I was advised to come to these threads for questions about this specific city, so I'll be posting the same thing in each city's forum lol ;) I'm travelling on my first business trip to US from Europe, and I've decided to extend it a bit.
I'll be in NYC from 8 to 10th of July. First of all, any suggestions on what to EAT? :D And where? I heard about awesome NYC pizzas.
As for the places to visit, since I'm there shortly, I'll just visit most famous places probably - Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Empire state building.
Appreciate any suggestions guys! Really looking forward seeing US for the first time. ^
Out of my Element
May 31, 12, 6:12 am
So many options, it all depends on you.
What's your budget for dinner? If it's $10 we've got ideas. If it's $25, we've got ideas. Same for $50, $100, $200, and even $500.
With booze or without?
Where are you staying?
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx?
Uptown, Midtown, Downtown?
In terms of visiting places, are you alone? Or are you with kids and/or a wife?
There is no such thing as One Size Fits all with NYC, we need to know more about you in order to recommend.
M60_to_LGA
May 31, 12, 7:28 am
So many options, it all depends on you.
There is no such thing as One Size Fits all with NYC, we need to know more about you in order to recommend.
I absolutely agree with this. There's so much to do in NYC that it's impossible to make suggestions without knowing a bit about a visitor's interests.
That said, here are a few general tips:
1) You can't see everything on a short trip, so don't even try. Don't feel you have to visit every major sight, museum, cultural attraction, etc., on your trip. It's pretty much impossible given the sheer number of tourist attractions in the city, and you'll drive yourself crazy trying to see the city like that. Pick a few - maybe the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art - and plan to come back to see the others!
2) Make sure you leave time to just walk around the city at your own speed and explore the neighborhoods. This is truly the best thing about NYC - Midtown is a collection of office buildings that you could find anywhere, although not in such density. Greenwich Village, the East Village - hell, even the Upper West Side - only in NYC.
3) DO NOT SPEND MORE THAN AN HOUR IN TIMES SQUARE. The entire area is a huge tourist trap designed mostly to separate flyover Americans from their money. The stores are all major chains, the restaurants are poor and ridiculously overpriced, and it's impossible to walk five feet down the sidewalk without stopping for all the herds of bovine tourists. By all means, go - walk around for a while, look at the lights, but then ESCAPE. And, please, for god's sake, don't eat at the Olive Garden.
4) On the other hand, do make sure you wander around Central Park for a while. It's beautiful, it's free, and it's a very NYC experience.
Powka
May 31, 12, 9:21 am
Thanks guys!
I'm alone, I'm 22 and I'm interesting in whatever I can see. I'm looking for food in the range of $10-20, I've heard about pizzas and carts. Then something else. I would appreciate if someone could advise me where to find these, or rather what are the best places for these ones?
I'm staying in Manhattan, about 10 min from Times Square.
As for the places to visit, I really want to look at the Friends' building and go to the central park, then hopefully Statue of Liberty and Empire state building or Rockefeller instead. I have 1 half day on 8th July, full day on 9th, so I'm not sure what do you think would be realistic to accomplish and what choices would be the best?
I'm alone so it'd be much more quicker for me to get to places, and get out of them, compared to if I was with a group of people.
M60_to_LGA
May 31, 12, 9:40 am
Thanks guys!
I'm alone, I'm 22 and I'm interesting in whatever I can see. I'm looking for food in the range of $10-20, I've heard about pizzas and carts. Then something else. I would appreciate if someone could advise me where to find these, or rather what are the best places for these ones?
I'm staying in Manhattan, about 10 min from Times Square.
As for the places to visit, I really want to look at the Friends' building and go to the central park, then hopefully Statue of Liberty and Empire state building or Rockefeller instead. I have 1 half day on 8th July, full day on 9th, so I'm not sure what do you think would be realistic to accomplish and what choices would be the best?
I'm alone so it'd be much more quicker for me to get to places, and get out of them, compared to if I was with a group of people.
Are you the OP? You appear to be, but the screen names are different.
Friends building? As in, the building from the TV show? Have fun with that :D:rolleyes::D
If you want to do the statue, I'd say leave very early in the morning - it's not really a quick trip because of the ferry. Also you might consider combining the statue with Ellis Island, which has a wonderful immigration museum.
