New York City for a first timer

[cornflake]

Agree to disagree. With 4 kids and 2 adults the train fare would be very expensive, much more than parking! If you go in drive in the morning and leave at night it is fine. I've done it a lot.

My husband has to drive in Manhattan in order to go to work and he rarely finds traffic to be that bad.

I should revise that...didn't come out the way I wanted it to. Yes, traffic is terrible...it is rarely so bad that it takes him an hour to go a half mile.

I would park the car in one spot and then go back to it at the end of the day.

They're coming from Pennsylvania - lots of places you can run NJ Transit and it's basic train fare.

When you add the $50+ parking to the $12 bridge toll, Turnpike toll, any other tolls, gas, it's not just train fare vs. parking.

Rarely that bad, yeah, depending on where you're going - crosstown mid is not rarely that bad, it's daily that bad, heh, but it's often quite bad and they'd presumably be trying to get in and out of Jersey, which can take an hour on its own at a bad time of day.

I'm still saying take the train.

There's a difference to driving into the city from like Ct. at 7am vs. from NJ at 8. There's a difference trying to leave to go to Ct. at 7pm (though sometimes you'll sit on the westside highway for an hour at that time too), and trying to get through the Lincoln tunnel at 7.... it can be a crapshoot either way sometimes. Train!

 

[Evi]

If your parking in the city research online.. Icon and Central sell you discounted parking ahead of time then you can park your car for the day and walk, subway or cab it around the city. Also look into the city pass you can do a 1 day or 2 day I think it gives you free subway admission and admission to most of the attraction in the city.

Things not to miss - having lunch at either a historic or fun spot katz deli, carnegie deli, ellens stardust diner or maybe jeckyl and hide's. You could always get a burger at shake shack or a hot dog from greys papaya or nathans hotdog. Amish market makes great take out pizza.

The city pass will cover most of the big sites you will want to visit and you will have more options then time but if your willing to run around a bit it is well worth it for the savings.

I would also look into shops you may not have back home but really want to visit. One of my favorite places to visit when I'm in ny is Kalustyans Honestly this is the most amazing spice shop I have ever walked into. If you've ever been searching for an exotic spice this is the shop to go to.

If you like japanese foods try Minamoto Kitchoan they are a japanese bakery that makes authentic and exceptional treats.

I'm not one for national chains when in ny because I think they have many great eaters to try out.

There is also a free paper that you may be able to find online with some research I can't remember the name of the top of my head but it lists events taking place in the city. You may find something you would like to do that happens to be a free city event.

There is so much to do you won't get bored though you may feel a bit rushed.

Have fune.

 

[beansmom]

personally, i don't think i'd venture into the Bronx by myself as a first (or fifth) time visitor to NYC. That place is scary!

the kids would love Times Square and the Museum of Natural History. I agree with choose one area and explore it.

if the 'Met' spoke about here is the Metropolitan Opera...um, no, the kids won't enjoy that. I have to think they're talking about the museum.

Oh, oh! There is a production of 'Angelina Ballerina' at the Vital Theater on 75th and Broadway (dd is in it) that your kids might like. Pinkalicious is also playing. Cheaper than a 'Broadway' show and more appropriate for your younger kids.

 

[cornflake]

The Bronx is not 'scary' and it's perfectly fine and safe to "venture" to a Yankee game for heaven's sakes. Along with 40,000 other people.

Again, this is the safest large city in the nation and has been for most of a decade. It is not currently 1975. There's nothing scary about the Bronx as a borough.

I did mean the museum but why in the world presume the OP's kids wouldn't like the opera? Maybe they like opera. They wouldn't be the only kids in attendance.

I'd also say if you're going to the City to see a show, see a real show.

 

[Cindy B]

personally, i don't think i'd venture into the Bronx by myself as a first (or fifth) time visitor to NYC. That place is scary!

the kids would love Times Square and the Museum of Natural History. I agree with choose one area and explore it.

if the 'Met' spoke about here is the Metropolitan Opera...um, no, the kids won't enjoy that. I have to think they're talking about the museum.

Oh, oh! There is a production of 'Angelina Ballerina' at the Vital Theater on 75th and Broadway (dd is in it) that your kids might like. Pinkalicious is also playing. Cheaper than a 'Broadway' show and more appropriate for your younger kids.

To me the Met, is the Metropolitan Musuem of Art. Last month, I went for the first time. It was amazing. It was a pretty easy subway ride from Rockefeller Center area to 86th? We then walked from there. It was a wonderful museum. There were quite a few kids there. This musuem is a "donation" museum, so while the suggested price is $25 per person- you can pay what you can. Two students in front of us paid $2 each!

