New York - advice and recommendations
Discussion
I'm sure this one has been asked a million times but hey ho...
I'm taking the missus for 5 days for her 21st and, having never been before, looking for as many recommendations and advice as possible... places to stay, places to go, places to eat, places to shop etc.
Where is best to stay in terms of Central Park, Times Sq etc. and what are the nicest and best value hotels? A friend has recommneded the Novotel - I think its Broadway/Times Sq.
Best places to go? I assume Times Sq, Central Park, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Cte, Macys etc., Ground Zero, Gand Central Station are all must dos but any other good bits of info?
I want to take her out for a top notch dinner one night so a recommendation for that would be ace... won't have a suit tho so would need to be able to wear smart casual (ie jeans). Other reasonable places to eat?
Want to try and take in a basketball or ice hockey game whilst there also, any ideas on best palces to get tickets or just check MSG or the teams websites?
My other question, if given the chance, would people go in March or June? Her b'day is in March and I'd liek to take her then but for reaosns I cant be arsed to go into, late June may be a better option
Ive heard its worth getting a taxi from JFK to downtown and asking to go across Brooklyn bridge rather than through the tunnel - how much roughly and is it worth it?
Thanks guys
I'm taking the missus for 5 days for her 21st and, having never been before, looking for as many recommendations and advice as possible... places to stay, places to go, places to eat, places to shop etc.
Where is best to stay in terms of Central Park, Times Sq etc. and what are the nicest and best value hotels? A friend has recommneded the Novotel - I think its Broadway/Times Sq.
Best places to go? I assume Times Sq, Central Park, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Cte, Macys etc., Ground Zero, Gand Central Station are all must dos but any other good bits of info?
I want to take her out for a top notch dinner one night so a recommendation for that would be ace... won't have a suit tho so would need to be able to wear smart casual (ie jeans). Other reasonable places to eat?
Want to try and take in a basketball or ice hockey game whilst there also, any ideas on best palces to get tickets or just check MSG or the teams websites?
My other question, if given the chance, would people go in March or June? Her b'day is in March and I'd liek to take her then but for reaosns I cant be arsed to go into, late June may be a better option
Ive heard its worth getting a taxi from JFK to downtown and asking to go across Brooklyn bridge rather than through the tunnel - how much roughly and is it worth it?
Thanks guys
Edited by Rob S on Saturday 2nd January 21:18
I love NYC, I've been a half dozen times in the last few years and every time there's something new to see and enjoy.
As with any major city, your choices are limited only by your budget.
Let's try and take your questions in order:
Where to stay: For your first trip, it has to be midtown Manhattan. Your friend's recommendation is a good one, but there are a number of other hotels in the area - there's a Marriott, a Doubletree and a couple of independants as well (check out trip advisor before you book though, there are a lot of run-down hotels on Manhattan)
If you'd prefer to save your budget for sightseeing then there's a very good hostel on 45th just off the square (www.bigapplehostel.com) they do private rooms for just over $100 a night
Places to go: How long's a piece of string really, the must sees are
Central Park,
Statue of Liberty (buy your ticket on the mainland otherwise all you can do is walk around outside) Boat tour around Manhattan (do the full 3.5hr tour, it's excellent)
See a Broadway show (buy your tickets from the TKTS booth on Times Sqare as it will save you 50% or so, remember most theaters are dark on Monday night)
The open top bus tour ticket is well worth getting, it's valid on about 5 tours both day and night and you can hop on and off at will.(the Grey lines tour is the best)
Walk across the brooklyn bridge - if you head across from Manhattan, when you get to the other side take a left and walk down to Fulton Ferry State Park then you can get some great pictures of the Manhattan Skyline.
Top of the Rock - quieter than the Empire State and better views mean that this is a must - if you do go up the empire state then don't bother with the extra money for the 103rd level, it's enclosed, the view is no better and the photography is crap.
Ground Zero is interesting, go into the little church there and read the memorials, very very moving.
Top notch dinner - head for Smith and Wollensky at 49th and 3rd - no need for a suit, but reservations are a good idea (212) 753 1530 - the steak is awesome - budget $50+ a head
Peter Luger's Steakhouse is also good, but a little more difficult to get to.