If you do the Empire State, be aware that it will be insanely packed with tourists unless you go first thing in the morning. At any rate, it may be better to do that in the evening so you can see the sunset from up top.
Food in the range of $10-$20 is definitely doable in Manhattan, but not in Times Square (see my comment above.) However, in Hell's Kitchen (between 8th-10th Aves, roughly from 45th-59th Sts) you can find all sorts of food in that price range, and it's a very easy walk from Times Square.
If you like Chinese food, I'd definitely recommend going to Chinatown - you can get very inexpensive meals there, and I've never had a bad one. If you're unsure where to go, just take a walk around and see what looks interesting. Many of the more high-quality places will post Zagat-rated stickers, positive reviews, and things on their front doors/windows, but sometimes you can get an amazing meal at a nondescript, hole-in-the-wall sort of place where you wouldn't expect it.
As to pizza, most of the places you'll see on the street (Ray's, Original Ray's, Famiglia, etc.) are crap. To be honest, I've never quite understood the NYC pizza fetish, and I believe the best/most traditional places for pizza are actually in Brooklyn, not Manhattan. At any rate, I'm sure others on the board can provide suggestions, and you can always look at food blogs and guidebooks. My personal favorite pizza place is the one by my apartment, which may in fact be the best slice place in Manhattan - but I live above 207th St., and you probably don't want to head that far north just for pizza. :D
For street carts, there are felafel/shwarma and taco carts all over the place now, but of course they're of highly variable quality. My personal favorite taco cart is on the NE corner of 14th St/8th Ave (called "El Idolo").
Also, if you're 22, shouldn't you be asking about nightlife? Heh.
Yahillwe
May 31, 12, 10:01 am
I would do the empire state at night, you get a beautiful view of the lights...As for food, most of the carts are good and so are the trucks.
For pizza-by-the-slice, my favorite place in Manhattan is Pizza Suprema, on 8th Avenue between 30th and 31st streets (near Penn Station and the General Post Office). For whole pies, John's on Bleecker Street (in Greenwich Village), and Nick's on 2nd Avenue and 94th Street are both very good.
Some of the trendy, new pizzerias, like Co. and Motorino, get very good reviews from the food critics and from some FT regulars, but I have not tried either one of those.
LGANightOwl
May 31, 12, 11:15 am
As for pizza places - and I mean those that sell by the slice and have standing room - I find it to be trial and error. Even in the same pizza place, one day they may make it great, but the next day, it's just not the same. Could be the ingredients of the sauce, could be the dough...I'm not sure. So I'd suggest to the OP to just "follow the crowd." There's a rhyme and reason why people go for food here in NYC. If it's good, there will be a crowd. If it's bad, you can be sure that the restaurant will be empty.
There are pizza places that are restaurants that don't sell by the slice and you'll have to sit down and buy a whole pie. Some of the good one's that I have tried and would recommend are Patsy's Pizzeria in Greenwich Village, Grimaldi's Pizzeria in Brooklyn (may be too far to trek), and Lombardi's Pizza in Little Italy/SoHo.
Also, don't ever believe your hotel concierge if they tell you to order from Dominos, Papa Johns, or Pizza Hut. I don't care what anyone says, any place that allows you to order online for delivery IS NOT REAL PIZZA!
Food carts are hit or miss as well. For me, the hits are great, and the misses sometimes end me in the bathroom. Believe it or not, NYC has an annual Vendy Awards where food cart vendors can compete for the top slot. You can search for "Vendy Awards" to see if they updated the list. Again, follow the crowds. There is one vendor that I pass by all the time, on the corner of 53rd and 6th that always has a LONG line. They have a website (http://53rdand6th.com/) and even a YELP review here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/53rd-and-6th-halal-cart-new-york. Give that a try. If you're here in NYC on a weekend, there's always a Street Fair somewhere blocking traffic. Go to http://www.nycstreetfairs.com/ to check the schedules. Street fairs always have food vendors, but they may not be the best.
For more toursty restaurants, but still up there for food, I've always recommended Katz's Delicatessen (http://katzsdelicatessen.com/) Downtown. The pastrami sandwiches are great. It's a bit expensive (~$15 per sandwich), but the place has got a lot of history, a lot of celebrity pictures on the wall, and it's where the famous scene in "When Harry Met Sally" was shot.
