Looking to visit New York for site seeing and SHOPPING :)

[disneyofcourse]

So, we are planning a little weekend get away for the end of this month for 2-4 days. The idea of going to New York came up as we've never been to a huge city. What are some things that are pretty budget to do? Any aquariums, museums or sites that are a must do? Also, which areas are a no go because of crime or it being too seedy looking. So far we've looked up hotels in the city but have no idea where a good area to stay is. We are are looking into staying outside the city if its better in any way. We'd love your recommendations or knowledge of any informative and detailed websites! We know nothing about each area of NY. I want to keep the budget at about $500-600 if possible for hotel and $200 for food which I know will be hard.

 

[clori]

For sightseeing check out newyorkpass.com Even if it isn't a good deal for you it can give you info on many touristy places. I used it in April and it worked great for us (dh, dd6, dd10 and dsis). We did top of the rock, Empire State Building and Skyride, Madame Toussouds, NBC studio tour, Radio City Backstage Tour, got $10 off per person at Planet Hollywood and $50 off souveneirs, and the Brooklyn Jewish Childrens Museum. We did the Staten Island free ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. We also ate at Ellen's Stardust. We were there 3 nights but also visited family and ate in non touristy places.

The Staten Island ferry is a free way to see the Statue of Liberty without stopping at the island. SonyWonder is a free nintendo place though advance tickets are recommended.

For hotels you can look into travelzoo.com to see if there are any deals for your dates.

 

[disneyofcourse]

Thank You Thank You

That's just the information and types of links I was trying to find.

 

[Justsyd2]

We did the NY Waterways boat tour. After the tour they have busses that will drop you any where you want. We took a bus to Central Park, had lunch at Tavern on the Green (only about $20 and SO worth it) then strolled though Central Park. We then walked to David Letterman's Studio, and then around the corner to Rupert's Hello Deli, then took a taxi through Times Square to Ground Zero. From there we took a taxi to Little Italy and dined out on the sidewalk. It was a wonderful Italian meal!!!!

 

[semo233]

We took a bus to Central Park, had lunch at Tavern on the Green (only about $20 and SO worth it)

Just and FYI: I heard the Tavern on the Green is closed, so be sure to check it out first.

Are there any children going? What are you looking to buy (shop)?

 

[bamor]

check www.travelzoo.com for NYC lodging deals.
Are there only two of you? Try priceline (check hotwire first, this will give you an idea of what is available). www.betterbidding.com and www.biddingfortravel.com can help with Priceline. Choose 4 star, start with midtown, add midtown east, add central park south, etc...

www.hopstop.com to help with subway/walking directions
www.menupages.com for restaurant ideas
Get a good map of the City

Make the NYC forum on www.tripadvisor.com your friend. The info on there cannot be beat

Restaurant.com (look for certs for Angus McIndoe and Havana Central).
Eat pizza, Chinese, etc.

Both the Met Museum of Art and Mus of Nat History are suggested donation.
As prev mentioned, the Staten Island Ferry is free to see the Statue of Liberty, AAA discount for Top of the Rock.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is free on Sat am from 10-12. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is free.

www.broadwaybox.com for discount theater tickets

There really are no areas to avoid. Just don't buy any knock offs in Chinatown!

 

[sk!mom]

With such a small budget, I'm going to assume just two people and suggest Priceline for your hotel. We prefer the Times Square area so that we can walk to see shows in the evenings. Last Summer we got a 3.5 star for $90 a night.

 

[jodiey]

I second trying Priceline. I got a 4 star hotel right in Times Square for $100/night. But if you're staying in the city, don't expect the rooms to be huge.
Another place to visit is the Central Park Zoo. The admission is only $10.

 

[bamor]

FYI, Hotwire has the following two great options for the last weekend in July
$222/nt for a 4* suite in Times Sq (most likely the Doubletree)
$172/nt for a 31/2* in Midtown East (most likely the Millenium UN which has a pool and tennis)
If you are more than 2, the suite is a FANTASTIC option.............