ChrisB Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 DH and I would like to do a long weekend in New York City either later this fall or next spring. We've never visited before so we are looking for some recommendations, ideas and/or tips. We'd like to take in an on or off broadway production, maybe see the Rockettes, see some sites, go to a few great restaurants (very open to ethnic) and the Met...you get the picture. At this point we are gathering info. in order to decide what we'd like to do considering it will only be for a long weekend. Any information you can throw our way would be very appreciated!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 New York is big, so I would tend to stay in one geographic area per day or half day -- unless you want to spend a lot of time in busses or subways, lol. I have found guides, such as Frommers or Fodors, that have walking tours to be a big help. The DK Top Ten guides are also great, IMO. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Don't plan too much because stuff takes longer than you think. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 When we went we stayed at the Roosevelt on Madison Ave across the street from Union Station which was very handy. We went to Carnegie, took in a show, walked to Time Square and the Empire State Building, visited our niece on the Upper East Side, went to the Met, and to the Museum of Natural History. It was about all we could fit in. We did use taxi's at night for everything because it was January, freezing cold, and winds high because after a day of walking and sbways, we weren't in the mood to do our dress up stuff at night waling around in arctic winds. We were there four days. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Two weekends visits to NYC I saw Broadway shows (with dh). Those were January trips. On another weekend visit I saw the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular (with dd). That was a November trip. I liked them all. I think you need to decide ahead whether you want to see the Rockettes or see a Broadway show. All of these were three day trips where we arrived by afternoon the first day and spent two nights. If you want the Rockettes, look at their schedule to decide what weekend. If you want a Broadway show, you need to decide if you want a specific show and figure out if that show is very popular. If there are a range of shows which interest you, and don't mind using some of your time waiting you can go to TCKTS in Times Square for day of show tickets. For things to visit you need to narrow down your interests. There is everything. I'd read up on things to do and pick the thing you want to do most of all. Then plan the rest of the day based on other things of interest that are in close proximity. On different trips I've been to the Museum of Natural History, Empire State Building, State of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Tenement Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more. There is a lot to see, but I think it's more fun to do just a little and focus. We took the subway to everything we wanted. We stayed midtown, so in the evening we walked to dinner. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted September 20, 2016 Author Share Posted September 20, 2016 New York is big, so I would tend to stay in one geographic area per day or half day -- unless you want to spend a lot of time in busses or subways, lol. I have found guides, such as Frommers or Fodors, that have walking tours to be a big help. The DK Top Ten guides are also great, IMO. Don't plan too much because stuff takes longer than you think. Thanks for these reminders! Luckily I'm not usually one to over plan. I like the idea of a walking tour. My guess is we'll fly in on Thursday afternoon and leave on Sunday or Monday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabritadorada Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 What do you guys like the most? History Buffs? Architecture? Art? Pizza? Theatre? Music? If you have anything you're particularly passionate about, NYC will have something one-of-a-kind to offer in that area. Do any of the big attractions call your name? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted September 20, 2016 Author Share Posted September 20, 2016 When we went we stayed at the Roosevelt on Madison Ave across the street from Union Station which was very handy. We went to Carnegie, took in a show, walked to Time Square and the Empire State Building, visited our niece on the Upper East Side, went to the Met, and to the Museum of Natural History. It was about all we could fit in. We did use taxi's at night for everything because it was January, freezing cold, and winds high because after a day of walking and sbways, we weren't in the mood to do our dress up stuff at night waling around in arctic winds. We were there four days. Oh...maybe we'll do Carnegie. That sounds nice... Like the advice upthread, I'll have to see what's playing the weekend we go. And, a central location would be nice.