New York

[davidjpowell]

Off to New York in March for a couple of days before going on to Orlando.

Never been before, and the other-half is building up a list of things to see that sound suspiciously like a tour around shops... My worst nightmare.

I'm not particularly into galleries/museums but do like to wander and soak up the atmosphere...

Any recommendations of things to do/see appreciated.

One of the things the other-half has missed is that the first couple of days will no doubt see us awake early - before the shops open (I hope!).

Not sure if it makes a difference, but we are staying close to Times Sqaure.

 

[trapperjohn]

For me David it was just being there. St Patrick's Day seems to last about a month in New York! I used to take an early morning walk up Times Square and watch the city come to life. I took a walk down 42nd street too. Had a look at the Police Horse Stables down there. A walk up to Central Park has to be on the cards. FAO Swartz is up that way from Times Square. Breakfast in a Deli if you wake up early. Dakota Building up that way too. With the John Lennon Memorial just across the road from the Dakota Building in Central Park.
I suppose now a respectful visit to the site of the twin towers will be called for. We were there not long after they came down. Very moving just to be there. I thought it was a bit mawkish to go so soon after but our presence was appreciated.
Others will be along soon with there spin on what to do.
Enjoy.

 

[redbaron]

Isn't there an SR-71 to look at somewhere ?

 

[flango]

I must have been through the New York airports over 50 times and not once been downtown so sorry cant help on this one.

 

[seven]

Ground Zero is indeed very moving. Maybe a little overpowering for a short visit.

 

[trapperjohn]

If its any where it will be on the aircraft carrier which is at the bottom end of 42nd Street where the pleasure boats set off for a spin up the Hudson. Circle Line is the name of the pleasure boat company if I remember rightly.

In reference to the SR 71

 

[Charles Morgan]

Just soak up the atmosphere. I am more of a museum man and thoroughly enjoyed the Frick collection of art in a stunning robber baron's house just off 5th Avenue at No 1 E70 - Frick bought (staggeringly well) a collection of exceptionally fine art with his ill gotten gains.

MOMA in midtown is also stunning, this time for an extraordinary collection of Modern Art.

I love New York, a really great city.

 

[brucemillar]

Get up and go out of the Hotel for breakfast. Try Blooms or one of the many breakfast bars (Times Square is full of them). NYC breakfasts can be memorable for all the right reasons.

Take a walk over to the Chrysler building and get some pics. Or take a horse and carriage around Central Park.

Great City. Only use marked crossings. Jay walking is not cool.

Lived and worked there for many years. My office was in WTC.

 

[moonloops]

Isn't there an SR-71 to look at somewhere ?

Yes it is on the USS Intrepid Sea Air Space museum. Make use you look around the USS Growler submarine whilst you are there.

Go watch a Yankees match, bit of a schlep on the subway to get there but a good laugh in a dodgy neighbourhood...

Take a helicopter tour around Manhattan if you can.

Grab a steak in Smith and Wollensky or Bobby Van's.

100% visit ground zero

Ferry to Liberty Island, later on go up the empire state building, watch out it can be cold and windy up there..

Go out to the bars and clubs in the meat packing district, better than the places I used to haunt (most have been shut down).

Walk through hells kitchen on a Sunday morning and marvel at the bass beats still coming out of the nightclubs at 10am.

Lots more to do I'm sure.

 

[Markjames]

New York is a great place with some amazing architecture. If you have time go up the empire states building during the day and the Chrysler building at night, doing it this way you get to see the empire states building lit up.
It's worth taking a walk over the Brooklyn bridge and if you do it around lunchtime there is a great pizza place just on the other side. Turn right off bridge and head back towards riverfront and its on right hand side. Be warned it gets stupidly busy.
Chilling out watching the world go by in Central Park is a good way to enjoy a sunny afternoon.
To be honest whatever you do I'm sure you will enjoy it.

