc etc
Etc etc etc etc etc etc
We lived in the Village for nearly five years and love New York especially the neighbourhood feel that you get going from one area to another. I think you need to tick some of the obvious tourist boxes when you go for the first time because although some people think they are a bit of a cliche they really are the things that define New York in most people's minds. But try to mix it up a bit. The Empire State is an amazing view but do it at night or at dusk because the view is so much better. And if you go up don't bother with a helicopter ride too because you're seeing largely the same thing for instance.
It's really a walking city but don't be a slave to it - jump in a cab as soon as you think "God my feet are tired" or " let's go somewhere else". it's cheap and quick and is part of the NY experience. We have a list of stuff that we recommend to friends when they go so here are a few things to see and places to eat and drink. You don't have to spend $100 on a steak or $20 on a cocktail (although you can) but go to a locals place off the frid and you'll get an authentic NY experience you'll never forget:
A trip to SoHo is an essential in my view. Some cool shops and some cool people. An expensive area but lovely to walk around on a bright sunny afternoon and take in the sights especially on a crisp Sunday morning. We have stayed at the Grand Hotel in SoHo before. A trip here late one evening after you have eaten is really nice. Their bar and lounge is full of big sofas and you can order drinks from the waiters and waitresses all dressed in black. Nice atmosphere for late night drinking although a little expensive. The champagne bar at the Soho Grand is great and then you can walk out to the bars on West Broadway (heading North). Just around the corner is Lucky Strike which I like and there are any number of small local bars coming and going in the area that you could try if you fancy a fun night out among the glitterati.
Union Square market takes place on several days a week. Saturday is one. There are other days, just ask your hotel to find out when it takes place. It is a pretty little market selling fruit and flowers etc. Nothing really to buy unless you want fresh produce but nice to wander round and take pictures. After this you can take a wander round Greenwich village and the oh-so-hip Meatpacking district. When you’re off the grid it starts to get interesting. There are some pretty brownstone buildings with stoops and tree-lined avenues which are nice for a wander. Bleecker Street and Christopher Street are fun.
Washington Square Park is great for listening to poetry and abstract musicians. They also have a dog run which is fun to watch. Depends on the weather I guess. A trip to the East Village is also pretty cool. An eclectic mix and can look a bit run down but becoming more up market now I think.
China Town and Little Italy – visit and it is like a different world. In China Town you can buy live eels on the street and in Little Italy you’ll feel like you’re there as everyone speaking Italian, reading Italian newspapers etc.
You can buy cheap theatre tickets at Times Square for performances that night or during the week.
If heading uptown – go to central park. Nice to relax and chill away from the hectic city life and then browse the shops are up on 5th Avenue. The big department stores and brand stores like Gucci etc - nice for window shopping. Go to Tiffany – great fun for your GF to try on stuff you can’t afford and the staff really don’t mind!
Right now to the important stuff – food!
Get a copy of Zagats. This outlines the majority of restaurants in Manhattan – tells you where they are, what the food and service is like etc. The restaurants outlined below will probably be outlined in Zagats.
My favourite little Italian restaurant in Manhattan is La Foccacia in Greenwich Village. It's a small place in Bank Street (not far from Bleeker Street at the Hudson street end. Reasonably priced. Very much a locals place. You can sometimes turn up but its better to book. There are some nice bars nearby too on 7th Avenue and also on Bleeker and Hudson streets.
John's Pizza on Bleeker street was consistently voted the best in the city. The staff are unhelpful and seem angry that you are bothering them and the place is cramped but the atmosphere is great and the Pizza is the best you've ever had. Can't book here and there is often a line. Inexpensive for such great pizzas.
Sparks is my favourite Steak house in NY. There are others (Smith and Wollenski is another good one) but I like the "Greed is Good" Wall street crowd here. Its on 46th street. It is expensive but the best you will ever have. Beware the wine list!
