What are the MUST DO's in New York??

delorean_2

Great pics! Only a couple of weeks to wait now!

Although we're only staying for 2 nights so I want to see as much as I can before we get the plane up to Toronto and move in to my new home!

themaccas

Thanks Alison for the GREAT photos, can't wait to go we go in March too for 10 days. Planning on seeing as much as we can - slow time.

K9cuddles

130 days til I go! Can't wait!!!

Grovers

We are going to the Big Apple in November, and we'll be there to see the Lighting of the Rockefeller Center Xmas Tree. Which will be fantastic I imagine.

Also we're hoping to see an ice hockey game at Madison Square Garden.

startedsaving

Hi - have really enjoyed reading this thread, brought back good memories!
I would say the main must-do is Empire State Building, I went at night and it was totally incredible. Don't bother to pay to go to Statue of Liberty etc - get the Staten Island Ferry, which is either free or nearly free, you go right past the statue and on the way back you get that fab view of the NY skyline. While you are there in the Battery Park area visit the historic Seaport area which has lots of great restaurants and bars, there is an area right out on the river which is great as you get away from the crowds of the city. Make sure you visit Chinatown and Little Italy - we had great food in both areas. Best value for shopping is to take a bus out to one of the out of town outlet Malls. Don't do breakfast in your hotel even if it is available - you'll get much better value finding a local deli or diner. Finally, stock up on toiletries at the stores you will see everywhere, think they are called Duane something (someone will put me right on this one no doubt!) a bit like a NY version of Superdrug - you'll see an amazing range of products, at great prices. Hope you have a fab holiday!

alison74

The stores are called Duane Reade and they stock a great range of products that we don't get over here (the Americans really do think of everything )

Queenie

And the reason I haven't is ... I discovered a sister a few years back (don't ask!) who happens to live in Brooklyn. Took the plunge and went to meet her a few years back and she was the most wonderful "host" and took me to the places she had learned from 40yrs experience, which were the better places to go and which were the hyped up places to avoid!

Century 21 is a *must*. It's like TK Maxx but far, far, ahead of the game and much better prices!

Empire State Building is a *must-do* but, do it at night! Not only are the views spectacular (look for the HUGE rectangle of no lights! It's Central Park ) but it's less crowded.

Macy's is good, but, it really is only a department store at the end of the day but for quality and a real experience in luxury shopping, you can't beat Bergdorf Goodmans!!! I had the priviledge of meeting Manolo Blanik when he was showcasing his Spring Collection and they laid on drinks and nibbles - fabulous and their Christmas display is absolutely breathtaking!!!! It's Class with an R's

The carriage rides around Central Park are a rip off for what you get; unless you like the romanticised idea of it (which I know many do!). But seriously, you could put your money to better use and a walk around CP, especially as you are going in the Autumn, is far better, far healthier and more economical! After all, you want to save your £'s for ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre (don't you?? )

Not everyone's cup of tea, but one of the things I did (which I don't regret!) is walking Manhatten bridge to Brooklyn and then crossing Brooklyn Bridge to Manhatten. I went my first trip during the Chinese New Year Celebrations and it was electric!! 2nd trip was in Dec and it was just as magical, but a different experience (at that time, Macy's is a *must do* but I still maintain Bergdorfs is better if you are a label snob but Century 21 will not be beaten on prices!)

We chose afternoon tea at the Plaze instead of a carriage ride around CP and I must admit, to experience the Plaza was much, much more of a pampering experience. (Do *NOT* fall for the street sketchers outside CP; waste of money!!!)

Do have a ride on the Statten Island ferry, even if it's a there and back and don't get off ride - oh and stop at South Street Seaport if you like shopping.

Grand Central Station is worthy of a nosey and they have the most wonderful seafood bar (and other shops) situated there. Look for the whispering corner

The subway is a dead easy way to get around and you can buy a block ticket so you just use it and use it until it runs out, then buy another. Their subway is by far easier to pay for and understand than the London Underground! No, you won't see more "sights" (ie above ground) but some of the stations are really beautiful in their own right. CAUTION: Do not even give eye contact if anyone moves along the carriage begging! They are not supposed to do it, but, it happens. If you give eyecontact, or even acknowledge with a "no thankyou" they will persue you! No in a nasty way, just a harassing one!

Above all else - ENJOY!!! There is sooooo much to see and do you will never do it in one visit! I've had 2 and still not done it all

Also, I was able to get a guide book from my library and it was sooo informative - try yours, it will help focus *your* wants, *your* dreams, *your* desires.

Oh yes, and ZABARS! Awesome place! Most especially when they do tasting sessions

I'll shut up now :silenced:

pavlovs_dog

is new york the type of place you can 'do' in a week, if you are an 'on-the-go' type? how much would be be talking for a trip? is there much difference between going for a week and a fortnight? this thread has given me itchy feet :j

delorean_2

What would you recommend to prioritize as we are only staying for 2 nights and I would love to do the very best parts on NYC if possible!

hammy_the_hammer

probably the hop on hop off buses that go round all the sights as you've only 2 days.
if not staten island ferry
ground zero (more dramatic possibly if you visited before 9/11)
lunch at south street seaport
walk through chinatown
empire state building (time it for twilight maybe)
grand central station to look at ceiling and the 'grandness' of the place...come out at street level to get good view of chrysler building
united nations
central park
rockefeller centre
walk down broadway combine with times square
5th avenue window shopping
mcsorleys for a couple of beers

i'm sure there's far better lists and you could add loads to it
get a guidebook and look at what you really want to do

if you are emigrating to canada i wouldn't worry about the shopping too much as you can come back across the border to countless places in the US to while away some hours in the future