My wife and I have never been to NYC before. We are thinking about going there (or Boston) around the 15th of May for a few days. However, I want to stay in a place that is close to some landmarks, and have a fun filled time. We are not big city folks, but have been to Chicago, London, and DC. I don't want to be disappointed, so I need some advice here guys. Help a clueless tourist out! :TU:
Either one would be a good time. More sites, shows, etc in nyc, and traffic sucks in both. :laugh: :beer
NYC is the best place on earth. I grew up in Yonkers which is right outside the city, now live in CT. My wife and I try to go there about twice a month, in fact were going there this weekend and staying at the Plaza which is closing at the end of the month. If you go there, you would want to stay in mid-town. ( around 5th Ave, above Central Park) but dont stay in Times Square. (too crowded) Pick up a Zagets guide which will tell you about ALL the resturants in the city. You can get to all the site seeing places from mid-town by cab for under 10.00. Remember, when you walk around dont LOOK like someone from out of town, keep your money in your front pocket and dont use the subways after dark. Other than that, you'll have a great time....
There are plenty of sites to see in NYC. If your interested in taking a ride out to the Island, you can visit the Air Power Museum at Mitchell Field. There's a bunch of cruise ins you can attend. Theres a restaurant called "The 56th Fighter Group" in Farmingdale. Its decorated like a bombed out WWII Army headquarters. There are three old fighter planes parked out back along with a couple of Jeeps. Glen Miller is always playing in the background. And you can visit the Amityville horror house!
Yeah, dont look up at the skyscrapers! Thats a sure fire way to pick out an out of towner. And dont make eye contact with anyone. They might think you need help and mug you!
I agree with Gene;if you watch out for yourself(like keeping your wallet and such),you'll have a good time. It is a great city to visit and there is plenty to see. I would recommend getting a map of the city to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. I've been there many,many times and had a great time. Enjoy NYC! Have a safe trip!
Oh Puhhh-Leeeezzzze...... I work in Manhatten, have been coming into the City since I was a kid, and have never had a lick of trouble. I look up at skyscrapers all the time I'll make a stop at lunch today around Grand Central - they used to have a Visitor's Stand with all sorts of tourist pamphlets.....If its still there I'll grab a fist full and mail them to you. Budget is your only constraint on what to do - there's ALOT of free stuff and alot of expensive stuff Things I would do: 1) Broadway show (afternoon show - cheaper $$) In the middle of Times Square (B'dway/7th ave between 42nd street and 48th street) is a place called TKTS - they sell discounted seats for that days' show. No reservations....what they have is what you can choose from. Or, pay ALOT more for a show you want to see..... 2) Museums - My Fave is the Museum of Natural History http://www.ny.com/museums/american.museum.of.natural.history.html But there are ALOT more http://www.ny.com/museums/all.museums.html If you're into flight, the old aircraft carrier Intrepid is now a floating Air and Space Museum and its quite good !!! 3) Sunset Cruise around Manhatten - Several tour Co.'s operate cruises (World is the best) that take you for a 2-3 hour cruise down the hudson river, stopping near the Statue of Liberty at Sunset, and up the east river - then back. Sone serve a nice dinner....there are even some where there's a Jazz concert going on by some premier artists. Its a unique View of Manhatten from the water. 3) China Town / Houston St. - Shopping at little store fronts where you can get anything from cheap leather jackets and goods to a Rolex watch for $15 - it may not be real though :laugh: Dinner in CHina town or nearby Little Italy. 4) Rockerfeller Center and surrounding area - The View on top of the building is FANTASTIC - just before dusk is best - you can see everything from this perch. GO Ice skating at the rink.....Alot of designer stores are on Fifth Ave right near by. 5) Get on/ Get off Bus tours - Double decker buses (Nice day, sit up top in the open) take you all over the City pointing out sights of interest - you want to see it ? Get off....do your thing and get back on when you're done. I'll stop there - except to say there are SO MANY Fine restaurants you'll be dizzy trying to choose. ....there's NO place like NYC
Awwwwww, c'mon gang. There's no need to traumatize them! :laugh: NYC is the greatest city in all of history, yes, but there is no need to fear for your life there! It is nearly impossible to NOT look like a tourist there. EVERYTHING is awe-inspiring! So go ahead and gawk and play the tourist. BUT, they are right in that you need to take some precautions. Absolutely DON'T carry a wallet! Either use a fanny pack or put your money, driver's license and credit cards in your front pockets. And DON'T leave any valuables in the hotel room either. Use american express travellers cheques if you can. I LOVE the subways there!!! Very weird and wild places, but yes, avoid them after dark when the crows have subsided. Get a FODOR'S book and it'll tell you everything to see. Go to ground zero, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, top of the Empire State Building (2 hour wait!), central park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, go SEE the Guggenheim, but you probably won't want to go in it unless you like Andy Warhol-type modern art. Wall Street is always cool - the absolute heart of capitalism and what our democracy is based on. LOT'S to do and see! Enjoy!