Union Square Cafe on Union Square is always highly reviewed and the food is excellent. Can be noisy (or atmospheric depending on your view). Must book here or arrive for early dinner. Expensive from what I remember.
There is a restaurant on 17th Street called America, it does food from all the different states in America. It is a big warehouse type building, lots of table, lots of people and lots of noise if you hit a busy time. Loved it here and always go back when returning to New York. OK price wise.
Home is one of my very favourite restaurants in NY. The kind of food you get at Home is the theme its on Camellia street between 4th and Bleeker and has an indoor outdoor enclosed garden which is charming.
Very unusual choice in the meat-packing district is Florent on Gansvoort Street. Locals place, no booking, cash only but great home cooking and atmosphere. Staff were often in drag in our day. Men in Black was filmed here. Relatively inexpensive as menu had a variety of choices which could suit most budgets. Open 24 hours if you've been out late clubbing.
An unusual choice is the Cowgirl Hall of Fame on Hudson Street. It's western themed but the beer is great (try local favourites Saranac or Brooklyn Lager) and the Tex-Mex food is plentiful and fun. Good if you are on a budget.
Breakfast/Brunch
If you have time one morning, breakfast out is always good - the Time Cafe on Lafayette is excellent. Check out Fez their jazz club which often has some great singers for late night cocktail jazz.
Cup Cakes are big news and you GF will love you if you take her to Magnolia Bakery in Greenwich Village. This place become so hip after it featured on Sex in the City. You will probably have to queue now, but the cup cakes are delicious.
Most places are pretty good food wise. Try and stay away from the main tourist areas though. The only bad meals I had were in Midtown with visiting friends because frankly the staff just did not care because they thought they would never see you again.
Enjoy your trip!
It's really a walking city but don't be a slave to it - jump in a cab as soon as you think "God my feet are tired" or " let's go somewhere else". it's cheap and quick and is part of the NY experience. We have a list of stuff that we recommend to friends when they go so here are a few things to see and places to eat and drink. You don't have to spend $100 on a steak or $20 on a cocktail (although you can) but go to a locals place off the frid and you'll get an authentic NY experience you'll never forget:
A trip to SoHo is an essential in my view. Some cool shops and some cool people. An expensive area but lovely to walk around on a bright sunny afternoon and take in the sights especially on a crisp Sunday morning. We have stayed at the Grand Hotel in SoHo before. A trip here late one evening after you have eaten is really nice. Their bar and lounge is full of big sofas and you can order drinks from the waiters and waitresses all dressed in black. Nice atmosphere for late night drinking although a little expensive. The champagne bar at the Soho Grand is great and then you can walk out to the bars on West Broadway (heading North). Just around the corner is Lucky Strike which I like and there are any number of small local bars coming and going in the area that you could try if you fancy a fun night out among the glitterati.
Union Square market takes place on several days a week. Saturday is one. There are other days, just ask your hotel to find out when it takes place. It is a pretty little market selling fruit and flowers etc. Nothing really to buy unless you want fresh produce but nice to wander round and take pictures. After this you can take a wander round Greenwich village and the oh-so-hip Meatpacking district. When you’re off the grid it starts to get interesting. There are some pretty brownstone buildings with stoops and tree-lined avenues which are nice for a wander. Bleecker Street and Christopher Street are fun.
Washington Square Park is great for listening to poetry and abstract musicians. They also have a dog run which is fun to watch. Depends on the weather I guess. A trip to the East Village is also pretty cool. An eclectic mix and can look a bit run down but becoming more up market now I think.
China Town and Little Italy – visit and it is like a different world. In China Town you can buy live eels on the street and in Little Italy you’ll feel like you’re there as everyone speaking Italian, reading Italian newspapers etc.
You can buy cheap theatre tickets at Times Square for performances that night or during the week.
If heading uptown – go to central park. Nice to relax and chill away from the hectic city life and then browse the shops are up on 5th Avenue. The big department stores and brand stores like Gucci etc - nice for window shopping. Go to Tiffany – great fun for your GF to try on stuff you can’t afford and the staff really don’t mind!