As for sightseeing, when I travel, I've always found those double-decker hop-on/hop-off tourist buses a good deal to get a lay-of-the-land for my first day as a tourist. If something looks interesting, I'll revisit it on my own if I didn't get a chance to the first time around. You can find these in Times Square, on Broadway between 47th and 49th streets. They wear a billboard and will solicit tickets to you.
sent
May 31, 12, 4:04 pm
Food carts are hit or miss as well. For me, the hits are great, and the misses sometimes end me in the bathroom. Believe it or not, NYC has an annual Vendy Awards where food cart vendors can compete for the top slot. You can search for "Vendy Awards" to see if they updated the list. Again, follow the crowds. There is one vendor that I pass by all the time, on the corner of 53rd and 6th that always has a LONG line. They have a website (http://53rdand6th.com/) and even a YELP review here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/53rd-and-6th-halal-cart-new-york. Give that a try. If you're here in NYC on a weekend, there's always a Street Fair somewhere blocking traffic. Go to http://www.nycstreetfairs.com/ to check the schedules. Street fairs always have food vendors, but they may not be the best.
Don't waste your time standing in line at 53rd and 6th. There are several food carts in the vicinity along 6th Avenue that have pretty much the same food, especially for a first time who hasn't ever ate at a street meat cart and has no basis for comparison. Here's where we discussed these carts: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/961459-food-carts-street-meat-nyc.html (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/961459-food-carts-street-meat-nyc.html) BTW, don't get hot sauce if you have no tolerance for spicy food.
For NYC pizza, I woud say any of the places along the east side of 8th Avenue between 49th and 59th street would be a taste of "NYC pizza" which by my definition is "thin crust pizza." This section is very close to Times Square and just barely outside of the tourist trap area. Wherever you go, try to pick a place where the main focus of the restaurant is pizza and other Italian dishes. Not one of those delis where they sell some pizzas next to the mix-your-own-salad with the hot-food-buffet in the middle of the store. The pizza should look fresh and not dry with congealed cheese if it has been sitting out for a while.
sent
May 31, 12, 4:10 pm
As to pizza, most of the places you'll see on the street (Ray's, Original Ray's, Famiglia, etc.) are crap. To be honest, I've never quite understood the NYC pizza fetish, and I believe the best/most traditional places for pizza are actually in Brooklyn, not Manhattan. At any rate, I'm sure others on the board can provide suggestions, and you can always look at food blogs and guidebooks. My personal favorite pizza place is the one by my apartment, which may in fact be the best slice place in Manhattan - but I live above 207th St., and you probably don't want to head that far north just for pizza. :D
Have you ever lived elsewhere in the US outside of the NYC area? Spend a few years elsewhere and you'll be longing for any pizza that resembles Ray's and Famiglia.
Yahillwe
May 31, 12, 4:21 pm
How about hot dogs...http://www.crifdogs.com/
Burgers.....http://www.shakeshack.com/
And great pizza ....http://www.artichokepizza.com/
NYCTraveller
May 31, 12, 6:05 pm
:DHave you ever lived elsewhere in the US outside of the NYC area? Spend a few years elsewhere and you'll be longing for any pizza that resembles Ray's and Famiglia.
Disagree bigtime. Those restaurants are too commercialized. When you open chains, you need to maintain the consistency between restaurants. As a result, ingredients are made in one place, sometimes days in advance, and used in several locations. I much prefer my neighborhood pizzeria that makes their ingredients fresh multiple times daily. It's why it tastes unique.
(as you see, OP, this is a debate that can go on and on. :D)
nycflyer
May 31, 12, 6:13 pm
Are you the OP? You appear to be, but the screen names are different.
I don't think they're the same poster, though their itineraries overlap quite a bit:
LA San Fran NYC your suggestions! (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/1351526-la-san-fran-vegas-nyc-your-suggestions.html)
US trip: Please criticize (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/1324857-us-trip-please-criticize.html)
Powka, suggest you spend some time walking around the East Village and stop by Veselka, a popular Ukrainian diner that is open 24hrs:
Veselka EV (http://www.veselka.com/index2.html)
It's worth walking around Greenwich Village as well but not to see the "Friends" building exterior...that show was largely filmed indoors in Burbank CA. You might want to wait until LA to see the set on the WB studio tour if you are that much of a fan...
