Used to go a lot when my Hubbies work had their world head quarters in Conneticut.
I love NY, have had some amazing times there, have never felt threatened or uneasy, although do know of someone that took an open top bus ride that went through Harlem and they had stones thrown at them!!
I would rather walk round NY, than go into Bradford city centre.
My wife returned from the US this afternoon and she noticed tipping is now creeping towards 20%. US cruise ships are upping their drinks tips from 15 to 18% which suggests this is the case.
Consider it equivalent to the VAT you would pay in UK restaurants.
I felt quite safe, although the charity workers on the streets are a little over zealous for my liking.
Didn't go on the metro, we walked in the day or took a taxi. In fact I wore my walking boots during the day cos I knew we'd be walking and I'd needed to be comfy. Taxi to the Pier to go over to see Liberty and then walked most of the way back to Times Square, taking it all in as we walked. I like to walk and hubby likes buildings so we walked Central Park, saw the Dakota building where John Lennon was shot. Went inside the Chrysler Building lobby (only allowed that far), did Empire State Building (it was foggy, typical). Ground zero was fenced off when we were there.
Definitely agree with the Top of the Rock being a highlight, we booked and went late afternoon, it was busy but we saw the whole city view in the daylight then slowly as the sun went down the city buildings one by one lit up, it was gorgeous.
Food is a highlight too for us, hubby booked Peter Luger's Steakhouse (needed a taxi as its in Brooklyn) but meant we went over the Brooklyn bridge. You need to book in advance and they don't take credit cards. Best meal I've ever had and when we go back we will definitely be eating there again. Smith and Wollensky was another meal which we enjoyed but I preferred Lugers overall.
We had lunch in the restaurant just off the shoe gallery in Saks 5th Avenue, as I walked around the Shoe Gallery in my Brasher walking boots I got a few looks from the sales girls. The restaurant had views of the city and was a welcome break from the rush going on around us.
Hubby is in NYC this week as it happens, he says the new Freedom Tower is awesome.
It's a fab city and I would love to go back one day. Enjoy!
I went a couple of years ago, and both me and the missus felt totally safe, in fact we took a subway train out to the Bronx for a few beers and that was OK too. If by any chance you are ex forces, take some proof with you, and you will get loads of discount on the main attractions.
We also called into a fire station and asked for a look around (yeah a bit anoraky I know) and were given a full guided tour.
We also went as far as Coney Island (home of the Warriors if you ever saw the film) which is right on the coast - a good run on the train through Brooklyn.
------------- Euro-leafing to infinity and beyond!
Quote: Originally posted by kazo2014 on 16/3/2015
you can disagree all you like, I speak from experience, my experience! from the minute I walked off that plane and along the drab grey prison like walkway in jfk airport towards the customs I knew I had made a big mistake in going there and will not be returning
How can you make a judgement about a place BEFORE you have even seen it? How strange!
Looks like flying out of Birmingham is best option. Extra 60 miles in the car, one night Travelodge. Saving £100+ each = extra spends. Looking at about 4 hotels in central Manhattan. 1 near Natural History Museum, 1 near Penn station (west cost) and a couple about 3 blocks due south of Central park.
Probably look at getting the train/subway from JFK into central Manhattan. getting a 1 week metro card will give us the flexibility to bus/tube when our legs get tired.
Youngest is compiling her "must see list" (which will probably dictate our trip) and so far we have Times Sq, Broadway (inc zoo), Liberty, Central Park (inc zoo), Natural history museum, Ground zero, empire state. OH wants to walk Brooklyn Bridge (after we had a few good nights on the Brooklyn bridge in vegas and walking SF's golden gate).
------------- It'll work out in the end!!!!
I didn't do it !! Nobody saw me do it !! You can't prove anything !!
You must do Top of the Rock (Rockefeller) as you then get to see the iconic Empire SB in your pictures don't forget plus a great view of Central park!
If going with kids (or not actually) then try and take in maybe breakfast (less busy) at Ellens Stardust Diner for great food and real feel of being on a Glee set - really good fun and great experience - up near the M&M shop near Broadway/Times Sq area
This site has lots of tips for your trip to New York.
We loved our trip, walked around everywhere, lovely trip up the Hudson. Empire State Building at night was fabulous. Top of the rock during the day with lovely views over central park.
Take sensible precautions with bags, cash and against pickpockets who unfortunately operate in every country.
Make some lovely holiday memories.
Our daughter lived in NY for 2 years before moving out to Connecticut. We visit regularly and feel very safe. Agree with all of the places to visit.
One tip...we have a Halifax credit card that we use in the USA, always pay it all off when we get home. It has no transaction fees. It's worth looking round for something similar. And don't forget to tell your credit card company you are going. You also need photo id with your credit card. Also check the age limit for drinking alcohol, my 20 year old nephew got kicked out of the states for drinking alcohol in a bar, along with the person who bought it for him.
------------- Started with a motorbike and tent.......my gallery, my life.
If going for daughters 18th might be a nice idea to ask family members to give some dollars and then maybe she could buy herself something at Tiffany on 5th Ave would be a lovey memory of the place and something that would last a lifetime, even if you don't buy anything it is a lovely shop to go and have a look around. The New York library isa lovely building (and has free wi-fi) and there is a lovely park at the back.
OP - We spent 5 days in New York at Oct half term in 2013 and had an amazing time. Never once felt unsafe, police on every block, the New Yorker's were all walking around using phones etc. Used the underground and that was ok too. Highlight for me, walking over the Brooklyn Bridge back into Manhattan at night, that was great. Loved it all and would go back if only I didn't have a long list of places I want to go! Have a great time, our daughter longs to return, she was 15 when we went.
We went in 2012 for three nights - went to Ground Zero - book your slot before you go. Went on the free Staten Island ferry, ate pizza in a famous place in Little Italy - can't remember the name, sorry. Went up Empire State building (pre booked), went to Central park, MoMA and Grand Central Station, went to a baseball game one evening on the metro. Went to Hard Rock Cafe - had our kids with us who were about 15 and 16 then. I felt totally safe but the metro is sooo hot underground. This was August tho'! Also found metro confusing and we're not daft usually! Not all machines gave change so had to keep buying bottles of water etc to get some change and it wasn't really clear which platform you were supposed to be on in one of the stations, can't remember which one.
What I found different was that it's all mixed up, so people live there and the business, shopping, tourist shops etc are not zoned in away they seem to be in London. It is definitely not 24 hour tho' - I had this daft idea that it never slept and that meant everything was open all the time, but no - couldn't find a subway open later than 11! I think we are more 24hr than NY! I did enjoy it but it's not somewhere I'd be that bothered if I didn't go back to.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: New York - 5 days
