Tell me about New york....updated post 42

[natalielongstaff]

Im going to new york for christmas ...well early december :cool1:

im a complate novice ! what do i need to know :)

[orlandothebeagle]

You lucky devil. I had wanted to go ince I was 12, I eventually saved enough when I was 30 to go! I loved it, I mean loved it. It is amazing. We walked everywhere, just walked around stunned by it.Lynne

[Girlsontour]

My friend, who lives in Ibiza, has just been and had a volunteer guide to show her and her family around the city. It was a lady who had been a school teacher, who showed them round, and there was no charge for this - my friend took some souveniers from Ibiza for her as payment. I will try and get the website for you.

It is years since i went to New York and all i seem to remember is the amount of traffic and noise!!!

I will PM the website for you after i speak to my friend.

[Girlsontour]

http://www.bigapplegreeter.org/

You have to fill in an application form and are matched with someone suitable to show you round - my friend highly recommends it!

[natalielongstaff]

thanks :thumbsup2

It will be me, my mum and the 2 kids (10 and 7 yrs )

[Snowy-girls]

How lovely-you lucky thing.No-one in my famly has been,but my Grandad had a sister who lived there+she would always send footage+pictures and it looked amazing.x.

[epcot1stfave]

Its brill, we were there in Oct 2001, its great for walking around. The harbour cruise is a must, Central Park, Grand Central is much more than a station - shops cafes etc. Times Sq, Empire State, I could go on but its just too much to fit in. Get a good guide as pp has said and enjoy yourself :thumbsup2

[Mrs Hobbes]

Wow that will be fantastic your so lucky!

Going to New York for Christmas is on my wish list of things to do. I want to go ice skating in the park and see the huge Christmas tree in Times Square and shop!! DH has promised to take me one year - probably when we are old and grey because at the minute all our holiday money goes on WDW :)

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Ohh you lucky so and so.
I'd love to go,cant wait to hear how you all went on:goodvibes

[amandajim36]

I absolutley love new york ive beem 3 times. the red sightseeing buses r good we did this on our first day and it let us get our bearings. theres ice skating in central park or at the rockefeller center. Loads of broadway shows ive never managed to get to see a show but i will next time. times square is great especially at night the kids will love the toysrus in it its enormous and even has a ferris wheel. theres also the famous fao scwhartz toy shop. empire state building as well its right across the road from Macys. which is huge it would take u aday to go round there.
If ur wanting to shop i would deffo go to woodbury common u can get a bus there from port authority bus terminal and it has about 200 outlet stores it is amazing and the bargains r unbelievable.

as u can see i mostly shoppped lol. well i did the sightseing first time and shopped till i dropped al 3 times:cheer2:

[Pinklepurr361]

I've been fortunate enough to visit NYC 3 times - the most recent was in November 07. It is an amazing place to visit and I LOVE it!

Be prepared to walk your socks off for a start! Either that or master the Subway (quite straightforward really if you research it). You can buy a Metro card at the Subway entrance and swipe it at the machine at the turnstile. It can be a little intimidating the first time but it will save you energy and it's really cheap.

The sights are too numerous to mention all of them. If you have only a few days you have got to do the "must do" sights of Statue of Liberty and Empire State. Queues for the Statue of Liberty ferry are long so try and get there by 9am to get on the first ferry. Security is very tight, it is like airport style security to be prepared to remove almost everything from your person! Pre book tix on line for this and Empire State to beat some of the queues. Empire State Building is fab at sunset. Go up just as the light fades and watch the city light up - FAB!

5th Avenue is good for posh shops and Tiffany etc. Central Park is a lovely oasis of calm too. Try ice-skating on the ice rink there or at the Rockerfeller Center. Take a helicopter flight or bus tour of Manhattan.

On my most recent visit I went to the site of the World Trade Centre (still a very large hole). It was a very humbling and moving experience. There is an exhibition set up in a building overlooking the site which recounts the story of its building and the tragic events of 2001. Not one person left without shedding some tears, it was probably one of the most moving experiences I have ever had and I am glad I went.

In December it will be freezing so take well worn boots, scarves and gloves and hats. Don't forget to shop til you drop! Enjoy!