The Friends Set (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8MC40tpxc0)
sent
May 31, 12, 8:14 pm
:D
Disagree bigtime. Those restaurants are too commercialized. When you open chains, you need to maintain the consistency between restaurants. As a result, ingredients are made in one place, sometimes days in advance, and used in several locations. I much prefer my neighborhood pizzeria that makes their ingredients fresh multiple times daily. It's why it tastes unique.
(as you see, OP, this is a debate that can go on and on. :D)
I would pick the local over Rays or Famiglia as well. And of course not all Rays are chains, though I don't know about Famiglia because I feel like I've seen it outside of NYC in an airport somewhere. But my point was that when you don't have access to ANY New York pizza (like when I lived in Buffalo where the pizza can be described as "bread with ketchup"), you long for anything that reminds you of a slice from NYC, even if it is Rays.
Powka
Jun 1, 12, 6:47 am
No, we're not the same person, we're roommates :) We're going at the same time, but will be splitting after.
Thanks guys for all those advises! Will go through them again a few days before the trip.
And this was sooo cheezy :D
The Friends Set (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8MC40tpxc0)
M60_to_LGA
Jun 1, 12, 7:32 am
Have you ever lived elsewhere in the US outside of the NYC area? Spend a few years elsewhere and you'll be longing for any pizza that resembles Ray's and Famiglia.
Um, yes - I'm from Illinois and have lived in New England, as well as in Canada, the UK, Spain, Chile....
To be honest, I find the usual Ray's/Famiglia/whatever pizza to be crap. You can buy a better pie in the chilled food section of your average supermarket. I've had better slices in Chicago, Amherst, MA and Buenos Aires, to think of just three places that immediately come to mind. But if you can't get enough of your Ray's, then don't let me stop you.
M60_to_LGA
Jun 1, 12, 7:58 am
Powka, suggest you spend some time walking around the East Village and stop by Veselka, a popular Ukrainian diner that is open 24hrs:
Veselka EV (http://www.veselka.com/index2.html)
Veselka's pretty good. However, if you like that sort of food, I'd recommend going to Odessa on Ave. A just south of St. Marks. It's a divey-type restaurant/bar/diner, and the food is much cheaper than at Veselka.
There are two separate dining rooms at Odessa - I always prefer the one that looks more like a bar.
sent
Jun 1, 12, 9:52 am
Um, yes - I'm from Illinois and have lived in New England, as well as in Canada, the UK, Spain, Chile....
To be honest, I find the usual Ray's/Famiglia/whatever pizza to be crap. You can buy a better pie in the chilled food section of your average supermarket. I've had better slices in Chicago, Amherst, MA and Buenos Aires, to think of just three places that immediately come to mind. But if you can't get enough of your Ray's, then don't let me stop you.
We agree to disagree then. And since I have no plans to move out of the tri-state anymore, I'll always be able to satisfy my thin-crust pizza fix. Rays or not. :D
LGANightOwl
Jun 1, 12, 9:57 am
Don't waste your time standing in line at 53rd and 6th. There are several food carts in the vicinity along 6th Avenue that have pretty much the same food, especially for a first time who hasn't ever ate at a street meat cart and has no basis for comparison. Here's where we discussed these carts: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/961459-food-carts-street-meat-nyc.html (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/961459-food-carts-street-meat-nyc.html) BTW, don't get hot sauce if you have no tolerance for spicy food.
I agree that when it comes to food carts, NYC has TONS. But, as I mentioned in my previous post, I've ended up in the bathroom (with several aftershocks) due to many carts. That's why I tend to go where the crowd is. Food is fresh, they change their gloves between raw and cooked food, and they can give you more for your buck. You can lose customers easily, but you gain loyalty much harder. As with anything, YMMV.
nerd
Jun 1, 12, 10:43 am
I've had better slices in Chicago, Amherst, MA and Buenos Aires, to think of just three places that immediately come to mind.Antonio's? Mmmm. And so cheap.
M60_to_LGA
Jun 1, 12, 11:28 am
Antonio's? Mmmm. And so cheap.
Well played, sir (ma'am). Well played.
NBThing
Jun 2, 12, 5:36 am
Hello people!
Maybe somebody could advise the best way from JFK to my hotel (Marrakech Hotel, 2688 Broadway, 103rd Street, NY)?