Right now to the important stuff – food!
Get a copy of Zagats. This outlines the majority of restaurants in Manhattan – tells you where they are, what the food and service is like etc. The restaurants outlined below will probably be outlined in Zagats.
My favourite little Italian restaurant in Manhattan is La Foccacia in Greenwich Village. It's a small place in Bank Street (not far from Bleeker Street at the Hudson street end. Reasonably priced. Very much a locals place. You can sometimes turn up but its better to book. There are some nice bars nearby too on 7th Avenue and also on Bleeker and Hudson streets.
John's Pizza on Bleeker street was consistently voted the best in the city. The staff are unhelpful and seem angry that you are bothering them and the place is cramped but the atmosphere is great and the Pizza is the best you've ever had. Can't book here and there is often a line. Inexpensive for such great pizzas.
Sparks is my favourite Steak house in NY. There are others (Smith and Wollenski is another good one) but I like the "Greed is Good" Wall street crowd here. Its on 46th street. It is expensive but the best you will ever have. Beware the wine list!
Union Square Cafe on Union Square is always highly reviewed and the food is excellent. Can be noisy (or atmospheric depending on your view). Must book here or arrive for early dinner. Expensive from what I remember.
There is a restaurant on 17th Street called America, it does food from all the different states in America. It is a big warehouse type building, lots of table, lots of people and lots of noise if you hit a busy time. Loved it here and always go back when returning to New York. OK price wise.
Home is one of my very favourite restaurants in NY. The kind of food you get at Home is the theme its on Camellia street between 4th and Bleeker and has an indoor outdoor enclosed garden which is charming.
Very unusual choice in the meat-packing district is Florent on Gansvoort Street. Locals place, no booking, cash only but great home cooking and atmosphere. Staff were often in drag in our day. Men in Black was filmed here. Relatively inexpensive as menu had a variety of choices which could suit most budgets. Open 24 hours if you've been out late clubbing.
An unusual choice is the Cowgirl Hall of Fame on Hudson Street. It's western themed but the beer is great (try local favourites Saranac or Brooklyn Lager) and the Tex-Mex food is plentiful and fun. Good if you are on a budget.
Breakfast/Brunch
If you have time one morning, breakfast out is always good - the Time Cafe on Lafayette is excellent. Check out Fez their jazz club which often has some great singers for late night cocktail jazz.
Cup Cakes are big news and you GF will love you if you take her to Magnolia Bakery in Greenwich Village. This place become so hip after it featured on Sex in the City. You will probably have to queue now, but the cup cakes are delicious.
Most places are pretty good food wise. Try and stay away from the main tourist areas though. The only bad meals I had were in Midtown with visiting friends because frankly the staff just did not care because they thought they would never see you again.
Enjoy your trip!
Go over to Madison Square Gardens and watch the New York Rangers playing who-ever at Ice Hockey. The game is played in three 20 minute periods but your in there nearly 3 hours. Great Atmosphere, especially when Rangers score.
Rockerfella Centre is better than the Empire State, but don't pre-book it wait until the day because if it's foggy you won't see a thing.
Rockerfella Centre is better than the Empire State, but don't pre-book it wait until the day because if it's foggy you won't see a thing.
I thought I'd give this thread a couple of weeks to run, before heading back in 
I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has listed their recommendations.
I've copied a link, for this thread, to my group and they wish to pass on their thanks for the suggestions, too.
We're off in about a week's time - should be great fun with plenty to fill our time.
Many thanks again, guys and gals!
Darren
I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has listed their recommendations.
I've copied a link, for this thread, to my group and they wish to pass on their thanks for the suggestions, too.
We're off in about a week's time - should be great fun with plenty to fill our time.
Many thanks again, guys and gals!
Darren
Edited by iluvmercs on Sunday 19th September 23:03
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