New York tips wanted

[Eve]

Off to New York next week, very excited and can't wait :)

Just wondering if anyone has any good tips as to must-see & do things and particular times to do things to avoid ridiculous queues etc...

Any suggestions gratefully received :)

[jno]

it's all good. I'd say don't miss the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) - not as high as the Empire State building but quicker to get up; it's the only place I've seen in NYC with big queues. And a cruise around Manhattan, lasts about 3 hours, plus one on the Staten Island ferry. Central Park, 5th Avenue, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ground Zero... just about any guidebook should give you plenty to see and do.

[jno]

sorry, I meant the Empire State has the queues. Further south than top of the Rock so the view is different.

[Hymie]

The queues for the Statue of Liberty (via ferry) get very long � get there early, otherwise for a free view of the Statue of Liberty, take the Staten Island ferry.

Last time I was out there (about 8 years ago), a weekly travel pass on the Metro & buses cost an unbelievable $17. Checkout Greenwich Village (southern end of Manhattan Island) for some good nightlife (lively bars & clubs).

The queues for the Empire State building were not that bad � but since the demise of the World Trade Centre, things might have changed.

[spudqueen]

My favourite building was Grand Central Station, which is just off 5th Avenue. Make sure you get a good guide book, I recommend A Brits Guide To New York, which aswell as being an excellent guide book also has 'Brits tips' eg where to find public toilets (sorry, restrooms).

[20SilkCut]

Spudqueen...gotta agree with ya. Grand Central Station was wonderful. Some lovely little shops and stalls inside. When i was there they were just finishing off some big fashion shoot inside....just missed it...damm! Also there is a lovely bar upstairs - The Campbell Apartments - get dressed up and go for some wonderful cocktails amid the rich people with a string quartet in the background! Sex & the City Tour recommended - i'm sure they still run. Also take a trip over to Brooklyn and have a look round. Beside Ground Zero is Century 21 - sells cut price designer gear....but its a scrum and people are soooo rude!!! Enjoy...i'm dead jealous i'm not goin with ya! Where ya stayin Jenna?

[Eve]

Just off 5th Avenue, I can't believe I'm actually going!

I will look out for that guidebook as it sounds great :)

Grand Central is a definite, believe it's quite near our hotel too. Most of the others mentioned too.

The only one I'm not sure of is Ground Zero as I'd hate to see it full of gawking tourists, I'd see if more for a moment of quiet reflection. Is is a touristy place as I'd rather avoid it if so.

Thank you for all your tips :)

[20SilkCut]

God ya....Ground Zero is full of tourists...always...taking photos, out with banners... Maybe you could get there early in the morning..really early - at least it should be quieter.

Oh and dont forget the Staten Island Ferry...nice to chill out and its free! Have a great time Jenna.

[Hymie]

Take an empty suitcase � buy all your clothes out there. On return, people will ask you where you got all your outfits (as they haven�t seen them in M&S, Monsoon, etc.).

Check out Canal Street on the edge of China town for some bargain goods (of all sorts � some might be counterfeit).

When I was last out there, a guy was standing on a street corner with a large cardboard box which contained videos of a Disney film that had been released in the cinema that day. He was selling them; standing next to him was a police officer � who took no notice of him. Ethel would have been shocked at his lack of action on behalf of corporate USA.

[20SilkCut]

Yea Hymie...i forgot about Canal Street. I'd say most of the stuff on sale is counterfeit. If you are looking for handbags (and arent most of us women!!!) then the girls/guys outside will beckon you into a shop, bring you into the back, and into another little room, usually tiny, with about 15 women in there, and lots of bags etc hung on the walls. All counterfeit and at a low price but look pretty decent. Buy a few items and barter with them to get the price down. Ahhh....happy memories!

[dawndevil]

Take a trip over to Brooklyn if you don't mind walking it is a lovely walk over the bridge you can also get the subway back across to manhattan
google new york film and tv locations most places you can find yourself if you have a map/travel guide
we went and got our photos outside the friends apartment block (No central perk below though)down in bedford/grove greenwich village you'll eventually find it as there are tours take to it ross and UNG apartment is opposite
Also Breakfast at tiffanys house in the film Holly Golightly lived at 169 East 71st Street and a trip to tiffanys is a must even if you just get your photo taken outside a la audrey!
take plenty photos!!!

[missy_j78]

The Empire State Building at night is fantastic, the views are stunning. Also, the Staten Island ferry has great views and its free! Central Park is fab, there is a lovely zoo inside.

If you're going to Century 21 (and you should), make sure you go literally first thing in the morning. Filene's Basement (on 6th Ave) is another good one for discount designer gear.

Take the subway everywhere, its so easy to get around, taxi's will cost you a fortune during the daytime (although you should take taxi's in the evenings if you need to).