Where to stay in NYC and how does that subway thing work? More questions Post #16

[Blondy876]

I live in south Jersey and have never been to New York City. I've been to NY but not the city. We have decided to take the girls there for spring break. I am thinking about staying at the Embassy Suites in Lower Manhattan. Is this a good location? We would like to do all the touristy things. We are going to see times square, the statue of liberty, and I can't wait to go the the Bronx zoo. We are really excited about the trip but here's the thing.... I get just about all my knowledge of New York from shows like Law and Order so I'm a tad nervous.

I would love to get some great tips about things to see, places to eat, etc... from people familiar with the city. We thought we would leave the car at the hotel and take a cab to all the places we wanted to go but with the baby in a car seat I just can't imagine what it would be like lugging it around so that leaves the subway system. I have no idea how they work and (here's the naive, scared county bumpkin in me coming out) are they safe? Can the kids ride without car seats?

Any advice would be great. I will be taking notes. Thanks!!!

 

[salmoneous]

Wow - Could spend an hour responding and just scratch the surface. But here's a few quick tips...

SAFETY: Forget what you see on TV. NYC is one of the safest large cities in the US. In particular, despite the vast amount of tourism, violent crime against tourists is infinitesimal. Expect to be overwhelmed by the crowds and the noise. Expect to be bumped into and get a little dirty. But you aren't going to end up the victim on CSI or Law and Order.

TRANSPORTATION: Before planning on driving up, check on what the hotel will charge you for parking! It usually makes sense to take a bus or train into the city. As for getting around, the subway system is great. You'll get daily or weekly passes that will cover your costs. Get a map, figure out where you want to go and take the right train. It may seem confusing, but it really does work. When in doubt - ASK FOR HELP. If there is anything New Yorkers love, it's telling people what to do. The ride itself can be a bit bumpy. You family will stand at least as often as sit. Make sure the kids hold on, and you need to hold onto the baby (people will almost always give up a seat for a mother and baby, except during rush hour.)

GETTING TO THE BRONX ZOO: A bit of a challenge for the bumpkins. There are two possible subway stops. Both are a couple blocks walk to the zoo. Although that walk is perfectly safe, most nervous first-time visitors aren't going to feel 100% safe. If you do take your car, you can drive, as long as you are comfortable driving in both Manhattan and expressways in the Bronx. There is an express bus that works really well and drops you off right outside the entrance. See http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mta/bus/schedules/bxm11cur.pdf. And you could always splurge and take a car service. Note - the Bronx zoo is one of my favorite places in the world. But if it starts to look like too much trouble for your one trip to NYC, consider the Central Park Zoo as an alternative. Perhaps the best "little" zoo in the world, and in a perfect location.

STUFF TO DO: There are so many things to do, I don't know where to start. Get one of the many good guide books I guess. But two suggestions. First, actually going to the Statue of Liberty is a huge PITA and almost never worth it. A view from a boat going past (either a tour boat or even the ferry to Hoboken/Jersey City and back) is usually enough to give tourist their fill. And one unusual thing to do is the tram out to Roosevelt Island. The tram ride itself is great, and walking around the island is a wonderful relaxing experience.

 

[buddy&wooz]

We stayed at that Embassy Suites and it's definitely a great choice for a family. My kids were 5, 10, and 13 at the time (about 2.5 years ago.) Free breakfast & evening cocktails & snacks (soda for kids), and lots of good places to eat on the block. Walking distance to lower Manhattan sights. The service was top-notch, too.

We go to the city quite often but that trip was a real "tourist" trip for us. We went to the Empire State Building, Central Park, Museum of Natural History, and spent lots of time wandering along the waterfront in Battery Park. So much activity going on down there!

For the Bronx zoo I suggest you drive- it can take so long to get there otherwise! Everything else should be doable via subway, though. I know you don't need any kind of car seat but we always take cabs so I can't help more than that.

Have a great time!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Is it the Embassy Suites in the financial district? If so, we stayed there last spring vacation and really enjoyed it. It wasn't super close to Times Sq, etc, but the subway isn't far and is so affordable. I's never been to NYC, but my DH had, but the subway had my totally confused. There were a couple times that I would have taken our youngest back to the room and my DH could have stayed out later with our older kids, but we were all afraid that I would get lost and end up somewhere else. I hindsight I should have just taken a cab. But my DH didn't think it was too hard to understand (I understand the subway systems in Washinton DC, Boston, San Francisco, and London, so it's not as if I've never been in a subway system ).

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

Let me make a small suggestion about the Bronx Zoo. Don't go on Wednesday!!! It is free admission, which sounds great, but it was PACKED when I went. The people were very rude, pushy people too. Pay the admission, it is worth it.

