Need advice and tips..for day trip to NYC this Sat.

[edk35]

We are going on a chartered bus trip...supposed to arrive by 9:00 and depart by 7:00. I know it is going to be crowded...cold and we are limited on time. What are the must sees for this type of quick trip during the holiday? Thank you.

 

[Mickeyflower]

I had one of those types of trips. The best thing I did was to go to the Empire State building. Since you can't get to all the sights, you can at least see them all from up there . Then I strolled down 5th Avenue since it's right there, stopped at a random place for a tasty bite to eat, found an arts & crafts fair and picked up some cool trinkets, and called it a day. Of course more time would have been nice, but I got to see the Statue of Liberty, and ALL of central park .

 

[Becc1]

We are going up this Friday for a day trip, it's a must do every December for us to see the Christmas decorations. Our must do's are the tree at Rockerfeller Center, St. Patricks, Times Square, 5th Ave for FAO Swartz and to window shop in all of the stores I wish I could shop in, lol.

 

[cornflake]

We are going on a chartered bus trip...supposed to arrive by 9:00 and depart by 7:00. I know it is going to be crowded...cold and we are limited on time. What are the must sees for this type of quick trip during the holiday? Thank you.

Well what're you looking to do?

I mean are you interested in window displays? - I'd go down and see the bears if they're up this year.

Are you interested in shopping? There're the holiday markets set up in Bryant Park, by Columbus Circle, in Union Square... with tons of artists and cool stuff. There's a flea market on the Upper West Side and one by Chelsea I think.

Are you interested in sights? Wollman rink would be good, Empire State would just be a madhouse I'd think...

Are you interested in eats? In picking up pastries? Veniero's for that, though there's a new Doughnut Plant shop open too, there're tons of restaurants of all variety...

What do you want to do?

 

[edk35]

We are going up this Friday for a day trip, it's a must do every December for us to see the Christmas decorations. Our must do's are the tree at Rockerfeller Center, St. Patricks, Times Square, 5th Ave for FAO Swartz and to window shop in all of the stores I wish I could shop in, lol.

These are the things I had in mind too. I know we can't do anything that requires a long wait. I am going to try and does these things too.

 

[edk35]

Well what're you looking to do?

I mean are you interested in window displays? - I'd go down and see the bears if they're up this year.

Are you interested in shopping? There're the holiday markets set up in Bryant Park, by Columbus Circle, in Union Square... with tons of artists and cool stuff. There's a flea market on the Upper West Side and one by Chelsea I think.

Are you interested in sights? Wollman rink would be good, Empire State would just be a madhouse I'd think...

Are you interested in eats? In picking up pastries? Veniero's for that, though there's a new Doughnut Plant shop open too, there're tons of restaurants of all variety...

What do you want to do?

There is plenty I would like to do, but we know at this time of year with limited time we won't be able to do a lot of things. So mainly want to see the window displays, Rockerfellow Cednter, Times Square and stuff like that.

 

[cornflake]

There is plenty I would like to do, but we know at this time of year with limited time we won't be able to do a lot of things. So mainly want to see the window displays, Rockerfellow Cednter, Times Square and stuff like that.

Ok... then it sounds like you know what you want to do so I'm not sure I understand the question.

 

[janey99]

Here's what I would do - assuming your bus gets into Port Authority -

Get on the E subway from right inside Port Authority, take it downtown one stop to 34th St/Penn Station. Get out and check out the holiday windows at Macys.

Get back to the subway inside Penn Station and take the C uptown to Columbus Circle. Walk east a few blocks to Fifth Avenue (stop at FAO Schwartz and/or Apple store on the way) (also if you're fast walkers and are interested, walk really far east to Barneys on 3rd ave for their windows (and Dylan's candy bar right across the street), then walk back to Fifth) and just start walking slowly downtown. You will hit all the shops, giant Hollister store, windows at Saks, American Girl, Uniqlo flagship store, Rockefellar Plaza, etc. Eventually, get back down to 42nd Street and head a little west to get back to Port Authority.

You can kill a whole day heading downtown from 60th to 42nd, zig zagging a little in either direction east/west, and see a TON of fun/holiday things.

Have fun.

Jane

 

[edk35]

Ok... then it sounds like you know what you want to do so I'm not sure I understand the question.

Just like my question asks??? Tips and Advice on must sees. Obviously there is a A LOT to see and do. I don't think that going to to see the few I mentioned will take all day. We have never been... so people that have been...can give me advice/tips on "OTHER" things we might fit in to our SHORT day.

 

[edk35]

Here's what I would do - assuming your bus gets into Port Authority -

Get on the E subway from right inside Port Authority, take it downtown one stop to 34th St/Penn Station. Get out and check out the holiday windows at Macys.

