New York

[dawn]

My lovely hubby surprised with me a trip for my Xmas pressie for me and a friend in February for a weekend in New York. I have never been before, and am hoping for some advice on where to go/what to do.
I am not a shopoholic by any means, but would like to have a look, and suggestions for good/fun restaurants and other ideas would be very appreciated to get the most of our trip - want to be a real tourist[msnembarrased]

Thanks, Dawn

[LiesaAnna]

my neighbours just had their first trip there, try Tiffanys, we looked it up online before they went and it was very expensive but after they went in for a browse they bought lots of things not as bad as expected.....

[chris c]

If you want to be a real tourist you have to do the Empire State building and Central Park.
Also a trip on the Statton Island Ferry, past the Statue of Liberty.

I took my daughter out to New York six years ago, also in February. We had snow!

Have a great time!

[mizzy]

you need to talk to Julie (mach 2) she has some brill photos posted on the forum of a fairly recent trip to new york [msnwink] i'm sure she'll be along soon with loads of tips for you [msnsmile]

and got to say what a lovely present dawn, i hope you have a really lovely time [msnsmile2]

Hi Dawn well what a wonderful pressie[clap][clap]

I spent 8 years of my life going to New York 2 or 3 times a week working on Concorde and feel I know the place like the back of my hand[msnwink]

These are some ideas I did recently for a friend on her first trip that should get you started[msnwink]

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises - Whether you are exploring New York for the first time, rediscovering your hometown or seeking a mini-vacation, a Circle Line cruise is a relaxing and fun way to see the world's most famous skyline. There are numerous cruises to choose from.

Rockefeller Center - As one of New York's most popular destinations, Rockefeller Center is a hub of activity, with thousands of visitors and New Yorkers alike taking in an array of exciting attractions. Whether you're looking to spend the afternoon ice-skating, joining the audience at NBC's "Today Show," seeing the annual Christmas tree display or shopping at its world-class retail stores, the Rock has something for everyone.

Guggenheim Museum - The Guggenheim Museum is Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece of modern architecture. The museum is home to a fine collection of 20th century art, including works by Chagall, Degas, Kadinsky, Picasso and Van Gogh.

Radio City Music Hall - America's most popular entertainers have thrilled audiences at Radio City Music Hall since its doors opened December 27, 1932. Radio City Music Hall is also home to the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.

Empire State Building - New York's famous Empire State Building, a U.S. National Historic Landmark, soars more than a quarter of a mile into the atmosphere above the heart of Manhattan. it has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the Building.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts - Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 350 live performances each year through six distinguished performance programs which bring music, opera, theater, dance, puppetry, circus, and cultural expression from around the globe to Lincoln Center stages.

Central Park - Central Park was the first landscaped public park in the United States. The park offers over 840 acres of landscaped and recreational areas that include a zoo, a theater, sports facilities, lakes, food, entertainment and lots more.

New York Stock Exchange - The NYSE Interactive Education Center informs and educates the general public, and offers an exciting view of the world's leading securities market in action. View the trading floor, watch a video about the NYSE market system, use interactive displays and retrieve up-to-the-minute financial information on stocks and bonds from market data terminals.

South Street Seaport - South Street Seaport is one of New York City's premier attractions featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, activities and The South Street Seaport Museum.

Chinatown - Located in the lower area of Manhattan, Chinatown offers unique Chinese shops, fruit and fish markets and around 300 restaurants featuring authentic Chinese cuisine.

Little Italy - Walking beside the narrow, cobblestoned streets beneath the fire escapes of turn-of-the-century tenements, you're tempted by the sights, sounds and smells of Italian cuisine and culture emanating from the restaurants surrounding you at every step.

Macy's - Macy's is a chain of mid-range American department stores with its flagship store in Herald Square, New York City, which, with its one million square feet of selling space has been billed as the "world's largest store" since completion of the Seventh Avenue addition in 1924. The company also operates two other national flagship stores, at San Francisco's Union Square and the former Marshall Field's flagship on State Street in the Chicago Loop.

Bloomingdale's - Bloomingdale's is a chain of upscale American department stores owned by Macy's, Inc., which is also the parent company of Macy's. Bloomingdale's New York is located at 1000 Third Avenue (between 59th & 60th Streets). It

[dawn]

Great - thanks Julie, that should keep us going

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mizzy
you need to talk to Julie (mach 2) she has some brill photos posted on the forum of a fairly recent trip to new york [msnwink] i'm sure she'll be along soon with loads of tips for you [msnsmile]

and got to say what a lovely present dawn, i hope you have a really lovely time [msnsmile2]
[/quote]

Oh I forgot about the photo's Marie, here they are............

http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=30505&whichpage=1

[msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

[chrizzy100]

http://www.nyctrip.com/Pages/Index.aspx?PageID=1

[MTP]

Just to add that I think that the Rockefeller Center's viewing platform, although not as tall, may be better than the Empire State Building's. Plus from it, you can see the Empire State Building (I know that may sound daft!).