EDIT: Or rather, actually, maybe to Manhattan, NY 10014 (friend's building) instead of hotel straight away, as I'm landing at 11am, and the check-in is only after 3pm, so I have some time to kill, I thought I'll check out this place and cross it off my list, then walk to maybe Broadway, Time Square and hotel after. Should be around 4pm by then I think.
I've checked with GoogleMaps, and everything sooo complicated... kind of worried, is it the only way? How expensive would a taxi be?
Thanks! I've found this though: http://www.supershuttle.com
It says it would be $11 for a shared van. Has anybody tried it? I mean is it guaranteed or is it only if they gather all those 11 people? I probably sound stupid, I know :)
And also this one: http://www.nyairportservice.com/fares.php
ft101
Jun 2, 12, 6:26 am
JFK to Manhattan has a taxi flatrate of 45$.[/url]
Tip optional?
armattheus
Jun 2, 12, 6:40 am
I've used SuperShuttle here in NY and in other places. I have been the only person once but they usually wait 15 minutes or so for another person. The upside to it is the price. The downside is you have no control over if you're the first or last person off the van. Going to the airport I was the last pickup before they headed but coming back I was the last...that sucked and took 2 hours from the time I got on the van. I had a lot of luggage or I would have hopped out.
Tipping in NYC is not optional :D
Thanks! I've found this though: http://www.supershuttle.com
It says it would be $11 for a shared van. Has anybody tried it? I mean is it guaranteed or is it only if they gather all those 11 people? I probably sound stupid, I know :)
And also this one: http://www.nyairportservice.com/fares.php
FlyinHawaiian
Jun 2, 12, 6:48 am
Thanks! I've found this though: http://www.supershuttle.com
It says it would be $11 for a shared van. Has anybody tried it? I mean is it guaranteed or is it only if they gather all those 11 people? I probably sound stupid, I know :)
And also this one: http://www.nyairportservice.com/fares.php
Again, answers to many of your questions are covered in the New York City Forum.
If you are light on luggage, take the MTA's Q10 bus and transfer to the subway. Cost = $2.75.
obscure2k
Jun 2, 12, 7:58 am
Moving this over to the NYC Forum
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator
Often1
Jun 2, 12, 8:40 am
OT - But cancel your hotel and move immediately. I once got stuck at the Marrakesh for about an hour before I left and checked in elsewhere. It's filthy, tiny, and all around a bad place. Lots better places at comparable rates in the area.
As to JFK - Upper West Side. Best deal is a cab $45+tip = $55. Shuttles unreliable and can make you wait as long as an hour to fill up and then drop you last if that's how the route works out.
If you are light on luggage, take the MTA's Q10 bus and transfer to the subway. Cost = $2.75.
If the OP first secures a Metrocard, the bus + subway would cost only $2.25. But without a Metrocard, there is no free transfer from bus to subway, so the bus would cost $2.25, and the subway would cost an additional $2.25 if a Metrocard were purchased at the subway station, or an additional $2.50 if a single-ride ticket were purchased at the subway station.
Analise
Jun 2, 12, 10:34 am
EDIT: Or rather, actually, maybe to Manhattan, NY 10014 (friend's building) instead of hotel straight away, as I'm landing at 11am, and the check-in is only after 3pm, so I have some time to kill, I thought I'll check out this place and cross it off my list, then walk to maybe Broadway, Time Square and hotel after. Should be around 4pm by then I think.
A zip code? Totally useless if you want direction advice. Give us the location by nearest corner if you don't want to give the exact address.
Avoid the SuperShuttle. Takes way too long.
NBThing
Jun 2, 12, 11:18 am
A serious question: Is it complicated to get onto the bus then transfer to the metro and get off in Manhattan? I've been to some cities where I can't figure it out for the world, and some are extremely clear.
NBThing
Jun 2, 12, 11:21 am
I agree that when it comes to food carts, NYC has TONS. But, as I mentioned in my previous post, I've ended up in the bathroom (with several aftershocks) due to many carts. That's why I tend to go where the crowd is. Food is fresh, they change their gloves between raw and cooked food, and they can give you more for your buck. You can lose customers easily, but you gain loyalty much harder. As with anything, YMMV.
