Another New York City thread, I need some help!

[NYCDiane]

1. Most museums in NYC are suggested admissions but know that if there is a special exhibit if you don't pay the full suggestion you may not get in. .

The Met currently has the "PUNK: Chaos to Couture" special exhibit and that's free no matter what you pay to get in. All special exhibits at The Met are free.

The Natural History museum is another story. You can pay anything you want to get in OR you can pay the "suggested donation" --- either way, you're paying for the extras (unless they have a pay one price tkt)


As for B'way: be sure to check out BroadwayBox.com before you come to see what discounts you can get. I like them better than the TKTS booth because you can go directly to the box office with your discount code and choose your seats.

 

[disneypharm]

So I've been in NYC for six years and tend to have to do touristing things with visiting family and friends so although I haven't read every post (I've read quite a few) I'm going to give you my advice and opinions.

1. Most museums in NYC are suggested admissions but know that if there is a special exhibit if you don't pay the full suggestion you may not get in. Typically the MET and Natural History will have 2 or 3 big exhibits outside of their always there things and those extra exhibits require you to pay the full price of the suggested admission. Also some exhibits or experience may cost even more. I love the Met and Natural History Museum but hate the MOMA. The MOMA (museum of modern art) is always crowded and even though I love art I'm just not a fan of modern art. Interestingly enough it isn't like I'm uneducated or anything like that as I did study art and art history I just don't care for modern art. I think we will try to see the MET and Natural History. I checked the TOTR and MET combo pack. I have added it to my list. Added later: I think this is TOTR and MOMA combo pack!

2. The NY pass is really only worth it if you want to go to all those places. Also remember anything that is offered on the pass will probably be busier than things not on it because a lot of people get the pass. I don't want to run around the city to get our money's worth ($600) with the NY pass. I have checked the Explorer pass (for 3 attractions) from Costco from a previous post. We might get that instead. I have to talk to DH first.

3. In my opinion the 7 day metro card is always worth it for people on vacation. The only problem is you are in a relatively inconvenient area of midtown. Lexington is pretty Far East (I live on 29th and lex) and so your train options to get across town will almost always include a transfer. The shuttle (S line) between Grand Central and Times Square will become your best friend. Just remember the S doesn't always run (it is off between midnight an 5 am) an if you are stuck taking the 7 it is typically easier to just walk across town. I didn't realize our hotel was so far from other things. How many miles is from 37th Lexington to Times Square? Can we walk that distance?

Now for advice on you physical trip. Anything you can get on TKTS will be a show that already has discounts up. So if Spider-Man is on TKTS consistently they probably have a special where you can pre-buy your tickets for pretty close or cheaper than TKTS. Also you are going during the busiest week for the city so little to nothing will be on TKTS. Also the lines will be 3+ hours. Please don't waste that much time on getting broadway tickets especially on your vacation. Broadwaybox.com has almost all the currently offered Broadway discounts and you can prebuy online. Anything that is new or amazing is probably already sold out or won't be on TKTS. Just a sample of what is on Broadwaybox is Spiderman, Newsies, Annie, Chicago, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, and Phantom. I do stress only use broadway box for the discount codes. If it doesn't say discount then sometimes the tickets are from brokers. They do give a warning though if you aren't buying them directly from the show itself so that is alway good.

For your family and ages I would suggest Newsies, Matilda, or even Annie. I saw Spider-Man and although I thought it was ok there is so much better theater out there. Just as a heads up the Newsies at CA is nothing like the Newsies on Broadway. I don't even think the Red Car Newsies sing any of the real Newsies music. Matilda is amazing and fun. Annie is just a family friendly classic. I will definitely check Broadwaybox for tickets before we go. I just have to decide which show to see, DD12 is at an all week overnight Air Force Academy sports camp. She will be returning home tomorrow. I will ask DH and DDs this weekend and decide to buy the tickets.

Now I saw you wanted to see the fireworks from a rooftop for free. Just a heads up the free 4th events are usually packed. Your whole hotel will probably have the same idea. Also as I already pointed out your hotel is very Far East where as the fireworks are all the way West. Many of the fireworks and water level. When they first moved the fireworks to the Hudson I only lived 4 blocks away from them and you couldn't see much from our rooftop. This is just a heads up on the situation. I just realized that we will be in NYC with all those tall buildings . We will probably not see the fireworks from the rooftop. Our town has a huge 4th of July party with fireworks every year, If we don't get to see fireworks this year, it's fine too.

