Advice for trip to New York please?

[dobbin]

Are there any New Yorkers out there?

I'm visiting with my wife for the first time next week (June 1-6). I've got a good idea of what we're going to do - but wondered if there is anything else you would advise. Or is there anything on my list that is maybe not worth spending time on?

So far I've got:

Trip to top of Empire State Building (lots of people say this is best at night time - is that right?)
Trip up the Statue of Liberty
Visit the Immigration museum & the Tenement museum
Watch WNBA (NY Liberty vs Wash Mystics) at Madison Sq Garden
See "The Producers" on Broadway
Visit Central Park (where should I head - is anything particularly worth seeing?)
Vist ground zero - Definitely want to visit - but what is there actually to see there?
Met Museum of Art - my wife wants to go as she likes looking at Art
Visit the Apple store in SoHo :D
We're staying right by Penn Station and Madison Sq Gardens, so hopefully a lot of these things will be in easy reach. What else would anyone recomend that I go and see?

Finally, whats the weather normally like in early June? The average temp seems to be low 20s according to my guidebook, is that about right, and does it rain often?

Any tips would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

P.S. This is my third trip the states - the first was a day trip from Canada to see Mount St Helens just aftet it erupted in 1980. I was only 4 so can't remember much. The second visit was a business trip to Kansas City and Phoenix and I barely left the hotel. I'm looking forward to actually seeing something this time hopefully!

[MongoTheGeek]

Are there any New Yorkers out there?

I'm visiting with my wife for the first time next week (June 1-6). I've got a good idea of what we're going to do - but wondered if there is anything else you would advise. Or is there anything on my list that is maybe not worth spending time on?

So far I've got:

Trip to top of Empire State Building (lots of people say this is best at night time - is that right?)
Trip up the Statue of Liberty
Visit the Immigration museum & the Tenement museum
Watch WNBA (NY Liberty vs Wash Mystics) at Madison Sq Garden
See "The Producers" on Broadway
Visit Central Park (where should I head - is anything particularly worth seeing?)
Vist ground zero - Definitely want to visit - but what is there actually to see there?
Met Museum of Art - my wife wants to go as she likes looking at Art
Visit the Apple store in SoHo :D
We're staying right by Penn Station and Madison Sq Gardens, so hopefully a lot of these things will be in easy reach. What else would anyone recomend that I go and see?

Finally, whats the weather normally like in early June? The average temp seems to be low 20s according to my guidebook, is that about right, and does it rain often?

Any tips would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.


Summers in Manhattan, pretty much all of the east coast of the US are hot and muggy. But this year has been much cooler than normal. Long pants and a light T-shirt. You might need a jacket in the evenings.

Central Park is HUGE. 57 Hectares. There are countries which are smaller.

I've heard good things about the producers. Spamalot is good if you are a python fan but tickets are hard to get.

The Empire State Building is great to go up, just about any time. They have a souvenir shop at the top and commemorative photos taken as you enter and sold to you as you exit. The "skyride" or something like that which they push on you is not really worth it from what I have heard.

Ground Zero right now looks more like a construction site than anything. Everything previously there is gone and they are started to rebuild. What I did when I visited was I took the E train to the end of the line and then looked at it from the transfer area between the subway and the Path.

The MOMA is a good visit.

Be careful around Soho, some of the adjoining neighborhoods are bad.

[Jovian9]

Get all of the tourist sites out of the way in a few days. Then just enjoy walking around and going to restaurants/bars......my favorite part of NY.

[wordmunger]

Are there any New Yorkers out there?

I'm visiting with my wife for the first time next week (June 1-6). I've got a good idea of what we're going to do - but wondered if there is anything else you would advise. Or is there anything on my list that is maybe not worth spending time on?

