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Post by Annie on Nov 19, 2014 0:48:48 GMT
I may have an opportunity to visit NYC for a conference in May. The conference dates would be May 21-24, and the majority of those days I would probably be at the conference from 9-5. I would either fly up the evening of the 19th or the 20th, and I am planning to depart afternoon of the 26th. So I'd have evenings free, possibly one full day before the conference, and a day and a morning after the conference. This would be an extremely budget friendly trip. I'm looking at staying at a hostel at W106th and Columbus Ave for the first five nights, and then at a loft through my school (cheaper, only available the last 2 nights unless someone cancels) at E24th and Park Ave.
I'm trying to figure out what I'd like to do, but I'm so overwhelmed. There are so many things that sound awesome, that I would love to do. I'm assuming probably 2 nights of the conference I'll be doing something related, but the rest of the time would be mine. There may be other people from my research team attending the conference, but I'm not concerned with staying with them or trying to coordinate activities. I may meet up with them once or twice, or at the conference, but I'm really excited about the chance to explore New York on my own. I've never been. I'm thinking of getting a 7 day unlimited metro card for transit. Good idea?
So I'm looking for any tips, suggestions, ideas that you may have. Most everything I do will need to be free or very cheap. Even being able to go is a huge stretch, and food will probably take up most of my spending while I'm up there. If I can get cheap last minute tickets, I would love to catch a Broadway show. I'm vegan, so would love any tips for good places to eat. I'm interested in art, history, culture, etc. I like shopping, but shopping doesn't like my wallet, so I'll probably try to avoid doing too much of that. No point in tormenting myself. And if any peas in the area would be interested in meeting, I'd love to if something can be arranged.
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,876
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Nov 19, 2014 0:58:31 GMT
Dh and I just got back! We loved every minute!
Take the subway everywhere. Download the hop stop app for easy travel. Shop in Chinatown and haggle over price. We got them down to at least 1/4 on everything. Go to the 9/11 Memorial. Amazing! Eat at OHaras right by the memorial. $1.00 pizza slices are everywhere. Take the Staten Island Ferry over to see the Statue of Liberty. Walk through Central Park. Walk through Times Square.
So much to do for free! You will have a blast!
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,652
Location: The Grand Canyon
Jun 25, 2014 20:18:39 GMT
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Nov 19, 2014 1:45:26 GMT
Visit the NYC forums on tripadvisor.com. A wealth of information there! Time Out NY also has good info. If you like art and history, I would spend at least one morning at one of the museums. I love the Met and you can pay what you want. If you are up that way you can easily combine that with a walk through Central Park. I agree with taking the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Saves a lot of time and is cheaper. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I've never done this, but think it sounds neat: Big Apple GreeterIn May there will be street festivals - can walk through one of these and eat for pretty reasonable price. You will be pressed for time so you will probably stay in Manhattan, but if you are feeling adventurous, some of the other areas are fun too like Brooklyn and Queens. Smorgasburg is a wonderful "food flea market". I'm sure there are some vegan eats there. One year when we visited Smorgasburg we took the subway there, rode the East River ferry, walked back across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset - that was fun.  I think you will find plenty to do that is cheap/free. Just walking around and seeing everything is fun. I would prioritize what you want to do, then plan eating, interesting walking routes, or other activities in the area. Plan on doing a lot of walking and also use the subway to get around. I would love to do a Pea meetup, but we'll likely of out of town for Memorial Day. Happy planning!
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Post by Annie on Nov 19, 2014 14:44:38 GMT
Thanks for the tips! The first 5 nights I'll be staying a block or two from central park, so I'm hoping to squeeze in a few early morning runs there, and be able to see it that way. I will probably spend most of my time in Manhattan, just because I am so crunched for time and there is so much I want to see. I may spend the last day in Brooklyn or Queens before I catch my flight. I'll be flying into LaGuardia, so doing that would be on the way (kinda).
I don't tend to freak out about safety, but since I will be alone for most of it, any areas or things that I need to avoid? I'll probably give my itinerary to my mom and text or check in once a day so she doesn't worry. I don't want to overdo it, but I do want to be smart.
I've started a pin board for trip so I can start planning and prioritizing. First I have to be accepted to the conference though, so that is my highest priority.