If your kids are into Egyptian artifacts, there are some amazing pieces right by the entrance. We were there for almost three hours and didn't see everything.

 

[beansmom]

The Bronx is not 'scary' and it's perfectly fine and safe to "venture" to a Yankee game for heaven's sakes. Along with 40,000 other people.

Again, this is the safest large city in the nation and has been for most of a decade. It is not currently 1975. There's nothing scary about the Bronx as a borough.

I did mean the museum but why in the world presume the OP's kids wouldn't like the opera? Maybe they like opera. They wouldn't be the only kids in attendance.

I'd also say if you're going to the City to see a show, see a real show.

#1--the Bronx IS scary to me. You cannot refute that. Period. In fact, the sheer MAGNITUDE of NYC can be very scary and overwhelming to newcomers.

#2-kids 5 and 7 sometimes have a hard time sitting thru a Smurf movie...I wouldn't be paying the $100+ per ticket to take them to an opera. Lots and lots of grown people don't care for the opera. Now the 13yr old might be a different story depending on the kid. Even *I* am a bit put off by the stuffiness at the Met, quite frankly, and i love opera. I don't know any 5yr olds who can sit thru 'Gotterdamerung'...do you?? (Sorry-I was confusing OP's dd's age with another PP's kids ages but I stand behind my statement.)

#-3-'Angelina Ballerina' IS a 'real show'...the same as Shrek, Seussical and many other 'kid' shows that have been mounted on Broadway. Again, it is an AFFORDABLE ($30 per ticket as opposed to $75 ^) to take children to a show. The OP asked for a 'budget' way to see NYC.

We also enjoy just hangin out on the steps in Times Square and peope watching.

While you are certainly entitled to your opinions, so am I and I believe anyone who posts in a public forum is open to many suggestions from which to choose.

 

[smitch425]

The Bronx is not 'scary' and it's perfectly fine and safe to "venture" to a Yankee game for heaven's sakes. Along with 40,000 other people.

Again, this is the safest large city in the nation and has been for most of a decade. It is not currently 1975. There's nothing scary about the Bronx as a borough.

I did mean the museum but why in the world presume the OP's kids wouldn't like the opera? Maybe they like opera. They wouldn't be the only kids in attendance.

I'd also say if you're going to the City to see a show, see a real show.

OP is asking for info on things her family can do in NY, and when somone gives her an idea that they have experienced you tell OP not to do it. Why? Wouldn't it be more helpful to just list the things that you have enjoyed rather than dismiss the other poster opinions as if they are wrong for offering them?

BTW, the Bronx was also "scary" to our family. People running through the streets, cars making U-turns right in the middle of the road, racks of clothing rolling down hills. My kids felt uneasy even being in our own car driving through there on our way to Fordham University. It was overwhelming to say the least.

 

[shoney]

OP is asking for info on things her family can do in NY, and when somone gives her an idea that they have experienced you tell OP not to do it. Why? Wouldn't it be more helpful to just list the things that you have enjoyed rather than dismiss the other poster opinions as if they are wrong for offering them?

BTW, the Bronx was also "scary" to our family. People running through the streets, cars making U-turns right in the middle of the road, racks of clothing rolling down hills. My kids felt uneasy even being in our own car driving through there on our way to Fordham University. It was overwhelming to say the least.

I think it is all about what you are used to. Unfamiliar can often be scary! The pp is obviously a city resident and has a different view of the city. We live on Long Island, husband works in Queen/Manhattan and we travel to all parts for fun...never felt uneasy.

On a trip to Philly, I did. It was only about 9pm at night. The area was desolate and creepy. We were walking back to our hotel and only a few creepy characters were around...no traffic, no crowds of people, nothing. We also used the subway system once....long empty tunnels with no one around...no thank you...we now drive, walk or cab it when in Philly! Now if someone from there read this, they would probably say I was crazy!

 

[smitch425]

I think it is all about what you are used to. Unfamiliar can often be scary! The pp is obviously a city resident and has a different view of the city. We live on Long Island, husband works in Queen/Manhattan and we travel to all parts for fun...never felt uneasy.

On a trip to Philly, I did. It was only about 9pm at night. The area was desolate and creepy. We were walking back to our hotel and only a few creepy characters were around...no traffic, no crowds of people, nothing. We also used the subway system once....long empty tunnels with no one around...no thank you...we now drive, walk or cab it when in Philly! Now if someone from there read this, they would probably say I was crazy!

that is no excuse to be dismissive to other people's suggestions. Cornflake has given OP some great ideas, but some of his remarks have been a bit harsh toward other poster's who are just trying to help OP, as well.