So far I've got:

Trip to top of Empire State Building (lots of people say this is best at night time - is that right?)
Might be, but be prepared for lines--LONG lines! Better to get there 20-30 mins before opening
Trip up the Statue of Liberty
Be prepared for MORE lines! If you don't want to mess with the lines, you can just take the staten island ferry for $1 or so -- you get great views of the statue and Manhattan
Visit the Immigration museum & the Tenement museum
Never been to the tenement museum. If by the Immigration museum you mean Ellis Island, it's definitely worth the trip.
Watch WNBA (NY Liberty vs Wash Mystics) at Madison Sq Garden
Okay, if you're a sports fan. But I think for a truly "American" experience you might be better off going to a baseball game -- the Yankees or even the Mets.
See "The Producers" on Broadway
Yes, good show, you'll love it!
Visit Central Park (where should I head - is anything particularly worth seeing?)
Just wander around the park. There's nothing especially special to see there. You can rent boats to paddle around the pond, or take a horse-and-buggy ride (touristy, but still romantic)
Vist ground zero - Definitely want to visit - but what is there actually to see there?
It's just a big construction site now. I've visited NYC twice since 9/11 and never wanted to go -- I was having too much fun doing other things.
Met Museum of Art - my wife wants to go as she likes looking at Art
Good fun. Make sure to check out the replica rooms. Also, there's a patio on the third floor with an excellent view of Central Park
Visit the Apple store in SoHo :D
Now why would you want to do that? ;)
We're staying right by Penn Station and Madison Sq Gardens, so hopefully a lot of these things will be in easy reach.
Sure, easy subway access to the entire city, a short walk to Times Square, Empire State building.
What else would anyone recomend that I go and see?
How about the new Museum of Modern Art? Also, Fifth Avenue from about 50th to 60th for the ultimate capitalist shopping adventure. For a more "cultural experience" try visiting chinatown or Little India.
Finally, whats the weather normally like in early June? The average temp seems to be low 20s according to my guidebook, is that about right, and does it rain often?
It should be lovely -- the serious summer heat won't have kicked in yet. If it rains, you'll be able to by a $5 umbrella from a dozen street vendors that suddenly pop up out of nowhere, so no need to pack for the rain. A lot of New Yorkers view umbrellas as disposable, one-use items.

[mrzeve]

Well the Soho store is close to the WTC

Nothing to do there though.

Depending on where you go and how old you are I would also recommend a concert. Check out the shows at the Central Park Summerstage for around the time you are coming.

Def go to the Liberty game. I hate WNBA but if you havent been to the Garden, then you must.

I hate NY though and dont know why anyone would want to come here for vacation lol. Im waiting for college so I can get out of here.

[Frisco]

Visit Chinatown and then take a romantic walk over the Brooklyn Bridge.

If you are into clubs go to Avalon at 47 W 20th St. It's in an old church, formerly the Limelight.

For some great NY pizza checkout: John's Pizzeria at 278 Bleecker St or at 260 W 44th St. I prefer the one on Bleecker.

Have fun!

[_pb_boi]

Be careful around Soho, some of the adjoining neighborhoods are bad.

That said, Soho itself is a great area. The Apple store is there, but apart from that, you've got a lot of cool stores like Replay, ****, etc. - basically youth fashion.

The buildings are really cool, very artsy feel to the place still. We walked around for 2 hours waiting for the Apple store to open so I could get my Powerbook and had a great time. Grab some coffee and wonder about, very cool.

andy.

[bartelby]

Next time I go to NYC I want to visit Alex Grey's
Chapel Of Sacred Mirrors (http://www.cosmnyc.com/)

[Lyle]

Lots of good advice so far. You're going to love any part of Central Park that you happen to visit. If you like zoos, you might enjoy the Central Park Zoo, near the south end of the park. The hansom cab ride through the park was very nice, but also expensive (around $40 for a 20-30 minute ride, IIRC).

If you have kids, or if you're just young at heart, maybe stop by the Toys 'R Us store in Times Square. I always have to go by there and see T-Rex in the Jurassic Park section of the store. ;)

Since you're going to be there a whole week, do yourself a favor and learn how to use the subway. It's just a lot cheaper than taking taxis. It's a little more complicated (IMO) than the London Underground but not hard to figure out.

[dobbin]

Depending on where you go and how old you are I would also recommend a concert. Check out the shows at the Central Park Summerstage for around the time you are coming.
I'm 29. I thought about looking for a concert somewhere but in the end decided to go to a show instead - after all NY/Broadway is famous around the world for its shows - I found some fairly cheap tickets to the The Producers which was good.


Def go to the Liberty game. I hate WNBA but if you havent been to the Garden, then you must.

