One/Two Day Trip to New York - First ever - Advise Please (Dec 2012)
Hi all !
We are planning on visiting New York next Sunday/Monday and would like to know the best and hassle free way to do so.
I know NY is usually traffic jammed, and assuming this would be the case on Christmas day too.
We are contemplating whether to drive there from Bos or fly there from BOS.
I was more leaning towards driving there so that we have the flexibility of where and when we go visiting places.
I agree that wifey does have a point when she says traffic might be too much on 23rd, 24th and 25th - especially 25th mid-night when we plan on returning. Also, parking might be too costly and finding a place to park when we visit a location for example Times square or empire state building would take both time and temper. She wants to take bus/fly and then use public transportation.
So, which is the better option?
Also, we know we will be there only for a day and wanted to make sure we have a trip planned out without wasting too much time in transit. We need some help mapping this out also !
I am also contemplating buying the New York 1 day or 2 day pass available here for $85 or $110.
Is this a good price? Or did anyone get better deals anywhere else? http://www.newyorkpass.com/prices.aspx
If staying in the Manhattan, a car is a hassle and an expense that is not needed. Subways, taxis, and buses are everywhere and run often. Also you can, if you like, walk to many places. I would fly or take a bus if you dont want to fly.
For passes, I usually dont unless it saves a lot of money- like when you want to see many museums in a short time frame but usually, it doesnt save me enough.
I would take Amtrak from Boston. Drops you off right in the city and no traffic worries. Traffic probably will be bad particularly in midtown. Plan on walking or subway to get around most easily.
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As others have noted, bringing a car into the city is not a good idea. Public transportation is excellent, traffic is insane and parking either very expensive (and slow) or non-existent. Amtrak is a perfect solution. If you're staying overnight, I'd recommend a midtown location -- NYC can be exhausting, and it's nice to have a centrally-located place to drop off purchases, or simply to take a short break.
Thank you all for your replies so far regarding drive/take train.
I have a different question:
Train itself costs about $300. I also don't think parking is available at the Boston South station.
I just saw buses from $60 round trip for both of us - $15 each way each ticket.
So, will most probably take the bus as it is very cheaper in comparison and the boarding and destination stops are the same.
Also, does anybody know if there is cheap parking around south station?
I just booked the hotel - priceline bid - about 2 hour ordeal to figuring out the areas, help from biddingtravel and google maps
Got it for $103 Bid, Totaling - $257/2days, currently listed for $203/day
Hotel - The Benjamin - Says 4 star - I have not heard of this before though.
Selected these areas starting with the one closest to Park Station, kept adding one by one and increasing the price by 3-5 dollars each bid.
Queensborough Bridge
Midtown East
Hell's Kitchen
Central Park South
Times Square - Theatre District
Madison Square Garden - Convention Area
Midtown West
Hopefully helps someone else out there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PTravel
As others have noted, bringing a car into the city is not a good idea. Public transportation is excellent, traffic is insane and parking either very expensive (and slow) or non-existent. Amtrak is a perfect solution. If you're staying overnight, I'd recommend a midtown location -- NYC can be exhausting, and it's nice to have a centrally-located place to drop off purchases, or simply to take a short break.
Last edited by therealintellectual; Dec 16, 12 at 12:16 pm..
Reason: Added bid info
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Another strategy would be to drive and park in a lot outside manhattan, then take the subway into the city. There are many lots that allow overnight parking for not a ton of $$ outside the city. Others will have to suggest some as i havent lived in NYC for 5 years now, but I had friends who used to do this when visiting me.
That would solve the parking in manhattan issue, give you flexibility, and avoid a long bus ride.
I have already booked the hotel and the bus for this trip.
It will be helpful for any future trips if someone has the info you mentioned.
Quote:
Originally Posted by keloutwest
Another strategy would be to drive and park in a lot outside manhattan, then take the subway into the city. There are many lots that allow overnight parking for not a ton of $$ outside the city. Others will have to suggest some as i havent lived in NYC for 5 years now, but I had friends who used to do this when visiting me.
That would solve the parking in manhattan issue, give you flexibility, and avoid a long bus ride.
The Benjamin is a quite nice hotel in a good location. My parents have stayed there on priceline bids once or twice and were very happy.
If you're taking a bus that goes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (Greyhound/Peter Pan) or drops on the street near Penn Station (Bolt/Mega/etc.), just hop on the Queens-bound E train to the Lexington Ave stop and you'll be just a couple blocks from your hotel. If you're taking a Chinatown bus (Lucky Star/Fung Wah/etc.), get on the uptown 6 train at Canal and take it to 51st.
Christmas Day is usually pretty quiet in the city, but there are plenty of things open. Things like movies are usually sold out, but with only a couple days in the city on your first visit, I would hope you'd find other things to do.
I recommend that you have a look at the MTA subway map before you arrive, as being somewhat familiar with the subway system will help your transit times.
I'm not aware of any cheap parking near South Station. Is the T not an option?
Do you have a list of things you want to do in NYC? If this is your first visit and you want to see all the classic sites, you can do things like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Park in a relatively short time. You probably want to stay in Manhattan if you want to do the most possible; the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will likely take up the majority of your day.
