NYC Questions - Empire State Building and Central Park (plus Statue of Liberty)

[misse336]

We are going on a trip to NYC at the beginning of August, mainly to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We already have tickets to the Statue of Liberty to go to the crown. We plan to also see the Brooklyn Bridge that day. We don't have any other plans set in stone for that day as I think that the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will take a large portion of our day. If there's extra time, we may go to the outside portion of the 9/11 memorial. I'm having a hard time figuring out how long to budget for each attraction - I don't want to rush though everything.

We are also planning on going to the Empire State Building. We are somewhat flexible about when we can go there - is there a time that is better to go there (shorter lines, the best time of day to see sights, etc). From everything that I've read, it appears that tickets to there don't sell out so I can buy them relatively close to the trip. Can anyone who has been there recently confirm that the tickets don't sell out. Also, about how long should we budget for there - how long does it take in line and how long will we need inside? The reviews online are all over the place as to how long it will take.

On our Central Park day we plan to go to Rockefeller Plaza and Times Square too (mostly to absorb the atmosphere, but we will stop in some stores along the way). About how long does Central Park take and what are your favorite sites to see there. It's so big that I'm a little bit overwhelmed choosing what to see.

**Added Statue of Liberty questions on page 2.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I am so not a fan of the the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock. We've done both, and honestly were up there for maybe 10 minutes. Maybe it's because we're from Chicago and have been to the 95th floor at the Hancock building a million times. But we just don't get it. BUT for both those attractions we pre bought tickets that have a time arrival on them. We've walked by ESB and there have been lines around the block for "walk ins".

Central park can take long or as short as you'd like. One time we just winged it and walked, that was OK, but two times we been we grabbed a groupon for a 1 or 2 hour pedicab ride. It was incredible.

 

[Lynne G]

When we stayed in West Manhattan in June, we did the Top of the Rock as my DD wanted to go there rather then the Empire. So we did, and luckily, the military discount the Rock gave was much better than the discount the Empire was offering. Only info I got from a local we met, was don't bother to go up, unless a clear day. We were lucky too, as that morning it was lovely out. We did buy our tickets when we got there. Though the elevator was crowded, there was enough room in the floors you could look out from, that you could take pictures with no one else around you. Views were great, and took about an hour or so, from the time we first entered the building. I sat on a bench up there, for some time, as it was so nice out. But with anything, summer crowds can be there. We were there the 3rd week in June, a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We did the Rock early on that Thursday.

Central Park is huge, and we entered from the one near 70's? street. We walked as far as the Balto statue, and just walked past the little Central Park Zoo. Nice pathway, and some parts shaded, that helped. Times Square was always busy, but we enjoyed seeing all those screens and neon. We toured in daylight, and spent some time at night there.

We only spent 2 nights, as just a quick trip, as I had got a last minute absolutely awesome seat location for the 9,000 show of Lion King, on Broadway, the first night we stayed there. Over those 3 days, we waked almost 60 miles. My feet were very tired by the end of each day. We just did not have time to see Ellis Island, though if we had time, we were going to take the free ferry ride. We didn't get to the Brooklyn Bridge either, but have pictures of it from the Rock.

And remember, traffic is crazy, so give time to get to all the places you mention. And if you walk, make sure you have very good walking shoes. Even with my broken in running sneakers, my feet still were tired from all that sidewalk walking. And everyone walks fast. Which is why my DD said, she could so see herself working in that part of NYC. Me, eh, the suburbs are where I rather be, and am.

Have fun, there is so much to do in NYC.

 

[MickeyMouseCD524]

As a native I would do Top of the Rock over the Empire State building. I think the view is better. Lady Liberty and Ellis Island will take up about half of your day and the 9/11 memorial is about a 10-15 minute walk from the ferry for Ellis Island, and you could probably pass by the Wall Street bull on the way. I really don't think walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is worth the time. I would take the ferry from Wall Street up to 34th Street. Its a beautiful ride, you get a nice picture of the bridge, and tickets are maybe $3.