[natalielongstaff]

I absolutley love new york ive beem 3 times. the red sightseeing buses r good we did this on our first day and it let us get our bearings. theres ice skating in central park or at the rockefeller center. Loads of broadway shows ive never managed to get to see a show but i will next time. times square is great especially at night the kids will love the toysrus in it its enormous and even has a ferris wheel. theres also the famous fao scwhartz toy shop. empire state building as well its right across the road from Macys. which is huge it would take u aday to go round there.
If ur wanting to shop i would deffo go to woodbury common u can get a bus there from port authority bus terminal and it has about 200 outlet stores it is amazing and the bargains r unbelievable.

as u can see i mostly shoppped lol. well i did the sightseing first time and shopped till i dropped al 3 times:cheer2:

great ideas :cool1: thank you x

[amandajim36]

also trip advisor forum is very good for new york info

[PoppyAnna]

I just typed a whole huge post and it disappeared - grrrrr.......

[PoppyAnna]

Empire state building – go up it twice. One day, one night. The view of the Chrysler building during the day is worth it.
Times Square – again, do day and night – no doubt the drain cover from “Enchanted” is now a tourist attraction. There is a huge Toy-R-US on Times sq too.
Central Park – The Bethedsa Fountain area is pretty (as seen in Enchanted)as is the Alice in Wonderland status playground – although popular with Toddlers! You will also be able to ice skate at the time you are going too.
Rockafella centre – for the ice skating too.
Statue of Liberty. You can also take the Ferry to Ellis Island – entry point for all immigrants in times gone by – really fascinating.
Brooklyn Bridge and South Street Seaport – S.S.Seaport is a glorified Mall with shops, bars and street entertainment. When I last visited is was the only location of Abercrombie and Fitch in NYC .
U.S.S Intrepid. I thought of Matt for this one. Although under refurbishment at the mo this Aircraft carrier should be back in place on the Hudson for your visit – this thing is massive and has tons of aircraft on it, you can climb in the cockpits and all sorts – a little boys dream (my DH loved it back in 2002 :rotfl2:).
Grand Central Station (fab Oyster bar too) – Why would I want to visit a train station I hear you say? Just stand there, stare and take it all in. A beautiful building.
Don't forget to take a ride in a yellow cab.

We visited ground zero in Feb 2002 and it was still very raw with family members still flocking there putting pictures on the railings. It's a personal choice to visit or not.

Shopping
Barneys New York :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2
Macys (great for gifts):thumbsup2 :thumbsup2
Saks 5th Avenue (great for gifts too):thumbsup2 :thumbsup2
NEVER liked Bloomingdales
Tiffany:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2
Niketown (great for sporty kids):thumbsup2
FAO Shwartz :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2
Toys R Us :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

You are aware that Disney's production of The Little Mermaid is on Broadway at the mo? On ticketmaster the tickets only go up to the end of October but that doesn't mean it will end then - just keep an eye on it - I would love to take DD's for christmas.

Museums
Guggenheim :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2
Metropolitan Museum of Art (my fave) :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

I was looking at my photos writing this - I want to go back...

[londondude]

Newyork newyork, what a place:cool1: the best way to see new york is to walk and use the subway, But one bit of advice , the only place to shop is woodberry common WOW what a place bargins bargins every label you can think of and all at very cheap prices, http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/directions.asp?id=7

https://www.coachusa.com/newyorksightseeing/booking.asp?action=ProductDetail&productId=1062

The bus takes about a hour from newyork and its well worth it:thumbsup2

same outlet mall as orlando but on a much larger scale:banana:

[thelittlemermaid83]

Have a great time...im very jealous lol!

[Chilly]

Be prepared to walk a lot!

[UKDEB]

A bit late, I know, but as this isn't a WDW/Florida trip, I'm going to pop you over to UK Community, Nat.

[tennisfan]

Don't do what we did, got out of the hotel and started walking, it was only about 12 blocks later we realised we were going in the wrong direction:rotfl:

Taxi are quite cheap & an easy way to get round. I don't know if it the same in other states but the taxi driver need 2 streets given when you want to got somewhere, for example our hotel was Lexington Ave, East 51st street. I think its due to most roads being one way.

I would recommend going to the Rockafella Centre to see the Christmas Tree. Definately take a water taxi as that is an experience. Also if you need transport to/from the airport arrange this through your hotel as we did going back to the airport & it was cheaper and more comfy:thumbsup2

The USS Intrepid is a great museum too, my BIL wanted to do this & I thought it was going to be boring but I was wrong. Its amazing the size of their aircraft carriers. I'm not sure if its still there but in 2004 Concorde was house along side the Intrepid.

I need to go back soon as I still have loads to see.