Juniors cheesecakes is great for a lunchtime snack (and the cheesecake obviously)
If you want to go really high end then there are a couple of great places inside the Mall at Columbus, but check on the suit requirement.
There's also a really nice eatery inside Grand central, but I can't remember the name!
Tickets for games can be tough to come by, as they're sold slightly differently in the USA - Ebay.com can be a good source, as can ticketmaster, failing that try calling the box office for the team you want to see, they're normally pretty helpful.
I've been in both March and June, and March was by far the best - it's cooler, and not as crowded, June can be very humid.
Up to you on the transport in from JFK, personally I always take the air train and then the Metro, it's quicker than a cab and a damn sight cheaper - cabs operate a fixed fare to the city ($45 + tolls and tip) but coming across the bridge is pretty spectacular, especially if you arrive in the twilight.
Hope this all helps, if you need any more information / want to see pics and details of one of my trips then you can log on to http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/showthread.ph...
As with any major city, your choices are limited only by your budget.
Let's try and take your questions in order:
Where to stay: For your first trip, it has to be midtown Manhattan. Your friend's recommendation is a good one, but there are a number of other hotels in the area - there's a Marriott, a Doubletree and a couple of independants as well (check out trip advisor before you book though, there are a lot of run-down hotels on Manhattan)
If you'd prefer to save your budget for sightseeing then there's a very good hostel on 45th just off the square (www.bigapplehostel.com) they do private rooms for just over $100 a night
Places to go: How long's a piece of string really, the must sees are
Central Park,
Statue of Liberty (buy your ticket on the mainland otherwise all you can do is walk around outside) Boat tour around Manhattan (do the full 3.5hr tour, it's excellent)
See a Broadway show (buy your tickets from the TKTS booth on Times Sqare as it will save you 50% or so, remember most theaters are dark on Monday night)
The open top bus tour ticket is well worth getting, it's valid on about 5 tours both day and night and you can hop on and off at will.(the Grey lines tour is the best)
Walk across the brooklyn bridge - if you head across from Manhattan, when you get to the other side take a left and walk down to Fulton Ferry State Park then you can get some great pictures of the Manhattan Skyline.
Top of the Rock - quieter than the Empire State and better views mean that this is a must - if you do go up the empire state then don't bother with the extra money for the 103rd level, it's enclosed, the view is no better and the photography is crap.
Ground Zero is interesting, go into the little church there and read the memorials, very very moving.
Top notch dinner - head for Smith and Wollensky at 49th and 3rd - no need for a suit, but reservations are a good idea (212) 753 1530 - the steak is awesome - budget $50+ a head
Peter Luger's Steakhouse is also good, but a little more difficult to get to.
Juniors cheesecakes is great for a lunchtime snack (and the cheesecake obviously)
If you want to go really high end then there are a couple of great places inside the Mall at Columbus, but check on the suit requirement.
There's also a really nice eatery inside Grand central, but I can't remember the name!
Tickets for games can be tough to come by, as they're sold slightly differently in the USA - Ebay.com can be a good source, as can ticketmaster, failing that try calling the box office for the team you want to see, they're normally pretty helpful.
I've been in both March and June, and March was by far the best - it's cooler, and not as crowded, June can be very humid.
Up to you on the transport in from JFK, personally I always take the air train and then the Metro, it's quicker than a cab and a damn sight cheaper - cabs operate a fixed fare to the city ($45 + tolls and tip) but coming across the bridge is pretty spectacular, especially if you arrive in the twilight.
Hope this all helps, if you need any more information / want to see pics and details of one of my trips then you can log on to http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/showthread.ph...
To eat i would recommend the Gramercy Tavern,42 East 20th Street.
Fantastic relaxed food, a good example of what American food can be (i.e w/o burgers, fries etc). Not cheap but didn't begrudge a penny of it.
If it's steak you cannot beat Sparks Steakhouse, 210 East 46th Street. Superb....
You're making me think i'm due another trip!
Best of luck
Fantastic relaxed food, a good example of what American food can be (i.e w/o burgers, fries etc). Not cheap but didn't begrudge a penny of it.
If it's steak you cannot beat Sparks Steakhouse, 210 East 46th Street. Superb....
