Anything & Everything New York (PART 2) - [please search thread before posting]

becky_rtw

I think so...mine was fine and its from 2004... but since so many peeps are asking about this I found this information really helpful (its from the fco so written in undertsandable English )

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/united-states?ta=entryRequirements&pg=4

Basically I think you need:
1. A machine readable passport with min 6 months left on it
2. To complete the ESTA form online - this tells you if you are eligible to apply for visa wavier (and tells the US if you're not )
3. The green and white forms that you'll be given on the plane to complete - the actual visa wavier and a customs form - dont forget a pen!

I think thats it - if you're passport is biometric then thats fine, but it doesnt have to be (mine isnt) they take fingerprints and iris scans at JFK (all fingers on both hands)

Arcana

We're going to NY next week.
Can anyone recommend a travel guide? (a book, not a guy lol).
I don't want those mammoth ones like the Time Out one, which is 400 pages. Under 100 pages would be good. Mostly interested in sight seeing. Could care less about restaurants, bars and clubs tbh. Wouldn't mind seeing a Broadway show but I'll like to see something that you can't find in London. Something like "NY on a budget" would be right up my street. hehe.

Is it worth getting a New York pass? ( http://www.newyorkpass.com/ )
$150 can still grant you access to a quite a few attractions.
For instance, is there any must see museums?
I suppose if you get it you are encouraged to see loads of things, and as we are visiting family, I can imagine you return home only to realize that you've spend your whole trip watching TV, drinking coffee and eating biscuits while chatting to family about ye good old times. With the pass you would want to go out more

welnik

I have found some very useful information on this forum and have cut and paste 10 pages of text! This is a fantastic post, so many thanks..........

There doesnt' seem to be much information on eating in New York so I wondered if any regular New York visitors could recommend good quality, reasonably priced eateries? cheers Welnik

phatbear

welnik wrote: »

I have found some very useful information on this forum and have cut and paste 10 pages of text! This is a fantastic post, so many thanks..........

There doesnt' seem to be much information on eating in New York so I wondered if any regular New York visitors could recommend good quality, reasonably priced eateries? cheers Welnik

Whats good and whats reasonable its all subjective, for mrs phatbear the best steak she had in NY was from blue smoke, a couple of my faves are train wreck fries at virgils and pancakes and bacon with loads of maple syrup pretty much anywhere, big shout has to go to stagedoor diner by century 21 though.

We fell in love with jumba juice when we went last time and its a great pick me up when your hot and running on empty.

On the list for the next visit in aug is:

Shake shack, NY institution but the q's can get very long
The dessert truck
Grimaldis, if we finally get to walk the brooklyn bridge.

greenface

there are lots and lots there are that many all depends where you are at the time because on your way to one you will pass 101. Not a bad idea googling "top 10 places to eat in nyc or similar" my tastes differ than yours do you have kids to feed Italian/Mexican/Fish/American?Thai My best meal was in Shulas Steakhouse (pricey) but beautiful. BB Kings Blues Bar and Grill has good food American style (both times square) but other restraunts around could be upgraded Macdonalds IMO . Hit a street read the menu look inside see peoples plates its not Kazakstan you wont get sheeps head (unless to ask)enjoy NYC and let us know how it goes

welnik

greenface wrote: »

there are lots and lots there are that many all depends where you are at the time because on your way to one you will pass 101. Not a bad idea googling "top 10 places to eat in nyc or similar" my tastes differ than yours do you have kids to feed Italian/Mexican/Fish/American?Thai My best meal was in Shulas Steakhouse (pricey) but beautiful. BB Kings Blues Bar and Grill has good food American style (both times square) but other restraunts around could be upgraded Macdonalds IMO . Hit a street read the menu look inside see peoples plates its not Kazakstan you wont get sheeps head (unless to ask)enjoy NYC and let us know how it goes

Thanks for your reply. I'm meeting friends in New York on day three of my 5 days stay so the first two nights I can eat where I like. The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station sounds nice and has been recommended by a friend and I also quite fancy the Boathouse. Not really a fast food eater and do like the finer dining options. Grimaldis by Brooklyn bridge seems to be mentioned quite a bit so will probably give that go.

greenface

Went to shake shacks in Madisson Park for a nosey and sat down to order a coffee ended up with a purple cow frozen custard icecream instead was about -4 at the time Grimaldis has to be in with a shout

KK22_2

Arcana wrote: »

We're going to NY next week.
Can anyone recommend a travel guide? (a book, not a guy lol).
I don't want those mammoth ones like the Time Out one, which is 400 pages. Under 100 pages would be good. Mostly interested in sight seeing. Could care less about restaurants, bars and clubs tbh. Wouldn't mind seeing a Broadway show but I'll like to see something that you can't find in London. Something like "NY on a budget" would be right up my street. hehe.

Is it worth getting a New York pass? ( http://www.newyorkpass.com/ )
$150 can still grant you access to a quite a few attractions.
For instance, is there any must see museums?
I suppose if you get it you are encouraged to see loads of things, and as we are visiting family, I can imagine you return home only to realize that you've spend your whole trip watching TV, drinking coffee and eating biscuits while chatting to family about ye good old times. With the pass you would want to go out more

The best book that i used before going to NYC was one that included the best walks in NY. (Sorry but cant remember the name!) The book was sectioned by area and gave you a route to walk, miles covered, time is takes, etc. It incorporated places of interest into the walks. It was great for me as there were certain areas i wanted to see more than others and it was great for making the best use of your time.

gregg1

welnik wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. I'm meeting friends in New York on day three of my 5 days stay so the first two nights I can eat where I like. The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station sounds nice and has been recommended by a friend and I also quite fancy the Boathouse. Not really a fast food eater and do like the finer dining options. Grimaldis by Brooklyn bridge seems to be mentioned quite a bit so will probably give that go.

Boathouse was excellent - beautiful location but really snotty Maitre'D. We were told you could not book for lunchtime but you do need to to be sure of getting a seat at the main restaurant overlooking the lake. Food was superb.

mdkdue

wept wrote: »

Marky is the expert and we followed his advice and did these....

Reade St Pub is really handy for late night drinks on the way back from a night out. Good food and drink Read St Beer was $4 a pint. I liked this place.
(opposite corner nr Barclays? bank corner)

I totally agree!. Reade Street Pub is great and became a firm favourite with us. Cheap beer, reasonably priced food, and friendly staff.....definitely recommend it.