Century 21 is a great shop which sells designer goods at discount prices:thumbsup2

[Tammy Stringer]

Nat

My one tip would be to try the Top of the Rock (at the top of The Rockefeller Centre) for a great view of the city. We actually preferred this to the views from the top of the Empire State building. Also try and time it that you go up in the early evening before dusk and then watch as the lights slowly go on - it truly is an amazing sight and one of the highlights to our visit last year. You can get a ticket with a time when you are allowed up - so no queuing which is a definite bonus.

Have a peak at their website

www.topoftherocknyc.com

Kev also put some pictures on Day 5 of our August 2007 trip report on his webpage. There are also some other details on there of our time spent in New York

www.kevinstringer.co.uk

Hope that helps and I'm sure you will have a fabulous time

Tam

[natalielongstaff]

Thanks Everyone ! some great advice .....ive bookmarked some of the sites mentioned :)

[CustardTart]

My DS and his girlfriend were there in February - he says go to the World of Disney store as it's fab! You can get character photos and some cool merchandise! Here's (http://destinations.disney.go.com/wod/index) a link...

He also thought the Nintendo World (http://www.nintendoworldstore.com/) store would be great fun with kids...

Some of my US friends rave about a store called American Girl too...

Plus there's an amazing Toys R Us in Times Square...

What about a tour of TV/film landmarks??? They did one around Central Park and loved it. Maybe you, your Mum and the children could watch some NYC related movies and then do the tour..?

I guess the Natural History museum would be good with the children - esp. if they've seen "A Night at the Museum"...

Back in 2000, I went with a friend and we did a helicopter sightseeing flight - pricey but memorable. IMO that would be a cool thing to do with children...

[jns]

A most see with the kids is to see the Christmas Show at Radiocity tickets go on sale very shortly

we seen the first show in the morning 11am I think and then you still have the full day to enjoy
the boys loved it
where are you staying
and don't forget to visit the Disney shop Santa Goofy might be there and my boys love the apple shore

we are heading back again in November

[dc1964]

central park

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u253/david2115/Florida/New%20york/126.jpg

View from Empire State

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u253/david2115/Florida/New%20york/1280.jpg

Radio city

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u253/david2115/Florida/New%20york/1355.jpg

pier 17

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u253/david2115/Florida/New%20york/141.jpg

Brooklyn Bridge

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u253/david2115/Florida/New%20york/140.jpg

Times Square ( in Black and white)

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u253/david2115/Florida/New%20york/168.jpg

[The Fetherstons]

Great piccies, Its on my list, we have said we will go for DH 40th in 4 years time and DS will be 10

[natalielongstaff]

Fab pics, thank you :thumbsup2

[UKDEB]

Some of my US friends rave about a store called American Girl too...
Ellie would love American Girl, Nat. Actually, never mind Ellie, you'd love it! :rotfl: Last time we were in NYC, they were queued around the block to get in. Mind you, it was just after Christmas, so I expect all the little girls were there spending their Christmas money. I bought one for Harriet a few years back (when she was about 16, LOL), but really I was buying it for me. :teeth:

[natalielongstaff]

Ellie would love American Girl, Nat. Actually, never mind Ellie, you'd love it! :rotfl: Last time we were in NYC, they were queued around the block to get in. Mind you, it was just after Christmas, so I expect all the little girls were there spending their Christmas money. I bought one for Harriet a few years back (when she was about 16, LOL), but really I was buying it for me. :teeth:

:lmao: ive nver heard of it ! i will google it, thanks Deb

[CustardTart]

My DS and his girlfriend were there in February - he says go to the World of Disney store as it's fab! You can get character photos and some cool merchandise! Here's (http://destinations.disney.go.com/wod/index) a link...

He also thought the Nintendo World (http://www.nintendoworldstore.com/) store would be great fun with kids...

Some of my US friends rave about a store called American Girl (http://www.americangirl.com/stores/location_ny.php) too...

Plus there's an amazing Toys R Us (http://www1.toysrus.com/TimesSquare/dsp_home.cfm) in Times Square...

What about a tour of TV/film landmarks??? They did one around Central Park and loved it. Maybe you, your Mum and the children could watch some NYC related movies and then do the tour..?

I guess the Natural History museum would be good with the children - esp. if they've seen "A Night at the Museum"...

Back in 2000, I went with a friend and we did a helicopter sightseeing flight - pricey but memorable. IMO that would be a cool thing to do with children...

I just wanted to add that my DS said the NBA store (http://www.nba.com/nycstore/) is pretty cool too and your DS might like it there... :thumbsup2 I've added the link for Toys R Us and American Girl too...

