Things to see and do in New York

mscenterh750 said:
A broadway show at Christmas sounds amazing. I’ll watch people ice skate with having 2 left feet :). I’m not sure where we’re staying at the moment, but what decent eateries are dotted around? I really need to sample a proper New York pastrami sarnie. Thanks for the advice and it’s much appreciated. Do you think boat trips would still be happening? Or will the surrounding water be iced over or too cold to do?
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The Hudson doesn’t generally ice over, but if it’s really cold it might be a bit miserable for a city tour. However, if you’re using g it to go to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, that might be worth it. The view from the boat heading south from Battery Park are quintessential NYC views and can be postcard worthy snaps on a nice crisp winter’s day.

Almost every decent deli in NYC can serve you a massive pastrami on rye, but be prepared to pay at least £20 for a sandwich!!

Since the Carnegie Deli closed, the current “King” of the NY Pastrami Sandwich is Katz’s Deli, where it is currently $29, plus tax, so more like $32!!!

As for eateries, a lot will depend on your neighborhood, and don’t discount the food trucks. Some are as famous as restaurants! I would ask the concierge at your hotel for recommendations (best pizza slice, deli, fast casual, (Irish) pub, nice dinner, etc…) or simply use Google and find places while you walk around.

Personally, I’d stay away from nearly all chains, where you generally get sub-standard food from crappy menus & poor service, but higher end “NY” prices!!
 
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Been going to NYC since the early 90s as my old fella worked for an airline - a wonderful City and though pricier than it was a few years ago, still so many things to see & do

- The 9/11 Memorial is a must. Allow yourselves 3 hours whilst there and prepare to have your heart strings tugged at when you're there. O'Haras - as highlighted by another poster - is the best bar in that area of town and full of 9/11 memorabilia and a tribute to the FDNY.

- Go and see a Mets game at Citi Field. The Mets are at home to the SF Giants next week (Fri 1st Aug to Sun 3rd Aug). Take the 7 Train to Mets/Willets Point (about 20 mins from central Manhattan) - I'd recommend seats anywhere down the 3rd Base side in the upper deck if it's a day game (avoids being in the sun), or in the Upper Deck of the Coca Cola Corner. Don't bother with the Yankees - basically Americas version of Man U and the ballparks full of tourists & glory hunters. You can get decent seats for Mets games for around $35 - $40 either on StubHub or from the Mets direct via the MLB Ballpark App.

- Staten Island Ferry. Still the best free thing in NYC. Takes you right past Lady Liberty

- Have breakfast in a classic Diner. I'd recommend The Astro on 6th Ave at 54th Street. The Homefries (their version of Hash Browns) and the Bagels are to die for. There's tons of great Diners - go explore. Breakfast is always a hive of activity and I've found having Eggs "over and easy" the best.

- Scruffy Duffys is a great Bar. 10th Ave at 45th Street. Decent Guinness when you get tired of gassy American Light Beer, and the Wings are superb

- The Circle Line Boat tour is good when the sun shines. You can pick which route and do an entire trip around Manhattan Island which is a great way to see NYC in the summer.

Metro system is easy to navigate. Download the free App and Tap in/Out as you do in London. Just don't get on it late at night - as you wouldn't in any major City.

Walk and explore. You'll find places yourself and there's so many hidden Gems. Remember 5th Avenue is the dividing line on the Manhattan map - so any street that's East 34th Street for example, means it's towards the East River side of 5th, and any street that's "West 34th Street" is towards the Hudson River side of 5th.

Enjoy - it's the greatest city in the world.
 
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Lee the Blue said:
Been going to NYC since the early 90s as my old fella worked for an airline - a wonderful City and though pricier than it was a few years ago, still so many things to see & do

- The 9/11 Memorial is a must. Allow yourselves 3 hours whilst there and prepare to have your heart strings tugged at when you're there. O'Haras - as highlighted by another poster - is the best bar in that area of town and full of 9/11 memorabilia and a tribute to the FDNY.

