New York

[Sour Mash]

Going in the summer for a week and a bit. Anyone got any tips of places to go and see, things to do etc? I know all the obvious one's, but are they worth doing and are there any other places or things to do that aren't so well known?

 

Also any tips on best areas for nightlife, pubs/bars/clubs etc? Is it easy to walk around, or do you have to rely on the cabs and metro?

 

Cheers in advance! :cool:

[buctootim]

Going in the summer for a week and a bit. Anyone got any tips of places to go and see, things to do etc? I know all the obvious one's, but are they worth doing and are there any other places or things to do that aren't so well known?

 

Also any tips on best areas for nightlife, pubs/bars/clubs etc? Is it easy to walk around, or do you have to rely on the cabs and metro?

 

Cheers in advance! :cool:

 

There is a revolving bar on the 40th(?) floor of the Marriot Hotel in Times Square. Good c oc ktails and great view of whole city. Would think it would be better known but Ive taken a few NY residents there who havent known about it.

[Give it to Ron]

Going in the summer for a week and a bit. Anyone got any tips of places to go and see, things to do etc? I know all the obvious one's, but are they worth doing and are there any other places or things to do that aren't so well known?

 

Also any tips on best areas for nightlife, pubs/bars/clubs etc? Is it easy to walk around, or do you have to rely on the cabs and metro?

 

Cheers in advance! :cool:

 

Everything you want to know is here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2230655

 

Get a 7 day subway card cost about $27 and so easy to use.

We stayed at Tribeca which was walking distance to loads of bars/restaurants. 15 minutes from Chinatown/Little Italy/South st Seaport/Battery Park/Ground Zero.

I felt far safer in NY than I ever do in London.

 

Staten Island ferry is free and get good pictures of SOL don't bother with paying ferry - sit on the right side of boat.

 

Don't bother Empire State do Rockerfeller(Top of the Rock) go at sundown to get best of both costs about $30 and is awesome for views.

 

Times Square pubs and restaurants are expensive and crap!

If you want to try something expensive and different look at The View at the Marriott Marquis.

[OldNick]

whatever you do go to Grand central station

[Nexstar]

Don't bother Empire State do Rockerfeller(Top of the Rock) go at sundown to get best of both costs about $30 and is awesome for views.

.

 

This. Top of the Rock gives great views of Manhattan and the Empire State Building, along with a fantastic view of Central Park (which you don't get from the ESB). Grand Central Station was great as well, and Ellis Island was very interesting when you do the Statue of Liberty.

[LA77]

The streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you.

[ecuk268]

The subway is cheap and efficient but walking can be interesting. I'd recommend the Empire State day and night if the weather's good. Statue of Liberty's OK but it faces away from the city so the views aren't brilliant.

 

Central Park is a peaceful haven. New Yorkers are very direct but we found them friendly and helpful - the English accent helps. Never felt nervous either walking around or on the subway. Just be sensible as you would in any large city.

 

If you like shopping, Macy's has everything and Barnes and Noble is the largest book shop in the world. The exchange rate isn't as good as when we went but there are still bargains.

 

It's a great city, don't ignore the small districts like Soho and Chinatown - loads of interesting shops and restaurants. Be warned - New York meals are huge - forget your diet and enjoy.

[dune]

Be warned - New York meals are huge - forget your diet and enjoy.

 

Why does this not surprise me.

[Give it to Ron]

 

If you like shopping, Macy's has everything and Barnes and Noble is the largest book shop in the world. The exchange rate isn't as good as when we went but there are still bargains.

.

 

If you go to Macy's go to floor 1.5 take your passport and you get an additional 10% off anything you buy.

[Kingsland Red]

To get an overall general impression and find your bearings for the following days I recommend the open top bus tour. If you get a three day pass you can use it as a hop-on- hop -off bus in lieu of the subway / taxis and save money.

Do the uptown and downtown tours.

 

The John Lennon memorial 'Strawberry Fields' opposite the Dakota Building and in Central Park is worth a visit.

 

My sons loved the Nike midtown store and as posted above, get the Staten Island ferry past the statue of Liberty rather than the boat trips.

 

Spend an evening in Times Square.

 

To see a musical visit the last minute box office off Times Square and save a load of money.

 

The fire engine at Ground Zero is very poignant

 

A concierge in the hotel will print off maps / directions to all these places.

 

Enjoy !

[Sour Mash]

Cheers lads, some good info there.