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Post by pretzels on Nov 19, 2014 14:46:24 GMT
I'm glad you posted this. DH and I are going for a couple of days in mid-December. He asked if I wanted to see a show, but I figure since we only have two days, I just want to walk everywhere and see everything.
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Post by krc11 on Nov 19, 2014 15:16:59 GMT
I'm considering a trip next year so I'm bookmarking this. I haven't been since the 80s.
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,652
Location: The Grand Canyon
Jun 25, 2014 20:18:39 GMT
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Nov 19, 2014 15:34:43 GMT
Thanks for the tips! The first 5 nights I'll be staying a block or two from central park, so I'm hoping to squeeze in a few early morning runs there, and be able to see it that way. I will probably spend most of my time in Manhattan, just because I am so crunched for time and there is so much I want to see. I may spend the last day in Brooklyn or Queens before I catch my flight. I'll be flying into LaGuardia, so doing that would be on the way (kinda). I don't tend to freak out about safety, but since I will be alone for most of it, any areas or things that I need to avoid? I'll probably give my itinerary to my mom and text or check in once a day so she doesn't worry. I don't want to overdo it, but I do want to be smart. I've started a pin board for trip so I can start planning and prioritizing. First I have to be accepted to the conference though, so that is my highest priority. Brooklyn is very doable - it's not a long subway ride from Manhattan. Queens is a bit longer, but maybe you can plan something around your flight since you will be in the vicinity. If you are staying in Manhattan mostly, safety should not be a concern (just use your usual common sense). There are parts of Brooklyn you might not want to be wandering around at night by yourself. I'm usually with friends, but I've never felt unsafe any place I've been.
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Post by bc2ca on Nov 19, 2014 17:01:15 GMT
The first time I went to NYC we didn't spend any money other than subway, food & hotel and had a blast. On conference evenings I'd use the time to visit free highlights of Midtown like the Public Library, Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, MOMA gift shop, Times Square and the lights of Broadway. One night walk the Museum Mile along 5th Avenue from 105th to 82nd, ending up at the Met. Depending on how bold or brave you are, you may be able to talk your way to the Rainbow Room to get a peek at the view without paying for the Top of the Rock obeservation deck (we did this many years ago) or splurge and have a drink at SixtyFive (bar on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center). When you have a full day, head down to the 911 Memorial and Staten Island Ferry and then work your way north through Chinatown, Little Italy, Washington Sqaure Park, Greenwich Village, Chelsea Market and the Highline. My two favorite souvenirs from our last trip are our 7 day Metro cards and reusable shopping bag from Zabar's. I  NYC.
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Post by Annie on Nov 20, 2014 0:34:45 GMT
Dang, I thought I responded earlier. I'll most likely hit up Brooklyn/Queens on the Tuesday I fly out. My flight is at 4:30, so I'll leave Manhattan first thing in the morning and slowly work my way in the direction of the airport. bc2ca, those sound like some aweseome plans.
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Post by mom23sweetpeas on Nov 20, 2014 1:47:33 GMT
there in aug. with DD --we both loved walking the streets- followed 6th from 51st to little italy - found wholesale costume jewellery, eataly, flat iron building, so much more we just started walking and wandered in and out of different neighbourhoods but will say this was our second visit so we had seen most of the usual---
lots to do for free;
times square/ red steps- free central park- free loved walking the brooklyn bridge- free staten island ferry= free 911= free grand central station- free- check out whispering wall big piano fao swartz- free try the highline near the cheslea market= free and beautiful- lots of great pics
we ran into booths/ displays while walking (ex.whalburgers giving away free burgers near macy's, farmers markets)
show lotteries were worth trying put your name in hat - they pick you - get tickets cheap- we tried two but didn't win but fun memory
lots to do and see get a guide book or online - you can get lots of tips
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Post by ScrapsontheRocks on Nov 20, 2014 7:09:22 GMT
Bookmarking your thread and waving from Jo'burg, SA! I am headed to the USA for the first time next May. My husband worked there in the 80's but this is a really big deal for me. He booked us an Alaskan cruise which has now expanded into a longer visit- I would do a meet up with you but I think I will be a week or so "behind" you- the cruise ends on the 22nd and on current plans NYC will be our last stop. There is a huge amount of info on TankTop 's thread earlier this month. Regret I can't link it. Enjoy! Fingers crossed you get your spot on the conference.
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