You're making me think i'm due another trip!
Best of luck
Sorry, meant to add that both were ok to go smart casual.
To stay in midtown i would recommend the New Yorker, we did last time there, smallish rooms (aren't they all) but nice art deco features,good food & drink & right in the middle of everything. We got a cracking deal in April last year
To stay in midtown i would recommend the New Yorker, we did last time there, smallish rooms (aren't they all) but nice art deco features,good food & drink & right in the middle of everything. We got a cracking deal in April last year
Guys - many thanks That's all really useful info!
I'm managed to find a good deal on Expedia - 5 nights at the Novotel Times Sq (quite sold on that after discussing with a close friend) flying out of T5 25th March early doors (BA 747) to JFK then returning on the evening of the 30th and landing in the mornign fo the 31st (UK time) so we get over 5 full days too - £1,300!
My budget was anyhtign up to £1.5k ish so this is ideal really
Any more advice on places to go and especially the eating options gratfully accepted Will check out the restaurants mentoned so far!
That's all really useful info!I'm managed to find a good deal on Expedia - 5 nights at the Novotel Times Sq (quite sold on that after discussing with a close friend) flying out of T5 25th March early doors (BA 747) to JFK then returning on the evening of the 30th and landing in the mornign fo the 31st (UK time) so we get over 5 full days too - £1,300!
My budget was anyhtign up to £1.5k ish so this is ideal really
Any more advice on places to go and especially the eating options gratfully accepted
Will check out the restaurants mentoned so far!K50 DEL said:
...
There's also a really nice eatery inside Grand central, but I can't remember the name!
...
What he said. (Almost word for word)There's also a really nice eatery inside Grand central, but I can't remember the name!
...
As for Grand Central eateries there are three good 'uns. The Oyster Bar downstairs. Michael Jordans Steakhouse and Cipriani's upstairs. If I were you I'd reserve a balcony seat for lunch at Cipriani's and watch the world go by in the concourse. Meal for two with a bottle of prosecco should be around $120
Rob S said:
Guys - many thanks That's all really useful info!
I'm managed to find a good deal on Expedia - 5 nights at the Novotel Times Sq (quite sold on that after discussing with a close friend) flying out of T5 25th March early doors (BA 747) to JFK then returning on the evening of the 30th and landing in the mornign fo the 31st (UK time) so we get over 5 full days too - £1,300!
My budget was anyhtign up to £1.5k ish so this is ideal really
Any more advice on places to go and especially the eating options gratfully accepted Will check out the restaurants mentoned so far!
That's not a particularly spectacular price to be honest, you can book the flights and hotels seperately for £1280 going through ba.com and novotel.com That's all really useful info!I'm managed to find a good deal on Expedia - 5 nights at the Novotel Times Sq (quite sold on that after discussing with a close friend) flying out of T5 25th March early doors (BA 747) to JFK then returning on the evening of the 30th and landing in the mornign fo the 31st (UK time) so we get over 5 full days too - £1,300!
My budget was anyhtign up to £1.5k ish so this is ideal really
Any more advice on places to go and especially the eating options gratfully accepted
Will check out the restaurants mentoned so far!If you really want a good selection of hotels, book through orbitz.com - you'll be paying in US$ but for your £1300 budget you can fly with either BA or Virgin and stay in a choice of very nice hotels in the Times Square area - the Sheraton's on the list, as is the Helmsley and also (for a little extra) the Westin or the Crowne Plaza
Hmmm, I'll check it out then! Cheers! Novotel was reasonable on its own (either direct or through Booking.com) but with flights that i wanted i coudlnt get it any cheaper, will check BA's website agaiN!
Also, looked up that restaurant you suggested (Smith & Wollensky) and it looks spot on!
Also, looked up that restaurant you suggested (Smith & Wollensky) and it looks spot on!
PaulHogan said:
K50 DEL said:
...
There's also a really nice eatery inside Grand central, but I can't remember the name!
...
What he said. (Almost word for word)There's also a really nice eatery inside Grand central, but I can't remember the name!
...