[slinky101]

i agree with all of the above, we went last november for the big 4 0 with kids 9 and 11, it was awesome, thats the only word for it, I have to agree with everyone, top of the rock at night was spectacular, helicoptor ride was incredible, ground zero memorial and statue of liberty you have to go to, we saw the radio city christmas spectacular it was so authentically new york, you must go, we also saw stomp as my youngest DD is really musical, it was in grenwich village in a really small theatre and was the complete opposite of the radio city show but great, went on subway, went in yellow cab and I haven't even mentioned the shopping, aaah the shopping! I yearn to go back but its soo expensive for a short break but we will return one day!

we went to american girl and both times they were queing around the block to get in! they have bouncers on the door, they also have bouncers on the door at abercrombie and fitch on fifth avenue and people queue there before it opens!

there is a brits guide to new york, its not by simon! but its a great guidebook, you need a really good map as its easy to find your way around but also easy to get lost as you go in a department store through one door and come out through another, at least we did anyway! we bought a great flexi map from amazon i think, it was laminated but foldable and so it survived going in and out of bags etc.

you will have an awesome time, I am envious:sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :thumbsup2

[mandymouse]

I want to go ice skating in the park and see the huge Christmas tree in Times Square and shop!!

Oh that sounds wonderful, I'm so jealous Nat

Have fun planning your trip :thumbsup2

[KayleeUK]

Wow Nat - can your mum adopt me :)

[natalielongstaff]

Wow Nat - can your mum adopt me :)

she has enough on her plate with me and my brother ;)

[florida sun]

Sounds wonderful Nat, Vic went about a month ago, I will ask her for some tips, when she gets in:thumbsup2

[natalielongstaff]

Sounds wonderful Nat, Vic went about a month ago, I will ask her for some tips, when she gets in:thumbsup2

Kaylee has just told me that vic's been :) tips are very welcome !

[Lisash]

If you're anything like me you could just stand on Times Square all day. The Statue of Liberty is a must see and great value for money. I'm not so keen on the Empire State Building. It's just a little too 'touristy' for me. The view is amazing (if the weather is good) but it is a working office buiding basically so it is a little 'tired & tatty' inside. You have to endure the hard sell family photo they make everyone have taken, in front of a 'cardboard cutout' (why when you're standing in the real thing is beyond me) & when you get to the top you have to fight your way out of the worlds smallest giftshop to actually get out onto the observation deck. We've been to the Natural History Museum and the Metropolitain Art Museum and I'd recommend either of them. The kids will love the Hershey shop, Toys R Us and M&M World on Times Square and you must pop into Tiffanys just for a look. If nothing else the Disney Store is only a few stores down from there ;)

[Pappy]

if you go into macys go to the gift wrap/customer services and ask for the foreign vistors discount card 10% off everything in the store.. applies to all macys throughout the states:thumbsup2

[natalielongstaff]

if you go into macys go to the gift wrap/customer services and ask for the foreign vistors discount card 10% off everything in the store.. applies to all macys throughout the states:thumbsup2

great tip :thumbsup2

[jns]

Our biggest waste of money was the horse carriage in Central Park
when we were waiting everyone seem to be having a great time , but we got a driver who didn't speck to us just spent the time texting , didn't even offer to take our photo

Love this post as I haven't really any plans made for our trip in November
DS 9 wants to go out to the statue of liberty as we have only gone past it on the boat last time

[CustardTart]

if you go into macys go to the gift wrap/customer services and ask for the foreign vistors discount card 10% off everything in the store.. applies to all macys throughout the states:thumbsup2

Oooh yes! I'd forgotten this! Plus they gave us a free gift too...

Bloomingdales give you a freebie if you spend $100 tho' I'm not sure about the discount...

[natalielongstaff]

Here are some more details, mum booked it yesterday :cool1:

we are flying with virgin from heathrow on 8th december at 09.30 and arrive in New York at 12.30

we are staying at the Affina Manhatten in a suite (this has good reviews on trip advisor)

We leave New York on the 11th december at 19.45pm and arrive back at Heathrow the next morning 07.50

:)

[Frances999]

You'll have a great time, Nat! New York is the best city in the world!

As well as Toys 'R' Us in Times Square, which has a great ferris wheel and arcade, I am sure your children would also enjoy FAO Schwarz. This toy shop has a wonderful walk-along piano and sells some great specialist toys. It's right near Central Park, just across the street from The Plaza Hotel (the one featured in Home Alone!).