- Go and see a Mets game at Citi Field. The Mets are at home to the SF Giants next week (Fri 1st Aug to Sun 3rd Aug). Take the 7 Train to Mets/Willets Point (about 20 mins from central Manhattan) - I'd recommend seats anywhere down the 3rd Base side in the upper deck if it's a day game (avoids being in the sun), or in the Upper Deck of the Coca Cola Corner. Don't bother with the Yankees - basically Americas version of Man U and the ballparks full of tourists & glory hunters. You can get decent seats for Mets games for around $35 - $40 either on StubHub or from the Mets direct via the MLB Ballpark App.

- Staten Island Ferry. Still the best free thing in NYC. Takes you right past Lady Liberty

- Have breakfast in a classic Diner. I'd recommend The Astra on 6th Ave at 54th Street. The Homefries (their version of Hash Browns) and the Bagels are to die for. There's tons of great Diners - go explore. Breakfast is always a hive of activity and I've found having Eggs "over and easy" the best.

- Scruffy Duffys is a great Bar. 10th Ave at 45th Street. Decent Guinness when you get tired of gassy American Light Beer, and the Wings are superb

- The Circle Line Boat tour is good when the sun shines. You can pick which route and do an entire trip around Manhattan Island which is a great way to see NYC in the summer.

Metro system is easy to navigate. Download the free App and Tap in/Out as you do in London. Just don't get on it late at night - as you wouldn't in any major City.

Walk and explore. You'll find places yourself and there's so many hidden Gems. Remember 5th Avenue is the dividing line on the Manhattan map - so any street that's East 34th Street for example, means it's towards the East River side of 5th, and any street that's "West 34th Street" is towards the Hudson River side of 5th.

Enjoy - it's the greatest city in the world.
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Brilliant, thank you.

Have screenshot this!
 
mscenterh750 said:
I’ll keep an eye on this thread because I’m meant to be going in December with my lady friend. I’ve never been to America.
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Enjoy and wrap up, as if the wind blows it'll chill you to your bones.

NYC in December is magical though. Rockerfeller Centre or Central Park Ice Rinks are certainly worth a visit at that time of year.
 
ChicagoBlue said:
The Hudson doesn’t generally ice over, but if it’s really cold it might be a bit miserable for a city tour. However, if you’re using g it to go to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, that might be worth it. The view from the boat heading south from Battery Park are quintessential NYC views and can be postcard worthy snaps on a nice crisp winter’s day.

Almost every decent deli in NYC can serve you a massive pastrami on rye, but be prepared to pay at least £20 for a sandwich!!

Since the Carnegie Deli closed, the current “King” of the NY Pastrami Sandwich is Katz’s Deli, where it is currently $29, plus tax, so more like $32!!!

As for eateries, a lot will depend on your neighborhood, and don’t discount the food trucks. Some are as famous as restaurants! I would ask the concierge at your hotel for recommendations (best pizza slice, deli, fast casual, (Irish) pub, nice dinner, etc…) or simply use Google and find places while you walk around.

Personally, I’d stay away from nearly all chains, where you generally get sub-standard food from crappy menus & poor service, but higher end “NY” prices!!
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That’s brilliant and thank you for that and it sounds wonderful.
 
Have a good old wander around Central Park, it is massive and there are lots of spots you can relate back to movies.
The high line is a good addition but can get busy.
Top of the Rock is a great view.
The new skyscraper at the 911 site also has good views and the "tour" is well done. My mate went to the 911 museum but I skipped it, but they said it was amazing.
I think the best advice is just walk around, there are so many cool things to see, not all of them that famous and I found it the best way to get the vibe
 
Manchester_lalala said:
Katz is unbeatable. It’s expensive but it’s so good. Top tip if you go, ask for it juicy and tip the meat cutter. Also the Dr Browns Cherry soda is amazing from there.
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Cheers for that mate and Katz is definitely being done. As a one off I’ll close my eyes at the price because it’ll probably be a once in a lifetime experience (unless it’s that good I have to keep going back each day I’m there!).
 
We went last year and went to an NHL rangers vs islanders game at maisonette square garden, we sat in the blue seats and it was brilliant, piss funny listening to the locals.

