Tell me about New york....updated post 42

[CustardTart]

if you go into macys go to the gift wrap/customer services and ask for the foreign vistors discount card 10% off everything in the store.. applies to all macys throughout the states

Oooh yes! I'd forgotten this! Plus they gave us a free gift too...

Bloomingdales give you a freebie if you spend $100 tho' I'm not sure about the discount...

 

[natalielongstaff]

Here are some more details, mum booked it yesterday

we are flying with virgin from heathrow on 8th december at 09.30 and arrive in New York at 12.30

we are staying at the Affina Manhatten in a suite (this has good reviews on trip advisor)

We leave New York on the 11th december at 19.45pm and arrive back at Heathrow the next morning 07.50

 

[Frances999]

You'll have a great time, Nat! New York is the best city in the world!

As well as Toys 'R' Us in Times Square, which has a great ferris wheel and arcade, I am sure your children would also enjoy FAO Schwarz. This toy shop has a wonderful walk-along piano and sells some great specialist toys. It's right near Central Park, just across the street from The Plaza Hotel (the one featured in Home Alone!).

Lots of companies offer boat trips around the Statue of Liberty, but your best bet if you are wanting to actually go up the statue (which I highly recommend) is to go to www.statuecruises.com. You can depart from Battery Park and the ferry ticket includes your access pass to the Statue. Lots of people wait until the day and are then disappointed, because all the tickets are sold out - only a limited number of people can enter the monument. If you buy your ferry tickets in advance (about $12) from this company, then the monument passes are included free-of-charge.

So many other highlights - the Disney Store, Macys, The Chrysler Building, The Empire State Building (...watch out for the lines, though...), and I would definitely recommend a trip to the Natural History Museum for the kids.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[jjk]

Here are some more details, mum booked it yesterday

we are flying with virgin from heathrow on 8th december at 09.30 and arrive in New York at 12.30

we are staying at the Affina Manhatten in a suite (this has good reviews on trip advisor)

We leave New York on the 11th december at 19.45pm and arrive back at Heathrow the next morning 07.50

How exciting, sounds great Nat

 

[KayleeUK]

Woo Hoo glad it is booked Nat

 

[CustardTart]

Here are some more details, mum booked it yesterday

we are flying with virgin from heathrow on 8th december at 09.30 and arrive in New York at 12.30

we are staying at the Affina Manhatten in a suite (this has good reviews on trip advisor)

We leave New York on the 11th december at 19.45pm and arrive back at Heathrow the next morning 07.50

Fantastic news!!!!

 

[Strommie]

Sounds like it's going to be brilliant Nat I went to NY in early December with my mum in 2004 and it was amazing.

 

[natalielongstaff]

Sounds like it's going to be brilliant Nat I went to NY in early December with my mum in 2004 and it was amazing.

Was it very christmasy that early Kathryn ?

 

[Minniespal]

Only just catching up with this thread Nat. NY is such a fantastic city, you're going to have the best time ever.

 

[wideeyes]

fab news on getting it booked

 

[Strommie]

Was it very christmasy that early Kathryn ?

Yes, it was so Christmassy it was brilliant You will have a fab time.

 

[Chilly]

Glad its all booked.

 

[carolfoy]

get to the empire early or late to avoid queues
and the piano in FAO Schwartz that someone mentioned is the one featured in Tom Hanks' 'BIG' movie

 

[wilma-bride]

You lucky duck - I am sooooo jealous, can I come???

 

[jns]

rember NY will be very Cooooooooooooooold

 

[jns]

You'll have a great time, Nat! New York is the best city in the world!
Lots of companies offer boat trips around the Statue of Liberty, but your best bet if you are wanting to actually go up the statue (which I highly recommend) is to go to www.statuecruises.com. You can depart from Battery Park and the ferry ticket includes your access pass to the Statue. Lots of people wait until the day and are then disappointed, because all the tickets are sold out - only a limited number of people can enter the monument. If you buy your ferry tickets in advance (about $12) from this company, then the monument passes are included free-of-charge.

Have a wonderful time!

which tour did you do
did you use the audio

 

[juliebro]

Like Tammy, I thoroughly recommend the Top of the Rock. We did that and the Empire State Building and preferred the Rock. Just before dusk is wonderful. Pre-booking is available on-line for both.

When we arrived in NYC it was late afternoon in October. We got a yellow cab from JFK to the hotel - the prices are standard so no chance of being ripped off. I had pre-booked 48-hour 'All Loop' passes on the Gray Line double deckers. We dumped the bags in the hotel and did the 'NIght Tour' - WOW! I had to keep pinching myself. I'll never forget the view looking back from Brooklyn Bridge to see the Manhattan skyline lighting up. We did the other tours over the next 2 days.

I recommend getting of the bus in Brooklyn during the day and walking back across the bridge. The Staten Island ferry takes you past the Statue of Liberty and was free when we were there. Not sure if it still is. You'll recognise it from various films (e.g Working Girl)and videos (e.g. Papa Don't Preach).
The Carnegie Deli does pastrami sandwiches and cheesecake that have to be tasted to be believed.
If you're feeling brave there's always the lure of 'genuine' designer bags on offer on Canal Street. Very cloak and dagger!
For the best burgers, try the Burger Joint in the Le Parker Meridien on W56th St - don't expect to find it easily, though. It's one of the best kept secrets in New York, I believe. Also the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park.

We're hoping to go back next year - can't wait!

 

[natalielongstaff]

If you're feeling brave there's always the lure of 'genuine' designer bags on offer on Canal Street. Very cloak and dagger!

Oooh that sounds interesting !