Oh come on guys. NYC is a safe place. Pin your money to your front shirt pocket, Grab a map and walk around with your head in the air. You will blend right in.
I too have never had any problem at all in NYC. It is very safe and there are plenty of police around. Do not be afraid to visit and sightsee there. I too,love New York City.
Come to Boston, see the USS Constitution, Quincy Market, Fanueil Hall ("Fan-yewl", not "fann'l", I've lived here all my life and NEVER heard a real Bostonian say "Fann'l Hall" without laughing), Take in a Sox game if they are in town, walk the Freedom Trail, see Old North Church, Bunker Hill (even though they fought on Breed's Hill), go to the Museum of Science, get some Italian food in the North End, take a Duckboat tour, go to Abe and Louie's for one of the best meals you'll ever have (bring a credit card, I spent 100 bucks on dinner there- just for my meal-last Sunday), catch a show at the Wang, and then, at the end of the day, give me a call and I'll take you to the place down the street from my place for a beer. Too bad you might come about the 15th- I have the first week in May off.
Thank you!! These people don't realize how much safer NYC is than all other large cities in this country. Don't listen to all the BS. Enjoy yourself and stare at the skyscrapers as long as you want? There's only about 100,000 japanese tourists with zoom lenses all over the place, I don't think you, as a tourist, will have any problem. NYC has every make model and year of people that you can imagine. There's almost no way you could stand out in NYC unless you were wearing full blown cowboy garb. Even that is questionable in some places. :error: :laugh:
Nyc is a great place, and you will have a great time. You can take the train at night time its not a big deal. On the train, you will see a lot of things sometimes during the day. Usually you will see begging for $$ though other people come on and sing doo-wop, kids come on the train and dance, other people come on and start preaching from the good book. Also if you don't want to look like a tourist just don't stop a lot and look at the buildings. All the tourists I see always stop and gawk up and point.
Derek: Did the NY tour last Thursday and Friday. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Rick Martinez (former NYPD detective) gave us the tour. He only got lost a dozen times !!!!! ou: Broadway was good. Saw Mama Mia. Also saw your typical NY stereotypes. Rooms are expensive, as is most everything in NY. Good place to visit. Good luck.
Woo Hoo! Thanks for all the great responses guy!!!!! I am not afraid of the big cities. I have been in a mess or two. I just want to have a time to remember. Boston seems cool because of the history, and BEER! Keep the info coming! :beer
My whole family are New Yorkers so I feel I can give some advice as well. You can ride the subway at night. 2 am maybe not as a good idea, but otherwise just stay in the middle where the conductor is if you want a little safety comfort. If you like Pastrami, then you MUST go to Katz's Delicatesean. Yes it will cost you like $15 I think, but it WILL be the best Hot Pastrami sandwhich you will ever eat.