 

[shoney]

that is no excuse to be dismissive to other people's suggestions. Cornflake has given OP some great ideas, but some of his remarks have been a bit harsh toward other poster's who are just trying to help OP, as well.

I completely agree with you!!!! If you've spent anytime on tripadvisors new york city forum, this wouldn't be a surprise LOL

 

[cornflake]

OP is asking for info on things her family can do in NY, and when somone gives her an idea that they have experienced you tell OP not to do it. Why? Wouldn't it be more helpful to just list the things that you have enjoyed rather than dismiss the other poster opinions as if they are wrong for offering them?

BTW, the Bronx was also "scary" to our family. People running through the streets, cars making U-turns right in the middle of the road, racks of clothing rolling down hills. My kids felt uneasy even being in our own car driving through there on our way to Fordham University. It was overwhelming to say the least.

I haven't told the OP not to do anything other people have experienced.

I gave the OP suggestions based on my own experience and knowledge. The original Times Square remark had nothing at all to do with you, I've said that in half a dozen NYC threads - stay out of Times Square, don't stay in Times Square and for goodness sakes, don't eat in Times Square. There are other NYers on the board who have said the exact same things.

If you'd like to tell someone you loved it, again, go nuts. If someone asks advice about my own city, I'll yes, tell them what I think - go here! Don't go there! This is great, this is bleh. It's not a town no one has heard of and I'm all 'oh and don't go near Foxtrot Road!' when people would be like 'what, who said anything about Foxtrot Road? What is tht?' I also say to stay away from the Statue, as I think it's an expensive waste of time unless someone has a specific desire to go to it. Someone else in the thread went and liked it. Ok... To each his own.

The Bronx thing however.... calling the Bronx scary is like harkening back to the '70s thing, and assuming kids won't like opera I think is ridiculous.

Everything you said about the Bronx - people running in the street, cars making uturns, racks of clothing, is what happens over most of the Fashion District and lower Manhattan all day long. Has nothing to do with the Bronx. Same as the area around Fordham is fairly indistinguishable from Inwood, Washington Heights, swaths of 14th st., parts of downtown, etc.

If someone is intimidated by crowds then the Bronx should be better than Manhattan for them.

The OP is going to a Yankee game and implying that the Bronx is 'scary' just seemed a bit much to me.

#1--the Bronx IS scary to me. You cannot refute that. Period. In fact, the sheer MAGNITUDE of NYC can be very scary and overwhelming to newcomers.

#2-kids 5 and 7 sometimes have a hard time sitting thru a Smurf movie...I wouldn't be paying the $100+ per ticket to take them to an opera. Lots and lots of grown people don't care for the opera. Now the 13yr old might be a different story depending on the kid. Even *I* am a bit put off by the stuffiness at the Met, quite frankly, and i love opera. I don't know any 5yr olds who can sit thru 'Gotterdamerung'...do you?? (Sorry-I was confusing OP's dd's age with another PP's kids ages but I stand behind my statement.)

#-3-'Angelina Ballerina' IS a 'real show'...the same as Shrek, Seussical and many other 'kid' shows that have been mounted on Broadway. Again, it is an AFFORDABLE ($30 per ticket as opposed to $75 ^) to take children to a show. The OP asked for a 'budget' way to see NYC.

We also enjoy just hangin out on the steps in Times Square and peope watching.

I'm not refuting that it's scary TO YOU, I'm refuting that it's scary in a general sense.

Personally, I don't find the Met stuffy at all. There are also 5- and 7-year-olds (and younger) and certainly 13-year-olds there all the time, at the opera and ballet, who sit just fine. If they have bathroom breaks and they like Wagner, same as anyone else. If that's the way you're raised, it's not odd to you.

It's a show, it's not the same as a show mounted on B'way, no, hence it's off off.

 

[beansmom]

I haven't told the OP not to do anything other people have experienced.

I gave the OP suggestions based on my own experience and knowledge. The original Times Square remark had nothing at all to do with you, I've said that in half a dozen NYC threads - stay out of Times Square, don't stay in Times Square and for goodness sakes, don't eat in Times Square. There are other NYers on the board who have said the exact same things.

If you'd like to tell someone you loved it, again, go nuts. If someone asks advice about my own city, I'll yes, tell them what I think - go here! Don't go there! This is great, this is bleh. It's not a town no one has heard of and I'm all 'oh and don't go near Foxtrot Road!' when people would be like 'what, who said anything about Foxtrot Road? What is tht?' I also say to stay away from the Statue, as I think it's an expensive waste of time unless someone has a specific desire to go to it. Someone else in the thread went and liked it. Ok... To each his own.