As for Grand Central eateries there are three good 'uns. The Oyster Bar downstairs. Michael Jordans Steakhouse and Cipriani's upstairs. If I were you I'd reserve a balcony seat for lunch at Cipriani's and watch the world go by in the concourse. Meal for two with a bottle of prosecco should be around $120
I'd recommend Michael Jordans Steakhouse as well, although it's been a few years since I last went. www.kittichairestaurant.com in the bottom of 60 Thompson is very good as well if you like Thai with a twist.
PaulHogan said:
K50 DEL said:
...
There's also a really nice eatery inside Grand central, but I can't remember the name!
...
What he said. (Almost word for word)There's also a really nice eatery inside Grand central, but I can't remember the name!
...
As for Grand Central eateries there are three good 'uns. The Oyster Bar downstairs. Michael Jordans Steakhouse and Cipriani's upstairs. If I were you I'd reserve a balcony seat for lunch at Cipriani's and watch the world go by in the concourse. Meal for two with a bottle of prosecco should be around $120
OK guys, quick question on this Ciprianis...
There looks like a posh restaurant (called Harry Cipriani) on 5th av., a restaurant called Cipriani Dolci inside Grand Central Terminal and then a Cipriani Le Specialita on East 42nd St. oppositre GCT with a balcony? I presume the poster saying have lucnh overlooking is referring to the one opposite GCT? And K50, I presume you are referring to the posher one? Their website doesnt show prices so its hard to get any ideas
There looks like a posh restaurant (called Harry Cipriani) on 5th av., a restaurant called Cipriani Dolci inside Grand Central Terminal and then a Cipriani Le Specialita on East 42nd St. oppositre GCT with a balcony? I presume the poster saying have lucnh overlooking is referring to the one opposite GCT? And K50, I presume you are referring to the posher one? Their website doesnt show prices so its hard to get any ideas
yeah im not too fussed about it being so posh that you have to wear a suit, if anything that would be too upmarket for our tastes I think
just looked up the 5th avenue ciprianis and its has a terrible review form the new york times, granted its 2 years old but other reviews dont seem too great, be interested to know if the posters here have been there as it does look nice. gordon ramseys place looks lovely!
just looked up the 5th avenue ciprianis and its has a terrible review form the new york times, granted its 2 years old but other reviews dont seem too great, be interested to know if the posters here have been there as it does look nice. gordon ramseys place looks lovely!
Cipriani Dolci is the one I meant. You won't need a suit there (I didn't).
When I was there in December I wasn't ID'd in any bar (maybe sadly so as I'm 45) but I was in every booze outlet I frequented in Florida the year before. Maybe NYers are more sensible. But if you look young (under 25) you'll probably need photo ID to get a beer.
When I was there in December I wasn't ID'd in any bar (maybe sadly so as I'm 45) but I was in every booze outlet I frequented in Florida the year before. Maybe NYers are more sensible. But if you look young (under 25) you'll probably need photo ID to get a beer.
Grand, cheers! I'll definately look into that for lunch
Well I'm 28 but my missus is only going to have just turned 21 so ID will be a must!
Decided on Gordon Ramsays as she loves his stuff so think she'll enjoy that but will fall foul of what Tonker said! Having just called them, they said shirt and slacks but jacket isn't a must so I guess I'll just stick an extra shirt and pair of trousers with me!
Getting there now!
Well I'm 28 but my missus is only going to have just turned 21 so ID will be a must!
Decided on Gordon Ramsays as she loves his stuff so think she'll enjoy that but will fall foul of what Tonker said! Having just called them, they said shirt and slacks but jacket isn't a must so I guess I'll just stick an extra shirt and pair of trousers with me!
Getting there now!
Rob S said:
Well I'm 28 but my missus is only going to have just turned 21 so ID will be a must!
My boss is nearly 50 but still gets ID'd. A UK photo driving licence works fine though and is more convenient.The recommendations above are all good. If you're after good steak I recommend Keens, smart casual and great food!
theaxe said:
Rob S said:
Well I'm 28 but my missus is only going to have just turned 21 so ID will be a must!
My boss is nearly 50 but still gets ID'd. A UK photo driving licence works fine though and is more convenient.The recommendations above are all good. If you're after good steak I recommend Keens, smart casual and great food!
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