Hi all -
My sister and I are planning a quick trip to NYC in late March. We've both been several times, but it's always been a quick in-n-out thing to see a game at Yankee Stadium. This time we want to really see/do some stuff!
If it makes a difference, we'll be staying in Queens, but plan on commuting to our tourist destinations.
We have a couple of must-haves, but the rest is open for opinion or contributions.
Arrive Sun PM by Amtrak, check-in, sleep.
Monday - Visit Union Square Greenmarket, WTC Memorial Site, do some shopping
Tuesday - Visit MOMA and Central Park Zoo, (perhaps some more shopping) and see a show at 7pm.
Wednesday - Check-out, check bags at Penn station, visit Top of the Rock, Staten Island Ferry (to get a good view of Lady Liberty), head home.
I broke this down by day, but nothig is set in stone except the Broadway show, we've already got those tix. This is just a general idea of what we want to do, I didn't want to pack the ITN, knowing that we'll never be able to do it, and we really want to enjoy our trip, but since neither of us really know anything about NYC, we're hoping for some input from those in the know. Do you have any recommendations for what to see or when?
We haven't purchased our train tickets yet, so departure is pretty flexible. We definitely want to see some of the major sights, but we're getting conflicting opinions/info as to what is worth seeing and what is a waste of our tourist dollars.
Any advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
NoName678
Jan 30, 12, 11:55 am
Let me be the first to respond that you are more likely to get useful information if you can specify what kinds of things you want. I know that can be hard to do without knowing what there is, but here are a few examples from Tripadvisor's things to do - but for any of them there are people who will be completely bored with them:
Manhattan Skyline (e.g. walk across Brooklyn Bridge)
Tenement Museum
Intrepid Sea/Air/Space museum
Cathedral of St John the Divine
FL2009
Jan 30, 12, 12:06 pm
It's a good deal, it comes with a nice guide booklet and you can order and receive before you leave
I would combine the WTC visit with the Staten Island Ferry. On your day of departure, I wouldn't recommend your taking the ferry just in case there are delays. There really shouldn't be but it's good to be prepared. Besides, if you're already going to be downtown for the WTC, the Ferry is a short walk from there. Maybe add the ferry to your Monday itinerary. There is nothing really to see in SI so when the ferry docks, get out immediately and then get back on the ferry departing for NYC. You can't stay on the same ferry even if that same boat is going back. It could very well be a different boat so you'll need to depart the ferry anyway in SI.
The Brooklyn Bridge has all kinds of scaffolding all over it so you may not get much of a view for a great deal of that walk. It's been like that for a while now unfortunately.
MOMA is a ripoff IMHO. Unless you REALLY want to see their exhibitions, you might want to consider the Metropolitan Museum. You can pay whatever you want as the admission is "suggested". Pay $1 if you like.
I also recommend the Museum of the City of New York. Fascinating. Like the Met, the admission fee is 'suggested'.
dchristiva
Jan 30, 12, 3:20 pm
Another vote for combining the SIF with a visit to the WTC Memorial. I would try to accomplish as much as possible in one visit to each section of the city. For efficiency, I would try to knock out everything you want to see downtown in one day.
I don't personally see the appeal of the Union Square Greenmarket, but the rest of the itinerary seems okay. Don't have big expectations for the Central Park Zoo. It's not bad, but it pales in comparison to the Bronx Zoo. I assume you have kids if the zoo is on your agenda. If so, how old are they? A visit to Heckscher Playground might be in order if the weather's decent.
beckduer
Jan 30, 12, 3:21 pm
Thanks guys. I appreciate the input.
We both want to see some of the "touristy" stuff and I'm a huge fan of local history, so the Museum of the City of New York sounds pretty interesting, so does the Met.
Also, I'm not yet familiar with the various neighborhoods, so I'm just trying to figure things out as I go. I'm waiting on my "visitor pack" from the tourism office, which, I think, will help.
No kids involved, we just both like to go to zoos. Is the Bronx Zoo really good? I've been a life-long fan of the National Zoo here in DC, but I'm afraid I've been pretty spoiled. So much here is free, it's hard to compare it to things in other cities where I have to pay!
"Wednesday - Check-out, check bags at Penn station"
Do you plan to check your bags through to WAS, so that they are waiting there for you to claim upon arrival, or do you only wish to day-check them, and then carry them on board when you depart NYP?
Analise
Jan 30, 12, 7:02 pm
Thanks guys. I appreciate the input.