Time Square is best early in the morning when it's empty and not very hot. I would go there first and then Top of the Rock and then walk along 5th Ave to the park. Cause you'll see Saks, St. Pat's, and Tiffany's. Central Park is very much a choose your own adventure. If you walk along the East side you get the Met, the West side you get the museum of Natural History. I like the East side, with Alice in Wonderland and Balto, but the west is nice too with the castle and Strawberry Fields.

Traffic is usually pretty light in the summer unless it's raining. make sure you have a good pair of shoes, and if you don't want New Yorkers to hate you don't stand in the middle of the busy sidewalk to take a picture of yet a building that has no bearing on anything it's just tall.

 

[Anthony1971]

As far as Time it is how long you want to spend somewhere.... pick out your list of must dos enjoy them if you find yourself with a lot of time go to list B. I walk past 34Th street every weekday twice either along 5th ave or Broadway refuse to walk down 34th street... and there are always people selling tickets for tours, empire state building etc.. do not think they will sell out... While the empire state building is iconic if you want views of the city I would suggest the top of the freedom tower or world trade center if you like... The 9/11 memorial if you want to see anything you will pay otherwise you will be walking around blocks with relatively nothing. If you want to see something that will sort of be free you can take the PATH train from the world trade center (it will be a bit of around in a circle but you can go to midtown by changing trains in New jersey it is not a long ride mostly faster than the NYC subway and same price) when you enter the station you want to walk towards the wall the furthest staircases down to the tracks I believe it is track 1 -although you are not supposed to as they mainly use this as exit only it is 100% fine.. if you walk up or down the platform (depends where you go down) there are parts of the floor that are glass and you will see the original supports still in the ground from the original towers. As far as Times square and that area VERY early in the morning is nice as in 7AM once you get to 8:30 and later everyone is walking to work, 12-2 is lunch crowds 5-6 is people leaving work... Weekends including Friday nights will be very busy.. Yes people in NY walk fast as we see this stuff everyday.. we are trying to get a train home which commuter trains have time schedules and if we miss the train we may need to wait 30 minutes for the next... we are just trying to get home or to work.....if you walk down the sidewalk 3 or 4 across yes we can get upset as it is not easy to get around you... If I was visiting your area and taking in the scenery in my car and driving 20 miles an hour in front of you while you are trying to go to or from work you would not be happy either..... but this is also the charm of NY

 

[rg35]

Please use the subway - then you will not have to worry about traffic.

To be 100% honest, Times Square is a ****show. I don't think there is any value in going there whatsoever and I feel bad for tourists I see wasting time there as I walk through the area. As for stores, it's all chain stores that you can find anywhere else in America or places selling tacky NYC souvenirs.

I also prefer Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building, but both are expensive tickets for what you get (a ride up a very fast elevator and a few minutes looking out over the city).

While Central Park is huge and historic and a place I am thrilled is part of the city, I'd consider skipping it and visiting Ft. Tyron park and the Cloisters instead. Ft. Tyron has wonderful views of the GW Bridge, the Hudson River and Palisades to the west, and of Inwood and surrounding neighborhoods to the east. It provides a good sense of Manahattan's natural landscape was like before it was flattened out for the grid system. The Cloisters is a wonderful extension of the Met that focuses on European medieval architecture, sculpture and decorative arts. It might be something to consider as a more focused excursion rather than wandering paths in Central Park. If you do visit CP, consider a stop at either the Met (east side) or Museum of Natural History (west side). Both are well worth a visit.

If you walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, you can visit Brooklyn Bridge Park. Juliana's pizza and Grimaldi's on the Brooklyn side get crowded but are good spots for quality pizza. Here's some instersting history about both locations. Juliana's is located in the original Grimaldi's location. In 1998, Patsy Grimaldi sold the Grimaldi's name and retired. The new owner of Grimaldi moved to a larger location down the block. In 2011, Patsy came out of retirement but could not use his name because he sold the rights, so he opened a new pizzeria in the original Grimaldi's location called Juliana's (named after his mother). Juliana's is generally regarded as having the better pizza.