Any particular ones that you really enjoyed?
nycflyer
Jun 2, 12, 11:24 am
OT - But cancel your hotel and move immediately. I once got stuck at the Marrakesh for about an hour before I left and checked in elsewhere. It's filthy, tiny, and all around a bad place. Lots better places at comparable rates in the area.
Um, definitely consider reports of bedbugs at the Marrakech. If those things crawl into your luggage they will be getting a free ride with you across the USA:
If carrying luggage is not an issue then do what locals do and take the AirTrain to Jamaica ($5) then E train to Manhattan ($2.25). 14th St, W4th St and Spring St stations are nearest to 10014.
You pay for your fare and buy Metrocards at the Jamaica AirTrain station. The signage there is very clear and there are red coat agents who help people with questions.
To & From JFK (http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-to-from.html)
One disadvantage of this route for the first time visitor is you will miss the magical "I'm in New York" view of the Manhattan skyline that you'd see taking a bus or shuttle into the city.
PTravel
Jun 2, 12, 11:31 am
No one else has said it, so I will:
Skip the Statue of Liberty. If you're going to Ellis Island (worth a trip, in my opinion), the ferry that takes you there stops at the Statue of Liberty, so you'll be able to get great views of it.
Also, if you have any interest in theater at all, catch something good on Broadway -- New York and London are the meccas for English-speaking theater. Avoid the touristy shows (basically anything that's a revue or based on the music of a rock group).
If you have any interest at all in art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must see.
NBThing
Jun 2, 12, 11:48 am
No one else has said it, so I will:
Skip the Statue of Liberty. If you're going to Ellis Island (worth a trip, in my opinion), the ferry that takes you there stops at the Statue of Liberty, so you'll be able to get great views of it.
Also, if you have any interest in theater at all, catch something good on Broadway -- New York and London are the meccas for English-speaking theater. Avoid the touristy shows (basically anything that's a revue or based on the music of a rock group).
If you have any interest at all in art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must see.
I'm going with a CityPass, and involves Statue of Liberty + Ellis island (4 hours apparently, or something). I'm not sure how is this trip planned, but if you or anyone have any idea, I'd appreciate it. And I guess I can't skip just one of these in this case.
I do have an interest in Broadway, unfortunately I don't have any time for it. I was planning on Metropolitan museum, but again - can't make it because of the time issue, as its closed on Monday. I'm going to Natural History Museum instead.
I'm beginning to think that City Pass isn't the best idea, as I'm skipping two of its offered attractions - MOMA and MET. Need to do the math before I actually buy it.
Analise
Jun 2, 12, 2:07 pm
I'm going with a CityPass, and involves Statue of Liberty + Ellis island (4 hours apparently, or something). I'm not sure how is this trip planned, but if you or anyone have any idea, I'd appreciate it. And I guess I can't skip just one of these in this case.CityPass has a fixed amount of time to see all of the attractions listed. The website says it's 9 days.
I'm beginning to think that City Pass isn't the best idea, as I'm skipping two of its offered attractions - MOMA and MET. Need to do the math before I actually buy it.FYI: The Met's and the American Museum of Natural History's admission fees are up to you. Since they are heavily subsidized by taxes, you can pay $1; you can pay $20 — whatever you want. MOMA is free Friday afternoons after 4pm but then you'll be there with masses of people.
If you want to see the Statue of Liberty, you can save money and take the free Staten Island ferry and stand outside on the starboard (right) side to see the Statue. When you arrive at Staten Island, get off immediately and get back on the next ferry to Manhattan which will probably be right away.
Analise
Jun 2, 12, 2:11 pm
A serious question: Is it complicated to get onto the bus then transfer to the metro and get off in Manhattan? I've been to some cities where I can't figure it out for the world, and some are extremely clear.The "metro" is in DC. ;) No, it's easy. The transfer time is 2 hours. You drop the metrocard in the reader (it pops right back up) on a bus and when you get to the subway, you swipe it at the turnstile. Easy, easy, easy. Just make sure you get off the bus by the subway you want.
secretsea18
Jun 2, 12, 2:48 pm
If you want to go to the Statue of Liberty it is a good idea to know that you can get tickets in advance (that will get you a set time for the ferry) and that you will want to take the subway 1 train (in the first 5 cars) to South Ferry. It is a short walk to the ferry station.
http://www.statuecruises.com/ for your advance tickets to the Statue and Ellis Island. These are well worth the trip. And you get a beautiful view of Manhattan from the ferry.