We both want to see some of the "touristy" stuff and I'm a huge fan of local history, so the Museum of the City of New York sounds pretty interesting, so does the Met.
Also, I'm not yet familiar with the various neighborhoods, so I'm just trying to figure things out as I go. I'm waiting on my "visitor pack" from the tourism office, which, I think, will help.
No kids involved, we just both like to go to zoos. Is the Bronx Zoo really good? I've been a life-long fan of the National Zoo here in DC, but I'm afraid I've been pretty spoiled. So much here is free, it's hard to compare it to things in other cities where I have to pay!If you really like zoos, the Bronx Zoo is fabulous. Is that what you want to do on such a short trip? If so, there is one day per week in which you can pay whatever you want. This is on Wednesdays. Otherwise, it's $19.95. http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/directions.aspx
The Central Park Zoo is small. $18.00 admission.
Landing Gear
Jan 30, 12, 7:39 pm
There is nothing really to see in SI. . .
I am rather fond of the reptile collection at the Staten Island Zoo.
themicah
Jan 30, 12, 8:55 pm
Unless zoos are on your must-visit list for every city you visit, on a short visit without kids I don't think it's worth schlepping up to the Bronx. It's a very good zoo, but I'd focus on more unique-to-NY stuff instead. The Central Park Zoo is a much quicker visit, but is a bit expensive for what it is.
For neighborhoods, here's a basic map:
http://www.nyctourist.com/images/maps/map_hoods4.gif
Folks will have disagreements about where the borders are and what certain border areas and micro-'hoods are called, but it gives you a decent idea. FYI the vertical line running down the middle (in line with the eastern edge of Central Park) is 5th Ave, which generally divides "east" from "west" (except below 8th Street, where Broadway is the divider). The major horizontal lines are 59th Street (south end of the park) 42nd Street (south edge of Midtown), 14th Street (north edge of the Village), and Houston Street (south edge of the Village).
nerd
Jan 30, 12, 9:49 pm
If you're going to make the trek to the Bronx zoo, March is not a good time.
A lot of it is a zoo in the woods*. I'm sure it's nice when it's winter, or summer, or fall, but not its best in the early spring, brown mud season.
*Edited to add:Though what you're walking through are reasonably maintained paved paths.
Analise
Jan 31, 12, 6:56 am
I am rather fond of the reptile collection at the Staten Island Zoo.I knew I shouldn't have said that. I'm fond of the ballpark but it won't be open in March.
NoName678
Jan 31, 12, 7:48 am
Another vote for combining the SIF with a visit to the WTC Memorial. I would try to accomplish as much as possible in one visit to each section of the city. For efficiency, I would try to knock out everything you want to see downtown in one day.There is something to be said for this, but let's say the OP leaves his/her hotel at 9AM on Monday and it is a beautifully clear day. I think it makes sense in that case to do the SI ferry, Top of the Rock, and any skyline viewing that day, and leave MOMA or the zoo, for which it doesn't matter if it is cloudy or drizzly, for another day.
LOCommish
Jan 31, 12, 10:37 am
If you want to actually visit the WTC site you must have a pass:
As for touring the City, there are two (that I know) of the double-decker buses that cover a nice portion. Both have stops right around Penn Station so they are easily accessible.
www.citysightsnyc.com & www.newyorksightseeing.com I believe are the operators sites.
Can give you a good taste of the various areas of NY with relative ease.
Analise
Jan 31, 12, 12:32 pm
If you're going to make the trek to the Bronx zoo, March is not a good time.
A lot of it is a zoo in the woods. I'm sure it's nice when it's winter, or summer, or fall, but not its best in the early spring, brown mud season.I always equate "mud season" with northern New England or upstate NY. Right now, for example, it's 55º and I just left Central Park. Very dry indeed underfoot. :)
kwildnj
Jan 31, 12, 12:35 pm
If you're going to make the trek to the Bronx zoo, March is not a good time.
A lot of it is a zoo in the woods. I'm sure it's nice when it's winter, or summer, or fall, but not its best in the early spring, brown mud season.
Maybe I am mistaken, but aren't all areas paved? Its not like someone visiting the zoo is walking the actual exhibit! Though I would agree that with the trip up and back, the Bronx Zoo is nearly a whole day's time. The Central Park Zoo is a great alternative.
