NYC in 2 days (first visit)

azzap

Visiting New York next month for the first time and begrudgingly only have two full days (late arrival on the first day, early dept on the third). I have an idea of some things we we would like to do though I'm not sure in what order to do it to maximise time. Would appreciate any advice.

We are staying on 55th St close to Carnegie Hall.

Would like to visit:

Central Park
Rockefeller and/or Empire St (I guess we don't need to go up both)
Grand Central St
NY Libary
Ground Zero
Washington Sq Park
Staten Island Ferry (or any other Ferry to give us a view point)
Time Sq
China town

Not sure if there is anything else we could or should see? Any restaurant or bar recommendations along the way would be great. A rough order to do these things would also be helpful, i can se conflicting routes online.

Thanks

pogofish

Have you read the NY Sticky?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2230655

azzap

Yes I've been reading it, I know what we want to do. It's just how to fit it in efficiently in two days. I don't have any bearings so wondering if there's any rough route suggestions. Thanks

InsideInsurance

I'll never get peoples interest in NYC but still.

Everything you mention is in Manhattan, not only that but in the central and southern areas of it so all very close together.

The Mrs came along to my last work trip there as she'd never been and covered off all that you mentioned, other than China Town, plus MOMA, Guggenheim, Natural History Museum and the Statue of Liberty in 3 days (plus some shopping).

Get a map, plot out the points you want to visit and plan a logical route factoring in if you are wanting to see any of the sites at a particular time (ie do you want to go up a tower in the daylight or night time)?

bluenoseam

Depends on how late the arrival is on the first day, Times Square for example is always preferable at night anyway & thus can be done on the first night. Similarly as the Staten Island Ferry runs pretty late you may be able to get across that on the first night as well in order to catch a night time view of Manhattan.

Thing to warn about with regards to ESB (not sure about Rockefeller) is that security could be a bit time consuming, I know when I went it took a good half hour to get through. Similarly if the weather's a bit cloudier the view isn't all that it could be, but that might not be as big an issue.

All of that should be doable in 2 days, just a case of grabbing a map & figuring out which subway stops to hit for maximum impact in a day.

pogofish

A Metro Card is about the fastest/cheapest way to get around Manhattan, so that should be an essential purchase.

Central Park and Rockefeller Ctr are fairly close by each other, so easy to walk. As are Grand Central, Library, Times Square, 42nd St - which is the main transport hub for much of Manhattan, so you could probably look on it as the place to take your bearings from, also Ground Zero, Financial District, Staten Island Ferry - So you can plan your timings/use of transport to suit - And such is the nature of NY that you will find all sorts of interest/cultural references just strolling between them!

Food is never a problem in NY - Huge variety of outlets and open at all times of the day and night - Take your pick!

Top of the Rock at dusk is worth it - you can watch the city light-up around you.

pompeyrich

As bluenoseam said Times Square and Grand Central station on arrival night, ground zero and SI ferry are pretty close together and the new Freedom tower is opening soon, if not already open, so an alternative tower nearby. Brooklyn bridge and Wall Steet are walkable from there too.

I make it 1 full day, late arrival and early departure, so going to be a rush to see all your list but should be able to tick a good few off with careful planning. MTA website has a good journey planner and includes most hotels as a start/finish point.

azzap

pompeyrich wrote: »

I make it 1 full day, late arrival and early departure, so going to be a rush to see all your list but should be able to tick a good few off with careful planning. "]MTA[/URL] website has a good journey planner and includes most hotels as a start/finish point.

Two full days (3 nights). I guess we could tick Time Sq off on the first night, and I've heard the Rockefeller or ESB is worth doing in the evening.

Is there anything we should pre book to save time?

cabbage

I would do a hop on/hop off bus trip to get the most done in the shortest amount of time and then plan for your next visit where to spend more time

silvercar

azzap wrote: »

Two full days (3 nights). I guess we could tick Time Sq off on the first night, and I've heard the Rockefeller or ESB is worth doing in the evening.

Is there anything we should pre book to save time?

You don't need to do both. Do the Rockafeller as that gives you the iconic view of the ESB.

paulfarrugia

I would try to do the High Line too. Its an old rail track that has been reclaimed into a park/public space. Have a great trip!