Brooklyn Bridge park is pretty nice. For most of my life this part of the Brooklyn waterfront was abandoned industrial, so the transformation has been wonderful. There's Jane's Carousel north of the Brooklyn Bridge, there's a skating rink, beach volleyball, basketball courts, playgrounds, etc as you progress south. Ample Hills (my favorite ice cream) has a small outpost at Brooklyn Bridge park now, and it's the perfect chaser to a pizza lunch. There's a ferry stop at the north end of the park and one at the south end at pier 6 (the stop is Pier 6 / Atlantic Avenue), so the ferry is a good option for getting back to Manhattan or other points on Brooklyn and Queens waterfront. The ferry has its own fare system, so there are no transfers between ferry and MTA subways or buses, but the fare is the same ($2.75). They have a handy app that you can use for buying tickets and route planning and schedules.

 

[havaneselover]

This is a great thread. I'm taking DD to NYC right after Thanksgiving for two nights. We're seeing the Rockettes and Phantom. Planning on shopping on Friday and Saturday was sightseeing. Love the pedicab idea. Need her to decide what else she wants to do. I'm okay with skipping going to the top of buildings after waiting two hours to go to the top of the Willis Tower in Chicago

 

[misse336]

Thanks for all of your experiences and insights. Slowly nailing things into place with our trip - thanks in part to all of the ideas I've gotten on this thread.

I agree on the price of the Empire State Building/Top of the Rock not really being worth the experience that you get and it is really pricey. Unfortunately, it's on my kids "must do" list. When we go on vacation we usually have them pick one thing that they feel is essential to the vacation - two of them picked the Empire State Building. I could probably persuade them that the Top of the Rock is better though since more people seem to like that experience. I've been looking for discounts for either of them, but there don't appear to be any.

The pedicabs look fun, but we have 5 people so it wouldn't work for our family. I saw that you can rent bikes and ride around central park - has anyone done that? Experiences with it?

 

[clh2]

Central Park offers tours! Perhaps there is something being offered that you would find interesting that matches your travel days!

 

[mjkacmom]

Thanks for all of your experiences and insights. Slowly nailing things into place with our trip - thanks in part to all of the ideas I've gotten on this thread.

I agree on the price of the Empire State Building/Top of the Rock not really being worth the experience that you get and it is really pricey. Unfortunately, it's on my kids "must do" list. When we go on vacation we usually have them pick one thing that they feel is essential to the vacation - two of them picked the Empire State Building. I could probably persuade them that the Top of the Rock is better though since more people seem to like that experience. I've been looking for discounts for either of them, but there don't appear to be any.

The pedicabs look fun, but we have 5 people so it wouldn't work for our family. I saw that you can rent bikes and ride around central park - has anyone done that? Experiences with it?

We went here last summer, it’s more than just a viewing area, it was neat seeing the SOL from this viewpoint after just seeing it from the SOL. Amazing views of all of the boroughs, and very informative (learned that Queens has more languages spoken than any other city in the world). https://oneworldobservatory.com/en-...MIztSbj8_X4wIVDxgMCh1CuwolEAAYASAAEgKu5fD_BwE

Bike rentals are very popular and I would think a great way to visit Central Park. Check out the zoo!

 

[hsmamato2]

my NYC advice for tourists? everything takes longer than you'd expect! so your statue/island day is going to be pretty full if you walk the bridge also,and sightsee/eat etc. We spent a weekend recently and just walked everywhere.... it was enjoyable. Central park is cool in it's many varieties,lots of different things to see in every corner....never done the bikes- I prefer walking.ESB is pretty at night all lit up IMHO, but I've never gone to the top(just admired it out our hotel room window) a good deal can be those hop on hop off buses that go around the city for touring, groupon always has deals if you want to save on walking. Subways are cheap but I'm not a city person and I avoid those if I can.