Get back to the subway inside Penn Station and take the C uptown to Columbus Circle. Walk east a few blocks to Fifth Avenue (stop at FAO Schwartz and/or Apple store on the way) (also if you're fast walkers and are interested, walk really far east to Barneys on 3rd ave for their windows (and Dylan's candy bar right across the street), then walk back to Fifth) and just start walking slowly downtown. You will hit all the shops, giant Hollister store, windows at Saks, American Girl, Uniqlo flagship store, Rockefellar Plaza, etc. Eventually, get back down to 42nd Street and head a little west to get back to Port Authority.

You can kill a whole day heading downtown from 60th to 42nd, zig zagging a little in either direction east/west, and see a TON of fun/holiday things.

Have fun.

Jane

Our drop off point says: TBD but Time Square area

 

[janey99]

Our drop off point says: TBD but Time Square area

Whereever they drop in Times Square area, you can still walk most easily to Port Authority and do the plan. Or, walk all the way down to 34th street and seventh ave, where Macy's is, and pick up the plan there.

 

[walkdmc]

Well what're you looking to do?

I mean are you interested in window displays? - I'd go down and see the bears if they're up this year.

Are you interested in shopping? There're the holiday markets set up in Bryant Park, by Columbus Circle, in Union Square... with tons of artists and cool stuff. There's a flea market on the Upper West Side and one by Chelsea I think.

Are you interested in sights? Wollman rink would be good, Empire State would just be a madhouse I'd think...

Are you interested in eats? In picking up pastries? Veniero's for that, though there's a new Doughnut Plant shop open too, there're tons of restaurants of all variety...

What do you want to do?

Cornflake!! Hi!! You helped me with NYC hotel recommendations months ago and I just cut and pasted your list for all eternity...or until I lose it. I drove into the city two weeks ago and thought of you

I liked the Lord and Taylor and Macy's windows the most. I overheard a woman telling her group that the view of the city is better from the Top of the Rock vs. The Empire State Building...what do you think, Cornflake?

OP, if you do go to the Empire State Building, don't waste your money on the audio tour. It was so crowded when we went two Saturdays ago that I didn't get to listen to the talk.

 

[mbf]

I have been to NYC quite a few times and never done the Empire State or Top of the Rock lol. However, a lot of people have told me they prefer Top of the Rock and you can also see the tree and skating rink at Rockefeller Center at the same time.

If you are into this sort of thing, you should go to the Museum of Natural History (there is a subway stop at the museum on the C train I believe, but don't get on the express whatever you do because it passes right by). It is on my must do list. Then take a cab across Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Another must do IMO.

If not, maybe you can get will call tickets to a Broadway show. Do a search online and you can see when and where to show up for those lotteries.

Chinatown is always an experience! If you wanted to you could head down there.

 

[leebee]

A day is not a whole lot of time to spend in NYC. If your drop-off is Times Square, stay there for a bit and soak up the atmosphere. There's the world's biggest M&M store and a huge Hershey's store, if that's your kind of thing. Once you've "experienced" enough of the confusion/excitement that is Times Square, walk east along 50th or 51st street. You should come to Radio City Music Hall on the corner of 6th Ave. They have a pretty interesting tour. YOu could walk one more block east and hit Rockefeller Plaza and see the tree and skating rink. While there, you could check into going to Top of the Rock for some spectacular views of the city, and taking the NBC studio tour; that was pretty cool also. If you continue walking east, you will come to St. Patrick's Cathedral... go inside and check it out. Walk north on 5th Ave to see some of the stores (although I don't think these are as impressive now that many of the "biggies" have franchised into malls in almost every state). I believe you will go past Trump Tower, not sure if you can go up or not. Eventually you will come to the Apple Store and FAO Schwartz. Turn left on to Central Park South and follow that west along the southern edge of the park; you'll come to the "end" at Columbus Circle. Turning left here will take you south and back to Times Square. Pace yourself and keep an eye on the clock... you'll be able to judge what you can accomplish. I know that Top of the Rock and NBC Studio tour will give you actual times for taking your tour. It's also possible to go to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) as it's right in this area... can't remember exactly, but it's between either 5th and 6th Aves. at 53rd (?) St. If you get a map of Manhattan, these directions will make more sense. However, if you are on a time schedule, to me it makes more sense to stay in the immediate area of Times Square than to spend time underground in the subways or on busses. HOWEVER>.. if you really want to see lots of the City, you could look into one of the bus tours that leaves from the Times Square area. It'll take you all around the City so you can see the major sites. YOu might have the option of getting off the bus at a variety of locations, but you'll have to keep an eye on your time.

 

[java]

BRYANT PARK!! They do the cutest holiday fair. Pricey but very artsy stuff. It's my favorite holiday thing in the city. Well one of my favorites. And there is a free skating rink there.

We are going in on Sunday to do downtown though- a nostalgic trip for us lunch with the cousins where my Grandma used to take us all. Won't be crowded. But I am hoping to hit up Bryant Park.

All the other tips mentioned are good ones. Have a great time! Really just walking around 5th or Madison is fun during the holiday season. Oh and there is the "farmer's Market" in Grand Central Station that helps me fill my Penzey addiction.