As for pizza, everyone has their favorite. I would ask the doorman in your hotel where he gets his slice for a quick bite.
As for Artichoke.... it is pretty good but way too expensive and the guys working in the original location on 14th Street in East Village have a huge attitude. I only get the Margarita style. The Artichoke slice is a coronary attack and way too greasy for me. Yuck.
In my neighborhood, I order from John's (Chelsea).
Have fun! Oh and make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot. I also always have a small umbrella handy. It can change from sun to rain in an hour!
secretsea18
Jun 2, 12, 3:56 pm
I would skip taking the bus/subway transfer option as a first timer into NYC from JFK.
Instead. => take the Airtrain to the subway/LIRR station for $5
(you buy your ticket after the Airtrain ride and can get a Metrocard at the same time for use in NYC subways and trains--- pick up a subway map for free from the booth)
Then if you want to ride the subway, take the E train into midtown. Cost $2.25
OR
take the LIRR for just a few dollars more depending on the time of day/day of week. Ticket machines are easy to work. Take the LIRR to Penn Station and connect to many subway lines to your destination.
Shuttles take you all over the city. Avoid them entirely.
Either take a taxi back to JFK or take the subway/LIRR/Airtrain option. Expect the transit to JFK to take about 90 minutes to get to the airport, just in case there are some delays.
Landing Gear
Jun 2, 12, 9:56 pm
No one else has said it, so I will:
Skip the Statue of Liberty.
I presume you really mean "skip Liberty Island until they reopen the Statue." Otherwise, I give this comment :td::td::td::td:
(Press Release: Liberty Island to Remain Open During Year-Long Renovation (http://www.nps.gov/stli/parknews/liberty-island-to-remain-open-during-year-long-renovation.htm))
I climbed to the crown on July 5, 2009, the day after the official re-opening. It was an incredible experience and I hope to do it again. In fact, I would sooner go to the Statue of Liberty back than I would return to the Empire State Building.
fiddlestickies
Jun 2, 12, 11:04 pm
Cabs are a waste of money and will likely take just as long to get you to your destination.
I would take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and take the Long Island Railroad from Jamaica Station to Penn Station. From there, transfer to the 1 local train uptown and get off at 103rd. You'll be right at your hotel! The whole cost will be around $15 depending on when you arrive instead of $60 with a cab + tip.
This looks confusing, but it's not actually so difficult and if you get lost you can always ask someone waiting for a train. New Yorkers are much nicer and more helpful than their reputation!
Good luck!
g-didi
Jun 2, 12, 11:19 pm
As a first time visitor to NYC in February I was able to use the public transit system without much trouble at all. It looks overwhelming, but it really isnt all that complicated once you spend a few minutes figuring it out. The bus driver announced all the stops etc and got me on the subway without any stress. People were more than willing to help me when asked.
PTravel
Jun 3, 12, 5:27 am
I presume you really mean "skip Liberty Island until they reopen the Statue." Otherwise, I give this comment :td::td::td::td:
(Press Release: Liberty Island to Remain Open During Year-Long Renovation (http://www.nps.gov/stli/parknews/liberty-island-to-remain-open-during-year-long-renovation.htm))
I climbed to the crown on July 5, 2009, the day after the official re-opening. It was an incredible experience and I hope to do it again. In fact, I would sooner go to the Statue of Liberty back than I would return to the Empire State Building.To each his own, I suppose. With a limited amount of time in New York, I don't recommend it.
dstan
Jun 3, 12, 2:18 pm
Hello people!
Maybe somebody could advise the best way from JFK to my hotel (Marrakech Hotel, 2688 Broadway, 103rd Street, NY)?
EDIT: Or rather, actually, maybe to Manhattan, NY 10014 (friend's building) instead of hotel straight away, as I'm landing at 11am, and the check-in is only after 3pm, so I have some time to kill, I thought I'll check out this place and cross it off my list, then walk to maybe Broadway, Time Square and hotel after. Should be around 4pm by then I think.
I've checked with GoogleMaps, and everything sooo complicated... kind of worried, is it the only way? How expensive would a taxi be?
