New York city visit

[ElenaRN]

I think you should do it. Of course a longer trip would be better but I have taken many family members on a one day sightseeing tour in Manhattan. Does the bus have to pick you up in same location as drop off? I would take my family downtown first and then make our way up ending in midtown.

I always take my family on the Staten Island Ferry. It's free and it has great views of the SOL. When you get off the ferry in SI and walk along the water to the right and there is a really nice 9/11 memorial. If you stand looking at the memorial while facing the water, the Freedom Tower is right in the middle. It's beautiful.

I haven't been down to Ground Zero since the museum opened but had been to the memorial prior. Very emotional for me personally bc DH lost 2 good friends.

On the way back, we walk up through the Financial District/Wall St area, you can pass the Stock Exchange and the statue of the Bull, Trinity Church etc. South Street Seaport is also nice.

Jump on the train to Rockerfeller Center and go to the Top of the Rock. I always suggest this rather that Empire State Building as TOTR has amazing views of the ESB. If you can get tickets for sunset, it is even a better experience.

While I love Broaway shows, I think for such a quick trip it would be too much of a time eater.

 

[DisFan22]

It's free to actually see the 9/11 Memorial. It only costs money -- to visit the museum or the new Freedom Tower.

The MetroCard Unlimited Pass - only comes in a 7 or 30 Day Variation, and the cheapest pass is like $32 or so. Each ride is $2.75, for a Bus/Subway. VIA is also an option and has $5/8 Cab Rides.

Personally -- as someone who knows the city too well, I think you should skip the "tour" bus, or any variation like it, and visit sights on your own. You don't need their help to explore the city. All you need is Google Maps, and a general idea of what you want to see. Explore something like Greyhound, Megabus, or... Peterpan. And use the money saved to pay for other things.


There's a hotel in Midtown (next to Penn Station) called the Pennsylvania Hotel, and it's about $80/90 a night, which is semi-affordable. You'd be across from Macys, and 10 Blocks away from Time Square (which native new yorkers hate with a passion, ) There are other hotels you could consider as well, by stalking Priceline and the likes. I honestly think you need about 2/3 days to really look and see the city.

 

[TabbyShabby]

A longer trip would be great, of course, but that's not always in the cards. I think it's great you're really making your daughter's birthday wish come true. To an 18 year old, a quick, over night bus trip sounds like an awesome adventure! Heck, I'm way past 18 and I think it sounds like a blast! You've received some great advice about how to try and make everything fit, so I won't repeat, but I will add that this trip is more than just checking off the sights you want to see. It's a great time for you and your daughter to see a vibrant, beautiful city, together. You might not see everything, but you will see so much. Think of it as a taste of the Big Apple you can use it to help plan your next trip!

And you must be pretty great if your teen wants to go anywhere with you! Way to go, "cool mom"

 

[LovesTimone]

A few weeks ago, when I asked my daughter what she wanted for her 18th birthday, she told me she'd love to take a trip to New York. We have never been there, and living in NE Ohio, it's too far to drive, so would've cost me a fortune to fly there. And also, I'd feel very uncomfortable trying to find my way around, and trying to figure out transportation from the airport, etc. So at that time, I told her there's no way we could do that so she's trying to think of something else.

Recently though, I came across a tour bus site that is offering a 1 day trip for $109 per person, which definitely brings it under consideration now. They leave the night before.. drive through the night... they drop us at Battery Park or Grand Central (our choice)... we'd have 12 hours in NYC... then they leave that evening and drive us back home. I'm seriously debating taking this trip with her.

My concerns are navigating the subway and how much all the extras would cost. I'd love to be able to visit the statue of liberty and the 9/11 memorial, as well as just do some site seeing.

Would 10-11 hours be enough time to take a ferry over to the statue and back, take the subway to the 9/11 memorial, and possibly even further into Central park area or something? Is there another main attraction that I should definitely visit?

How much does it cost for the ferry over? And to go into the statue? And how much does the subway cost to ride?

Any insider info would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!

Transportation to and from the airport is easy, you can take a taxi... gross.. or uber which is what we do, and it cost less. As you come out of the terminals there are sign that direct you.