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted September 20, 2016 Author Share Posted September 20, 2016 Two weekends visits to NYC I saw Broadway shows (with dh). Those were January trips. On another weekend visit I saw the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular (with dd). That was a November trip. I liked them all. I think you need to decide ahead whether you want to see the Rockettes or see a Broadway show. All of these were three day trips where we arrived by afternoon the first day and spent two nights. If you want the Rockettes, look at their schedule to decide what weekend. If you want a Broadway show, you need to decide if you want a specific show and figure out if that show is very popular. If there are a range of shows which interest you, and don't mind using some of your time waiting you can go to TCKTS in Times Square for day of show tickets. For things to visit you need to narrow down your interests. There is everything. I'd read up on things to do and pick the thing you want to do most of all. Then plan the rest of the day based on other things of interest that are in close proximity. On different trips I've been to the Museum of Natural History, Empire State Building, State of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Tenement Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more. There is a lot to see, but I think it's more fun to do just a little and focus. We took the subway to everything we wanted. We stayed midtown, so in the evening we walked to dinner. All good points. Since we're planners by nature, my guess is we'll buy most tickets before we go so we don't have to spend time in lines. If we go in November, the Rockettes Christmas sounds wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Thanks for these reminders! Luckily I'm not usually one to over plan. I like the idea of a walking tour. My guess is we'll fly in on Thursday afternoon and leave on Sunday or Monday. Half the time, in MYC, I find myself walking on the dullest blocks, when I could easily have taken a more picturesque route. So, in a new city, I always try to do do an 'approved' walk, lol. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 No advice but I'm jealous! Enjoy your trip. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted September 22, 2016 Author Share Posted September 22, 2016 Half the time, in MYC, I find myself walking on the dullest blocks, when I could easily have taken a more picturesque route. So, in a new city, I always try to do do an 'approved' walk, lol. lol...so true! No advice but I'm jealous! Enjoy your trip. Thanks! I've been floating the idea by DH for years, and he's finally interested. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted September 22, 2016 Author Share Posted September 22, 2016 (edited) This is what we're thinking... So, 3 full days (Fri., Sat., Sun.), maybe 1/2 day on Thursday. If we work in half day blocks, then that leaves us with about 7 main things to do...2 being shows, 1 or 2 walking tours (need to get St. Patrick's Cathedral in on one), the Met, and 2 other thing (maybe Statue of Liberty, etc.). The Roosevelt listed above may be a little more than we'd like to spend, but we may decide proximity to the heart of NYC might be worth it. All airline tickets I've seen has us flying into New Jersey. Hotel recommendations are welcomed. Re: food. We feel like any good vacation needs good food options. However, we don't need great for every meal, so a few really good food recommendations would be appreciated. A good pizza shop, a fabulous sandwich, a few nice dinner options (not gourmet/fancy, reasonably priced). Ethnic is fine, nothing too spicy, no dietary restrictions. We're not into shopping, although we might have to duck into Dylan's Candy to buy something for the kids. Edited September 22, 2016 by ChrisB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoodGrief Posted September 22, 2016 Share Posted September 22, 2016 We just got back (did NYC on three different days as part of college drop off.) The person who said everything will take longer than you think is absolutely correct! :-D I'm a walker, so I loved walking down 5th Ave (after getting there from Penn Station) and strolling all the way to Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I like the museum, but it's huge, so takes up a lot of time if you go through it thoroughly. The Highline is a cool place to stroll. My husband loved Ellis Island and also the 9/11 museum, which are in a similar part of town. You do need reservations in advance usually to get out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We did a Broadway show (Phantom). It's cool to be able to have done it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 All airline tickets I've seen has us flying into New Jersey. Hotel recommendations are welcomed. I would recommend staying at a hotel in New Jersey and taking the PATH (the train) into the city each day. Avoid rush-hour and it's quick and easy. Much cheaper, generally, to stay in NJ. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Okay... so don't stay in Hoboken and take the PATH from there... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 We went in July. We were there for 8 days. My favorite things were walking over the Brooklyn Bridge and walking from Chelsea Market on the Highline. And the MET. And Central Park. For Central Park I wish we had rented bikes or a carriage tour...it is such a big park. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted October 3, 2016 Author Share Posted October 3, 2016 Okay... so don't stay in Hoboken and take the PATH from there... Good point. Let's try somewhere else... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted October 4, 2016 Share Posted October 4, 2016 Re: food. We feel like any good vacation needs good food options. However, we don't need great for every meal, so a few really good food recommendations would be appreciated. A good pizza shop, a fabulous sandwich, a few nice dinner options (not gourmet/fancy, reasonably priced). Ethnic is fine, nothing too spicy, no dietary restrictions. If you like Italian, Carmine's is the bomb! http://www.carminesnyc.com/ (nice dinner option!) You need to experience a true NYC Jewish-style delicatessen: Katz's! (fabulous sandwich!) https://www.katzsdelicatessen.com/ And don't forget the cheesecake! S&S is the real deal. http://sscheesecake.com/index.html They're in the Bronx (if you head up that way for the Bronx Zoo on a weekday and BTW Wednesdays you can get into the zoo for a buck a person, just be sure to be there at opening...) http://www.notfortourists.com/LD.aspx/New-York/Shopping/S-S-Cheesecake And here's "ethnic" -- The "new" big thing in the city is Boba/Asian Bubble Tea. Here's a link to a great place, Shiny Tea: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shiny-tea-new-york If they don't have this near you, you must try it! Lots of great "walk in" pizza places in NYC. One of my favorites on the upper west side: http://francescospizzanyc.com/about-francescos https://www.katzsdelicatessen.com/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted October 4, 2016 Share Posted October 4, 2016 Oh...maybe we'll do Carnegie. That sounds nice... Like the advice upthread, I'll have to see what's playing the weekend we go. And, a central location would be nice.... If you go to Carnegie Hall, check out the availability of student tickets ($10): https://www.carnegiehall.org/Students/ All your child needs is ID and I believe they can usually get two tickets. (Alice Tully Hall and Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center have similar deals for some concerts: http://studentdiscounts.lincolncenter.org/) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted October 6, 2016 Author Share Posted October 6, 2016 If you like Italian, Carmine's is the bomb! http://www.carminesnyc.com/ (nice dinner option!) You need to experience a true NYC Jewish-style delicatessen: Katz's! (fabulous sandwich!) https://www.katzsdelicatessen.com/ And don't forget the cheesecake! S&S is the real deal. http://sscheesecake.com/index.html They're in the Bronx (if you head up that way for the Bronx Zoo on a weekday and BTW Wednesdays you can get into the zoo for a buck a person, just be sure to be there at opening...) http://www.notfortourists.com/LD.aspx/New-York/Shopping/S-S-Cheesecake And here's "ethnic" -- The "new" big thing in the city is Boba/Asian Bubble Tea. Here's a link to a great place, Shiny Tea: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shiny-tea-new-york If they don't have this near you, you must try it! Lots of great "walk in" pizza places in NYC. One of my favorites on the upper west side: http://francescospizzanyc.com/about-francescos https://www.katzsdelicatessen.com/ We love Italian! We lived in Rome for a few years back in the day so Italian holds a special place for us. Seems I heard about Katz's deli while listening/watching Jim Gaffigan. DH would love a place like this. Might have to add it to the list. Cheesecake is one of my favorites, and I wouldn't want to miss a good slice while I'm in NYC. Unfortunately, I'm not sure we'll make it as far north as the Bronx in our weekend, but will have to keep it in mind for another visit. We will definitely have to get a slice of pizza! Isn't that like a written rule...must get a slice while in NYC...lol! Thanks for all your wonderful recommendations!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted October 6, 2016 Author Share Posted October 6, 2016 If you go to Carnegie Hall, check out the availability of student tickets ($10): https://www.carnegiehall.org/Students/ All your child needs is ID and I believe they can usually get two tickets. (Alice Tully Hall and Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center have similar deals for some concerts: http://studentdiscounts.lincolncenter.org/) Unfortunately (or fortunately ;-) ) the kids won't be with us this trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted October 6, 2016 Author Share Posted October 6, 2016 We went in July. We were there for 8 days. My favorite things were walking over the Brooklyn Bridge and walking from Chelsea Market on the Highline. And the MET. And Central Park. For Central Park I wish we had rented bikes or a carriage tour...it is such a big park. I hope to get to the Met. Yeah, Central Park looks huge. Hmmm...I didn't think about walking the Brooklyn Bridge...something to consider. So much to do, so little time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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