New York...Rockefeller Center

[kelleigh1]

Despite the fact that I've lived in Massachusetts for nearly 35 years and I married a man from Northern New Jersey, I've never been to New York City! I did go to Yankee Stadium last year, but I've been told that's not really NYC because it's not in Manhattan.

Anyway...it looks like my IL's are planning on taking me into the city at Christmas to go to Rockefeller Center to see the tree. I'm wondering what else is in that immediate area that I should see. What can we do cheaply? I know, that's an oxymoron when it comes to NYC, but there has to be some window shopping excursion type sightseeing that we can do while we're in the area.

Please keep in mind that we'll only be there for part of a day, and don't plan on venturing much beyond the Rockefeller Center area. Thanks, in advance, for any suggestions.

 

[Nickunited]

Lets just say - you will be in for a shock - right there is 5th avenue and you can window shop for hours - also - the windows are all decorated for the Holiday! Its amazing - There is a fridays right over there for a nice not to expensive meal! You will not be bored.

5th Avenue has

Sacks 5th Avenue
St. Pats Cathedral
World of Disney 55th and 5th
Plenty of things to do!

Have fun!

 

[kelleigh1]

World of Disney!!! Ok, I've got my day planned now. That's all I needed to hear. Think the IL's will want to spend the day there? LOL

 

[puffkin]

We were just in that area two weeks ago. There are tons of shops on Fifth Avenue. Also, it is a quick walk to Times Square if you want to see that. There are lots of moderately priced theme restaurants in that area (Hard Rock, Planet Hollywood, ESPN Zone, Bubba Gumps, Olive Garden, Fridays, Red Lobster, etc.). World of Disney is lots of fun. St. Patricks cathedral is right across the street from Rockefeller Center. If you walk down about 10 blocks there is Trump Tower (from the Apprentice) and I believe Central Park starts.

Manhattan city blocks are shaped like rectangles. The short ends go up by the numbered streets (i.e. 51st, 52nd, 53rd, etc.) So walking that direction, 10 blocks is nothing. The long side of the rectangle goes up by the Avenues (i.e. 5th avenue, 6th avenue, 7th avenue, etc.) 10 blocks going that way is far! Just to help you navigate a bit....

Also, there are fairly clean public bathrooms and there is lots of seating in Rockefeller Center's concourse. It is kind of below ground but there are typical mall type shops and fast food in there, as well as a star bucks. Plus it is inside and nice and warm if you need a break.

 

[suzannen]

I have also thought that Lord & Taylor department store, located at Fifth Avenue and 38th Street, has always had the best windows - really intricate ones.

They have also just recently opened "Top of the Rock" which is the newly opened observation deck on the 70th Floor of 30 Rock. Plaza right in the middle of Rockefeller Center. You can either order tickets ahead of time online or go there and buy them that day. Like FastPass, you will then be given a specific hour timespan to come back and you're let right up. Tickets are $14.00 for adults, $9.00 for children 6-12 and $12.00 for seniors. Further information can be found at www.topoftherocknyc.com/ODTStatic/site.htm.

Have fun!

 

[ckay87]

What can we do cheaply? I know, that's an oxymoron when it comes to NYC, ...

You know, I've honestly never thought a day in NYC is overly expensive and that's the truth. Unless you plan on actually shopping on 5th avenue (as in, making purchases), I'd be willing to bet that a day in WDW is waaaay more expensive.

Hey, for something different, you might consider a tour of NBC which is also right there in Rock Center. You can reserve the tickets online in advance which is a very good idea this time of year.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

I've worked at 30 Rock- NBC Building for 20 years and It's extremely crowded until the tree comes down on around Jan 2.
Fifth Avenue is a madhouse. Sak's has lighted snowflakes on the building which are very pretty, from which you can see from the tree. Also the tree lights go off at midnight.
The World of Disney is only about 7 blocks away.

There are many delis on 48th street. Variety Cafe has a huge seating area.
There are also alot of street vendors selling scarfs and fake designer bags.
Never pay the pay first quoted on the bags. And be fast because they have move fast if a cop is nearby.
There are oriental sellers that will write your name which is very pretty and cheap. It's usually $5-8 during the reast of the year. The price may go up at this time.