 

[brucemillar]

David


The higher the floor your hotel room is on the better nights sleep you will have. New York drivers habitually honk their horns every few meters. They do this day or night and with no respect for your attempts at a kip. As you higher the honking gets more muted.

 

[davidjpowell]

David


The higher the floor your hotel room is on the better nights sleep you will have. New York drivers habitually honk their horns every few meters. They do this day or night and with no respect for your attempts at a kip. As you higher the honking gets more muted.

Thanks Bruce - Lastminute.com upset me a few weeks ago - as a result their VIP team have booked this and requested 'best room'. Quite whether this will have any affect I don't know - but I'm hoping for a high up room

Cheers for the options guys. We're only there for 2 days this time so no chance will get them all done, but I'm sure others will find this thread useful in the future. Keep em coming...

 

[moonloops]

Thanks Bruce - Lastminute.com upset me a few weeks ago - as a result their VIP team have booked this and requested 'best room'. Quite whether this will have any affect I don't know - but I'm hoping for a high up room

Cheers for the options guys. We're only there for 2 days this time so no chance will get them all done, but I'm sure others will find this thread useful in the future. Keep em coming...

As Bruce said, higher up the better. I also ask for the room furthest away from the lifts for the same reason.

 

[Meldrew2]

.....I took a walk down 42nd street too. Had a look at the Police Horse Stables down there......

...the aircraft carrier which is at the bottom end of 42nd Street ..........

............ the Chrysler building at night.........

Also on 42nd Street, just a block from the Chrysler building, is Grand Central Station - it's well worth a visit to the main hall of the station, an Iconic NY landmark which is currently celebrating its 100th jubilee.

.

 

[Deker]

If it's a clear day then 'top of the rock' at the Rockerfeller centre has good views over Central park and also the skyline of Manhatten, also the free Staten island ferry give a good very of the statue of liberty

 

[Mr. B]

You won't see it all in 2 days.

My advice would be to buy one of the open top bus tours which include the downtown loop, uptown loop and the Brooklyn tour (don't get off at Brooklyn) or (Harlem - uptown loop).

You will get to see most of the tourist sights on these tours and then you can decide where you want to get off and explore further.

If you want to see the memorial gardens at ground zero you need to book in advance or you won't get in (unless it's recently changed).

I don't know whether the Terracotta Warriors (approx 2 dozen full scale warriors) are still on 42nd Street but worth a visit.

Horse drawn carriage in Central Park is expensive but the Mrs. will probably insist on it. (it's only a short trip around the lower section of the park). Better value would be in one of the many pedicabs.

Lots to see and lots to do, just make sure you plan your visit well to get the most out of it.

If you intend to visit the Empire State Building try and book an express ticket before you go because the queues can be huge.

I could go on all day about NYC but you and others will probably get bored.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[Benzowner]

Been there a couple of times, two days isn't enough time. 100% agree on Ground Zero and the small chapel around the corner, very moving. New York City Vietnam Veterans Monument is also worth a look at and not seen by many, again very moving. Empire State is also worth a look, if the queues are not too long. Have a great time, you will want to go back.

 

[wilsodg]

If it's a clear day then 'top of the rock' at the Rockerfeller centre has good views over Central park and also the skyline of Manhatten, also the free Staten island ferry give a good very of the statue of liberty

+1 +1 - I'm in NY most months for the last 10 years - there is so much to do, but Rockefeller has great views of the Emprire State and Chrysler with smaller queues. Go up 20 minutes before sunset. If you must do Empire State, go at 11pm.

The High Line (old elevated railway turned into a park) is a great walk too. Brooklyn Bridge (subway out, walk back to City Hall) has stunning views in the morning.

If it's wet, visit MOMA (modern Art) on 53rd.

Similar to the bus trip, the Circle Line cruise round manhattan - cheesy but very educational.

Enjoy.

 

[Moonie]

American Museum of Natural History - Especially the star theatre!

 

[davidjpowell]

On the way and can't wait!