 

Couple of other questions? What are the best areas for a night out? What are the irish bars like? Good for watching sport etc? Is doing a day at something like the Yankees a worthwhile, authentic NY experience?

 

Anyone know of any places that are a bit different and interesting and would be worth staying at for a couple of nights that would be in easy reach of New York, say a couple of hours by coach or train? We're over there for a over a week, so thinking about trying to see somewhere else that would be a complete contrast to New York.

[saint lard]

whatever you do go to Grand central station

 

Absolutely agree,fantastic building and some superb restaurants in the food court in the depths of the station.

[View From The Top]

Anyone know of any places that are a bit different and interesting and would be worth staying at for a couple of nights that would be in easy reach of New York, say a couple of hours by coach or train? We're over there for a over a week, so thinking about trying to see somewhere else that would be a complete contrast to New York.

 

Depends on what you are looking for really.

[LA77]

Cheers lads, some good info there.

 

Couple of other questions? What are the best areas for a night out? What are the irish bars like? Good for watching sport etc? Is doing a day at something like the Yankees a worthwhile, authentic NY experience?

 

Anyone know of any places that are a bit different and interesting and would be worth staying at for a couple of nights that would be in easy reach of New York, say a couple of hours by coach or train? We're over there for a over a week, so thinking about trying to see somewhere else that would be a complete contrast to New York.

 

Take a road/train trip to Boston. I've not been to NY or Boston but i'll be looking into doing both one day I hope. NY to Boston is 189 miles so loads to see and do

[Sour Mash]

Depends on what you are looking for really.

 

Fairly open minded really. Just thinking that we've got 8 nights in New York, so if there was anywhere within an easy/cheapish journey from there that was worth staying in and would maybe provide an interesting contrast to New York. Going with a few other lads, but we'll be doing plenty of nights out etc while in the city, so not too bothered if we happen to end up somewhere a bit quieter.

 

Thought about Rhode Island. Or the Hamptons, but I think they're a bit too posh for us!

[View From The Top]

Fairly open minded really. Just thinking that we've got 8 nights in New York, so if there was anywhere within an easy/cheapish journey from there that was worth staying in and would maybe provide an interesting contrast to New York. Going with a few other lads, but we'll be doing plenty of nights out etc while in the city, so not too bothered if we happen to end up somewhere a bit quieter.

 

Thought about Rhode Island. Or the Hamptons, but I think they're a bit too posh for us!

 

Heading out to Long Island is always fun and not all of the Hamptons are dead posh but none is cheap in the summer!

 

Saying that, it's nearly 10 years since I was last there.

[saint lard]

New york to Buffalo airport is about 1hr 20min then add about 40 mins travelling and then your at Niagra.

 

Best views are from the Canadian side but you can walk across the suspension bridge and you are there.

[Give it to Ron]

Cheers lads, some good info there.

 

Couple of other questions? What are the best areas for a night out? What are the irish bars like? Good for watching sport etc? Is doing a day at something like the Yankees a worthwhile, authentic NY experience?

 

Anyone know of any places that are a bit different and interesting and would be worth staying at for a couple of nights that would be in easy reach of New York, say a couple of hours by coach or train? We're over there for a over a week, so thinking about trying to see somewhere else that would be a complete contrast to New York.

 

There is an Irish Bar near Times square down a side road by the Big Sports bar did a nice Irish Stew $18.

The big Sports bar is amazing you have little FST above the urinals to watch the game whilst having a leak.

 

If you fancy seeing a show do as someone suggested above or head for South St Seaport (this is what Ocean Village should be!) http://www.southstreetseaport.com/ there is a Tkts booth here opens about 10 but you need to be there 9:30ish usually half price...we saw Hairspray - 2nd row and was fantastic.

Whilst there have a look in the A&F shop(discount store) you will see some of the most beautiful shop assistants you will ever see.

There is a pub here called Heartlands that brew all their own.

 

Have a wander to Brooklyn they do a brewery tour on Friday so I am told - we missed it but plan on doing it next time.

 

Avoid Little Italy its crap...we had a meal here and it was expensive and ended up having a row with the waiter about the price as we were offered a deal by the Maitre 'D....no horses head on my pillow next day so it was OK.

 

There are loads of little Delis for breakfast if near Tribeca I can recommend one.

Try this bar if near here http://www.mudville9.com/ do good chicken wings and loads of different beer.

[saint lard]

Pier 17 had some good restaurants and bars also.

[Kingsland Red]

I wouldnt bother with The Hamptons, we spent a relaxing week out there a couple of years ago, relaxing but not a lot to see.

