Girls Weekend in NYC - Looking for tips/advice

[Tina]

My sister and I decided this morning to take a weekend trip to NYC in mid August for my birthday. We're going to fly in Thursday evening after work and leave Sunday morning, giving us 2 full days of fun.

So far, I've found a great AAA rate at the Marriott Marquis for only $181. Given that so many hotels in the cheaper range only offer a single bed at for the cheaper rates, I was happy to find this. Any feedback from those of you who have stayed there? It seems to have excellent reviews.

Any tips on budget things to do/see? I've been to NYC once before. My sister has never been there. We thought of getting the tourist bus tix (48 hour hop on/hop off) that run about $50 each to save on cab fare to different things. Any feedback on doing that?

She doesn't really want to bother with the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island (takes a lot of time) for such a short visit. We were thinking of seeing Wicked, but are wondering how to get good seats for a good price. I see that the uppper mezzanine levels are quite a bit cheaper. How is the view from up there (Gershin Theatre)?

Since this is a budget trip, we'll likely stick with coffee shops and delis for most of our meals, but I'd love some suggestions. We'd like to do one nicer meal, but not anything too high-end or swanky ($18-25 entree range, casual dress).

Give me your best, NYers!

 

[MsAmerica]

My daughter and I have stayed at the Marquis several times and we love staying there. The last time we stayed there was in March and the bedding is wonderful.

The elevators are interesting but once you have them figured out, they are awesome!

We love eating at Carmine's when we go. It is a bit more expensive than what you want to spend but if you go in the afternoon for a late lunch ( I think they serve lunch until 3 but maybe its 4 o'clock) and you will pay less.

We always eat breakfast at the hotel but there is a McDonald's across the street for a cheap breakfast.

Also Junior's is right across the street but I haven't eaten there and the reviews I have read are mixed.

You could take your chances and get in line at the TKTS booth right outside the Marquis' front door for theatre tickets or go to Broadway.com or theatermania.com and maybe get a great discount for a show you want to see. I believe 9 to 5 is playing at the Marquis theatre.

Also, the Broadway Bar at the Marquis is a great place to go for a drink before going out for the night. I love getting a window seat and even if we only order diet cokes, we love watching night fall on the city from that incredible location.

Have Fun

MsA

 

[LoraJ]

doublepost

 

[LoraJ]

Get brunch at 5 Napkin Burger. The eggs benedict sliders are yummy!!!!
http://www.fivenapkinburger.com/

check out Top of the Rock.
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/


Don't get your hopes up for Wicked. See if you can get in the lotto for rush seats. I have never seen any deals for that show.

I love going to Central Park and the Met
http://www.metmuseum.org/)

Get some Sangria and Yummy Empanadas at Empanada Mamas:
http://www.menupages.com/menuproces...b33c59fb7a4b3987813e9cc422df4e7eb3bef85738c26

 

[emma'smom]

I'd try for TKTS tickets and just keep an open mind about a number of different show options.

Also, you don't have to spend a lot of money to eat well in NYC. Go to China town and eat lunch from the carts....or hit a bagel shop for breakfast.

I second Carmines....it's the best!

If you are looking for other great places, try Delta Grille (for cajun food). I think it is on 9th avenue. There are slew of restaurants just west of the "Times Square" are in a neighborhood called Clinton Hill. Just walk west to 9th Ave or so and north to about 53rd street. The Delis in the TS area are for tourists and they may offer up some impressive sandwiches, but at impressive prices!

If you want deli, go to Arties at 72nd and Broadway.

Stuff for "Girls Week-End":

Sex in the City Tour was a blast
1/2 price happy hour martinis at Trump Tower (touristy, but fun)

In August, it will be hot, hot, hot! However, you'll have the city to yourselves because everyone who can will have left town to avoid the heat!

 

[Tina]

Thanks everyone for the great tips and links!

 

[JaxJags08]

Check out Punkin413's NYC trip report - http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2189155. You may get some ideas!

 

[mjkacmom]

I'm a big fan of central park - it's HUGE! If it's not too hot, rent bikes and explore. I've seen many broadway shows, and Wicked is worth the $.

 

[pezheadmeg]

Google plum benefits. They might have something for Wicked, but chances are probably not. They usually have some really good deals--even with the tours.

As for a cheap eat, I love BRGR on 7th Ave @ 26th street. Their portions will fill you up, and they are by far the best burgers I've ever eaten.

 

[Tina]

Check out Punkin413's NYC trip report - http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2189155. You may get some ideas!

Thanks for the link. What a great trip report. I'm hooked!! I can't wait for her next installment.

 

[Tina]

Google plum benefits. They might have something for Wicked, but chances are probably not. They usually have some really good deals--even with the tours.

Thanks for the suggestion, but my company is not a member.

 

[krcit]

I don't know how old you guys are but if you are anywhere from 30's to about 50's-I say go see Rock of Ages!! It was wonderful. My dd says I should get paid from them b/c I tell everyone to go see it, lol. I'm 40, so the music was all from my heyday. Also look into Citypass I think it is called. You pay one price and get to go to quite a few attractions-bus tout, Madame Toussauds etc.. If you can't find it I'll search for the exact name.Also check out Broadway Box for discount offers.Btw, I've seen Wicked and loved it but Jersey Boys was hands down my favorite show since Les Mis

 

[Tina]

We're both in our early 40's. I was also interested in the Rock of Ages show, but my sister is dead set on Wicked (which I want to see too).