The subways seem hard at first but you get used to them quickly. If you can read a map you can figure it out. Just look at where you are, where you are going, and which lines go from point A to point B. Remember, if you are in upper Manhattan and you want to go to lower Manhattan, a lot of the subways will be Brooklyn bound subways. My mom always gets herself lost this way. If you need help, ask the people working the subways. They can get you to where you are going. And now for some warning. You will see strange people on the subways. Ignore them. They don't bother you if you pay them no attention.

Hmmm...places to go. The Empire State Building gives some amazing views. 5th Avenue is always a site to see. I think you can go to the top of Rockerfeller Center now too, but don't quote me on that. Central park is beautiful. The Museum of Natural History is great, it is just big. I love the Brooklyn Bridge. I've walked over it a few times and really enjoyed it.

 

[MoniqueU]

Don't forget to hit up my favorite part of NY Little Italy.

 

[Blondy876]

Just bumping up for more advice.

 

[christym]

Having lived in NYC for 2 years, I can tell you it is totally safe. I never once felt as though I was in danger. All you need is some common sense (you know, don't walk down a dark alley, stay where there are people, don't flash valaubles stuff like that).

I agree with a previous poster about the subways: If you aren't sure, ask an MTA employee. They can almost always tell you how to get someplace, especially if you're going to tourist spots. It might not be the fastest route, but it will always work. Just pay attention because sometimes (most times) the announcements over the train loudspeakers are impossible to decipher. And definitly just ignore the weirdos. They will be there but they won't bother you if you don't bother them.

I wouldn't go out to the Statue of Liberty. It's really not worth it. You can get some really beautiful views from one of the boat rides or along the river walkways. For other things, I would really look at a guide book because there a million things to do in NYC and there really is something for everyone. My favorite place was always the Museum of Modern Art. They usually have fun exhibitions.

Hope you have fun!

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

I did a long weekend in NYC a few weeks ago, and the subway is very easy to figure out once you get the basic ideas. One word of warning though, if you are going to be there over a weekend, the subway gets very tricky. Not only are there fewer trains running, but entire lines will be closed for track repairs. This made things much more challenging to get around on Saturday and Sunday, not impossible, but challenging!

Also, I felt very safe even being a single woman walking around (and riding the subway) by myself.

 

[Free4Life11]

All I remember about the Subway is that I went down the longest escalator I have ever seen, I thought we were taking it to the pit of Hell that's how long it was.

Also it seemed like we were walking miles underground, it was like a big maze! But it wasn't too difficult to understand as there were lots of signs.

 

[grlpwrd]

I get just about all my knowledge of New York from shows like Law and Order so I'm a tad nervous.

Like salmoneous stated forget what you see on tv. Those shows portray the city at its worst (crime, murder, etc).

I went into the city regularly with my dh and when I had only 4 kids (now I have an 8mo, too) and it was great.

Consider bringing a good stroller with you and be prepared to carry what you buy if you go shopping. Stroller comes in handy carrying baby and your goodies.

Have fun!

 

[hppy2bhome]

The American Girl Doll store is always on our list when we visit NYC.
Also we went to the Children's Museum in Manhattan, the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History. My girls were 7 and 3 at the time. I brought a stroller for my 3 yr old and we walked and walked and walked! When there is sooo much to look at walking doesn't seem so bad time goes by quickly. We also went during April vacation last year.

Have a great trip.

 

[wdwfanatic]

More Tips!! More Tips!! I will be going to NYC in a week for the first time! What are some good stores and restaurants? OH yeah...I'm staying at Marriot Marquis.

 

[Pugdog007]

All I remember about the Subway is that I went down the longest escalator I have ever seen, I thought we were taking it to the pit of Hell that's how long it was.

Also it seemed like we were walking miles underground, it was like a big maze! But it wasn't too difficult to understand as there were lots of signs.

Are you talking about NYC subways or the Metro in DC? The Metro is way underground... NYC subways are really not.

Try to get by Dylan's Candy Store, Serendipity (ice cream), The Disney Store, Ellen's Stardust Diner is fun with kids (singing waiters). I liked Madame Toussaud's Wax Museum & the studio tour of ABC also.

 

[Free4Life11]

Are you talking about NYC subways or the Metro in DC? The Metro is way underground... NYC subways are really not.

No it was NYC. I think it was a stop new the U.N. building?? I have no idea but it was the longest escalator I've seen in my life!

 

[Blondy876]

Any advice about dealing with car seats in the cabs? I believe we will probably need a cab from Penn Station to our hotel in the financial district. I have a 17 month old that technically needs a car seat but, I understand from reading the rules regarding car seats, that they are not required. I was thinking about bringing a booster for her because it is much easier to get in and out.

We will be taking the train into the city and then staying at the Embassy suites in Battery park. We were going to drive but I just can't see spending $45 a day just to park the car. We will be there for only 3 1/2 days.