How about Newport Rhode Island, up the coast and a happening place, or Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard.

Southwards Washington DC is a a obviously good place for sight seeing.

[buctootim]

I wouldnt bother with The Hamptons, we spent a relaxing week out there a couple of years ago, relaxing but not a lot to see.

How about Newport Rhode Island, up the coast and a happening place, or Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard.

Southwards Washington DC is a a obviously good place for sight seeing.

 

Agree with this. Washington is around 4 hours on the train - about $100 if booked in advance. Train also stops in Baltimore and Philadelphia. This place in upstate NY is also good for a change of scene. http://www.mohonk.com/

[egbb saint]

If you fancy serious shopping then a day trip to Woodbury Common will get you out of NY. About an hour on the bus, the last half hour is in the country and pretty in the fall. Tip - Take a wheelie suitcase rather than carry bags round.

 

Walking is the only way to see places like Chinatown and Greenwich.

[Fowllyd]

If you're a fan of the Sopranos there's a tour you can do. Takes you round the New Jersey locations they used, and the guide is a bloke who appeared in various episodes and so has plenty of stories to tell. A mate of mine went on it last year and reckoned it was superb.

 

Pointless if you don't like the Sopranos though!

[OldNick]

To see a musical visit the last minute box office off Times Square and save a load of money.

 

!

Yep a great saving but still a lot more than London. Went to see Mary Poppins, it was awful an aussie trying to sing in a ****ney accent. The Yanks lapped it up but we couldnt hack it and left halfway through.Over 200 wasted, i wanted to go and see the Phantom but was outvoted.

[Sour Mash]

Is it worth doing something like a day at the Yankees? I'm not exactly a baseball fan (don't even understand it), but always thought it looked a good, authentic New York experience.

 

From the write ups I've read it sounds like it is actually a very safe city, but what is the worst area? The Bronx? Want to have a nose around there just to see what it's like.

 

Also, does anyone know of any good tours that would cover the history of New York, particularly the earliest stuff?

[View From The Top]

Is it worth doing something like a day at the Yankees? I'm not exactly a baseball fan (don't even understand it), but always thought it looked a good, authentic New York experience.

 

From the write ups I've read it sounds like it is actually a very safe city, but what is the worst area? The Bronx? Want to have a nose around there just to see what it's like.

 

Also, does anyone know of any good tours that would cover the history of New York, particularly the earliest stuff?

 

I always enjoy a trip to the baseball and Yankee Stadium is actually in the Bronx.

 

Ellis Island is worth exploring.

[dubai_phil]

Favourite Restaurant is City Crabs near to Union Square.

 

http://www.citycrabnyc.com/contact.php

 

Next to them is "Something & Maxwells" Steakhouse. They do this 32 ounce Porterhouse Steak to die for (but only if two share.

 

Century 21 near Ground Zero Is a sort of In Town Outlet Mall, seems a complete mess and mad house but has some great bargains there, a $4000 Armani Jacket for $400 when I was there (no not my cup of tea but an example) Ralph Loren Polo Chinos for $20.

 

A great free evening in Time Square is to go to The David Letterman Show live audience recordings. Check the web site, we queued up for about 20 minutes got given tickets for the next day, went along, queued for 20 mins and Kevin Spacey was the guest.

I think Letterman is a c*ck on TV but it is really interesting when you see it done live and pot luck you may get to watch something funny or famous.

[Redondo Saint]

All the obvious ones are most certainly worth seeing.

 

What you see on the TV is what you will see when you are there - it's a great city to visit.

 

Do be prepared to walk a lot of places and use the subway. I only used a taxi from and to the airport.

 

I recommend you stay near 42nd st/Manhatten as this is a good base.

 

Ellis Island is a must if you want some history of both New York and the rest of the USA -fascinating stuff.

 

Grand Central Terminal (staion) is another good place to go as it's interesting and been in many films - close to Times Square.

 

Central park on a horse and buggy is worth it - plenty of brownie parts from the Mrs too!

 

Always a good city to watch a musical and then have a late dinner.

 

Plenty of tours you can go on but I think it's more fun to plan the places you want to see and make your own tour.

 

Have not been to Harlem, Queens or the Bronx but would suggest you watch Kojak, Baretta or Law & Order if you want to see the crime side of the city as this will be much healthier!!

 

Early June and September are the most comfortable months in the summer if you plan to do a lot of walking.

 

Can't say I would bother going to a baseball game - too long, expensive and no fun if you don't know the rules or care who wins.

