[Travel] New York Travel advice please

[CroydonSeagull]

Just returned from NYC and Philly at the weekend.
Been a couple of times previously and broadly agree with the advice given so far.
If you must go up the Empire State Building would definitely pre-book a ticket and consider whether buying the upgrade to skip the line might be a worthwhile investment.

I would throw my recommendation in for the Intrepid Air and Space Museum if you are in anyway geeky about planes or ships (easy to get to if you are staying in midtown). I also found Ellis Island to be interesting when visiting the statue of liberty, so perhaps that might be worth considering too.

 

[dolphins]

Just returned from NYC and Philly at the weekend.
Been a couple of times previously and broadly agree with the advice given so far.
If you must go up the Empire State Building would definitely pre-book a ticket and consider whether buying the upgrade to skip the line might be a worthwhile investment.

I would throw my recommendation in for the Intrepid Air and Space Museum if you are in anyway geeky about planes or ships (easy to get to if you are staying in midtown). I also found Ellis Island to be interesting when visiting the statue of liberty, so perhaps that might be worth considering too.

Another vote for Intrepid - and don't think you need to be overly geeky either. I went there with my missus and twin boys (just about 21 at time of visit) and we all thought it fascinating. The Growler sub was interesting if a little challenging moving through it if you are of larger/taller build, as you have to go through porthole type doors. Easy to get to if Midtown, as noted, and also if you are doing a HOHO bus as I think there's a stop nearby. Other than the aircraft carrier (which has a range of small planes and helicopters on it) it also has a space shuttle, and a Concorde.

 

[Questions]

Another vote for Intrepid - and don't think you need to be overly geeky either. I went there with my missus and twin boys (just about 21 at time of visit) and we all thought it fascinating. The Growler sub was interesting if a little challenging moving through it if you are of larger/taller build, as you have to go through porthole type doors. Easy to get to if Midtown, as noted, and also if you are doing a HOHO bus as I think there's a stop nearby. Other than the aircraft carrier (which has a range of small planes and helicopters on it) it also has a space shuttle, and a Concorde.

Wow…… A Growler sub….. what a name. I bet that goes down quick.

 

[Peteinblack]

I'd give the Statue of Liberty a miss - a waste of two-hours due to snail-pace queues when I did it; slow climb-up inside - like climbing inside a lighthouse - for a one-minute restricted view then down again.

Ground Zero you can walk round freely - but as you'd expect, it is absolutely harrowing; includes one of the fire engines used that day, twisted girders, recordings of personal phone calls, etc.

I strongly echo the recommendations to do: a) the High Line walk and b) Central Park.

In the evenings, Greenwich Village is the cultural hub for bars, live music, restaurants and impromptu street theatre (Washington Square Park) - friendly and absolutely buzzing (think Brighton's North Laine x 100).

 

[AZ Gull]

Just returned from NYC and Philly at the weekend.
Been a couple of times previously and broadly agree with the advice given so far.
If you must go up the Empire State Building would definitely pre-book a ticket and consider whether buying the upgrade to skip the line might be a worthwhile investment.

I would throw my recommendation in for the Intrepid Air and Space Museum if you are in anyway geeky about planes or ships (easy to get to if you are staying in midtown). I also found Ellis Island to be interesting when visiting the statue of liberty, so perhaps that might be worth considering too.

Could you see anything through the smoke (or had it not started at that stage?)?

 

[theonesmith]

Could you see anything through the smoke (or had it not started at that stage?)?

It only started yesterday (I live in New York)

Also status of liberty recommendation - if you want to see it but want to do it quickly/for free you can always take the ferry to Staten Island and back, which goes past it

 

[theonesmith]

If anyone wants any NYC advice I'm always happy to help - feel free to pm me

Top tip, use this website to see the free/local events on in the city at any time (appropriately named for us Brighton fans as 'the skint')

the skint | free and cheap new york. every day.

theskint.com

 

[CroydonSeagull]

Could you see anything through the smoke (or had it not started at that stage?)?

We were back before all that smokiness rolled in fortunately. Philly was starting to get a little smoggy on the Friday. But we lucked out on weather and conditions. 25C in NYC and a hot 30-32C in Philadelphia. Pic from Top of the Rock.

 

[Official Old Man]

As others have said, you get a good view from the Staten Island ferry, and if you go for one of the HOHO buses, they often have package deals which include the Liberty Ferry which will take you to Liberty Island, and Ellis Island, which could be a better/cheaper option than buying a ticket for the ferry from Battery Park/the official website, albeit you won't have statue options. While at Battery Park (which is close to Wall Street) look across the road (towards the Freedom Tower) and you'll see the Men In Black building!

