I am watching for an airfare sale, so I haven't booked my tickets yet. I am trying to decide how many days we should stay...

I once in NY about 15 years ago for a day... My husband hasn't been in many years. We have never been together. We are going for a long weekend in April.

Although I haven't decided EXACTLY what we would do, here are some ideas --
**2 theater productions
**couple of nice dinners out
**Central Park/5th Avenue
**Maybe a city tour
**Museum
**Shopping or drinks in the Village
**Ground Zero

I am sure there are other things we will want to fit in. Also, I don't want to create an agenda for us where we are 'running' from one thing to the next the whole time....but feel like we get a chance to enjoy the moment.

Am considering flying in on Friday afternoon or evening. Would leaving Monday afternoon be too short? Would leaving Tuesday afternoon be reasonable? The Tuesday afternoon departure would be 4 nights and 3 1/2 days...

I looked thru the archives and didn't see this addressed.

Thanks

I think leaving on Monday would give you a nice little vacation. NY is pretty much a different world (mostly for the better) than it was 15 years ago. It has some of everything so it depends on what you like. One thing to be aware of is the Museum of Modern Art is undergoing extensive remodeling and is temporarily in Queens. Show are nice, I also love opera. You can check on museum and opera web pages to see what is happening when you are here. Also, you might pick up a Sunday Times (I cant believe I just recommended someone buy that rag) to see the Arts and Leisure section. Lots of info on shows concerts etc. Also, the Circle Line Cruise around Manhattan is really nice and actually a good way to sort of get your bearings as to the layout of the city. Have fun. By the way, the "Boy from Oz" has been panned by critics but I loved it and apparently others have as well. Its doing well at the box office.

If you don't want to feel rushed as may tourists do feel that way, stay as long as you are able to do so.

Actually, you can do all of the things on your list on one day in NYC (well, I'd just do ONE show and ONE dinner ) but it ceertainly is best to spread your vaction out over several days.

A great public transportation system and close proximity for everything you've mentioned really do make it possible...

Just last Monday, I went into the City (I live out on Long Island) and, from 1030am to 4pm, I packed in the following:

-getting an eyeful of the glorious Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, two of the most beautiful architectural structures in NY
-shopping on 5th Avenue
-viewing of beautiful Christmas windows at all the high end department stores
-visit to St Patricks Cathedral
-visit to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas Tree and ice skaters
-wonderful leisurely lunch with wine at Cite'
-shopping in Times Square
-cab downtown to Spring Street to have dessert (Rice to Riches, a rice pudding emporium that is DIVINE!)

and yes, that was just in a few hours....and we could've fit in a show, dinner and a nice hotel stay if we'd been inclined.

But I certainly suggest taking as much time as you can....a week is not too much....and better to take a few days that don't fall on the weekends, as crowds are noticeably less during the week if you are doing the touristy things.

Do plan ahead...be flexible, but know what are your "must-do's", so that you don't get sidetracked (which is SO easy) and end up missing what you truly came for. Also prepare for the possibilty of bad weather and think of what indoor activities you'd like to do.

And, most especially....HAVE FUN !

Thanks for the info. Why would you do only ONE dinner in a city with so many great restaurants tho?

I already have tickets to one show and thought two might be good since we are never in NY.

I was humorously suggesting that all those things be done in one day

Oops Thanks!