We plan to go to Serendipity, the Bronx zoo,Central park, books of wonder, ferry around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island, my dd wants to eat at Bubba Gumps and I would like to eat at Virgil's BBQ and I think the kids would love Mars 2112. I also plan to spend some time at the Seaport. I'm not sure what things to do together, I don't want to spend our time on the subway going from one part of the city to the next, so I want to group things together. Any advice on that? I've gotten such great tips already and I'm starting to get even more excited.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Not to burst any bubbles, but the food at Mars 2112 is HORRIBLE! It was always bad--overpriced and not great--and from what I've hear recently, it went down hill from there. I hate to say this, but the best dining in Manhattan is not in the Times Square area. Everything good there is extremely hard to go into, wait-wise, unless you're want to eat at an odd time.

Want to do something futuristic? By all means, plan to go to the Sony Worlds of Wonder. I think it's near the American Girl place. You can't beat the admission price (FREE!) and it's like an exhibit straight out of Epcot. Do a little search on-line for more details. It's a great place for kids.

Want to see the Statute of Liberty? Take a round trip ride on the Staten Island Ferry. I think the admission is like 50 cents a person, and you can't beat the views you'll get from it. You'll see the Statute of Liberty, Governor's and Ellis Island, lower Manhattan, and the Brooklyn skyline. It's walking distance of Battery Park too.

(Between Sony Wonder and the Ferry, it's tough to decide which is a better NYC touring bargain.)

Food? You can't beat Chinatown for great taste and value! Our favorite restaurant there is called Wong Kee. No atmosphere to speak of, but the sizzling scallion platters (you can choose shrimp, steak or chicken) and roast pork noodle soup are to die for. You can get a table and have your hubby walk down the street to the grocery store for a bottle of wine or a 6 pack of beer if you want drinks with dinner. (No liquor license at Wong Kee's--same as many Chinatown restaurants.)

I've heard great things about the double-decker tour buses. I wish I could give you a clue about the name of the company that runs them so you could do a look-see on the web, but I don't know it.

Maybe another DISer can help?

And speaking of which, search the DIS CB with "New York City" and such as your keyword. The topic comes up here frequently, and although I spent 8 years of my life going in and out of the City daily, I still pick up a lot of hints about the City when people like yourself ask about it.

Have a great time in NYC, Blondy! It'd be tough for you to do with little ones, but if I were a tourist, I'd love to be outside the NBC studios in the morning for the Today Show.

 

[mcnuss]

No it was NYC. I think it was a stop new the U.N. building?? I have no idea but it was the longest escalator I've seen in my life!

If you really want to see a looongggg escalator, go to DC and take Metro at Dupont Circle!

I was thinking about bringing a booster for her because it is much easier to get in and out.

All cabs in NYC have seatbelts, but getting her carseat into one while the driver is waiting with all the traffic around you may be just too much. A booster is probably a better idea. But honestly, if it were me, I'd drive. Wouldn't 3 days of parking @ $45/ day cost less than all of you on Amtrak?

I honestly think you've got an overly aggressive list of things to do! I'd skip the Bronx Zoo and do the Central Park Zoo instead. (Unless it's closed - someone remind me if it closes all winter?) It's so much fun and will take less of a bite out of your time in the city.

I'd also skip Bubba Gump's. It's really a tourist dive. I did eat once at Virgil's and it was surprisingly decent. But be forewarned, my memory is that it was loud! You are going to need to plan on the majority of a full day for Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty. Someone else suggested Ellen's Stardust Diner in the TS area. DD loved that place! Great milkshakes! There are 2 chains of cafe-type places in NYC that we use for lunches and snacks: Pret a Manger and Europa Cafe. Both have good sandwiches and soups and snacks at very good prices. I also like Ollie's for Chinese in TS.

I didn't notice your DD's ages but American Girl Place can't be missed - unless they're not into it yet in which case, spare yourself the agony of introducing them! Dylan's is also quite amazing. My DD was 8 on her first trip and she actually loved just walking the streets. We spent hours in Central Park sailing the boats. This was in April and it was quite warm enough.

The subway really is easy, esp going North & South, which is what you'll do most. And please do not believe what you see on Law & Order. That would be like believing every law firm is like Boston Legal and every hospital like ER! It's fiction, pure & simple.

I've heard great things about the double-decker tour buses. I wish I could give you a clue about the name of the company that runs them so you could do a look-see on the web, but I don't know it.

These are a very good idea for you, esp traveling with the 17 month old. The company is Gray Line: http://www.coachusa.com/newyorksightseeing/ We did this in London when my DD was really little and it made all the transportation worries disappear!

 

[jenks0718]

DH and I stayed at The Muse right near time square in the theatre district and LOVED it. We are taking our kids there in October for ds b-day and think the hotel will be a good fit for our family!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Mars was the worst experience of our NYC trip. Terrible, overpriced food. HORRIBLE service. Took them 1/2 hour to bring our bill. Just totally awful. And I don't mind paying WDW type prices for decent food, but to pay lots of money for food that I could heat up from my freezer is crazy. We had wonderful pizza at Famous Rays and John's Brick Oven Pizza, though.