Great, I'm glad you said that. I've never watched or played basketball, but I like watching all sports. I wanted to see something in the Garden - either a concert or some sport and that is what is on next weekend (didn't fancy the McDonalds Gospelfest!).


I hate NY though and dont know why anyone would want to come here for vacation lol. Im waiting for college so I can get out of here.


Ha! I think the same of where I live (Cotswolds, England), yet its always full of tourists in the summer, and a lot of Americans too.


For some great NY pizza checkout: John's Pizzeria at 278 Bleecker St or at 260 W 44th St. I prefer the one on Bleecker.
W44th St? Thats where we're going to the show. Could be a good time to try out some NY pizza!! I love pizza!


Might be, but be prepared for lines--LONG lines!

I'm English. We invented queues (lines). We're very good at it :D



Watch WNBA (NY Liberty vs Wash Mystics) at Madison Sq Garden

Okay, if you're a sports fan. But I think for a truly "American" experience you might be better off going to a baseball game -- the Yankees or even the Mets.

I would have preferred to see Baseball (or Football but I know its out of season) but we are staying right by MSG so its going to be much easier to watch the basketball. Its only $10 so seems like a good way to see inside the Garden and get a taste of NY Sport.



Met Museum of Art - my wife wants to go as she likes looking at Art


Good fun. Make sure to check out the replica rooms. Also, there's a patio on the third floor with an excellent view of Central Park
Thanks - good tip.


Get all of the tourist sites out of the way in a few days. Then just enjoy walking around and going to restaurants/bars......my favorite part of NY.
I'm only going to be there for 4 1/2 days, then I'm off to New Jersey for a wedding, which is the real reason for our trip to the US. Hopefully we will have time to see lots of sights in our short stay, as well as getting out to the restaurants/bars and seeing the less touristy bits.


Summers in Manhattan, pretty much all of the east coast of the US are hot and muggy. But this year has been much cooler than normal. Long pants and a light T-shirt. You might need a jacket in the evenings.

Exactly the sort of advice I was after - thanks.

Thanks everyone for your replies - its really helping to get me very excited about my trip!
If anyone else has any tips, then please do post them here!

[wordmunger]

I'm English. We invented queues (lines). We're very good at it

Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you!

I was astonished to see that people in London even queue up at the bus stop: the first person to arrive at the stop gets on the bus first. Don't do that in New York, or you'll never get on the bus: just push your way to the front. It's what everyone does.

P.S. Yes, queue is definitely not a "standard" American word. My first experience with the word was when I was a kid: there was a headline in the local newspaper that completely baffled me:

"Iraqis must queue, too."

I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it meant. Then I read the article, and it turned out that it was about how even in oil-rich Iraq, there were still lines at the gas pumps (this was during the 1980 oil crisis).

[wkw]

Do you like jazz? if you do check out who is playing while you are there. There is ALWAYS some great jazz in NYC.

[dobbin]

Do you like jazz? if you do check out who is playing while you are there. There is ALWAYS some great jazz in NYC.

I'm not really into Jazz very much, although I appreciate you taking the time to reply. Thanks.

[jeffy.dee-lux]

Do you like jazz? if you do check out who is playing while you are there. There is ALWAYS some great jazz in NYC.

I was in New York a couple months ago, me and my girlfriend were scouring greenwich village for a nice jazz club, but places like the vanguard and blue note are way out of our price range. Any good suggestions for dingy, cheap places with good music for my next visit?

[wkw]

I was in New York a couple months ago, me and my girlfriend were scouring greenwich village for a nice jazz club, but places like the vanguard and blue note are way out of our price range. Any good suggestions for dingy, cheap places with good music for my next visit?

I was out there several years ago and saw a great show at Flushing Town Hall. I don't think it was very expensive. IIRC its the last subway stop out in Queens.

[leekohler]

I visit NYC frequently and can tell you this-if you're going in June, plug your nose! All the trash sits out on the sidewalks and it can get really stinky if it's hot! Otherwise, you'll have a great time. Make sure to go to Two Boots Pizza and check out Park in the meat packing district. Very cool club.

[yg17]

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread, June 5th, I leave for NYC for a week and this thread just might come in handy.


Not to hijack the thread, but how's the free WiFi access around NY? Is it non-existant or is it everywhere?