Oh I've done Ripleys and it is simply not worth it. None of it is the real stuff it is just all models of the real Ripleys collection. I felt do taken advantage of when I went. I just asked DD15 about Ripleys and she said it is ok if we don't get to do it. I removed it from our list for now. I prefer doing NYC stuff.

This post is getting really long but I feel like I could tell you so much more so if you want more advice or specific things I can give you more.

Your post is great. Please add more

 

[disneypharm]

think you can only use one card for 2 people. I am confused! I thought one card is only for one person!!


An Unlimited Metro Card can only be used once every 20 minutes so only one person can use it at a time.

If you buy a pay-per-ride card, you can swipe for as many people as you want. HOWEVER, considering all you're doing, you're better off to lay out the $120 and get everyone a 7 Day Unlimited Card.

Got it. Thanks.

 

[wilkeliza]

Your post is great. Please add more

Your hotel will be about a 30 minute walk to Times Square. It is roughly a mile away from the heart or Times Square (factoring in the across and down). You are about a 10 minute walk from Grand Central if you are a fast walker. Probably an hour or a little less to Central Park. You are also roughly 10 mins to Herald Square which gives you lots of subway options to get around.

Your hotel is close to a 6 train. I only use MTA.info for maps. Hopstop and google both claim the 4 stops at my station when only the 6 does. MTA will always have the most accurate information.

 

[disneypharm]

Your hotel will be about a 30 minute walk to Times Square. It is roughly a mile away from the heart or Times Square (factoring in the across and down). You are about a 10 minute walk from Grand Central if you are a fast walker. Probably an hour or a little less to Central Park. You are also roughly 10 mins to Herald Square which gives you lots of subway options to get around.

Your hotel is close to a 6 train. I only use MTA.info for maps. Hopstop and google both claim the 4 stops at my station when only the 6 does. MTA will always have the most accurate information.

Thanks. 10 mins to Herald Square and 30 minutes to Times Square are not bad. Just looking at the map, everything seem very close, but it is very hard to judge the distances.

 

[Arkansan]

I wanted to suggest a restaurant to you. We are a family of 5 with kids of similar ages and were last in NYC a year ago. We stayed 3 nights last June prior to an 8 night DCL cruise from NYC. We stayed in Times Square at the Marriott Marquis--HIGHLY recommend this hotel! Directly across from the main entrance to the hotel is a Junior's. I believe there are several others in the City too. It is a clean, good, reasonably priced place with a HUGE menu and wonderful desserts! There is also a small take-out bakery area that has pieces of cheesecake, cupcakes, etc. and serves coffee and other breakfast pastries in the morning. This might be a good place for your family. There may be a menu online because I believe they ship their famous cheesecake all over the US.

You also may want to check out Serendipity 3. It is a small place near Bloomingdales, but they take reservations. The line can be long without reservations, so you may want to call ahead. The food is good (mostly sandwiches so nothing really different) but they are famous for the " frozen hot chocolate". It is very good and unique!

Our kids still talk about these places. My DD said recently that she wants to spend her birthday weekend in NYC, see a Broadway show (she said Pippen, my other DD says Matilda), and eat at Juniors.

Another suggestion--see an off-Broadway show. They aren't lessor performers, the theatres are just smaller. My oldest DD went to see "Peter and the Starcatcher" with her school drama group in May and loved it! Their group also ate at John's Pizza (in the church) and she said it was ok, but she wouldn't go back there. She is so NOT a foodie and only 15, so for her to say that it was just ok leads me to think it really isn't all that great. I know others love it, though, so your opinion may be different than mine.

Have a great trip!

 

[disneypharm]

I wanted to suggest a restaurant to you. We are a family of 5 with kids of similar ages and were last in NYC a year ago. We stayed 3 nights last June prior to an 8 night DCL cruise from NYC. We stayed in Times Square at the Marriott Marquis--HIGHLY recommend this hotel! Directly across from the main entrance to the hotel is a Junior's. I believe there are several others in the City too. It is a clean, good, reasonably priced place with a HUGE menu and wonderful desserts! There is also a small take-out bakery area that has pieces of cheesecake, cupcakes, etc. and serves coffee and other breakfast pastries in the morning. This might be a good place for your family. There may be a menu online because I believe they ship their famous cheesecake all over the US. I just added it to my list. Thanks

You also may want to check out Serendipity 3. It is a small place near Bloomingdales, but they take reservations. The line can be long without reservations, so you may want to call ahead. The food is good (mostly sandwiches so nothing really different) but they are famous for the " frozen hot chocolate". It is very good and unique! How could I forget Serendipity3. I saw Samantha Brown's NYC Christmas show on Roku recently. She had frozen hot chocolate. That would be great.

