Going to NY for 1 day, never been, hot spots to visit...

[Kris Puyear]

We are going to New York on Dec. 7th on a bus trip. We have never been before. It will be me, DH, DS (9) and DD (6).

Where should we go? And how much money to take?

All suggestions greatly appreciated!!!!!!

Thanks,
Kris

 

[charlie,nj]

check out :

www.nyctourist.com

the Rock Center tree lighting ceremony is Dec 4th

have fun

 

[grinningghost]

Well, it goes without saying that the World Trade Center was one of the best places to go before... Sad that's not possible anymore. So I guess going to the top of the Empire State Building would be the next best thing. The view is really great from up there. New York City is a great place, just make sure you bring enough money. Food is pretty pricey in Manhattan.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Oh have fun! We are going for Thanksgiving. So far we want to include Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Bldg., Times Square and perhaps we will be able to see The Lion King on Broadway!!! I do want to head outside the "Today" show, just to see.
I have heard there is really nothing to see at Ground Zero but that is where my 11yodd is adamant about going to.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[nkjzmom]

My husband and I visited there when we were first married and we went up to the top of the Empire State Bldg. (have pics of the towers from up there, didn't remember that until I stumbled on the pics a few weeks ago). I was totally lost, a little Southern belle in a big city but here's basically what we did.

Empire State Bldg., Rock Center to see the tree and the ice skaters, Times Square, rode the subway just to see Grand Central Station and all the cleaning up the Mayor had done (inlaws said the difference was amazing), and took a carriage ride through Central Park. We also just kind of wandered around...even had our palms read in some dark little place...weird.

My husband's aunt lives in NY so she likes to take the kids over to the city to see the tree and to look at the window displays at Saks (I think that's where they are) and to go play in the FAO Schwarz toy store, all on 5th Ave. My kids were only impressed by the train ride from her house to the city. Next time we'll just ride back and forth and save the $ from eating in the city....it's expensive!!!

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

don't forget Macy's -- I think Santa is on the 8th floor. you should see how they decorate! and the windows along the Herald's Square side of the building are a must-see too.

 

[pajamommy]

Hey, we're going on a bus trip to NYC the same day, from CT though!! It will be a shopping day for us girls, me and sister and SIL! I'm also taking my DD there in a few weeks, taking the train for that trip, we're taking her to Radio City for the Christmas show, then Tavern on the Green for lunch, then to FAO Shwarz!! I just went for my b-day a few weeks ago, I just love it there, and its so easy to get there from CT on the train. Have a great time, everyone has given you great ideas!!

 

[ryanpatricksmom]

Barney's

 

[suzannen]

Hi Kris,
I agree with a lot of the advice other posters have given. The holiday windows at Saks (50th & 5th) and Lord & Taylor (38th & 5th) are wonderful. The Rockefeller Center tree will be lit then. FAO Schwarz Toy Store is a favorite of both of my kids, although it may be crowded when you come. The Empire State Building is a must (if you like heights).

If you have any interest in seeing the Radio City Music Hall show, you could call their Christmas Hotline (212-307-1000) to see if there are any tickets left for the day you are in town. Tickets range from $36 to $100.

Another little known (& free) place to stop in is the public library on 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. On the second floor, in the children's section, they have the original Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Kanga dolls. They look much different than the current Disney version, but my 6 year old was mesmerized when I took her.

Finally, there are fast food places everywhere, but if you would like a nice break from sight seeing that's not a McDonalds, Serendipity 3 Restaurant on 60th Street is a perennial favorite for kids. The front part is a little toy store and in the back they serve burgers, foot long hotdogs and their trademark "Frozen Hot Chocolate" ice cream dessert. I've even seen celebrities in there with their kids. Not sure if you'd need reservations for this time of year, but their number is 212-838-3531.
Have a wonderful time.

 

[tiggerlover]

It is a great time of year to visit NYC. We always make it a point to go to Rockerfellar Center to see the tree and ice skaters, we make a quick stop by NBC/Today Show. The windows at Saks are great and Macy's is terrific too, FAO Schwartz, the Toys R Us with the big ferris wheel (I hear this is great) and of course a horse-drawn carriage ride around Central Park. And if you are looking for a little snack stop by Godiva where they have strawberries that they dip in Godiva fondue....they are expensive $7/strawberry the last time I was there.....but oh, so delicious.

Have fun!

 

[crazyme5kids]

How many hours will you have in the city? I would try to do things in the same area, or else you will waste time and money trying to get from place to place.

 

[SPAGo 98]

i'm pretty sure you can't make reservations for Serendipity. it's insanely popular, so eat early, or get there, give them your name, go to bloomie's (a block away) and go back whenever they tell you to.

 

[CookieGVB]

Here's something cool, and free.

Go to HSBC's kiosk in the Times Square Visitors Center on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets. Have your picture taken. Go back to Times Square and look up - there's an animated billboard that puts people's faces on the screen in different situations.

Pretty cool.

 

[RoqueC]

I'll say this once. Stay away from Canal Street, and any other unknown New York city streets. Only specific area's of New York are fun, and moderately clean or safe. The rest is just plain CRAP. Dirty, rat and hobo infested, loud, and just plain boring. I suggest to sticking around Time Square, Central Park, and most of the ports. A definite must-see is The Museum of Natural History. Excellent museum. I also suggest to find The Dakota, the complex in which John Lennon spent some of his life, and where he was shot. Make sure to go to the Wax Museum, and get alot of pictures.

Have fun!

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

oh, but I like Chinatown!

 

[Kallison]

In one day I would do one of those double decker bus tours.

Ellen's Stardust Diner or Mars 2117(?) - are cool tourist restaurants, they are right across the street from one another.

Definitely go to Rockefeller Center. There is an NBC Studio Tour you can do, not sure on the age limitations.

St. Patrick's Cathedral is also in that area.

I would forget about doing museums, you won't have enough time. Top of Empire State Building is always fun to do once. I've been in Manhattan a million times and we just did it this spring.

If you go to Ground Zero do a google search for the Gee Whiz Diner. A great, clean, good food place to eat. It's around that area.

 

[CookieGVB]

Originally posted by Kallison

Ellen's Stardust Diner or Mars 2117(?) - are cool tourist restaurants, they are right across the street from one another.

I work a block away, and I've never been - I need to go there and be a tourist! (They're on 51st Street and Broadway)

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

I love Mars 2112 -- veyr atmospheric. the food's a bit expensive, but you get to ride a simulator and you get to meet Martians.

Ellen's is fun -- singing waitstaff entertain.