[leekohler]

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread, June 5th, I leave for NYC for a week and this thread just might come in handy.


Not to hijack the thread, but how's the free WiFi access around NY? Is it non-existant or is it everywhere?

It should be pretty much everywhere.

[MarksEvilTwin]

Removed

[puckhead193]

I think everyone mentioned everything but what about visiting the bronx zoo.

[wordmunger]

I think everyone mentioned everything but what about visiting the bronx zoo.
That would be quite a long trip for someone who's not even interested in a 30-minute subway ride to Yankee Stadium. It's a nice zoo and all, but not tremendously different from zoos you find just about anywhere.

[calyxman]

Are there any New Yorkers out there?

I'm visiting with my wife for the first time next week (June 1-6). I've got a good idea of what we're going to do - but wondered if there is anything else you would advise. Or is there anything on my list that is maybe not worth spending time on?

So far I've got:

Trip to top of Empire State Building (lots of people say this is best at night time - is that right?)
Trip up the Statue of Liberty
Visit the Immigration museum & the Tenement museum
Watch WNBA (NY Liberty vs Wash Mystics) at Madison Sq Garden
See "The Producers" on Broadway
Visit Central Park (where should I head - is anything particularly worth seeing?)
Vist ground zero - Definitely want to visit - but what is there actually to see there?
Met Museum of Art - my wife wants to go as she likes looking at Art
Visit the Apple store in SoHo :D
We're staying right by Penn Station and Madison Sq Gardens, so hopefully a lot of these things will be in easy reach. What else would anyone recomend that I go and see?

Finally, whats the weather normally like in early June? The average temp seems to be low 20s according to my guidebook, is that about right, and does it rain often?

Any tips would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

P.S. This is my third trip the states - the first was a day trip from Canada to see Mount St Helens just aftet it erupted in 1980. I was only 4 so can't remember much. The second visit was a business trip to Kansas City and Phoenix and I barely left the hotel. I'm looking forward to actually seeing something this time hopefully!

Be prepared for very very long lines for the Empire State Building and the statue of Liberty. My dad and I waited around an hour and a half just to buy tickets! It takes a lot of patience but in the end it will be worth it.

Ground zero is sort of a depressing sight. I didn't spend much time around ground zero. You'll see many pictures and poems on the fence surrounding the sight. You can also go downstairs from the subway station to get a closer look of the building site.

All I can say is, whatever you do, make sure you see manhattan at night. Specifically, go see Times Square; it's beautiful.

I love New York. :cool:

[MongoTheGeek]

I forgot to mention you can prebuy tickets to the empire state building at

http://www.esbnyc.com/

You buy them online and then print them.

This saves you an hour or so line to buy tickets so you only have to wait the half hour for the elevator most of the way up and then the another half hour up to the obs deck... :)

[dobbin]

I forgot to mention you can prebuy tickets to the empire state building at

http://www.esbnyc.com/

You buy them online and then print them.

This saves you an hour or so line to buy tickets so you only have to wait the half hour for the elevator most of the way up and then the another half hour up to the obs deck... :)

Thanks Mongo - thats very useful indeed.

And thanks to everyone else for your help. I really can't wait to go now!!!!

[dobbin]

Have a great trip to the greatest city on Earth!



Thanks a lot, but I already live near Gloucester :D (see sig).

[Baron58]

Take the Gray Line Bus tour that loops through Lower Manhattan, and past the WTC site. You'll learn a lot more about the neighbourhoods from the guide's commentary than just by walking through there alone. Then if you want to go back to a specific spot to walk/eat/whatever, you'll know where to go.

Go to the TKTS booth in Times Square to get half-price same-day tickets to many Broadway shows. They sell in the morning and afternoon for matinee and evening shows respectively.

The best supermarket in NY is Fairway, at 74th and Broadway (see: http://www.fairwaymarket.com/locations.cfm), or there's a Whole Foods in the Lincoln Center building at Columbus Circle, if you need to stock up with munchies for the hotel room.

[mrzeve]

IPlus, I don't know how expensive MSG is in general, for food, drinks, etc.

