|
|
Post by workingclassdog on Feb 5, 2024 17:11:47 GMT
Edited: We are arriving at JFK.
I can't believe he did this! I would say NYC is kinda on my bucket list but figured I wouldn't get there. DH is not a fan of crowds and big cities. So this was a huge surprise. We are going in the first week of May. Staying right in Times Square.
I know nothing about NYC really other than what I read and see online. It's a short stay (arriving at noon on Thurs and leaving Sunday evening) and funds are limited but I have already researched a bit. Any help would be appreciated.
This is my first draft of what to do:
Times Square at night (no biggie since we are right there)
World Trade Center Memorial (this is non-negotiable)
Central Park
The Vessel @ Hudson Yards
Staten Ferry
Walk across Brooklyn Bridge and check out the Dumbo area
And when we leave for the airport another must see for me is the TWA Hotel at the airport (I used to work for the airline and they converted the old TWA Terminal into a retro 1960s hotel)
(there are honorable mentions to places we will be nearby that we can go to like Rockefeller Center)
I would love to run into a antique/flea market outdoor kind of thing??
I have pretty much ruled out anything Broadway show related. Time and money.
I think those are the top items. I just need to figure out how far apart, how to get there the cheapest way. How to arrange it best so we are not using up energy by not planning.
What would be the cheapest way to get from the airport to the hotel?
Then lastly I know there is SO much to do we just have to pick what we can handle. DH is going to die cause he isn't used to walking that much. I can handle the walking but we are 55 and 57, so moving at lightening speed is not in the cards.
He was thinking about getting a pass for the double decker bus thing? Would that be a good investment?
|
|
|
|
Post by katiekaty on Feb 5, 2024 17:30:12 GMT
When we went- we stopped in Harlem and shopped a bit and there was a small museum we went through, don’t remember the name. Also went shopping in the garment district and bought some fabric and first runs that didn’t make he cut but were really nice.
|
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on Feb 5, 2024 17:45:50 GMT
I can't believe he did this! I would say NYC is kinda on my bucket list but figured I wouldn't get there. DH is not a fan of crowds and big cities. So this was a huge surprise. We are going in the first week of May. Staying right in Times Square. I know nothing about NYC really other than what I read and see online. It's a short stay (arriving at noon on Thurs and leaving Sunday evening) and funds are limited but I have already researched a bit. Any help would be appreciated. This is my first draft of what to do: Times Square at night (no biggie since we are right there) World Trade Center Memorial (this is non-negotiable) Central Park The Vessel @ Hudson Yards Staten Ferry Walk across Brooklyn Bridge and check out the Dumbo area And when we leave for the airport another must see for me is the TWA Hotel at the airport (I used to work for the airline and they converted the old TWA Terminal into a retro 1960s hotel) (there are honorable mentions to places we will be nearby that we can go to like Rockefeller Center)
I would love to run into a antique/flea market outdoor kind of thing?? I have pretty much ruled out anything Broadway show related. Time and money. I think those are the top items. I just need to figure out how far apart, how to get there the cheapest way. How to arrange it best so we are not using up energy by not planning. What would be the cheapest way to get from the airport to the hotel? Then lastly I know there is SO much to do we just have to pick what we can handle. DH is going to die cause he isn't used to walking that much. I can handle the walking but we are 55 and 57, so moving at lightening speed is not in the cards. He was thinking about getting a pass for the double decker bus thing? Would that be a good investment? Regarding the bolded part, walk over to DUMBO on the weekend, then go up to Williamsburg (uber or perhaps train - not sure if they go from DUMBO up there) for the Brooklyn flea market. www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60827-d2357878-Reviews-Brooklyn_Flea_Market_Williamsburg-Brooklyn_New_York.htmlETA: as far as getting to the hotel, we need to know which airport you're coming in to. |
|
|
|
Post by Susie_Homemaker on Feb 5, 2024 17:48:47 GMT
We went up in the *I can't remember which building* that faces the Empire State Building so that we could view it that way. We still got the up high view of NYC, but also saw the ESB lit up with red/white/blue lights. We went to the Statue of Liberty, rode the subway, went in the toy store (FAO Swartz?), and walked in Central Park. We did one double decker bus tour and did find it interesting. The best part was the tour guide though! He'd say "up on your right we will pass the so and so building that is famous for blah, blah, blah" (of course he gave us real info). Wait a few beats while the bus moves, we get to said landmark and he'd say "click, click people".  to let us know we were there and it was time to take the pictures. We still say it to this day! |
|
|
|
Post by workingclassdog on Feb 5, 2024 18:04:00 GMT
We went up in the *I can't remember which building* that faces the Empire State Building so that we could view it that way. We still got the up high view of NYC, but also saw the ESB lit up with red/white/blue lights. We went to the Statue of Liberty, rode the subway, went in the toy store (FAO Swartz?), and walked in Central Park. We did one double decker bus tour and did find it interesting. The best part was the tour guide though! He'd say "up on your right we will pass the so and so building that is famous for blah, blah, blah" (of course he gave us real info). Wait a few beats while the bus moves, we get to said landmark and he'd say "click, click people". to let us know we were there and it was time to take the pictures. We still say it to this day! That's hilarious. |
|
|
|
Post by workingclassdog on Feb 5, 2024 18:05:27 GMT
ETA: as far as getting to the hotel, we need to know which airport you're coming in to. JFK.. that would be helpful.  |
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Feb 5, 2024 18:06:50 GMT
Book your tickets for the WTC memorial now. They sell out fast. Same for the ferry if you are seeing the Statue of Liberty.