Edited 8 March, 2010 by Redondo Saint

[Hamilton Saint]

Go to Carnegie's Deli.

 

Have a pastrami-on-rye sandwich. Truly disgusting! Two tiny pieces of rye bread; in between you get about five inches of meat.

 

 

 

If you're a Beatles/Lennon fan, visit the Dakota building. It's on Central Park West. A lot of other fanous show-biz personalities have lived there. Just across the street, on the edge of Central Park, is the Lennon memorial ("Strawberry Fields").

 

 

Like London, it's a city that is just fun to walk around aimlessly. We just walked and walked and walked during our visit.

[mini_me]

Lotus is a really nice place to eat that turns into a banging nightclub.

 

Not cheap but nice scenery. Would recommend.

[Saint George]

Cheers lads, some good info there.

 

Couple of other questions? What are the best areas for a night out? What are the irish bars like? Good for watching sport etc? Is doing a day at something like the Yankees a worthwhile, authentic NY experience?

 

Anyone know of any places that are a bit different and interesting and would be worth staying at for a couple of nights that would be in easy reach of New York, say a couple of hours by coach or train? We're over there for a over a week, so thinking about trying to see somewhere else that would be a complete contrast to New York.

 

Take a Jet BLue down to New Orleans.....won't get more contrasting than that....It'll blow your socks off!

[LVSaint]

Cheers lads, some good info there.

 

Couple of other questions? What are the best areas for a night out? What are the irish bars like? Good for watching sport etc? Is doing a day at something like the Yankees a worthwhile, authentic NY experience?

 

Anyone know of any places that are a bit different and interesting and would be worth staying at for a couple of nights that would be in easy reach of New York, say a couple of hours by coach or train? We're over there for a over a week, so thinking about trying to see somewhere else that would be a complete contrast to New York.

 

Take a Jet BLue down to Las Vegas.....won't get more contrasting than that....It'll blow your socks off!

[ecuk268]

From the write ups I've read it sounds like it is actually a very safe city, but what is the worst area? The Bronx? Want to have a nose around there just to see what it's like.

 

We were told to be wary of Alphabet City (Avenue A, Avenue B etc) on the Lower East Side. This was a few years ago and I believe that it's been somewhat gentrified now.

[Sour Mash]

We were told to be wary of Alphabet City (Avenue A, Avenue B etc) on the Lower East Side. This was a few years ago and I believe that it's been somewhat gentrified now.

 

Slightly on that note, are the block/road systems quite easy to follow? For example if you were on 42nd street, you'd be able to logically follow how to get to 33rd street? Or doesn't it work like that!

[ecuk268]

Slightly on that note, are the block/road systems quite easy to follow? For example if you were on 42nd street, you'd be able to logically follow how to get to 33rd street? Or doesn't it work like that!

 

Absolutely. Very easy, although if you look at the map the grid system falls apart somewhat in South Manhattan which, being the oldest part of the city, is not so organised.

[Rut]

http://www.bigapplegreeter.org/

 

This is a site where you can arrange to be shown around NYC by someone who actually lives there. It's free & there is no catch to it.

 

Some friends of my wife used them a couple of years back and said it was great. They take you to places that tourists wouldn't just stumble upon. They just do it for the love of the city that they live in.

 

Give them a call and see what the deal it is. I think they will try and sort out a tour with people with similar interests to yourself.

 

If you do decide to give it a try then let us know how it goes.

 

I'd def give the baseball a go - plus also basketball if there is any on. The other thing to remember is that college sport is big in America. If you can find a good college game you may enjoy that more than a professional one (plus it will be a lot cheaper). As I don't live in NYC I can't really help you with a recommendation there. I bet that would be something those greeters would be able to help you with.

 

Another thing you may wanna try and get to is a New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer game. Schedule here:

 

http://web.mlsnet.com/t107/schedule/2010/

 

Enjoy your trip.

[Hamilton Saint]

Slightly on that note, are the block/road systems quite easy to follow? For example if you were on 42nd street, you'd be able to logically follow how to get to 33rd street? Or doesn't it work like that!

 

It's very logical: the streets run west-to-east and increase by one as you move north (like lines of latitude). One street south of 42nd Street is 41st Street; one street north of 42nd Street is 43rd Street.

 

The avenues run north-to-south (like lines of longitude) and increase by one as you move east. So, Sixth Avenue is one avenue east of Fifth Avenue. And so on. Not very romantic, but extremely logical and very easy to get around.