 

[TDC Nala]

She doesn't really want to bother with the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island (takes a lot of time) for such a short visit. We were thinking of seeing Wicked, but are wondering how to get good seats for a good price. I see that the uppper mezzanine levels are quite a bit cheaper. How is the view from up there (Gershin Theatre)?

There's hardly ever any discount for Wicked and the cheaper tickets are doubtless sold out. I bought mine in April for July and there were only the $125 seats left.

This is from playbill.com regarding Wicked:

• A day-of-performance lottery for $25 front-row seats will be held daily, two hours prior to show time (11:30am for 2pm matinees; 12:30pm for 3pm matinees; 4:30pm for 7pm performances; 5:30pm for 8pm performances). People who present themselves at the Gershwin Theatre box office will have their names placed in a hat. 30 minutes later, names will be drawn for 28 front-row seats at $25 each. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person, cash only.

So if you and your sister both put your names in, you have two chances for your tickets.

Make sure you have something else to see on another day (perhaps through TKTS) if you want to see a Broadway show, because you might not get these.

 

[Tina]

Thanks for the info TDC Nala. I had read about the lottery elsewhere. Given we only have 2 days, I'm not sure we want to risk the lottery. I think we'll just suck it up and buy tickets from ticketmaster or stubhub.

Has anyone ever done the NBC studios tour at Rockefeller Center?

 

[goofy4tink]

We're heading in on Aug 7...but can only get the Marquis for $220 (AAA as well)a night...good for you that you can get a lower rate.
But I think we'll just suck it up and book it. We're there for just two nights so don't want to spend a ton of time just getting to and from stuff.
I don't think you'll get discount tickets for 'Wicked'..they are never an option at the TKTS booth. You may be able to do the lottery but if you really want to see it, get tickets now. Expensive? Yes. But it's a terrific show.
We got tickets for 'Hair' about 2 months ago. I just didn't want to take the chance of not getting orchestra seats closer to the front with TKTS on the same day. So paid full price.
I have had mixed experiences at Juniors. My dd loves it there, but it's not my favorite. Just about any restaurant in Times Sq is going to be overpriced and average quality. Get off the beaten path.

 

[QuantumSheep]

For a truly hidden gem, I'd recommend the 79th Street Boat Basin Cafe. It's along the Hudson River at the end of -- you guessed it -- 79th Street. The very end of the street is a traffic circle and -- and the cafe is UNDER it. As you walk West towards the end of 79th Street, you think, "There's no WAY we're in the right place." But lo and behold, a stone staircase takes you down under the traffic circle and you're in a super-cool hidden grotto with amazing views of the Hudson!

The food is standard burgers-chicken-sandwiches-fries that comes served in those plastic wicker basket things but the location is so cool that I'd definitely recommend it as a great outdoor place to unwind after a day of NYC sightseeing! (This would be most convenient if you were already in Central Park or, say, the Museum of Natural History).

Here's the "gallery" page from the official website:
79th Street Boat Basin Cafe Gallery Page

And to see what the area looks like from Google Maps click here.

Let me know if you end up there!

 

[Tina]

Wow! That place looks like a great one for unwinding and enjoying the view. Thanks for that tip!

More questions:

Ground Zero: Do we need to book a tour for this? Or can we visit on our own?

Century 21: Any experiences with this store (across from Ground Zero)? A friend told me it a great place for designer bargains. I'm wondering if that's true or if we should skip it.

 

[Hidden_Mickey]

I did the NBC Studio tour several years ago and enjoyed it. You see the studios where they broadcast Nightly News and where they record SNL and Late Night.

Everyone should see the Metropolitan Art museum. The Lower East Side Tenement Museum is good for history buffs. Wicked is very popular so if you really want to go I wouldn't chance it; just buy the tickets now. You can take a ferry (to Staten Island?) that is a commuter ferry but has the same views of Manhattan as a Circle Line touristy type boat ride. I agree, Ellis Island is too complicated. You can view Ground Zero without a tour; you can't miss it. I haven't been there in a while but the last time I saw it there was a high fence all around it with photos on the fence. You can't actually go into the site. It is currently under construction. If you go, visit St. Paul's church across the street; it was spared in the attacks and was used as a staging area for rescue workers; I believe George Washington went there to pray on the morning of his inauguration. You can go to Federal Hall to see where he was inaugurated. I will try to think of more later...

 

[emma'smom]

The NBC Studio tour is fun...and you do see sets of various shows. It's worth doing. I second the Lower Eastside Tenement Museum too.

The Met is great...but with your limited time, that could eat up a lot of it.

I did the NBC Studio tour several years ago and enjoyed it. You see the studios where they broadcast Nightly News and where they record SNL and Late Night.

Everyone should see the Metropolitan Art museum. The Lower East Side Tenement Museum is good for history buffs. Wicked is very popular so if you really want to go I wouldn't chance it; just buy the tickets now. You can take a ferry (to Staten Island?) that is a commuter ferry but has the same views of Manhattan as a Circle Line touristy type boat ride. I agree, Ellis Island is too complicated. You can view Ground Zero without a tour; you can't miss it. I haven't been there in a while but the last time I saw it there was a high fence all around it with photos on the fence. You can't actually go into the site. It is currently under construction. If you go, visit St. Paul's church across the street; it was spared in the attacks and was used as a staging area for rescue workers; I believe George Washington went there to pray on the morning of his inauguration. You can go to Federal Hall to see where he was inaugurated. I will try to think of more later...