Some prices as of end of Knicks season (I was a partial ticket holder, unfortunatley =\ )

Took a pic of one of the menus one time for an article I have to update but never got around to it (http://www.nykfanpage.com/editorials/viewarticle.php?articleid=68)

Anyway, here ssome prices. (Oh the things I do when I should be studying)

Hebrew National:
Footlong and Knish $6.75
Jumbo Frank and Knish $6.25
Footlong Hot Dog $5.00
Jumbo Hot Dog $4.50

Jumbo Cracker Jack $4.75
Popcorn $4.00
Soft Pretzel $3.25
Nachos and Chehese $3.00
Knish $2.75
Wise Chips $1.75

Beverages:
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite (Im prettysure they have more options..)

Souvenir Cup 24oz $3.50, 32oz $4.25
Neon Cup 32oz $3.50, 44oz $3.75
Snapple Iced Tea $4.00
Poland Spring Sport Bottle $3.75
Large Domestic Draft Beer $6.75 (Max 2 beers per person)

*All prices include NYC sales tax (FYI, Its 8.5%)

Then they have the whole pizza, ranch 1, subway, quizno thing going on downstairs. I usually get charged about $10-$10.50 for french fries, a large coke, and chicken fingers.

I dont recommend getting the pizza cause it doesnt fill you up.

Dont get the chicken sandwhiches or burgers from Ranch 1 either, they wont do much for you. If your gonna buy something from there get the meal I mentioned above.

But the Subway (and I dont mean the transportation service, please dont buy food underground), well Im pretty sure its a Subway, might be some other sandwhich place, is really good.

Man, for a skinny kid I know my Garden food haha.

Oh and if you want go across the street and buy from the hotdog stand that former Knick coach Jeff Van Gundy would go to EVERYDAY haha.

[killuminati]

If you want good soup go to Soup Kitchen International.....AKA The Soup Nazi!

[dotdotdot]

TIMES SQUARE.

Need I say more?

You don't really "need" a guide for NYC, just go with the flow of the places. If it looks nice, it is. If it looks cheap, the prices are cheap. If it looks stolen, just walk past it.

BUT if you dont go to Blue Smoke to eat you are ruining your trip.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Thanks all!

Been wanting to get back to NYC for a long time. And given my new found freedom ( :) ), and a recent reminder about the Chinatown bus services between DC and NYC (as low as $30 roundtrip :D ) - it looks like my day trips to the DE/MD shore may be taken over by trips to NYC. It would cost me about $30 in gas and tolls to get to the shore. Any NYC is so much more fun!

But what about CHEAP places to stay in various parts of NYC? I did a quick search on Yahoo, and found a place near Times Square for under $100 a night. Or any other number of neighborhoods near where I want to explore (Chinatown, the Village, Tribeca (lower Manhattan), the Cloisters, and the such?

I am a photographer, and love NYC as material. My only requirements are a relatively "safe" place. I don't need cable TV, a concierge service, or even mints on my pillows. I just don't want cockroaches on my pillows :eek: . For the room I take may provide some creative material for my camera. I guess anything under $125 would be preferred.

Thanks for the help.

[yg17]

Thanks all!

Been wanting to get back to NYC for a long time. And given my new found freedom ( :) ), and a recent reminder about the Chinatown bus services between DC and NYC (as low as $30 roundtrip :D ) - it looks like my day trips to the DE/MD shore may be taken over by trips to NYC. It would cost me about $30 in gas and tolls to get to the shore. Any NYC is so much more fun!

But what about CHEAP places to stay in various parts of NYC? I did a quick search on Yahoo, and found a place near Times Square for under $100 a night. Or any other number of neighborhoods near where I want to explore (Chinatown, the Village, Tribeca (lower Manhattan), the Cloisters, and the such?

I am a photographer, and love NYC as material. My only requirements are a relatively "safe" place. I don't need cable TV, a concierge service, or even mints on my pillows. I just don't want cockroaches on my pillows :eek: . For the room I take may provide some creative material for my camera. I guess anything under $125 would be preferred.

Thanks for the help.

Well, we're staying at the Pan-American hotel which I dont know the exact price of since its in an Expedia package, but I believe it was well under $125. I don't know New York at all, so I don't know how close it is to Times Square. I just know its somewhat close to LaGuardia. I *think* it may be in Queens.