Once in NYC, Talk to the concierges, or the front desk ask for a map. We stay in Times Square, for the ease of it, walking to the theater, we walked to Empire State building, Central ParK and the Metropolitan museum of Art, Radio city music Hall ( Rockettes), lots of stuff to do in walking distance. Here is a page out of our last trip, Walked to breakfast, Ubered down to the 911 Memorial ( so between walking up late and breakfast taking forever we ubered so we did not miss our time slot. Spent around 3 or 4 hours, then over to catch our harbor cruise to see the city from the water and Lady Liberty, late lunch , then we walked over to tour the Intrepid Battleship. Back to the hotel, cleaned up, went to see the Christmas performance of the Rockettes, then a late Dinner, then we just walked back to the hotel. There are NYC passes that you can buy that include museums, and other attractions, and it was well worth it.

A shopping trip to China Town, must have dumplings, then dinner in little Italy.

You can buy a tourist pass for the subway. Not hard to use, pay attention to which stop to get off of, there is information on NYC transit authority, that will tell you how to get around and what stop to get off on. We live by it when we are there.

So much to do, and see... It would be a great trip.

Start pricing out airfare, check places like Expedia, we went last year for 4 nights for right at 900.00 for the both of us, that was airfare and hotel ( Westin's Times Square). There was a credit card deal for tickets for the Rockettes, we got great seats, for 85.00 each, the normal price for the seats was around 200.00 each.

Price out a what the NYC pass would cost you, as well as a subway pass.

Planning ahead is a must.

 

[mrudman]

Thank you everyone for all the replies!! Definitely will be researching a lot here, and am really looking forward to this trip,

 

[kydisneyfans]

Lots of great ideas here.
We use Google flights to check flight prices, then check SW to compare.
We normally stay at Hilton properties, but check also check others to compare.

Just plugged in the dates and did not find cheaper flights and found hotels to be about 3x as much as we've paid in the past, including for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

Some concerns-the bus trip is via I80 in December. Between lake effect snow and mountains, the trip there and/or back could be much longer than anticipated. Your time in NYC may be shorter than you think, or you could get back later than planned. Our son did a similar trip 2 years ago (KY to NYC instead of NE Ohio) by bus, it honestly took days to get adjusted he was so tired from the travel.

I honestly would look maybe for a school long weekend, fly over on a Thursday night, fly back on a Sunday, and stay in the WTC/wall street area as it is much cheaper on the weekend, and take 2 full days to look at the sights, if not longer. Don't eliminate driving over as it's about 7 hours from NE Ohio, but driving into NYC is a nightmare.

 

[lookame]

Transportation to and from the airport is easy, you can take a taxi... gross.. or uber which is what we do, and it cost less. As you come out of the terminals there are sign that direct you.

Once in NYC, Talk to the concierges, or the front desk ask for a map. We stay in Times Square, for the ease of it, walking to the theater, we walked to Empire State building, Central ParK and the Metropolitan museum of Art, Radio city music Hall ( Rockettes), lots of stuff to do in walking distance. Here is a page out of our last trip, Walked to breakfast, Ubered down to the 911 Memorial ( so between walking up late and breakfast taking forever we ubered so we did not miss our time slot. Spent around 3 or 4 hours, then over to catch our harbor cruise to see the city from the water and Lady Liberty, late lunch , then we walked over to tour the Intrepid Battleship. Back to the hotel, cleaned up, went to see the Christmas performance of the Rockettes, then a late Dinner, then we just walked back to the hotel. There are NYC passes that you can buy that include museums, and other attractions, and it was well worth it.

A shopping trip to China Town, must have dumplings, then dinner in little Italy.

You can buy a tourist pass for the subway. Not hard to use, pay attention to which stop to get off of, there is information on NYC transit authority, that will tell you how to get around and what stop to get off on. We live by it when we are there.

So much to do, and see... It would be a great trip.

Start pricing out airfare, check places like Expedia, we went last year for 4 nights for right at 900.00 for the both of us, that was airfare and hotel ( Westin's Times Square). There was a credit card deal for tickets for the Rockettes, we got great seats, for 85.00 each, the normal price for the seats was around 200.00 each.