Lots of companies offer boat trips around the Statue of Liberty, but your best bet if you are wanting to actually go up the statue (which I highly recommend) is to go to www.statuecruises.com. You can depart from Battery Park and the ferry ticket includes your access pass to the Statue. Lots of people wait until the day and are then disappointed, because all the tickets are sold out - only a limited number of people can enter the monument. If you buy your ferry tickets in advance (about $12) from this company, then the monument passes are included free-of-charge.

So many other highlights - the Disney Store, Macys, The Chrysler Building, The Empire State Building (...watch out for the lines, though...), and I would definitely recommend a trip to the Natural History Museum for the kids.

Have a wonderful time!

[jjk]

Here are some more details, mum booked it yesterday :cool1:

we are flying with virgin from heathrow on 8th december at 09.30 and arrive in New York at 12.30

we are staying at the Affina Manhatten in a suite (this has good reviews on trip advisor)

We leave New York on the 11th december at 19.45pm and arrive back at Heathrow the next morning 07.50

:)


How exciting, sounds great Nat:thumbsup2

[KayleeUK]

Woo Hoo glad it is booked Nat :)

[CustardTart]

Here are some more details, mum booked it yesterday :cool1:

we are flying with virgin from heathrow on 8th december at 09.30 and arrive in New York at 12.30

we are staying at the Affina Manhatten in a suite (this has good reviews on trip advisor)

We leave New York on the 11th december at 19.45pm and arrive back at Heathrow the next morning 07.50

:)

Fantastic news!!!! :goodvibes

[Strommie]

Sounds like it's going to be brilliant Nat:yay: I went to NY in early December with my mum in 2004 and it was amazing.

[natalielongstaff]

Sounds like it's going to be brilliant Nat:yay: I went to NY in early December with my mum in 2004 and it was amazing.

Was it very christmasy that early Kathryn ?

[Minniespal]

Only just catching up with this thread Nat. NY is such a fantastic city, you're going to have the best time ever.

[wideeyes]

fab news on getting it booked:thumbsup2

[Strommie]

Was it very christmasy that early Kathryn ?

Yes, it was so Christmassy it was brilliant :thumbsup2 You will have a fab time.

[Chilly]

Glad its all booked.

[carolfoy]

get to the empire early or late to avoid queues
and the piano in FAO Schwartz that someone mentioned is the one featured in Tom Hanks' 'BIG' movie :thumbsup2

[wilma-bride]

You lucky duck - I am sooooo jealous, can I come???

[jns]

rember NY will be very Cooooooooooooooold

[jns]

You'll have a great time, Nat! New York is the best city in the world!
Lots of companies offer boat trips around the Statue of Liberty, but your best bet if you are wanting to actually go up the statue (which I highly recommend) is to go to www.statuecruises.com. You can depart from Battery Park and the ferry ticket includes your access pass to the Statue. Lots of people wait until the day and are then disappointed, because all the tickets are sold out - only a limited number of people can enter the monument. If you buy your ferry tickets in advance (about $12) from this company, then the monument passes are included free-of-charge.

Have a wonderful time!
which tour did you do
did you use the audio

[juliebro]

Like Tammy, I thoroughly recommend the Top of the Rock. We did that and the Empire State Building and preferred the Rock. Just before dusk is wonderful. Pre-booking is available on-line for both.

When we arrived in NYC it was late afternoon in October. We got a yellow cab from JFK to the hotel - the prices are standard so no chance of being ripped off. I had pre-booked 48-hour 'All Loop' passes on the Gray Line double deckers. We dumped the bags in the hotel and did the 'NIght Tour' - WOW! I had to keep pinching myself. I'll never forget the view looking back from Brooklyn Bridge to see the Manhattan skyline lighting up. We did the other tours over the next 2 days.

I recommend getting of the bus in Brooklyn during the day and walking back across the bridge. The Staten Island ferry takes you past the Statue of Liberty and was free when we were there. Not sure if it still is. You'll recognise it from various films (e.g Working Girl)and videos (e.g. Papa Don't Preach).
The Carnegie Deli does pastrami sandwiches and cheesecake that have to be tasted to be believed.
If you're feeling brave there's always the lure of 'genuine' designer bags on offer on Canal Street. Very cloak and dagger!
For the best burgers, try the Burger Joint in the Le Parker Meridien on W56th St - don't expect to find it easily, though. It's one of the best kept secrets in New York, I believe. Also the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park.

We're hoping to go back next year - can't wait!

[natalielongstaff]

If you're feeling brave there's always the lure of 'genuine' designer bags on offer on Canal Street. Very cloak and dagger!

Oooh that sounds interesting !