1st Trip to NYC: Suggestions?

[Peter Pirate]

The family is going to NYC to see a couple of plays (we've always wanted to see B&TB) and we'll be staying at the Westin Times Square.

I would really appreciate some tips (restaurants, things to do, etc.) that will make this trip special.

Thanks.

 

[jlaspoq]

Times Square is a perfect location for the family. We stayed at the Doubletree when we went two years ago - primarily for theater. Go to Broadway.com to see what all is playing. B&TB is fabulous and if you buy tix in advance you should get great seats. We went to Lion King too - also excellent - and to make it special we went to Tavern on the Green before hand - very pricey, but we enjoyed it. However our friends went there and were dissatisfied with the food. It may depend on your attitude toward food - they like "better" food than we do - we're pretty pedestrian in our tastes. Do you have girls into American Girls dolls? We also went there for a meal and the show - very cool if your kids are into that.

We saw the Empire State - got tickets online in advance to avoid one of the long lines - you still wait to go up in the elevator, but at least you avoid the ticket line. Also did Ellis Island / Statue of Liberty, but the Statue has reopened since we were there. Only advice there is to go early - first ferry of the day.

Get tickets at the TKTS booth for half price the day of the show - we added a show to our itinerary that way. Helps to know the shows before you go so you can decide what to get.

Go to a ball game! We went to the Yankees game - lots of fun. Took the subway there and back with no trouble at all.

Also went to the Metropolitan Museum of ARt and loved it - the Science Museum would be another great alternative, I think, if that suits your family better.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[LukenDC]

I love NYC and just booked a trip for late March. My favorites include:

1) Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island---Ellis Island is the most moving historic site in the USA

2) United Nations---It is thrilling just to be at the UN and seeing so many people from around the world

3) Central Park---Beautiful and peaceful, Central Park is a masterpiece of landscape architecture

4) Empire State Building---The view from the top is terrific

5) Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue Shops---Some of the most famous stores in the world, including The World of Disney, can be found on Fifth Avenue within a few blocks above and below Rockefeller Center.

While I enjoy visiting specifc places and attractions, my favorite thing to do is to simply walk the streets and people watch. NYC is so diverse and interesting. It's truly a unique place.

The one restaurant that I visit each time I am in town is the Brazil Grill located on 8th and 48th. I enjoy Brazilian food and the service is always good. Caliente Cab Company in Greenwich Village serves great frozen drinks and has a huge menu of margaritas, as well as Tex-Mex food. The Lemon Grass Grill, also in Greenwich Village, serves great Thai cuisine.

By the way, I saw Beauty and the Beast in Washington and it was terrific. You'll have a great time.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

I am actually going to see The Producers this saturday.

The empire state building really is a sight to see. I've gone to the top twice, both at night, and it was amazing. This is not to miss even if you have a fear of heights. I do and my fear didn't bother me once.

Central Park is beautiful. It is truly amazing how in a large city there is such a wonderful park. If the weather is permitting you can rent a rowboat and row around the larger lake there. Just remember, this park is HUGE!

5th avenue. How can you not walk down there, at least once. Cartier? Armani? All the great stores and the World of Disney all withing a short walking distance.

Macy's! It is unbelievably huge. Even if you don't want to shop, take the escalators up to the 8th floor. You'll notice that they are quite old....and wooden!

ETA: The Brooklyn Bridge. If it is a nice day out you may want to walk across the bridge. Not maybe people think to do this but it is very cool. And right at the end is City Hall. It is a nice place to sit and they have a beautiful fountain.

There are many cool places to eat. Bubba Gumps Shrimp is not overly priced, right in Times Square, and has good food. Jekyll and Hyde (on 59th or 57th) is a really cool themed restaurant. It is a little pricey but they really get into the whole show. Mars2112 is another themed restaurant. It is definitely geared towards younger kids and the menu is very limited but it is fun. And for the parents there is always Tequilaville.

And just remember to wear comfortable shoes, take lots of pictures, and don't touch things. Have fun!

 

[Peter Pirate]

Thanks very much!

I was wondering should we get advance seating for B&TB or wait to see about 1/2 price tickets? I guess the big advantage to buying now is the quality of the seats?