[Twelvetree]

Thanks for all the info Julie. A very apt post as we are off to New York tomorrow (flying BA) to spend the New Year and then picking up a cruise on the Queen Mary 2 for ten days to celebrate our Silver wedding. Extremely excited. I have printed off your suggestions and I am sure that they will keep us busy for the four days we are spending in the big apple.

[orlandochris]

Also a very helpful post for me, as I'll be out there 8th-11th February with a mate of mine[msnsmile2]

[another]

Very useful for me too! Have booked a couple of nights there 13th - 15th January!! Need tomake a list of places we want to go and then work out route, time allowed etc!!

[Appledore]

We ate at Bubba Gumps in Times square when we were there. The staff were great and the atmosphere really friendly. Have fun and don't forgoet to wrap up!!
Elaine

[SunLover]

Don't forget to snap up some seriously discounted theatre tickets for Broadway shows at the Half Price Ticket Booth in Times Square [clap]

Glad to help guys[msnsmile] any questions I will be glad to help answer them[msnsmile2]

[andy_d]

I would buy the New York One Pass which you can buy there or before you go. It lets you go on most of the popular attractions without paying and you choose how many days you want it for. It works out a lot cheaper than paying at the attraction.... and you can use again at the same place as long as its not the same day!

[linsan]

Don't forget the tour buses that do south and north circle trips that you can hop on and off. They have a great guides giving excellent commentaries. We also enjoyed the river cruise.

[Katys Grandad]

New York's a great place and in a weekend you're going to have to be pretty selective about what you want to see. I'd suggest buying a good Guide Book and choosing what you're going to do in advance. If you want restaurant recommendations Zagat Surveys are widely regarded as the 'bibles' and can be bought in the UK before you go (I know Waterstones have them). The very best New York eateries require reservations weeks and sometimes months in advance.

You also need to bear in mind that New York in February can be VERY cold and it goes dark early in the evening so think about making sure you visit the places that are best seen in daylight early in the day.

[sunseeker]

we are also going to new york in feb. 1st visit for us,any recomendations for transfers from jfk to manhattan[?]
[msnsmile2][msnsmile2]


Dave

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sunseeker
we are also going to new york in feb. 1st visit for us,any recomendations for transfers from jfk to manhattan[?]
[msnsmile2][msnsmile2]


Dave
[/quote]

Cheapest is by Subway or train but if you're not familiar with New York I wouldn't recommend either. For 2 or more people a prebooked limo will cost pretty much the same as a cab or the various Van services and be more comfortable and convenient. For a few dollars more they'll meet you at baggage claim. You can also arrange for them to collect you from your hotel for the return. Allow plenty of time for an evening trip to JFK in February.

I use Carmel Cars. I don't think I can post the link but a quick Google search will find it. If you do have a look at the site, make sure you click on their '$$$ Saving' icon which will direct you to discount coupons.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sunseeker
we are also going to new york in feb. 1st visit for us,any recomendations for transfers from jfk to manhattan[?]
[msnsmile2][msnsmile2]


Dave
[/quote]

Taxi's are well regulated at all NY airport's going into the city and you get a fixed price before your journey[msnsmile]

Like Katys Grandad says allow plenty of time for your journey back to the airport[msnwink]

[sunseeker]

Thank you Katys Grandad & Julie, all sorted, just one thing less to think about. My 17 year old daughter cant wait to get into the shops(to give my plastic a whack no doubt ) and go ice skating in central park [msneek]

Dave

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sunseeker
Thank you Katys Grandad & Julie, all sorted, just one thing less to think about. My 17 year old daughter cant wait to get into the shops(to give my plastic a whack no doubt ) and go ice skating in central park [msneek]

Dave
[/quote]

Don't forget you can skate at the Rockefeller Center too[msnwink]

[Solana]

We managed to fit in all the possible forms of transport in three days. A helicopter ride over the city is a must and goes from the harbour down near Ground Zero. Also the yellow cab ride, horse and carriage in Central Park, open top tour bus and the ferry over to Staten Island. All brilliant, just like the movies.

[sunseeker]

Don't forget you can skate at the Rockefeller Center too[msnwink]
[/quote]

Thanx Julie, i guess she will want to do both, her face lit up when i told her that [msnsmile][msnsmile]

Dave