We had one of those 'free' ferry tickets. Sadly they give priority to paying customers first and us freebies didn't get on. Waste of a couple of hours getting to terminal and queueing.

 

[Marlton and Hove Albion]

https://mcsorleysoldalehouse.nyc/ I don't think I've ever seen a recommendation on there what to do in NYC threads. It's quite an experience if you like the idea of authentic Irish-American culture (beer, snacks). Highly recommend.

 

[albionalex]

We were back before all that smokiness rolled in fortunately. Philly was starting to get a little smoggy on the Friday. But we lucked out on weather and conditions. 25C in NYC and a hot 30-32C in Philadelphia. Pic from Top of the Rock.
View attachment 161924

Any Philly recommendations?

 

[North Carolina Supporter]

As a former New Yorker, my recommendation would be to start by thinking of Manhattan as a rectangle that is ~10 avenues long and ~150 streets wide. Good to remember that 20 blocks = 1 mile. In other words, moving North-South between Central Park and 9/11 Memorial is about 70 blocks. The best places within this stretch are: The Edge at Hudson Yards if it’s a clear day, The Intrepid and Little Island (recent amazing walkable garden along Hudson River nearby), then The HighLine - which starts at Hudson Yards and ends at The Whitney- which is a fantastic art museum in the West Village along the Hudson… in fact, there is a walkable park that stretches all the way from Intrepid to the World Trade Tower… walking all that way would take an hour or so (from Intrepid to 9/11 Memorial) if you go to the Memorial- also see the new subway terminal- incredible architecture. If you want to see New York from a unique perspective- I highly recommend the boat cruise - they have brunch and sunset options. Not cheap, but not too expensive- and they launch from - you guessed it- the Hudson in Chelsea. I would not spend hours going to Statue of Liberty when you can see her from the other side of the Hudson. The Blind Tiger and White Horse Tavern are 2 good options for pints… both in West Village- 2 blocks from the Hudson.

 

[RandyWanger]

The view from our office window:

 

[ozzygull]

Taking my daughter to New York On Monday for 5 days and will be there for her 21st. We had booked it for her 18th but Covid put a stop to it.

I have never been before, so really looking forward to it. She has it all planned out and I will just be following what she want's to do.

 

[Terry Butcher Tribute Act]

Sorry - last thing I have to contribute on this. It is very easy to say 'don't bother with the statue or ESB' but if it's your first trip there of course you're going to go! And yes there may be better alternatives but they are still great (even if the statue is small). Have a great time

 

[AZ Gull]

The view from our office window: View attachment 161928

I was visiting friends who live in Portland, Oregon in September 2020 when the western seaboard was struck by a host of wildfires. We had driven down to northern California and were making our way back up the coast. Unfortunately our trip was cut short because the smoke caused the campgrounds to be closed. We had to head back inland and then up the I5 back to Portland. This photo was taken in Oregon at about 4:20pm in September! The fire was to our right with the smoke being blown out to the Pacific. They are the most extraordinary conditions I've ever driven in:-

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Just returned from NYC and Philly at the weekend.
Been a couple of times previously and broadly agree with the advice given so far.
If you must go up the Empire State Building would definitely pre-book a ticket and consider whether buying the upgrade to skip the line might be a worthwhile investment.

I would throw my recommendation in for the Intrepid Air and Space Museum if you are in anyway geeky about planes or ships (easy to get to if you are staying in midtown). I also found Ellis Island to be interesting when visiting the statue of liberty, so perhaps that might be worth considering too.

I struggled to find the Empire State Building. Are there any landmarks nearby I can use to find it?

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

The Blind Tiger and White Horse Tavern are 2 good options for pints… both in West Village- 2 blocks from the Hudson.

Agree

 

[Diocletian]

There are some great place to eat in NY which others on here can recommend but a couple of places which are really good are Katz's Deli and Keens Steakhouse (if you like steak) which has great history and decor.
Old pipes on the ceiling and the theatre programme when Lincoln was assassinated.
Best steak I have ever eaten.
Pub below is good too

 

[zefarelly]

100% this. But I prefer wandering around neighbourhoods in general anyway

Mrs Zef Lived in NYC for over 4 yerars, and has always said the same . . . 3 years before I met her everywhere I travelled that was 'alien' (virtually always work) you get walking, a road, a block, a little further, and explore . .you see, soak, and learn . . . everything. Food, bars, music, people, fun!