Also, to the OP, some.questions/thoughts about your trip:
1) Where in Queens are you going to be staying? -- The commute back and forth may quickly outweigh your financial benefit, expecially if you want to drop items or Freshen up before your show, and then back again at 10:00pm or later afterwards. A Hotel like the Hotel Pennsylvania (right at Penn Station - not super luxury, but not a Hostel can run usually about 99 a night or so)
2) Someone else asked for clarification on your statement that you were going to check your luggage with Amtrak, then continue throughout your day. -- Unless I am mistaken, the Amtrak Regionals (and Acelas) between NY and DC do not offer checked baggage service, only the longer distance trains to FL, the Carolinas, and Gulf Coast cities (which will stop in DC, however) offer this service. -- Also, an advantage of a Manhattan hotel is that you could store your luggage at the hotel after checkout.
Also, since you only have a short stay, and assuming you have been to many of the Smithsonian Museums in DC -- Try and visit museums which would be Unique to New York.
The Tenament House Museum, for one is wonderful, not knowing your age demographics, or how "fun" you might be, but theres also places like the Museum of Sex, or Museum of Television and Radio (it has a new name, I don't remember it though), or thr Museum if the Moving Image in the old Astoria Studios in Queens. Also, Ellis Island's museum is informative should that be of interest.
Also, you could forget about Zoos altogether, and instead go out to historical Coney Island, walk along the Boardwalk, and go to the New York Aquarium (after having a Nathan's Hot Dog, of course!
Oh, and I know you said late March, but absolutely do not consider coming to NYC on St Patricks Day, unless of course you are looking for thousands of 15-25 year old drunks. I love the city, but thats the sad truth about that day!
"Someone else asked for clarification on your statement that you were going to check your luggage with Amtrak, then continue throughout your day. -- Unless I am mistaken, the Amtrak Regionals (and Acelas) between NY and DC do not offer checked baggage service, only the longer distance trains to FL, the Carolinas, and Gulf Coast cities (which will stop in DC, however) offer this service"
Passengers ticketed on a Regional or Acela can still check bags between NYP and WAS. The bags will be transported on one of the long-distance trains with baggage cars. If you check your bags at NYP the morning, they should be available for pickup at WAS later that same day.
dchristiva
Feb 1, 12, 9:27 am
Thanks guys. I appreciate the input.
We both want to see some of the "touristy" stuff and I'm a huge fan of local history, so the Museum of the City of New York sounds pretty interesting, so does the Met.
Also, I'm not yet familiar with the various neighborhoods, so I'm just trying to figure things out as I go. I'm waiting on my "visitor pack" from the tourism office, which, I think, will help.
No kids involved, we just both like to go to zoos. Is the Bronx Zoo really good? I've been a life-long fan of the National Zoo here in DC, but I'm afraid I've been pretty spoiled. So much here is free, it's hard to compare it to things in other cities where I have to pay!
Yes, the Bronx Zoo is really good, but, without kids, I don't know that I'd go to see it when your time seems so limited. It's a big place, much like the National Zoo, so it could easily fill 1/2 to 3/4 of a day. Personally, I'd skip it and commit that time to more sightseeing in Manhattan.
dchristiva
Feb 1, 12, 10:15 am
There is something to be said for this, but let's say the OP leaves his/her hotel at 9AM on Monday and it is a beautifully clear day. I think it makes sense in that case to do the SI ferry, Top of the Rock, and any skyline viewing that day, and leave MOMA or the zoo, for which it doesn't matter if it is cloudy or drizzly, for another day.
Fair point. Certainly worth going to TOTR on a clear day. Don't know that I'd care as much about the SIF. But I hear what you're saying.
dchristiva
Feb 1, 12, 10:17 am
If you're going to make the trek to the Bronx zoo, March is not a good time.
A lot of it is a zoo in the woods. I'm sure it's nice when it's winter, or summer, or fall, but not its best in the early spring, brown mud season.
I must be forgetting something about the Bronx Zoo. I don't recall having to go "off road" in many (if any) places. To which parts of the zoo are you referring?
nerd
Feb 1, 12, 11:13 am
I must be forgetting something about the Bronx Zoo. I don't recall having to go "off road" in many (if any) places. To which parts of the zoo are you referring?And you don't currently have to go off-road in many/any places.
dchristiva
Feb 1, 12, 1:39 pm
And you don't currently have to go off-road in many/any places.
That's what I said ("off-road", meaning "off pavement"). So where's the mud at the Bronx Zoo in March?
nerd
Feb 1, 12, 1:49 pm
That's what I said ("off-road", meaning "off pavement"). So where's the mud at the Bronx Zoo in March?I said it's the season where it's kind of brown and muddy out. I didn't say you're walking through it.