Were going again in September for Mrs birthday, yankees booked this time along with a brooklyn walking food tour (couldnt justify the £300 per ticket for NFL Giants game), were also there on derby day and were planning on heading to Amity Hall to watch the game with some like minded blues.
 
BlueMooner87 said:
We went last year and went to an NHL rangers vs islanders game at maisonette square garden, we sat in the blue seats and it was brilliant, piss funny listening to the locals.

Were going again in September for Mrs birthday, yankees booked this time along with a brooklyn walking food tour (couldnt justify the £300 per ticket for NFL Giants game), were also there on derby day and were planning on heading to Amity Hall to watch the game with some like minded blues.
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Was in Amity Hall for the Palace game (Sept 2022). Allow yourself time to find it as its well hidden away! Id recommend getting in touch with the NYC Branch beforehand - we took them a couple of programmes and some stuff for raffle prizes which got us a free drink each, and a warm welcome. The bars decent with TVs everywhere and decent beers on tap.

If youve the time have a leisurely walk when leaving; Bleecker Street is good for Bars - its near an NYU Campus so prices are a little bit cheaper. Sarah Jessica Parkers shoe shop used to be on that street but I think shes closed it down now - she lives in that area of Greenwich Village I think. When there in 2022 we saw her other half Matthew Broderick just wandering down the street.
 
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mscenterh750 said:
A broadway show at Christmas sounds amazing. I’ll watch people ice skate with having 2 left feet :). I’m not sure where we’re staying at the moment, but what decent eateries are dotted around? I really need to sample a proper New York pastrami sarnie. Thanks for the advice and it’s much appreciated. Do you think boat trips would still be happening? Or will the surrounding water be iced over or too cold to do?
Click to expand...
We went in early March a few years ago (the year Blackburn beat us in the FA Cup quarter final), first 3 days is was freezing cold -12° especially on the boat trip on the Hudson. On the Sunday it went from minus temperature to plus 16°, never known a swing like it but honestly when it’s cold it’s the biting wind that makes it feel perishing.
 
hammocity said:
We went in early March a few years ago (the year Blackburn beat us in the FA Cup quarter final), first 3 days is was freezing cold -12° especially on the boat trip on the Hudson. On the Sunday it went from minus temperature to plus 16°, never known a swing like it but honestly when it’s cold it’s the biting wind that makes it feel perishing.
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Worth taking thermals for during the day then?
 
mscenterh750 said:
Worth taking thermals for during the day then?
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When it's cold it's REALLY cold. I'd definitely take a hat and gloves, if you don't I guarantee you'll be buying both very quickly. First time I was there during the winter my ears were almost frozen after walking for 5 minutes. I bought a hat first shop I saw.
 
donkinho said:
Washington Street in Dumbo on the Brooklyn side of the river. Amazing view and used extensively in the best film ever made.............
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Just came back from a holiday in the States, including four nights in NY. We really enjoyed DUMBO. It's especially good early evening and staying there for food and drink. Very pleasant atmosphere, food is good and not too high priced and seeing the view of Manhattan in early evening and then after dark is worth it on its own.


We visited San Francisco and travelled down the west coast. Our first time in California. Loved the place. It has a very different vibe to the east coast. It's so much more relaxed, people are far friendlier and more helpful and generally has a nice vibe. I know the US is expensive at the moment, for pretty much everything, but in NY you feel you are being constantly being scammed and the city is built to try and extract as much from you as possible.
 
mscenterh750 said:
Worth taking thermals for during the day then?
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Definitely, we ended up buying Thinsulate gloves and woolly hats, that was early March. Just had a look, the temperatures in December are warmer but I’d still take warm clothing and definitely coats that withstand the breeze.
 
mscenterh750 said:
Cheers for that mate and Katz is definitely being done. As a one off I’ll close my eyes at the price because it’ll probably be a once in a lifetime experience (unless it’s that good I have to keep going back each day I’m there!).
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Be prepared for a 30 minute queue! It’s ridiculously expensive too. But sooooo tasty.
 
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