Quick inexpensive trip to NYC...need thoughts!

[phorsenuf]

Me, my mom and my sister are heading to NYC next week (watch out!!). We will be there half a day Monday, all day Tuesday and half a day Wednesday. Its really just a side trip as I drop off my sons car.
Anyways, we want to do as much as possible in the short time we have.
I'm pretty sure that the must-do's are Times square, Rockefellow plaza, empire state building, ground zero and probably the UN. I know the Statue isn't open until next month.
Out of these few things I mentioned. What can be done at night?
Also, what are some other must-do's? I think we are staying at the Sheraton on 57th st.
Thanks!

 

[Manda1219]

Times Square and Rockefella Center are really nice after sundown-BUT keep in mind that at this time of year, the sun sets late, and a many stores aren't open extremely late..
I'm kind of tired now-so I'll let someone else take over on the must-sees!

 

[ducklite]

Take the Staten island Ferry (free) around sunset for a marvelous view of the city.

Anne

 

[Kimberle]

BLOOMINGDALES!!!!!

 

[adamak]

Central Park if weather is nice. Go shopping on 5th Ave. Take the subway so you know the reality of NYC. The new Time Warner center in Columbus Circle. Museums, museums, museums.

What can be done at nite? Oh boy, what can't be done at night? Go eat at a nice, cheap restaurant. Watch a show. Go down to the village or Lower East Side for drinks. People watching at a sidewalk cafe. Catch a midnight movie. Then go grab some sushi and sake!

Seriously. Venture out of Time Square and you shall be rewarded.

 

[Vivianne]

You probably won't have time for this but the Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are worth seeing. However, it takes a complete day to view each properly. They're huge.. Keep them in mind for the future.

 

[kilee]

They have a night tour of Manhatten via a double decker bus.

 

[Hillbeans]

I think it'd be great to take a side trip to the Seaport and stroll around (esp. if it's nice outside)

In addition, there are some wonderful restaurants in Little Italy.

Why not splurge and have tea at the Tavern on the Green? That is THE restaurant to go to in NYC.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Central Park - get a map ahead of time and narrow down what you want to see

Times Square is excitement 24/7

The MET is awesome, even if you just have a bit of time to devote.

Shopping, shopping, shopping!

I LOVE exploring ChinaTown and Little Italy (run right into each other) ChinaTown packs up early, but the Italians party until the wee hours of the morning

I second the Staten Island Ferry to view the statue. Actually, I never pay to ride the Statue ferry, but do the free one instead and get a better view.

Shopping in SoHo is awesome lots of fun, with trendy boutiques and cool people to watch

I think the Empire State Building is also worth the money for the elevator ride... it truly is spectacular, on a clear day, we hit it every time. I have done daytime and nighttime, and both are excellent.

I can't go to NYC without a Broadway show. COnsider checking a TKTS booth each morning and see what you can snag at half price. I have paid only $40 a ticket each time, and have seen such great things as Swing!, Fosse with Ann Reinking and Ben Vereen, Miss Saigon, and Suessicle. There was a TKTS booth in Times Square last I went, and if you're not picky about a particular show, you can get great seats for later that night at 1/2 cost.

I highly recommend buying the unlimited subway pass, gosh, I can't remember what it's called. Only certain stations sold them at kiosks, but you can find out at any station which do. They were only $4 when I went last, and gave us all the transportation we needed each day... Subways are fun, I think, and quick.

I'm so jealous! It's been several years since I visited last, and I just love it there. Have a blast!

 

[Mishetta]

Have dinner at Mama Leone's (if it's still there). The food is just incredible! It's somewhere around 48th & 8th (it's been a while, I can't remember exactly where but it's in that vicinity.)

 

[TimeforMe]

Originally posted by Mishetta
Have dinner at Mama Leone's (if it's still there). The food is just incredible! It's somewhere around 48th & 8th (it's been a while, I can't remember exactly where but it's in that vicinity.)

Nope--not there anymore and hasn't been for years. We found out the hard way.

Go to the Empire State Bldg. at night for a spectacular view. I also 2nd the TKTS idea for some good relatively inexpensive theatre tickets. I've even seen Beauty & the Beast tickets available sometimes.

 

[LJC1861]

TKTS booth is a great way to see a show for an excellent price. As other posters have said you can't be picky though...not all shows are available every night and some show are not available at all. Tuesday nights seem to have the best availabitlity. Beauty and the Beast has been up on the board quite a bit these days at a 50% discount.

As other posters have said, venture out of the Time's Square area and you will find cheaper prices and better restaurants. Even just a few blocks will do. For some great meals at fantastic prices, try the West Village ( A,C,or E subway line and walk south on 8th Ave. until you bump into Hudson St) There you will find at least 15 wonderful restaurants offering Chinese, Thai, American, Italian, and British Pub food--just to name a few.

Metro card is the way to go for navigating the subways or busses. A one day pass will set you back $7 and a weekly pass is $21. These passes allow you unlimited usage of the subways and busses and depending on the number of trips you take, will save you money.

If you want specific recommendations, e-mail or PM me and I will be happy to provide specific locations and directions. You are going to have a blast!

Linda

 

[charlie,nj]

As you are walking along 5th ave don't forget to stop in Trump Tower, St. Pats, and the Disney Store.

check out this link:

www.nyctourist.com