We're going March 25-29, so I'm wondering about the weather, as well.

 

[LukenDC]

Thanks very much!

I was wondering should we get advance seating for B&TB or wait to see about 1/2 price tickets? I guess the big advantage to buying now is the quality of the seats?

We're going March 25-29, so I'm wondering about the weather, as well.

I'll be there March 23-26, so perhaps we will pass each other in Times Square!

The weather at that time of year can be hit or miss. I used to live in Connecticut on the coast and I remember March 25 well because it's my b-day. Some years it was gloriously sunny and other days rainy and cold.

 

[eclectics]

All the above suggestions are great, and especially don't miss Ellis Island! It is truly moving. And if you have time, don't forget the wonderful museums NYC has to offer. The Met, of course, and The Museum of Natural History are great for families. Enjoy your trip!

 

[SamRoc]

Peter Pirate, if you have young girls in your family, be sure to go to the American Girl Store on 49th and 5th. The show there is great for young girls and they love shopping in the store. For restaurants, Mars 2112 on Broadway and 51st is alot of fun as is Serendipity at 225 east 60th.

 

[Forevryoung]

I was wondering should we get advance seating for B&TB or wait to see about 1/2 price tickets? I guess the big advantage to buying now is the quality of the seats?
:

If you have your heart set on B&TB you better get them at full price. The TKTS line opens only a few hours before show time and you have to wait on line with many other people to see if they have any tickets for the show and you are not guaranteed to get the number of seats or seats together if you wait on line... They are cheaper but they are "leftovers"

My family enjoys Simply Pasta (PM me if you want the address I have to ask my mom) its in the Broadway area. It's not a themed restaurant and not too expensive.

My parents and I saw Jersey Boys in January and LOVED it (even my dad was pleasantly surprised)- a little more adult though.

I'm from the area if you need anything else-

 

[MoniqueU]

For great Italian Food and Sangrria, Cafe Napoli on Mulberry in Little Italy.

 

[Nancy]

My girls loved Jekyll and Hydes but not Mars..geared for younger kids.

 

[Missy1961]

Two of my favorite restaurants are in the Times Square area--Carmine's (family style Italian) and Virgil's (BBQ). Both are on 44th Street. I know they have websites, but I don't have them bookmarked here at home, I bookmarked them at work. Both have good food at not-bad-for-NY prices.

I saw B&TB twice. Very good. My dad loved it, still talks about it to this day. I'd check out www.playbill.com for discounts.

Like others have noted, NY in March weather wise can be interesting. You might need your winter jacket or you might not. Right now, it's cold, but 2 weeks ago we had snow on Sunday & it was 45-50 degrees at the end of the week!

Have a great time! I love NYC. But because I work there, I don't get to do the touristy things often.

ETA: here's Virgil's website:
http://www.virgilsbbq.com/home.htm

And Carmine's
http://www.carminesnyc.com/

 

[agotta]

For great Italian Food and Sangrria, Cafe Napoli on Mulberry in Little Italy.

Another good one for Italian is Cascina Ristorante on ninth avenue, near Times Square. Maybe not for little ones, but the food (and the waiters) are yummy!!

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We are flying up this summer too. Still can't decide what Broadway show to see, but hope to use a discount online and get them in advance.

What other tickets should we get in advance? jlaspoq mentioned Empire state tickets in advance. I know for DC we got Wash. monument in advance and were thankful for that. Other places like this?? I think we will do Gray Line bus tour.

 

[liamsaunt]

Things may have changed, but last time I checked Disney was not selling tickets to their plays at the TKTS booth. I am not sure why.

If you have time, definitely go to the Natural History Museum, and take the self-guided tour at the Rose Space Center. It is very impressive.

Your children might enjoy the frozen hot chocolates and ice creams at Serendipity.

 

[Nancy]

Things may have changed, but last time I checked Disney was not selling tickets to their plays at the TKTS booth. I am not sure why.

QUOTE]


When did that change? Last time we were there they had Beauty and the Beast tickets for sale.(2 years ago) No one wanted to go with me though because we've seen the touring production 3 times...BUT I want to see it on Broadway.