Our kids still talk about these places. My DD said recently that she wants to spend her birthday weekend in NYC, see a Broadway show (she said Pippen, my other DD says Matilda), and eat at Juniors.

Another suggestion--see an off-Broadway show. They aren't lessor performers, the theatres are just smaller. My oldest DD went to see "Peter and the Starcatcher" with her school drama group in May and loved it! Sounds fun. DD15 loves theatre and acting. I'll google it. Their group also ate at John's Pizza (in the church) and she said it was ok, but she wouldn't go back there. She is so NOT a foodie and only 15, so for her to say that it was just ok leads me to think it really isn't all that great. I know others love it, though, so your opinion may be different than mine.

Have a great trip!

Thanks

 

[disneypharm]

We were in NYC a couple weeks ago and loved it. I can't wait to go back. We ended up buying Explorer Passes from Costco at a pretty nice discount. We went on the Shark Speedboat to get a close view of the Statue of Liberty. It was so much fun, and it only took 30 minutes to do the speedboat tour.

We bought discount tickets to Spiderman Turn off the Dark, and used a discount code I found on Travel Zoo. There are discounts for other attractions too. Here is a link to the website. http://www.travelzoo.com/entertainment/new-york/?tz_cs=HPV0 We really enjoyed Spiderman!

Also, Museum of Modern Art is free from 4-8pm on Fridays. If you get there after 4, the line will be long, but it will move fast. Have a great time!

Thanks Nik's Mom. I just checked Explorer Passes from Costco and they are very good prices. I will check the Travelzoo.com as well.

 

[SingingMom]

I wanted to suggest a restaurant to you. We are a family of 5 with kids of similar ages and were last in NYC a year ago. We stayed 3 nights last June prior to an 8 night DCL cruise from NYC. We stayed in Times Square at the Marriott Marquis--HIGHLY recommend this hotel! Directly across from the main entrance to the hotel is a Junior's. I believe there are several others in the City too. It is a clean, good, reasonably priced place with a HUGE menu and wonderful desserts! There is also a small take-out bakery area that has pieces of cheesecake, cupcakes, etc. and serves coffee and other breakfast pastries in the morning. This might be a good place for your family. There may be a menu online because I believe they ship their famous cheesecake all over the US.
Have a great trip!

We ALWAYS stay at the Marriott Marquis! Even though we live 40 mins away in the suburbs of New Jersey, we usually stay a night or two a few times a year! Love the location, the rooms are vey comfortable, the restaurants and lounges are great. Juniors is a NY landmark. If you aren't a cheesecake fan, the lemon coconut cake is to die for!!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[NYCDiane]

If you're going to go to Serendipity, be prepared for a wait even if you have a reservation! I remember the last time we tried going there --- we didn't have a reservation but there were a ton of people outside waiting to get in. A few had reservations and said they'd been waiting over an hour past their res time. Not sure if that was just a bad day but we didn't wait.

If you're in that area, you may consider taking a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram. You use your MetroCard and it's a great ride with awesome views and you can get some great photos from the Tram! Once you're on RI, you can take the little bus around the island (I think it's 25 cents?). Very quick ride but cool to see the island.

 

[wilkeliza]

A second for Peter and the Starcatcher. I've seen it twice. It is theater at its finest and really gets you to use your imagination.

 

[crazyme5kids]

Since you will be visiting lower Manhattan, you might want to consider seeing the National Museum of American Indian (at Bowling Green). It's free and the building it is in is gorgeous. Also, go to Battery Park and see Castle Clinton. It's an interesting piece of NYC history, won't take long to see. I would stop by both of these places on your way to the ferry. After seeing Trinity Church walk down Broadway, with traffic, to get to Bowling Green.

NYCDiane is right about the way about the Met and Museum of Natural History charge admission fees. And for what it's worth, I usually pay a dollar or two per person to get in to both museums. In fact, I don't know anyone who pays more than that, so don't feel funny handing over only a few dollars to get in.

I would skip the Museum of Natural History since you spend so much time at the one near you, and maybe see something else. I like MOMA, and the Met is a must see.

The Intrepid is fantastic. Also, while I've never been on the official tour, I have been backstage and gotten a mini type tour of Radio City Music Hall. It's another place that has an interesting history to it.

Skip John's pizza, it's on my list of lousy pizza, there are so many place that are much, much better.