 

[MomRN]

We were timers to NYC just a month ago. We spent four full days there.

We stayed a block away from Time Square so were there a few times. We went to a show (Beetlejuice) and the LOL comedy theater. We also ate at Ellen's, Juniors, and Joe's.

We took the Staten Island ferry to see the SOL and went to the 9-11 memorial and museum. We walked through Central Park at our own pace, and enjoyed it. We walked the Brooklyn Bridge, accidentally taking the wrong train and getting off in Chinatown. We also went to Coney Island. My husbands idea. Yay, I've seen it. One and done.

I would have loved to check out museums, but that's just not my guys thing. I wish I would have looked inside the library, cathedral, and Rockefeller Center while we were right there.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Central Park offers tours! Perhaps there is something being offered that you would find interesting that matches your travel days!

Lived across the street from the park for 30 odd years and never knew that! Is it the Central Park Conservancy that offers the tours or a different entity?

OP, like others I agree how much time you spend in Central Park is completely up to you. I can and have spent an entire day there especially when house guests were visiting. A few out of the way places w/i the park that aren't seen by many out of towners:

Conservancy Garden. The entrance is on 5th Avenue around 104th Street. A formal garden with established plantings and a favorite site of wedding photos . I love sitting under the shade of the wisteria trellis or bask in the sun at the water lily ponds. It's very quiet within and makes for a respite from the cacophony outside it's gates. Can easily be done in an hour or less.

http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/conservatory-garden.html

Observe a model sailboat race or just a practice run near the Zoo and the Alice in Wonderland statute. Maybe you'll see one of Pale Male's descendants:

https://www.centralpark.com/things-to-do/sports/model-sailboats/
Take in a free Shakespeare play at the Delacorte Theater:

https://www.centralpark.com/things-to-do/activities/shakespeare-in-the-park/

Feel like picnicking in the park before the play or just because you feel like sitting in the grass? Twenty million zillion places to get eats but the best IMO are Lorenzo + Maria's Kitchen and Eli Zabar's on the East side; and the West side Trinity: Fairway's, Zabar's, and Citarella's. Most have a picnic special or just put together a meal yourself.


As for bike rentals they are available all over Manhattan. This is a popular cycle share program:

https://www.citibikenyc.com/how-it-works
Least crowded time to walk the Brooklyn Bridge is after the workers are sitting at their desks so around 10:00 AM to noon. Or in the evening when it's cooler. Don't be surprised if it's a mob scene no matter what time you go. The last time I walked to Brooklyn w/ DGD I was amazed at the amount of people. You might want to try walking the Manhattan Bridge instead as it's less crowded.

Have fun no matter what you decide to do.

PS- I agree with @rg35 's assessment of Times Sq but it's such an iconic place most of my visitors ignore the advice; gotta tell the friends back home you were there.
And yes Ft. Tyron is a hidden gem.

 

[chattadisser]

We were in NYC for 5 days in June, my one suggestion that no one has mentioned yet (and there are some great tips here) is to look at the free tours on foot. Google free tours in foot and then choose NYC to see the different tours that are offered. They are free and then you just tip whatever you think is appropriate. We have taken them in Washington D.C. and NYC. Took the Little Italy and Chinatown one in NYC in June. I thought the area as a whole was "eh" (my oldest DD wanted to go) but the tour was great, you'll get tips and information that you can't get just walking around on your own.

 

[clh2]

The Central Park tours are through the conservatory!
http://www.centralparknyc.org/tours/

 

[clh2]

Just another NYC thought, the library and grand central station are great buildings to go see!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Top of the Rock's motto is "you can't see the Empire State Building from the Empire State Building". Which I think is a genius advertising strategy.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

This is a great thread. I'm taking DD to NYC right after Thanksgiving for two nights. We're seeing the Rockettes and Phantom. Planning on shopping on Friday and Saturday was sightseeing. Love the pedicab idea. Need her to decide what else she wants to do. I'm okay with skipping going to the top of buildings after waiting two hours to go to the top of the Willis Tower in Chicago

This past December me, my mother and DD18 went to see the Rockettes, it was the highlight of the trip. We did maybe the 5:30 show, and then dinner at Patsy's (iconic Italian restaurant where Sinatra used to go to lol). Then walked over to Roc Center for pics at the tree. Best night ever.