There’s a kiosk in Times Square where you can get same day tickets for shows a lot cheaper than pre booking them. You won’t have as big of a choice, but it’s worth a try.
If you hotel doesn’t include breakfast, grab a pack of bagels from a local shop or big bags of oatmeal to make in the hotel room. A big sit down breakfast takes a lot of time and money. We eat breakfast in the room while we get ready and it saves $20-30 dollars. We also pack or buy picnic foods and eat those for a lunch or dinner. Three sit down meals a day are a lot—time, money, and calories. So we tend to eat out one nice meal a day and go cheap for the other two.
A bus is probably the cheapest form of transportation but it’s also the slowest, especially with transfers or a tourist bus that only goes in a loop. Look at the subway for getting between destinations and the bus if you want to see the sights.
|
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on Feb 5, 2024 18:11:28 GMT
ETA: as far as getting to the hotel, we need to know which airport you're coming in to. JFK.. that would be helpful. The most economical is to take the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station and get the E train (the subway) right to 42nd Street / 8th Avenue (hello Times Square). Everything is well marked. Just be sure you ALWAYS take the trains in the correct direction. There will be subway workers around, but when I have questions I just ask a fellow traveler and they're always happy to help if they are able. I've never had anyone refuse. I've done it before. IIRC is took about an hour total. Reverse it to get back. |
|
|
|
Post by ~summer~ on Feb 5, 2024 18:13:20 GMT
Yay for your DH!
I absolutely love NYC.
My favorite things are Central Park, walking around the west village, the Brooklyn Bridge and The Met.
Have fun!!
|
|
MorningPerson
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,506 
Location: Central Pennsylvania
|
Post by MorningPerson on Feb 5, 2024 18:24:56 GMT
While I wouldn’t recommend the double decker buses as a way to get around the city in general, I think it’s a great idea to do one your first day in the city. It gives you a good overview, and you’ll likely discover places where you’ll want to spend more time during the rest of your visit. Or if you’re like me, it will get you excited to plan your next trip.
|
|
|
|
Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Feb 5, 2024 18:36:41 GMT
My NYC bucket list is:
World Trade Center Memorial
Ride Carousel horse in Central Park
Horse drawn carriage ride Central Park
Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity
Broadway Show
|
|
|
|
Post by lurker on Feb 5, 2024 18:47:03 GMT
You'll love it! We did NYC for a week for our 40th a few years ago. Times Square, Yankees game, the restaurant featured in Seinfeld, Bette Midler @ MSG, Jim Parsons in a play at Studio 56, Brooklyn Bridge, Sparks Steak House (DH is fascinated by the Mafia), Staten Island Ferry, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, the High Line, carriage ride in Central Park, FAO Schwartz, Tiffany's, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Grand Central Station, people watched at Columbus Circle, World Trade (I went up, DH waited on the ground). I can't remember the name but we used an app for subway info which allowed us to travel all around the City with no issues. So glad we went when we did as neither of us can do all the walking now. Enjoy!