The Bronx thing however.... calling the Bronx scary is like harkening back to the '70s thing, and assuming kids won't like opera I think is ridiculous.

Everything you said about the Bronx - people running in the street, cars making uturns, racks of clothing, is what happens over most of the Fashion District and lower Manhattan all day long. Has nothing to do with the Bronx. Same as the area around Fordham is fairly indistinguishable from Inwood, Washington Heights, swaths of 14th st., parts of downtown, etc.

If someone is intimidated by crowds then the Bronx should be better than Manhattan for them.

The OP is going to a Yankee game and implying that the Bronx is 'scary' just seemed a bit much to me.

I'm not refuting that it's scary TO YOU, I'm refuting that it's scary in a general sense.

Personally, I don't find the Met stuffy at all. There are also 5- and 7-year-olds (and younger) and certainly 13-year-olds there all the time, at the opera and ballet, who sit just fine. If they have bathroom breaks and they like Wagner, same as anyone else. If that's the way you're raised, it's not odd to you.

It's a show, it's not the same as a show mounted on B'way, no, hence it's off off.

i have my opinions and you have yours...i would, however, rather not be attacked for stating them.

 

[dcfromva]

We recently saw Memphis and Wicked based on recommendations I saw on another thread on the budget board. Both musicals were awesome. Anyone have any other recommendations?

 

[mommycrawford]

Hi. I have lived in NYC all my life, and have brought classes of children to various venues without mishap....That said, what are your interests, and the ages of your children?

I will be more than happy to help, if I can! If the "Bronx" thing was about the zoo, I would absolutely go, as it is an amazing place!

Do your homework!...If you are on a budget, there are free hours at almost every venue, ie: NY Hall of Science (Queens) on Fridays and Sunday morning, Bronx Zoo Wednesday, etc....Just plan it out!

Also, our subways do a lot of maintenence on the weekends, so there are often service changes, and not always well advertised! Be flexible, and this won't be as much of a headache! The MTA website can help give details of service changes before you are waiting on a subway platform!

PM me if there are specific things that you want help with!

 

[zurgswife]

If one of you has an iPhone I HIGHLY recommend downloading the hopstop app. You plug in where you are, where you are going, and it tells you what subway to take, where to get ff etc.

I have worked in NYC for 11 years and use it to get around all the time. I only know the 1 & a line. The others are more of a mystery so I use hop stop.

Lara

The app is called Nextstop - NYC subway....not Hotstop.....

 

[smitch425]

The app is called Nextstop - NYC subway....not Hotstop.....

There is also an app for transit called Hopstop.

 

[zurgswife]

Begin by finding the train schedule so you do not drive into NYC. Don't do it. Parking runs $50+ for the day, from a cheaper place, and depending on when you come in, you could spend an hour in traffic trying to go half a mile. Don't do it.

Then... begin with what you'd like - Tenement Museum, lunch in Chinatown, dessert at Veniero's, a B'way matinee, the MET, the Cloisters, Columbia, the Empire State, coffees and hot cocoa at L'express and home?

The Park all day, FAO, Empire State, skating at Wollman Rink, ice cream at Serendipity, tea at Alice's Tea Shop, a space show at the Planetarium?

What do you like?

We drive from philly upwards of 2 times a week because my son ...You can drive between 1.5 to 2 hrs....the worst traffic on the Lincoln is usually going in at 5:30-7:00pm..don't know about the mornings....

The train costs are outrageous. We can get parking a lot cheaper then $50. We did overnight last weekend and paid $25. You can go online NYC bestparking.com and find a garage and get a preparking quote and your golden....

The train is $31 RT for an adult, $14 per kidRT...so for 2 kids and 2 adults train tickets are $90; parking at trenton is $8.50-$20.00 depending on where you find a space. Time to drive to trenton from NE philly suburbs 40 mins; travel time on the train 70-95 mins.

So, even with parking, tolls and gas it's cheaper and more time efficient with multiple people to drive to city if your so inclined.

The Highline is a great place to visit on a nice day.

 

[zurgswife]

There is also an app for transit called Hopstop.

Sorry, you are correct. Just found it but with no reviews I guess that's why I picked the Nextstop app....

 

[krcit]

We recently saw Memphis and Wicked based on recommendations I saw on another thread on the budget board. Both musicals were awesome. Anyone have any other recommendations?

Jersey Boys is my all time favorite show. Love it!!!! I also loved Rock of Ages...just a really fun show especially if you are around 40.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Just a FYI - the SOL isn't on Ellis Island (which I happen to love, but with older kids). If the OP is going to a Yankees game, that doesn't leave a lot of free time.

And most of Ellis Island is part of NJ, not NYC . . .