[Hamilton Saint]

Mistakenly posted twice. Excuse.

[NY Saint]

Pretty solid advice from everyone so far.

If you really want to see the Bronx and Spanish Harlem etc it can be covered by the Big Apple or yellow bus tours. To be honest this is a really safe city. Obviously don't make yourself a target by flashing your wallet or camera around but you wouldn't do that in London or Southampton so no worries.

Staten Island Ferry - great suggestion. And free. IF you want a slightly pricier dinner and view tour consider a cruise on the Hudson at night. You can book these in advance and board the yacht at 42nd and 12th (outside my apartment coincidentally).

Street grid runs north to south on Manhattan and avenues east to west and yes they are logical above 10th street. Broadway intersects from upper west and cuts across a few Aves which might confuse but with maps etc you'll be fine. Subways are safe and fastest way to get most places in NYC.

West Village pubs/bars and restaurants are great - think Notting Hill

Recommendations: Spotted Pig restaurant (reservation neccesary). The Other Room - cool little bar with great music and draft beers.

East Village pubs/bars and restaurants tend to be a little grungier and more for the indie music crowd/art students. Quite a few good music venues are in this area, check out ohmyrockness.com to see what's coming up, buy a copy of Timeout NYC or email me. I still see way too many bands for a guy that's mid 30s.

Recommendations: Georgia's East Side BBQ - cheap but delicious Southern food. Bars; Stanton Social

Meatpacking District for a for a clubby night out amongst lots of girls tottering about in high heels and fashion crowd.

Theatre district and Times Square - nailed by someone earlier, generally expensive and crap. The only decentish bar there is St. Andrews Pub

Consider renting bikes and riding along the bike path that runs around the entire island of Manhattan. The full loop from 42nd counter clockwise is about 20 miles and took us 3 hours http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ny/new-york/389125106980690575

This includes a ride through central park. Also consider riding across the Brooklyn Bridge for great views of downtown Manhattan on the way back.

If you're feeling ambitious you could ride upto the George Washington Bridge and down through Weehawken to the ferry in Hoboken which will drop you off at 39th street and 12th. I do this a lot with my girlfriend and are both very casual bike riders and it takes a good four hours.

Feel free to email me (philip.robertson@gmail.com) for more tips or to join you on a bike ride.

For a day outside the city The Hamptons is way too cold and bleak at this time of year, and generally closed. Not all restaurants etc stay open in the winter out there. A day trip to Washington D.C. by train is possible. I like the idea of a Jetblue flight to N'Alreans (New Orleans). Miami is also a possibility if you want to catch up with Wayne Bridge etc

Have a good trip. Weather is just warming up and spring is starting, one of the best times of year to be in NYC.

[Sour Mash]

Cheers one and all, some great information on here. One more question, I'm guessing New York is still fairly expensive? How much could one expect to pay for a beer? Or a normal decent lunch in a deli or diner?

[buctootim]

Cheers one and all, some great information on here. One more question, I'm guessing New York is still fairly expensive? How much could one expect to pay for a beer? Or a normal decent lunch in a deli or diner?

 

Its around $10 to eat lunch in a deli - depends how much you eat because you usually pay by weight and around $12 in a diner. Expect to pay $20 upwards for dinner. How much that is compared to UK depends on the exchange rate - what that will be when you go is anyones guess. At the moment its around $1.50 to the £1 but in the past 18 months or so its fluctuated from $1.35 to $2.14. At current rates NY is roughly equivalent to London prices. Weirdly cant remember how much beer is.

 

If you are on a budget consider this self catering apartment place - great location, basic but clean and cheap. http://www.radiocityapts.com/

[Redondo Saint]

Beer depends on domestic draft or import.

 

In my area it's around $5 for draft and $6 for import. I think NY is similar in cost to me.

[Thedelldays]

thinking about going there with the missus for new years this year....looks fantastic.

 

looking at flying out on the 28th dec and returning on 2nd jan

[Mark]

There is a revolving bar on the 40th(?) floor of the Marriot Hotel in Times Square. Good c oc ktails and great view of whole city. Would think it would be better known but Ive taken a few NY residents there who havent known about it.

 

Are you talking about The View restaurant (http://www.theviewnyc.com). I was there in January, the food is top notch and the view is amazing.

[the colonel]

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): If you only ever go to one Art Museum then this is the one to go to. Brilliant.

 

Helicopter flight: take the flight which includes cutting cross Manhatten going up to the Empire State and other buildings. Expensive but worth every penny.