(Sorry OP that your thread got derailed.)
dchristiva
Feb 1, 12, 2:49 pm
I said it's the season where it's kind of brown and muddy out. I didn't say you're walking through it.
(Sorry OP that your thread got derailed.)
Got it. I think your OP made it sound like one had to literally walk "through the woods" (and mud) on a visit to the Bronx Zoo. Now I see that you just mean that much of the zoo is in a wooded area.
beckduer
Feb 2, 12, 3:48 pm
WOW! You guys have provided some GREAT information for me!
@guv1976 - The train we're on doesn't allow for checked bags, but that wasn't what I was referring to. We are "storing" (day-checking) our bags at Penn Station for the day, since our planned train is later in the evening.
@kwildnj - We're staying right off the Queens expressway. Officially, the hotel is in LI, but it's really in Queens. We know it's a hike from Mid-town, but the cost and room size is what sold us on it. It's also only a block from the subway and a straight shot to Times Square, so I think we'll be OK for that.
Your suggestions for museums are great! My sister will balk at the Museum of Sex, but the others sound really interesting. (I may have to come back and check that one out in other company!)
Someone at work suggested taking one of the Circle Line Tours to catch all the sights including Lady Liberty. Can anyone tell me if that would be worth the money? It's $36 for the 3 hr tour. (I'm hearing the theme from "Gilligan's Island"!)
cjk177
Feb 2, 12, 6:03 pm
Someone at work suggested taking one of the Circle Line Tours to catch all the sights including Lady Liberty. Can anyone tell me if that would be worth the money? It's $36 for the 3 hr tour. (I'm hearing the theme from "Gilligan's Island"!)
I did it last year (early April) and I would say it's worth the money if the weather is good and you have the time. I might suggest going for the 2 hour tour, I didn't find the northern half to be all that exciting.
If you want to do Circle Line, TOTR and a couple museums I would check out the CityPass and see if it works for you: http://www.citypass.com/new-york
"@guv1976 - The train we're on doesn't allow for checked bags, but that wasn't what I was referring to. We are "storing" (day-checking) our bags at Penn Station for the day, since our planned train is later in the evening."
As previously mentioned, the fact that the train you are ticketed on does not carry checked baggage does not preclude you from checking baggage -- free of charge -- through to WAS. Amtrak will simply put it on another train that does carry checked baggage, and you can claim your bags at WAS when you arrive there (as long as the Amtrak Baggage Service office at WAS is still open when you arrive).
"@guv1976 - The train we're on doesn't allow for checked bags, but that wasn't what I was referring to. We are "storing" (day-checking) our bags at Penn Station for the day, since our planned train is later in the evening."
As previously mentioned, the fact that the train you are ticketed on does not carry checked baggage does not preclude you from checking baggage -- free of charge -- through to WAS. Amtrak will simply put it on another train that does carry checked baggage, and you can claim your bags at WAS when you arrive there (as long as the Amtrak Baggage Service office at WAS is still open when you arrive).
Not to derail (ha) this thread, but how does this work? If my train doesn't carry checked baggage, won't I have to hang out at Union Station in D.C. waiting for the train that does carry checked baggage to arrive? Seems like a potential time-waster and inconvenience.
dchristiva
Feb 3, 12, 9:02 am
I did it last year (early April) and I would say it's worth the money if the weather is good and you have the time. I might suggest going for the 2 hour tour, I didn't find the northern half to be all that exciting.
If you want to do Circle Line, TOTR and a couple museums I would check out the CityPass and see if it works for you: http://www.citypass.com/new-york
Other NYC tourists I've asked have said the same thing about the Circle Line tours. I think there's a thread about city tours in this forum.
"@guv1976 - The train we're on doesn't allow for checked bags, but that wasn't what I was referring to. We are "storing" (day-checking) our bags at Penn Station for the day, since our planned train is later in the evening."
As previously mentioned, the fact that the train you are ticketed on does not carry checked baggage does not preclude you from checking baggage -- free of charge -- through to WAS. Amtrak will simply put it on another train that does carry checked baggage, and you can claim your bags at WAS when you arrive there (as long as the Amtrak Baggage Service office at WAS is still open when you arrive).
Not to derail (ha) this thread, but how does this work? If my train doesn't carry checked baggage, won't I have to hang out at Union Station in D.C. waiting for the train that does carry checked baggage to arrive? Seems like a potential time-waster and inconvenience.
Not if you drop your bags in the morning, and take a train to WAS several hours later, as the OP intends to do. ;)