[THREAD CLOSED - SEE PART 2] Anything & Everything New York

M4RKM

canal street is always thriving... well it was in March 08 when i was there last...



M

The_Grateful_Ghoul

I am not going until February, but have two questions as this will be my first time.

I fancy taking in a David Letterman Show, What is the best way to get tickets?
Is there any factory outlet/style malls that are better value for clothes than the big chain stores, and how to get to them.

Huge thanks in advance and keep up the excellent work guys.

phatbear

Tickets for letterman:

http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/show_info/tickets/

and for better value clothes etc check out woodbury common:

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=7

all the best

the bear

M4RKM

yeah.. i've been to woodbury common.. picked up a pair of $120 shoes for $20... it is huge, it is a day trip, and if you ain't a shopaholic, it isn't worth going...

M

phatbear

And getting to woodbury common is'nt cheap so you need to factor travel costs into any savings you make, and as Mr Moo has said it is a day trip, so you may be better off looking for bargains in manhattan.

all the best

the bear

debjay

Can anyone recommed a book for a first timer to NYC please? Was recommended Brits Guide to Florida last year when travelling to Florida this Easter. Is the Brits Guide to New York any good?

Also has anyone seen Mamma Mia on Broadway? What did you think? Thinking of it for my 40th in March if we can get tickets? Where is recommended to buy tickets?

Cheers

ruffwood

been a long time lurker and would like my first post to be a thanks to all previous posters for their NYC advice.

Have been back 10 days now from my second visit and would like to post some thoughts and advice

Have been to the Empire State and the Top of the Rock, for me TOTR wins hands down, less crowded, better viewing platform and better views. Book online and print tickets before you go, it will also save a few $$$.

Best free things, Staten Island Ferry, takes you close enough to Liberty Island for pics and if on a budget or short of time best way to say you've it. Walk over Brooklyn Bridge, I went from manhattan to Brooklyn and didn't look back till the other side, such iconic views. If the weather is good, follow the path to the area called DUMBO between the bridges,there are stores for picnic items and parks to sit and take in the views. Also a rest if you want it before walking back. Can get the subway back but worth the views to keep on walking. Museums are pricey but MOMA is free after 4pm on a Friday, big crowds but don't be put off the line goes quickly. The Met has advisory fees and it depends whether you are strong enough to avoid the looks of disdain, I paid a few $$ taking the view that it was a donation and the UK has free galleries for our visitors so not going to pay $20, perhaps mean but there you go. Also the stores and the streets and the architecture are free and try to walk if you can.

Subway is easy, I took the airtrain and subway from JFK and found no problems, quick and reliable. We only had one case each and my OH carried the small case. With heavy bags and more than 1 each, get a cab. We loaded the metrocard with $20 and got $23 value, you can top up in $5 increments when it runs short, but in a 3 night stay and using airtrain which was $7ew We used $25 each but did have a few cab rides esp late at night. Subway easy to use, look for letter and up or downtown.

Managed to get the 11% discount cards in Maceys and Bloomingdales, still plenty of sales rails in late August but previous posters note that Maceys always seem to have some sale items and a bargain. We also went to Century 21 and were disappointed, we could have been shopped out but not an easy store to navigate and display not the best, also once you factor in 11% disc at maceys not any cheaper although I do accept that you could strike lucky. But for the time to search around to save little if anything when on a 3 or 4 night stay for me not worth it when there is so much of the city to see. No tax on individual items up to $150 appears to hold true.

Been a long first post so will post more at a later date

M4RKM

meh.... i disagree about peoples complaints about century 21...

it is like an outlet store, crammed rails, and bargains to be had..
my sister picked up some rock and republic jeans (circa £150 upwards) for $70 while we were there...

i think the trick is to go early, but also, go more than once.. as the rails empty, they put things on... do what everyone else does, walk up to the rails that the staff are putting out on the racks, and find bargains that way..

macy's is like debenhams, all neat, tidy, and presented well.

century 21, doesn't care about presentation, they just want to sell loads of things cheap. and they do...

as for the comments on the subway... erm.. you look for a letter or number.. .. also, there is a difference between express and normal trains.. all of which is explained in my guide...

phatbear

Im with Moo on the century 21 front, mrs phatbear managed to get 3 lacoste handbags for next to nothing, so she was as happy as a bear in honey, and i got some evisu jeans and ray ban sunnys for probably 20% of what you would pay in the UK, yup its dis-organised and yup its crowded and un-ruly and yup the assistants serving you dont seem to give a damn but i would still go back tommorow given the chance. Also another tip is if you go to century 21 there is a dinner beside the church next to century 21 called stage door and they do "the" best pancakes and bacon i've ever had, they serve it on paper plates etc but what the hell its good food.

Anyway I should stay away from this part of the site as Mrs Phatbear is having none of my masterplan to go back before xmas for xmas shopping, and shes also got the hump about my plans to go to vegas in nov for ufc with a mate. ahhh women ya cant live with em and you cant chop em up into small pieces and feed them to the inlaws.

all the best

the bear

robmcdougal90

hi how do i get from manhattan to woodbury common?Is it a long journey? Thanks