Thank you people. ;)
Moving this over to the NYC Forum
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator
And now this thread has been merged into the OP's other thread on the same trip. We are happy to help you, NBThing, but please address all of your questions to this thread here in the NYC Forum going forward.
dstan
NYC Forum Moderator
nerd
Jun 3, 12, 5:15 pm
I presume you really mean "skip Liberty Island until they reopen the Statue." Otherwise, I give this comment :td::td::td::td:.It's legitimate advice. If you're here only for 2 days it is a major time suck to visit the SOL.
LGANightOwl
Jun 4, 12, 1:04 pm
Any particular ones that you really enjoyed?
For me, it's always hit or miss, just because I don't eat out that much and when I do, it's because I'm not staying put in my office. So there aren't any food vendors that I would say are "particularly good." The other thread on this topic (that I believe someone posted) may contain better advice here than I can give.
LGANightOwl
Jun 4, 12, 1:14 pm
Maybe somebody could advise the best way from JFK to my hotel (Marrakech Hotel, 2688 Broadway, 103rd Street, NY)?
While I don't have any specific recommendations, I always caution people that at JFK, you are more likely to be approached at a baggage claim area to see if you need a cab ride and can be quite pushy. The negotiations ensue and when you agree to a price, the driver leads you through a long walk into the parking garage to his car. These are most likely illegal cabbies moonlighting to earn a few extra bucks. While they may be cheaper, they are not insured for this type of activity and most can't even produce a proper receipt for you (if you need it for reimbursements). A friend of mine got one on a Burger King napkin.
For taxis, I always recommend people to go to the stand for official Yellow Cabs (there will be a dispatcher) outside of each arrivals area.
exilencfc
Jun 4, 12, 2:03 pm
I didn't try buses but the subway is pretty simple as is the airtrain, I found a good online guide I think on trip advisor. Personally I thought Union Square was more fun than Times Square. I didn't bother to get off the boat at the SOL, just Ellis Island which was fascinating. Of course if you don't want to visit Ellis and you don't mind a more distant view the Staten Island ferry is good - and it's free.
I'd suggest getting a decent map of the subway which also shows most of the streets/attractions. I picked up a free one in my hotel and I was able to navigate by foot and subway with very little difficulty.
Even better than the free subway map -- which is usually available at all staffed subway booths -- is the free Manhattan bus map, which shows the streets more clearly, and also identifies points of interest. The Manhattan bus map should be available at Manhattan subway stations, and can sometimes be found at the ground transportation information racks in the LGA/JFK airport terminals.
Even better than the free subway map -- which is usually available at all staffed subway booths -- is the free Manhattan bus map, which shows the streets more clearly, and also identifies points of interest. The Manhattan bus map should be available at Manhattan subway stations, and can sometimes be found at the ground transportation information racks in the LGA/JFK airport terminals.
Even better, the free Manhatan bus map is online. :p
http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/manbus.pdf
marklyon
Jun 4, 12, 6:30 pm
If you have a smartphone, download NYC Mate. It is an excellent bus and subway map.
zerodegre
Jun 9, 12, 2:10 am
Natural history museum
The met
Broadway show.... Rock of ages
Chinatown
NBThing
Jul 3, 12, 4:15 pm
Hello again!
Can anyone just please quickly advise: I'll have a CityPASS for Statue of Liberty so I would definitely like to go, but how does it work - after I get onto a ferry from Battery Park, does it go to both - Ellis and Liberty islands? Does it stop at both? And if it does, and I get off to check out Ellis island, do I just catch another one later with my CityPASS for free or I have to be on time before the same one I've been on leaves the island? I will also probably be going with the last ferry at 5pm..
Thanks!
NoName678
Jul 3, 12, 4:36 pm
I am not sure but I think the answer is this:
The ferry from Battery Park runs Battery Park - Liberty Island - Ellis Island - Battery Park.
The ferry from Jersey City runs Jersey City - Ellis Island - Liberty Island - Jersey City.
Stops at Ellis Island and Liberty Island are about 10 minutes - most people wait for a later ferry so they have more time.
From Liberty Island or Ellis Island you can get any ferry without having to show tickets again. You can start in NY and end up in NJ if you want. Or go back and forth between Liberty Island and Ellis Island all day.
However, if you take the 5:00 ferry, then according to the schedule that's the last one that travels from Liberty Island to Ellis Island - you'll have to choose one or the other (or limit yourself to a brief stop on Liberty Island).