Price out a what the NYC pass would cost you, as well as a subway pass.

Planning ahead is a must.

I just wanted to jump off your taxi comment. There is a taxi depot outside the airport which tons of taxis are lined up. There's a guy who directs everyone to the taxi they should take however the taxi drivers sometimes have other plans and will grab your luggage and start loading it up even though they aren't the taxi you were assigned. We were a group of 9 people so it was a lot more confusing for us but you may still may run into something like that.

Time square is packed but the stores are pretty cool.

Macys was cool to see but not one I would "need" to see.

The empire state building you can walk into the bulding and then you have the option of buying tickets or you can just walk out. We walked in looked at the sign, took a picture, then left lol.

The Statue of Liberty was actually my favorite! I enjoyed walking around the grounds and taking the ferry over to the island. We got tickets to the pedastool and that was a difficult walk up the many many stairs but it was cool to see. I also enjoyed the museum. that's around the island. Afterward we walked toward the walstreet area, my dad got a pic with the bull and we ate shake shack. Then we went the ground zero and looked at the footprints of the memorial which is really neat. We didn't go to the museum (a lot of people said they don't like the museum) then went to the mall (its white and has this really interesting design with a lot of windows and such).

Central Park was a nice walk. It's huge though so don't expect to see it all unless you want to do a lot of walking.

I think that's about all we did...

 

[elf]

Thinking about my two teen girls and the time restriction I would use UBER (although traffic could be terrible and may not help you with the time factor) to get around, if your nervous about the subway. Check out Times Square, have lunch, people watch, Rockefeller Center watch ice skaters (maybe have lunch there, which would be pricey but a great experience), Top of the Rock and high line. We are not shoppers either but just to people watch and window gaze (holiday windows) in the area is an experience. Take ferry to SOL but don't get off, since it will take too much time. My kids loved Wicked if you wind up even spending a night there. On/off buses or tour buses maybe a little pricey but it's going to to be the quickest way to see the most. Try to spend morning in one area and afternoon in the other (lower manhatten/midtown). Dont' go back and forth it will take up much of your time. We love museums but I think it would take up so much time, maybe pick one. But I wouldn't miss Times Square there is really not much like it. Central Park is great but far from the other things, and is huge.
I agree to look at MEGA they have great deals even spending one night and take bus back Sunday night and take off Monday or suffer through Monday lol. I think you can find something for $130 for the night.
I think it's possible to go to 9/11 in am, lunch, 2:00 play, times square area, rockefeller center buy sandwiches for bus ride home.
Either way it sounds like a great adventure!

 

[ElenaRN]

Take ferry to SOL but don't get off, since it will take too much time.

I think you have to get off now. Even if it's just to turn right back around.

 

[LovesTimone]

I just wanted to jump off your taxi comment. There is a taxi depot outside the airport which tons of taxis are lined up. There's a guy who directs everyone to the taxi they should take however the taxi drivers sometimes have other plans and will grab your luggage and start loading it up even though they aren't the taxi you were assigned. We were a group of 9 people so it was a lot more confusing for us but you may still may run into something like that.

Time square is packed but the stores are pretty cool.

Macys was cool to see but not one I would "need" to see.

The empire state building you can walk into the bulding and then you have the option of buying tickets or you can just walk out. We walked in looked at the sign, took a picture, then left lol.

The Statue of Liberty was actually my favorite! I enjoyed walking around the grounds and taking the ferry over to the island. We got tickets to the pedastool and that was a difficult walk up the many many stairs but it was cool to see. I also enjoyed the museum. that's around the island. Afterward we walked toward the walstreet area, my dad got a pic with the bull and we ate shake shack. Then we went the ground zero and looked at the footprints of the memorial which is really neat. We didn't go to the museum (a lot of people said they don't like the museum) then went to the mall (its white and has this really interesting design with a lot of windows and such).

Central Park was a nice walk. It's huge though so don't expect to see it all unless you want to do a lot of walking.

I think that's about all we did...

I totally agree with you about the Taxi drivers, you gotta watch out for your stuff. Normally the Uber pick-up is sorta out on a island, you just walk across to it. Don't get caught up with them directing you.

