New York City tips and advice :)

Incapuppy

diddldonna wrote: »

Looking for tips on how to make the trip a better one, thank-you.

So go through the sticky thread that Caz provided a link for earlier.

rorylando45

Buy roasted nuts from street vendors SO GOOD!!!!!

VestanPance

Go to the Top of the Rock for a great view rather than up the Empire State Building. Added bonus of you can actually see the Empire State Building from it.

Brooklyn is well worth exploring, if you are in NYC over the weekend the Brooklyn flea market is well worth exploring. If possible time walking back over the Brooklyn bridge back towards Manhattan at dusk and get some great pictures of the city lighting up.

Take in a show. I'd say avoid the TKTS booth in Times Square which can be very long and get the tickets from the Seaport booth (shorter lines) or pre-book online from the likes of BroadwayBox for discounted tickets. Taking in a basketball or ice hockey game at the Garden is a great experience too.

Juniors for Cheesecake, Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridian for great burgers. The River Cafe for a romantic meal with great views.

Try and plan what you do based on location. There's a million things to do and see and it is spread across the city. Pick a few things in the same location and do those, but also leave free time just to wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere.

It's an amazing city and if it's your first trip you'll no doubt like the rest of us on our first visit you'll run about like a madman trying to see everything. Also be aware that after visit number one you'll probably already be planning visit number two on the flight back home!

Doshwaster

My best advice is not to bust a gut by trying to see and do everything in one short visit. You'll spend most of the time dashing around, standing in queues and not soaking up the atmosphere.

NYC isn't a "once in a lifetime" destination. It's only 7 hours away so it's a place you can visit time and time again. Pick a handful of things to do and save the rest for next time.

wayne77

Exactly, we are currently planning our 5th trip, still have lots of places to see.

thegirlintheattic

Get a 7 day MTA pass - really cheap and public transport is the easiest way to get around.

Head uptown to eat - often really nice restruants cheap.

Book tickets to go up the Statue of Liberty in advance and do that and Ellis Island on the same day - combine with world trade center memorial if you are so inclined and there is a nice little parkish place near the Statten Island ferry port to take lunch in.

It's not easy to get 'cheap' broadway tickets on the day (certainly not any cheaper than booking in advance). So I would book tickets to a show in advance.

Don't eat from the street stands.

Bring a spare suitcase, lots of cheap shopping to be had (not sure if this will still be the case as the exchange rate has changed). The Levi jeans place in Times Square got a lot of my cash!

You can take a quick day trip to Niagria Falls on the train which is cheap, nice and really worth it if you get an early train out.

Take some time to explore central park.

I loved New York and can't wait to go back.

diddldonna

Thanks everyone x

cabbage

I would say do the hop on/hop off bus tour to see most of it and then decide where you want to spend more time and use it to get to/from your destination. The one we did included a 90 boat tour, uptown, downtown and night tour into Brooklyn for $54 (blue and yellow bus) and the tickets were valid for 48 hours

USAgirl

Eat from the street stands. They are good and cheap food, and ideal for lunch and many times better than lots of the more traditional tourist restaurants. I live in nyc and eat from street carts every day for lunch.. There is a particularly good Indian on 48 and 6th but only Monday to Friday. Ignore those who tell you don't eat the street meat-its a new york staple :-)

martindow

cabbage wrote: »

I would say do the hop on/hop off bus tour to see most of it and then decide where you want to spend more time and use it to get to/from your destination. The one we did included a 90 boat tour, uptown, downtown and night tour into Brooklyn for $54 (blue and yellow bus) and the tickets were valid for 48 hours

This might be convenient but is expensive when you can get a 7 day bus and subway card for $29.

http://www.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm#unlimited