Oh and cupcakes! Our favorite is Billy's on 9th ave near 22nd? I think. We are definitely stopping there on Sunday!

I like Top of the Rock more than the Empire State building now.
And Janey I think you mean Bloomingdales not Barneys. If you head down there get a Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity. But I am guessing that'll be packed this weekend.

 

[Sagginit]

i would say skip any store where you can buy the stuff where you live. personally i think the m&M store and hershey store are giant advertisements and not worth the time.

must dos: times square (just walk thru- most of the stores, even the disney store has mostly stuff you could get at your local mall)
head over towards the tree (48th to 51st is the rock area) st.patricks is across the street if you like churches
once at the rock you are at the start of the fun 5th ave stores, saks then cartier, tiffany's, henri bendel, bergdorf's, fao etc.
if you do empire or top of rock i would say top of rock just because you will be in that area anyway. the distance does not seem great but when you take into consideration the crowds and stopping for lights it takes longer than thought.

for lunch i would stay out of times square or chain restaurants and find a pub or bistro.

however it depends who you are with. if you have little boys they prolly have no interest in dept. store windows. for them i would say fao and maybe ice skating (bryant park, the rock, central park).

 

[cornflake]

Cornflake!! Hi!! You helped me with NYC hotel recommendations months ago and I just cut and pasted your list for all eternity...or until I lose it. I drove into the city two weeks ago and thought of you

I liked the Lord and Taylor and Macy's windows the most. I overheard a woman telling her group that the view of the city is better from the Top of the Rock vs. The Empire State Building...what do you think, Cornflake?

OP, if you do go to the Empire State Building, don't waste your money on the audio tour. It was so crowded when we went two Saturdays ago that I didn't get to listen to the talk.

Hi - Glad I could help! And that you had a good time!

I don't know that the view would be so different, except that you could see the Empire State from there, heh; it's a little more central and up but I couldn't say for sure, I've never been to the Rock Center thing.

The Empire State is more than just the view - the Twin Towers was higher and all the way down so the view was entirely up and of the Statue - it's the building, the whole thing of it. It's NY.

Java - There's a market just like the Bryant park one set up in Union Square now for the holidays, if you're only going to be downtown. And if you're going over to Chelsea for cupcakes be aware they opened a Doughnut Plant storefront there. It's right under the Hotel Chelsea, on 23rd between 7th and 8th. If you've never had Doughnut Plant doughnuts, GO THERE. If you have, I do not need to convince you.

They're INSANE. The most amazing doughnuts you've ever had. They elevate doughnuttery to an art form. Seriously.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

You'll hear lots of opinions on Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building. If you're on limited time, though- I'd say Top of the Rock might be better. When we went in May, there was an hour and a half wait to go up the Empire State Building. We went right in/up at Top of the Rock. The sun was in/out the day we were there- the TotR ticket booth folks pointed out we might want to wait a hour or so to see if it cleared up before going up. I don't know what flexibility you have at ESB if it gets cloudy while you are waiting to go up.

Plus, it was pointed out to me- you can see ESB from Top of the Rock. Sure you can see Top of the Rock from ESB, but it's not nearly as iconic in your skyline pics.

 

[eliza61]

Here's what I would do - assuming your bus gets into Port Authority -

Get on the E subway from right inside Port Authority, take it downtown one stop to 34th St/Penn Station. Get out and check out the holiday windows at Macys.

Get back to the subway inside Penn Station and take the C uptown to Columbus Circle. Walk east a few blocks to Fifth Avenue (stop at FAO Schwartz and/or Apple store on the way) (also if you're fast walkers and are interested, walk really far east to Barneys on 3rd ave for their windows (and Dylan's candy bar right across the street), then walk back to Fifth) and just start walking slowly downtown. You will hit all the shops, giant Hollister store, windows at Saks, American Girl, Uniqlo flagship store, Rockefellar Plaza, etc. Eventually, get back down to 42nd Street and head a little west to get back to Port Authority.

You can kill a whole day heading downtown from 60th to 42nd, zig zagging a little in either direction east/west, and see a TON of fun/holiday things.

Have fun.

Jane

Ditto!

Also this square milage from say 5th ave and 60ths street over to times square is very walkable. Even though it maybe a bit chilly it's suppose to be sunny so the walk will be actually really nice.
Check out the displays and window dressing, then the tree at Rockerfeller center.

Can't comment on the Empire state building which is so ironic. Born and raised in NYC, spent 45 years there until I moved to Jersey and never been to the top of the Empire state building. Why is it we never check out whats right in our back yard?

 

[HoneyPooh]

My experience this time of year is that it can take twice as long to walk a block due to the large crowds. That makes it take FAR longer to see just a few things if you are walking. We stood in a Q just to see the window displays. At some points I felt like a sardine, lol. Wear a purse under your coat so you don't have to worry about it in the crowds. Make sure everyone in your party has a cell phone because it can be easy to get seperated in the river of humanity.

Don't miss St. Pat's