On the museum, I have been 3 times and total thought it was worth it, and we are planning on going again with some friends who have never been to NYC.
For me on a personal note, not judging anyone - just my personal feelings and thoughts. - I had a multitude of emotions, sadness, anger, pride, grief... Seeing all those men and women that pass on that day, and hearing their names, just broke my heart. Then seeing and hearing about the men and women - strangers who helped each other getting out of the towers and brave men and women who ran into the buildings and help people get out and gave their lives in the process. That in a time of crisis everyone pulled together that day, and the days to follow. Doctors and nurses, EMT, Firefighters who worked non-stop, the boats and ferry captains that helped people get off the island, people that started making food, and drinks to help these people keep going. So many unsung heroes that day and the days to come. Gave me a sense of pride and hope. For me as an American going there and seeing the memorial and museum, standing at ground zero, thinking about that day, those people that perished that day and their families, makes it all to real. I feel it was my duty and a privilege as a American citizen to go and pay my respects, say a prayer for those people and families.

 

[mjkacmom]

I think you have to get off now. Even if it's just to turn right back around.

You are thinking about the Staten Island ferry I think. However, I highly recommend getting tickets to at least the pedestal and going inside, views are great, plus there is a museum and a nice clean restroom inside. Ellis island is also worth a visit.

 

[mjkacmom]

I a

I totally agree with you about the Taxi drivers, you gotta watch out for your stuff. Normally the Uber pick-up is sorta out on a island, you just walk across to it. Don't get caught up with them directing you.

On the museum, I have been 3 times and total thought it was worth it, and we are planning on going again with some friends who have never been to NYC.
For me on a personal note, not judging anyone - just my personal feelings and thoughts. - I had a multitude of emotions, sadness, anger, pride, grief... Seeing all those men and women that pass on that day, and hearing their names, just broke my heart. Then seeing and hearing about the men and women - strangers who helped each other getting out of the towers and brave men and women who ran into the buildings and help people get out and gave their lives in the process. That in a time of crisis everyone pulled together that day, and the days to follow. Doctors and nurses, EMT, Firefighters who worked non-stop, the boats and ferry captains that helped people get off the island, people that started making food, and drinks to help these people keep going. So many unsung heroes that day and the days to come. Gave me a sense of pride and hope. For me as an American going there and seeing the memorial and museum, standing at ground zero, thinking about that day, those people that perished that day and their families, makes it all to real. I feel it was my duty and a privilege as a American citizen to go and pay my respects, say a prayer for those people and families.

I agree, it is an emotional experience. I was there with my extended family, I lost them, and went through it alone (besides the other tourists), and it was cathartic. I could see the smoke from my town, hear the sirens, school was let out, my tv was on all day trying to figure out how to get DH home (he finally made it to NJ at 8 pm), the museum brought it all back, the fear and the love.

 

[lookame]

I totally agree with you about the Taxi drivers, you gotta watch out for your stuff. Normally the Uber pick-up is sorta out on a island, you just walk across to it. Don't get caught up with them directing you.

On the museum, I have been 3 times and total thought it was worth it, and we are planning on going again with some friends who have never been to NYC.
For me on a personal note, not judging anyone - just my personal feelings and thoughts. - I had a multitude of emotions, sadness, anger, pride, grief... Seeing all those men and women that pass on that day, and hearing their names, just broke my heart. Then seeing and hearing about the men and women - strangers who helped each other getting out of the towers and brave men and women who ran into the buildings and help people get out and gave their lives in the process. That in a time of crisis everyone pulled together that day, and the days to follow. Doctors and nurses, EMT, Firefighters who worked non-stop, the boats and ferry captains that helped people get off the island, people that started making food, and drinks to help these people keep going. So many unsung heroes that day and the days to come. Gave me a sense of pride and hope. For me as an American going there and seeing the memorial and museum, standing at ground zero, thinking about that day, those people that perished that day and their families, makes it all to real. I feel it was my duty and a privilege as a American citizen to go and pay my respects, say a prayer for those people and families.