|
|
|
|
Post by alsomsknit on Feb 5, 2024 18:48:51 GMT
MOMA…when we were ther with Jay’s marching band (St. Patty’s parade), MOMA was right there. It was so hard to be there in front of MOMA and it may as well been on the moon.
|
|
peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,838
|
Post by peppermintpatty on Feb 5, 2024 19:01:50 GMT
JFK into the city will be really expensive (if you take a cab) unless you take the train that goes from JFK to Jamaica station and then take the LIRR into the city. Plan on at least an hour.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gem Girl on Feb 5, 2024 19:30:58 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Feb 5, 2024 19:40:05 GMT
A few of the highlights from my trip to NYC back in the fall were The Met (only I can't imagine how you'd *ever* have enough time there to feel like you saw much), Stonewall for drinks, and the 9-11 memorial. We rode the subway everywhere and I loved it as part of the NYC experience.
|
|
pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,914
|
Post by pilcas on Feb 5, 2024 19:42:16 GMT
You should definitely go to Rockefeller Center and walk a bit in that area. Hudson Yards is also a fun area but only the main level of the Vessel is open due to its use as a suicide spot. Not sure if it’s worth the trip but if you do go the Highline is very close. It’s an elevated subway track that became a walking trail. But there are good places to eat around. Subway is your easiest way of getting around and the least expensive. From TS you should be able to get everywhere easily.
|
|
|
|
Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Feb 5, 2024 20:04:08 GMT
Oh - and it may not be on top of your husband's list - but... meet a pea! Having dinner with scrappyesq was a huge highlight of my trip! |
|
|
|
Post by twinzmommy on Feb 5, 2024 20:32:32 GMT
I love NYC. It is one of my favorite cities to visit over and over. I used to live there and definitely have favorite areas that we always go to when we visit. For a shorter trip it’s hard to pack everything in because there is so much to see. I think what you have looks great. One other popular museum you might consider in the Tenement museum. We really enjoyed that and I know others have as well. www.tenement.org/ Enjoy your trip! |
|
|
|
Post by workingclassdog on Feb 5, 2024 20:35:17 GMT
You should definitely go to Rockefeller Center and walk a bit in that area. Hudson Yards is also a fun area but only the main level of the Vessel is open due to its use as a suicide spot. Not sure if it’s worth the trip but if you do go the Highline is very close. It’s an elevated subway track that became a walking trail. But there are good places to eat around. Subway is your easiest way of getting around and the least expensive. From TS you should be able to get everywhere easily. So the Vessel is that tall roundish building, correct? I did hear on TT someone else saying you can't go up in it. I guess that is the reason. I'm not even sure what is inside that building, stores? offices? But anyways, the Highline looked really neat! |
|
|
|
Post by Crack-a-lackin on Feb 5, 2024 20:54:40 GMT
I love the Highline then going to Chelsea Market for lunch. The market is cool, it’s an old Nabisco factory that is now a bunch of restaurants and shops.
I also do the bus in a lot of new cities so I can get a quick overview and check out areas I want to explore more, but it would not be efficient transportation. However, it might serve as a good way for your husband to rest between locations.
|
|
peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,599
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
|
Post by peabay on Feb 5, 2024 22:06:38 GMT
You should definitely go to Rockefeller Center and walk a bit in that area. Hudson Yards is also a fun area but only the main level of the Vessel is open due to its use as a suicide spot. Not sure if it’s worth the trip but if you do go the Highline is very close. It’s an elevated subway track that became a walking trail. But there are good places to eat around. Subway is your easiest way of getting around and the least expensive. From TS you should be able to get everywhere easily. So the Vessel is that tall roundish building, correct? I did hear on TT someone else saying you can't go up in it. I guess that is the reason. I'm not even sure what is inside that building, stores? offices? But anyways, the Highline looked really neat! You can't go up in it (too many jumpers, sadly) It's fine but do the Highline and while you're in the neighborhood, just walk by it - don't make a separate trip just for it. Make your plan by neighborhood so you don't waste time going uptown and downtown too much. For instance, if you're going to see a show, do Central Park, Radio City, Times Square etc... in the same time frame. If you're going to Katz's (which I highly recommend - and if you're intimidated by the ordering and seating process, head to the back for waiter service) that's when you do downtown, the Village, Washington Sq Park. If you do go down there, I also recommend the Tenement Museum - tells the story of such an interesting time in NYC. |
|
|
|
Post by workingclassdog on Feb 5, 2024 22:07:05 GMT
I love NYC. It is one of my favorite cities to visit over and over. I used to live there and definitely have favorite areas that we always go to when we visit. For a shorter trip it’s hard to pack everything in because there is so much to see. I think what you have looks great. One other popular museum you might consider in the Tenement museum. We really enjoyed that and I know others have as well. www.tenement.org/ Enjoy your trip! That museum looks very very interesting!! For sure it is on my list... not sure if we make it but definitely going to keep it on there. I don't want to overwhelm DH. LOL.. I could probably do 5 times more than he could. So I have to rein it in a bit. heehee. I want to be sure to keep it relaxing but not miss certain things. |
|
peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,599
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
|
Post by peabay on Feb 5, 2024 22:18:32 GMT
Download the Curb app. It's the NYC taxi app. You mentioned that you might not be that big on walking around and you may find that you want a cab right then and there. Sure, there's Uber and Lyft but there are cabs everywhere and you can flag one down, quickly pair it with the Curb app and not have to deal with cash or tip - it's automatically included.