 

[crazyme5kids]

Since you will be visiting lower Manhattan, you might want to consider seeing the National Museum of American Indian (at Bowling Green). It's free and the building it is in is gorgeous. Also, go to Battery Park and see Castle Clinton. It's an interesting piece of NYC history, won't take long to see. I would stop by both of these places on your way to the ferry. After seeing Trinity Church walk down Broadway, with traffic, to get to Bowling Green.

NYCDiane is right about the way about the Met and Museum of Natural History charge admission fees. And for what it's worth, I usually pay a dollar or two per person to get in to both museums. In fact, I don't know anyone who pays more than that, so don't feel funny handing over only a few dollars to get in.

I would skip the Museum of Natural History since you spend so much time at the one near you, and maybe see something else. I like MOMA, and the Met is a must see.

The Intrepid is fantastic. Also, while I've never been on the official tour, I have been backstage and gotten a mini type tour of Radio City Music Hall. It's another place that has an interesting history to it.

Skip John's pizza, it's on my list of lousy pizza, there are so many place that are much, much better.

 

[Nik's Mom]

We tried John's Pizza. It was fine, but not worth the wait or money. We could have had better pizza at home. Like in my own kitchen.

It's very touristy, but we had a great time at Ellen's Stardust Diner. It was so much fun. The food was good, and all the waiters sang. It's in Times Square. There are some videos on youtube if you want to check it out. And I totally agree about Intrepid. We loved that museum.

 

[CookieGVB]

think you can only use one card for 2 people. I am confused! I thought one card is only for one person!!


An Unlimited Metro Card can only be used once every 20 minutes so only one person can use it at a time.

If you buy a pay-per-ride card, you can swipe for as many people as you want. HOWEVER, considering all you're doing, you're better off to lay out the $120 and get everyone a 7 Day Unlimited Card.

I thought she was only going to be in the City for a few days - didn't realize she'd be there a week.

 

[SingingMom]

A second for Peter and the Starcatcher. I've seen it twice. It is theater at its finest and really gets you to use your imagination.

We missed it - wanted to see Christian Borle. Heard it was tremendous. May try to see it off-Broadway after we return from ABD Germany tour!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[disneypharm]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have been reading all your posts and have made a list of things to do if we have enough time.

Two more questions. NBC studio tours. Reviews are just ok. Does it worth the price of $93?
How about Rockefeller center tours? Can we just walk around and see the center without a guided tour?

Restaurant search is going well. I also have a list of places we are interested in to see. I found a name of shuttle service from Yelp, Quick Ride Car. They have great reviews, but no website. Any other suggestions?
Thanks

 

[wilkeliza]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have been reading all your posts and have made a list of things to do if we have enough time.

Two more questions. NBC studio tours. Reviews are just ok. Does it worth the price of $93?
How about Rockefeller center tours? Can we just walk around and see the center without a guided tour?

Restaurant search is going well. I also have a list of places we are interested in to see. I found a name of shuttle service from Yelp, Quick Ride Car. They have great reviews, but no website. Any other suggestions?
Thanks

You can walk around Rockefeller Center with out a your and even get into part of the building with out a tour.

My boyfriend said he has done the NBC tour and loved it but he also is a tv person (degrees in media management and sales) so he may appreciate it more than others.

 

[SingingMom]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have been reading all your posts and have made a list of things to do if we have enough time.

Two more questions. NBC studio tours. Reviews are just ok. Does it worth the price of $93?
How about Rockefeller center tours? Can we just walk around and see the center without a guided tour?

Restaurant search is going well. I also have a list of places we are interested in to see. I found a name of shuttle service from Yelp, Quick Ride Car. They have great reviews, but no website. Any other suggestions?
Thanks

We haven't one the NBC tour yet because silly us didn't realize you couldn't just show up. Oops. Lol
We haven't done the Rockefeller Center tour either. We just walk around at our leisure.

They also have the red double decker buses that give you a tour of the city. We plan to do that someday.
We tend to walk, walk, walk, shop, walk, walk, walk, and eat eat eat drink drink drink! Theatre and museums and shops. You can never be bored in NYC!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Nik's Mom]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have been reading all your posts and have made a list of things to do if we have enough time.

Two more questions. NBC studio tours. Reviews are just ok. Does it worth the price of $93?
How about Rockefeller center tours? Can we just walk around and see the center without a guided tour?

Restaurant search is going well. I also have a list of places we are interested in to see. I found a name of shuttle service from Yelp, Quick Ride Car. They have great reviews, but no website. Any other suggestions?
Thanks

We use Carmel. DH uses it for work quite a bit, and we used it on vacation a few weeks back.
http://www.carmellimo.com/