We didn't go into the museum so I don't know what it's like, I was told by others that they didn't feel it was worth the price of admission. That being said on Tuesdays (I think) it's discounted until a certain time but you don't have to go into the museum to see the footprints. It's really cool and worth seeing just the footprints if the cost for the museum isn't something you want to do.

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

The first time I was in NYC, that is how I went. It was exhausting! I normally can sleep any place, but got very little sleep on the way to NYC and only slept a few hours on the way home. But it was a great way to start my addiction to the city. LOL
Going in December there are a few things to remember. It is going to be busy! Busier than normal in Time Square and around Rockefeller Center. However, IMHO you really want to spend time doing those things. The SoL isn't going any place, but the awesome, special cool holiday windows? They aren't coming back the same next year.
The subway isn't hard to navigate, but again it's going to be busy. NYC is a very walkable city and so very easy to get around. Unless you are going to go from the Financial District to Times Square I wouldn't worry about the subway and just walk.
If you do decide to try for a weekend, look at the possibility of taking the train. That's what I do and really enjoy it.

 

[kathy884]

If it is just for one day, I don't think I'd include the 911 museum. It's very well done, but a very sobering experience that puts many in a quiet contemplative mood for several hours afterwards. I'd personally save that for a longer trip when you are doing more so that that's not a major memory. Maybe I for short trips in particular like things more fun and light hearted.

 

[clh2]

What would be the earliest you could get to NYC on Saturday morning? We’ve done that, and took an Uber to the city, dropped from our luggage at the hotel and went exploring. It would save the cost and of a hotel room for Friday night!

Coming from Milwaukee, we reached the hotel by about 10/10:30, and where in a line for bagels by about 10:45. We did not get back to hotel until about 4pm.

And-take the latest flight home. Maximize the time you can spend in the town!

 

[ElenaRN]

You are thinking about the Staten Island ferry I think. However, I highly recommend getting tickets to at least the pedestal and going inside, views are great, plus there is a museum and a nice clean restroom inside. Ellis island is also worth a visit.

Yep totally was thinking of the SI Ferry. I read the original post wrong. Oopsy.

 

[DVCcurious]

As a former 18 year old and current New Yorker I say do NOT go near the statue of liberty.

My mom came out from Seattle in mid-August and we went to the Statue of Liberty to buy tickets and the line to get on board the boat was probably 2 hours long. It was hundreds of people long. I've been to the Statue of Liberty exactly once in the 8 years I've lived here. After we adopted our daughter from Seoul and brought her home we went to the Statue of Liberty and took a picture of our new family and sent it back to her birth mother so she could see her daughter in America. The statue of liberty isn't "fun" and there are many fun things to do in New York.

And, as others have said, the city is huge so you can only do a small section in the 12 hours you'll be there. So for a Statue of Liberty trip you could do southern Manhattan including:

Statue of Liberty
9/11 memorial fountains
New York Stock Exchange
Federal Hall (where Washington took the oath of office)
Wall Street Bull

As an alternative I'd recommend a mid-town focus from 8th ave/34th street to 5th Ave/60th street (including Central Park)

Macy's
Empire State Building
Grand Central
Times Square
Rockerfeller Center
Trump Tower
5th Ave in general
Central Park horse carriage ride

I spend the majority of my "fun" time in NYC in mid-town. I rarely go downtown. While the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 memorial, and stock exchange may be well known and "important" they are not "fun". An 18 year old would prefer "fun".

I'd also go in winter. I'd shoot for December when the decorations are out. Mid Town in December is really something.

 

[J0HN]

I'll add in the vote for MegaBus with one night and avoid the Statue of Liberty (unless that is a must do).

Think food needs to be added into the intinerary and may want to include Katz's Deli (known for pastrami and When Harry Met Sally) and Junior's for cheesecake (Times Square). Not sure of the food quality and will not be inexpensive - but as it is a special occasion, would check into making reservations for Tiffany's Blue Box Cafe (books 60 days out via Resy). May also want to get some pizza.

Rockefeller center is a must do stop for your indicated timeframe (decorated for Christmas) - they also have ice skating (although it is not cheap). Also, highly recommend High Line park.

 

[MickeyP]

As someone mentioned, the Megabus is cheap! See what prices you can get if you are willing to ride a bus.