|
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Feb 5, 2024 22:34:10 GMT
I'll read and post more later...are you wanting to just see the 9/11 Memorial or are you wanting to go into the museum? If you want to go inside the museum, get your entry time early if possible. It has been 4 years since I went, but the earlier in the day, the fewer people.
|
|
|
|
Post by workingclassdog on Feb 5, 2024 22:44:03 GMT
I'll read and post more later...are you wanting to just see the 9/11 Memorial or are you wanting to go into the museum? If you want to go inside the museum, get your entry time early if possible. It has been 4 years since I went, but the earlier in the day, the fewer people. We will do the museum. Got it on my list to get tickets soon. Good point to go early. I am assuming the water Memorial is free and you get tickets for the museum. We would just get the basic/on your own ticket. |
|
peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,599
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
|
Post by peabay on Feb 5, 2024 22:46:20 GMT
I'll read and post more later...are you wanting to just see the 9/11 Memorial or are you wanting to go into the museum? If you want to go inside the museum, get your entry time early if possible. It has been 4 years since I went, but the earlier in the day, the fewer people. We will do the museum. Got it on my list to get tickets soon. Good point to go early. I am assuming the water Memorial is free and you get tickets for the museum. We would just get the basic/on your own ticket. Water memorial is free. While you're down there, cross the street and go inside the Oculus. It's a glorified fancy mall, but it's still a cool building. |
|
teddyw
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,825
|
Post by teddyw on Feb 5, 2024 22:58:04 GMT
Staten Island ferry is free and it goes by the Statue of Liberty.
Since you’re staying in Times Square there’s the Times Square Diner. If your hotel doesn’t have breakfast it’s fast and basic diner food. They open early. Dh is a super early riser so we walk there and get really fast breakfast.
|
|
|
|
Post by AussieMeg on Feb 5, 2024 23:12:06 GMT
I am so jealous! NYC is definitely on my bucket list, but I'm having a hard time convincing DSO. Wait a few beats while the bus moves, we get to said landmark and he'd say "click, click people". to let us know we were there and it was time to take the pictures. We still say it to this day! That's so funny! I'm going to have to incorporate that phrase into my everyday life.  |
|
|
|
Post by supersoda on Feb 6, 2024 0:24:57 GMT
We will do the museum. Got it on my list to get tickets soon. Good point to go early. I am assuming the water Memorial is free and you get tickets for the museum. We would just get the basic/on your own ticket. Water memorial is free. While you're down there, cross the street and go inside the Oculus. It's a glorified fancy mall, but it's still a cool building. The Oculus might be a good lunch stop. Eataly is there, along with other easy choices. I'd group the WTC memorial with the Staten Island Ferry, because they're fairly close together. The Staten Island Ferry is free or super cheap and runs right by the Statue of Liberty. It's a budget-friendly alternative to a harbor tour if you don't have time to go to Liberty Island. You can easily walk from Times Square to Rockefeller Center. Closer to Rockefeller Center is St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is worth a look and, I think, free to enter, and the New York Public Library with the lions. Also close to 5th Avenue window shopping--still fun, but not as dramatic as the Christmas windows. There is so much to take in, you can find plenty to keep you entertained without blowing your budget. |
|
