New York, New York

[EdinAZ]

I'm not a "real" New Yorker, but have been there dozens of times and I LOVE it. Chicago is really my "first city", but New York is a VERY close second.

I'm not sure what the controversy is about the subway . . . it is THE way to get around, and economical. I've driven in Manhattan a few times, my own and rentals, and it's a MAJOR PITA. Cabs are O.K., but you can never get one when you REALLY need one. TAKE THE SUBWAY!

I like the art museums, the MET, MOMA, the Crafts Museum and the Guggenheim. Also the Natural History museum.

If you have time for it you could walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (20 minutes or so, plus "getting there"). The skyline views are fantastic! The DUMBO neighborhood in Brookly is just on the other side. It's a "work in progress" as they try to develop a little "arts area" there, but interesting.

Walking around the Village (as suggested) or Tribeca is nice. SOHO is pretty much dead as far as art galleries, just "tyoical" shopping there.

Places I would recommend to eat are "In-Tent" in NOLITA, and Brasserie 8 1/2 on 58th (I think). 8 1/2 might be a little pricey for a non-New Yorker, but it's economical compared to many, and a great "value". There are hundreds of good places there. A week or so before you leave (or sooner) get the New York Times and read thier restaurant (and other) reviews.

Lots on the internet too.

I find New Yorkers to be the same mix of humanity you encounter everywhere . . . the good, the bad and the ugly . . . but mostly GOOD. And friendly if you "initiate contact".

I know you'll have a great time.

Ed

P.S. and . . . TAKE THE SUBWAY !

[ania]

I also always recommend to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to visit Sea Port.

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by ania

I also always recommend to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to visit Sea Port.

Thanks, but what is at Sea Port?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by kiki-do

Thanks, but what is at Sea Port?

South Street Seaport

[kiki-do]

Well, in two weeks I will be going to NYC. We decided to fly in as the rates were very reasonable. For my husband's gift to me on our 30th anniversary, he rented a stretch limo for a private two hour tour through the midtown and downtown area!! That blew me away, he's such a sweetheart! So between that, the circle line tour along the harbor, double decker tour bus, and subway, we should see alot. I'm hoping to take in Central Park, Park Ave, Times Square, Empire State Bldg, The village, and the very emotional Ground Zero. Whew! I was told it was a must to go to Gray Papayas for a hot dog?? And I hope to have time to go to Union Park (my son recommended). We won't do shows or museums this time around, I don't believe. My thing is to not get bogged down by lines waiting to go inside places unless it's really important to us, as it eats up so much time. However, I would like to see St. Patrick's Church.
What do you think? 2 3/4 days total time to get all this in????? Do you think we can do it? Fat chance, huh?

[cb977]

I say go there with your list of things you'd "like" to do...and then do whatever you feel like doing!

You don't really need a plan at all in Manhattan!

I can't wait to hear from you once you get back home ...and pictures, my friend...pictures

[thakshila smith]

Best wishes from me dear Kiki for your long time dreamt trip. I read the thread and toured with its places. I love it .I can remember my trip to London.
Alas ! We went to only few places.
Some must go places are situated far apart. It takes days to visit places. How about a Zoo? Do not you like it?
WE took tour of London bus and watchted some places from distance far away!! Hi ,Hi .
First time I ate Marz Bars Chocolate . First time drank hot chocolate ! Of course fish and chips.
Is food expensive in NY?. I saw how they make fries. I love ice creams they sell in open cabins vehicles. .
Sweets they sell by pounds . Ohh .Sweet.
Kiki all the best.
Eat lots of food and have a nice time.
WE didn't adore places but food. And Malls .The NY town may be far big and larger .When you visit there remember me.

[cb977]

kiki, there's something new and exciting happening in Manhattan these days! They've cut off traffic in two usually very busy areas, in effect creating pedestrian malls to walk through!

Broadway between 42nd and 47th Street
and
33rd and 35th Street in Herald Square

I think it's very cool and can't believe you're gonna get to see it before I do!

I'm so excited for you...take ...we'll all be waiting patiently

[orkie]

Hi,

I live in NYC and you will have a great time!

My suggestions (you've already gotten so many good ones!):

As mentioned earlier, at the Met, don't pay the suggested donation price (unless you want to, but it's about 20.00 per person). Just say, My donation is a dollar. This also works at the American Museum of Natural History which is awesome and my top pick of places to go (this is not the case at MOMA or some other museums). It's near the Dakota, so if you are doing an upper Westside trip to the Dakota or Strawberry Fields, you might want to hit up the AMNH as well, it's the best!

My other suggestion is, if you are going to check out the East Village, you should go to a restaurant on Indian Row, on 1st Avenue between 5th and 6th street , I like Panna II (Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant - East Village - New York, NY). It's the craziest place to eat!!!! Tell the waiter it's your birthday or someone else's and you will be in for a treat!!!! Plus the food is great and cheap and the place is BYOB (very cool Indian deli with huge beer selection below the restuarant), so it's very inexpensive and a ton of fun. I guarantee you have never eaten at a place quite like it before. It's most fun for dinner, go after 6.30 to get the most out of the experience.

Also, I don't know if you'll have internet while you are there, but if so, use hopstop.com to navigate the subways. it's like mapquest for subways and takes into account any changes in service or delays, etc.

Have fun!

Sara

[kiki-do]

Thank you Sara! This thread has been a great help! Thank you all!