Going to New York

self | 2-16-08 | normy

[normy]

I will be going to New York City in March and would like some help from some New Yorkers or those who have been on things not to miss. My wife is going for business (training the guy taking her job) and I am tagging along since the hotel and her plane ticket is free. My days will be mostly to myself so let me know some things to do.

Thanks

[MinorityRepublican]

I thought there’s a 50 bucks fine if you get caught allowing your dog poop on city sidewalks.

[SE Mom]

To see firsthand where some of your tax dollars are wasted- take a bus or subway to 46th St and 1st Ave to see the UN..

I wouldn’t miss Ellis Island either:
http://www.ellisisland.org/genealogy/ellis_island_visiting.asp

Since you’ll be there for St Patrick’s Day- the parade is worth seeing- it starts at 11 AM on 44th St and 5th Ave..and speaking of- regardless of your religious beliefs- a MUST see is St Patrick’s Cathedral @ 51st St and Madison Ave..

[uncitizen]

My sisters took the bus tour. It was an on and off tour. You could get off anytime you wanted and jump back on another one later when you were ready. From that tour they got the big picture and stopped at places they wanted to see more of. And then the next couple days they went to the places they saw from the bus and wanted to check out further.

[Mister Da]

Yep! That was it - Circle Line. Good tour.

May I add that it should be the first thing you do, as it is a great way to begin understanding where things are on the island. The bus tour would seem to help with that as well, but I didn’t have time for that - maybe next time.

[PzLdr]

Chinatown. Calamari Fra Diavolo and Cannolis in Little Italy. Empire State Building. Trip around the Island on the Circle Line. Statue of Liberty. Ground Zero. The graveyard where Alexander Hamilton is buried. South Street Seaport. Broadway Shows [matinees]. Have a dirty water dog. A GOOD pizzeria, MOMA, Museum of Natural History. Central Park. You’re too early for the Yankees. If you like hockey, check if the Rangers are in. If you like basketball, you won’t like the Knicks, but that’s another option. Good luck!

[normy]

Thanks for the street adresses too.

[normy]

Thanks for the street addresses too.

[oh8eleven]

• Empire State Building
• Ground Zero
• "Six in One" Tour
• Lower East Side Tenement Museum (especially if your family has NY "roots.")
• NY Subway
• St. Patrick's (Rockefeller Plaza is one block away.)
• Other Museums

[martin_fierro]

I will be going to New York City in March and would like some help from ... those who have been on things not to miss.

IIRC her name was Christine.

Ahhh, Good times. Good times.

[NoKoolAidforMe]

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are a must see. Get to the Liberty Island Ferry early to catch the first boat. Plan on spending 2-3 hours.

When you get back from Liberty Island, you’re within walking distance to Wall Street, Ground Zero and St. Paul’s Chapel, the New York Stock Exchange, Fraunces Tavern (where George Washington bid farewell to his men), Federal Hall (where George Washington took his first oath as president) and the South Street Seaport.

The American Museum of Natural History is fabulous. There are lots of dinosaurs, medieval art, and the Hayden Planetarium.

DO NOT TAKE the double-decker buses. They are not safe. You will be safer taking your own tour.

[NoKoolAidforMe]

Rockefeller Center has a better observation deck than the Empire State Building. The ESB has long lines to get to the top.

[Gay State Conservative]

Although I don’t know the city as well as some there are some good suggestions here,IMO.One thing to consider (if you have lots of time) is the ski-lift car (part of the subway system) that runs from,I think,2nd Avenue over the 59th Street Bridge to Roosevelt Island.The ride is only a few minutes long and the Island itself is nothing to write home about (IMO) but the view of the city during that short ride is amazing.

[oh8eleven]

DO NOT TAKE the double-decker buses. They are not safe. You will be safer taking your own tour.
What are you talking about? I grew up in NY and still visit twice a year. I've been on many bus and boat tours and have recommended them to dozens of friends, family and co-workers over the years. Never a problem.

Getting up and down the Empire State Building can be a problem depending on the season, the day of the week, even the time of day. My last visit up was last July and round trip was less than two hours.

[Mister Da]

There is a fine for lots of things, but it does not stop them.

I don’t live there, so I can’t speak for them, but I kinda feel sorry for dogs & their owners who live there. Where ARE you allowed to “walk” your dog? From what I could see, some dog owners would have to walk many blocks to find a grassy area. I’d have to carry my dog (heavy!) to keep him from an “accident” on the way. And any grassy area would quickly become a sewage dump. I assume you must clean up after the dog to avoid a fine?

Can any of you New Yorkers tell me how this is supposed to work vs. how it actually works? I’m not trying to disparage anyone, I’m just an ignorant country boy whose dog poops where he pleases!

[NoKoolAidforMe]

A couple of years ago, the company that runs the double-decker buses killed a pedestrian. It was learned that the bus had mechanical problems, some drivers had license issues and the company had numerous violations. The company folded and opened up under a new name. Not many people know this.

[oh8eleven]

P.S. Don't forget to try a "dirty water" hot dog, an egg cream and a deli pastrami sandwich.

[normy]

definitely a dirty water dog. thanks.

[oh8eleven]

A couple of years ago, the company that runs the double-decker buses killed a pedestrian.
Sounds like you'd be safer on the tour bus.

[NoKoolAidforMe]

If you would like to take in a Broadway play, head to Times Square to the TKCTS (sp?) booth. You can purchase theater tickets for up to half off usually for same day performances. Wednesday is matinee day in NY. After you see a play, I recommend Tony’s DiNapoli Restaurant for good Italian food. They serve family style and you won’t leave there hungry. Reservations are suggested.

[Ann Archy]

If you belong to AAA get their New York book (free) and it will have TONS of things, some off-beat, to do! Like the McDonald’s on Wall Street that has a doorman, siverware and a Baby Grand Piano being played!