Looks like you have plans for your two nights, but if you find yourself back there for the holidays, we took at bus tour to see the Christmas lights at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. You could do it on your own without the tour and take the subway, but my mom wanted the tour. Our night was unseasonably warm and there were probably a million people out that night. In retrospect it was fun....while we were in it, not so much. LOL. the best part was the first neighborhood they took us to where we pretty much drove around (got to see the Blue Bloods house, which was another highlight for me) and some beautiful homes.

 

[Karlrob]

Just did this almost exact thing with relatives in from Arkansas. We live in Philly, but tour relatives around NYC. We arrived at the Empire State building around 11:45 on a July week day. Very crowded. Site said to get there before 11:00 but that just didn't happen. The entrance is on one of the number street sides, not 5th Avenue. You actually exit on 5th Avenue. It is a series of lines for everything, you can buy tickets via a kiosk when you enter. However, we were getting a military discount so had to go up to the next floor and group of lines to go to the ticket office. One box office open and it took forever to get the tickets and in the end only saved $2.00 per person. We waited so long in line, not sure it was worth it. Then you wait in line to get pictures take, whether you want them or not, then you wait for an elevator, then you wait for another elevator or walk the last 7 floors up the stairs. USE THE bathroom before you get to the top. At the top, the men have a one seater, and the women have a two seater restrooms, lines for that! It was crowded, but you were able to see everything eventually. Noticed young children not happy and there is no place to sit, except on the floor, at the top. They put spiked edges so you don't sit on the ledges. Was it worth it, well having been there before, no - not for me. For the relatives from Arkansas, yes - something to cross off their bucket list and talk about to the people back home.

We did spend one day touring Times Square, Rockerfeller Plaza, the Promenade up from the ice skating rink, and St Patrick's. They were also interested in shopping so we hit Kate Spade, Tiffiany's, and Coach. We actually started touring that area with lunch at Ben's - 38th and 7th Ave. It is a real Kosher deli where they put cole slaw and pickles on the table when you sit down. My niece said that they were from out of town and which of the special meats would be suggested. The server actually brought over a plate with tastes of corned beef, pastrami, and brisket. Nice of them to do that.

In this heat please take water or buy water as you go, it is brutal. Oh yes, the same day as the Empire State Building we took the subway to tour Little Italy and Chinatown. We had delicious Dim Sum in Chinatown, we all got foot massages, and then dessert at Cafe Palermo in Little Italy.

The relatives did Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on their own. They really enjoyed it but be warned that you have to get there way ahead of your tour time to wait and go through security. Doesn't seem to be must shade while waiting because they commented it was the worst of the sun and heat
of their whole 4 days in NYC.

 

[havaneselover]

This past December me, my mother and DD18 went to see the Rockettes, it was the highlight of the trip. We did maybe the 5:30 show, and then dinner at Patsy's (iconic Italian restaurant where Sinatra used to go to lol). Then walked over to Roc Center for pics at the tree. Best night ever.

Looks like you have plans for your two nights, but if you find yourself back there for the holidays, we took at bus tour to see the Christmas lights at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. You could do it on your own without the tour and take the subway, but my mom wanted the tour. Our night was unseasonably warm and there were probably a million people out that night. In retrospect it was fun....while we were in it, not so much. LOL. the best part was the first neighborhood they took us to where we pretty much drove around (got to see the Blue Bloods house, which was another highlight for me) and some beautiful homes.

I've got tickets for the Rockette's the Friday after Thanksgiving--part of DD's 16th birthday present. I cannot wait.