New York - What should I see?

[fanocks2003]

I am planning on celebrating the New Years Eve 2008 in New York City. Me and my friends will probably arrive a couple of days before the celebrations start. Anything me and my friends absolutly should experience while being in the Big Apple?

 

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[Russ H]

You'll probably get your fill of Times Square on NY's Eve.
But its' a great place to walk about at night.
(ya won't be doing much walking
when the crowds form)

Personally, I love the Carnagie Deli
Best corned beef & pastrami sandwiches
I've EVER, ever had.

Some prefer Katz's Deli
(this was the one seen in the movie
"When Harry Met Sally"
where she has her fake orgasm).

Food at Katz's overall is prob better
But the sandwiches at Carnagie Deli
are legendary
(and you can always catch a show
at Carnagie Hall afterwards).

The original Ray's Pizza is also great
A walk in Central Park is essential
(carriage ride if you're into that)

Just walking the city is fantastic
Especially during the Christmas season
Dec 24-Dec 31 is the only time all year
that New Yorkers are a bit softer/friendlier
(don't tell 'em that, though-
one might punch you in the nose )

The Tree & Ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza is beautiful
So is a view of the city from the Empire State at night
Walk the Village, too.
It's a great vibe.

The Guggenheim, Grand Central Station,
The Chrysler Building . . .
It's like one big party during the holidays.

So many things to do!
And the perfect time of year to do them.

-Russ H.

 

[fanocks2003]

Thanks Russ, many great tips.

 

[Jonleehacker]

MOMA is my first stop when in NY, it will change your life.

http://www.moma.org/

 

[Jill]

Depends on your interests. There are thousands of tourism books and websites that will tell you what you "must" see. But they can't take into consideration your schedule, personality, likes, dislikes, etc. E.g. they will all tell you to hit the art museums. While I appreciate art, I don't really get enough real joy from visiting art museums to justify the time spent there.

I could tell you what I typically do, but we could probably give you better advice if you'd tell us what kinds of things you usually enjoy doing on vacation.

In short, you should take a guided tour of Central Park (because otherwise, IMO, it's just another big park), Chinatown and (what's left of) Little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge. Shop on 5th Ave and Soho and if you like a bargain, Century 21 in the Financial District; see a show on Broadway; Take a guided (narrated) harbor cruise; There are thousands of great restaurants and bars. We always go by "Ground Zero", the former site of the WTC Twin Towers. But honestly, there's not really anything to see there. Last time I was there (6 mos ago) it was still just a hole in the ground.

Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building are probably the two biggest tourist attractions. And both are very interesting and educational. But due to the crowds, they will take at least 3 hours each. Two of the silly little things that I enjoyed on various trips were the NBC Studio Tour and the Virtual Reality "helicopter ride" that's located in the Empire State Building. Great place to start on day 1, because it gives you a 20 minute narrated tour of the whole city, and might give you some ideas of what you'll want to go see for real.

Since you're young, I'd recommend maybe taking a bike tour or walking tour with themes (movie sites or such) as well. I'm sure there are some New Yorkers who could give you better advice, as I've only been there a dozen times or so. From from a tourist's perspective, I can assure you that you won't run out of things to do!

Have fun!!

 

[fanocks2003]

Depends on your interests. There are thousands of tourism books and websites that will tell you what you "must" see. But they can't take into consideration your schedule, personality, likes, dislikes, etc. E.g. they will all tell you to hit the art museums. While I appreciate art, I don't really get enough real joy from visiting art museums to justify the time spent there.

I could tell you what I typically do, but we could probably give you better advice if you'd tell us what kinds of things you usually enjoy doing on vacation.

In short, you should take a guided tour of Central Park (because otherwise, IMO, it's just another big park), Chinatown and (what's left of) Little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge. Shop on 5th Ave and Soho and if you like a bargain, Century 21 in the Financial District; see a show on Broadway; Take a guided (narrated) harbor cruise; There are thousands of great restaurants and bars. We always go by "Ground Zero", the former site of the WTC Twin Towers. But honestly, there's not really anything to see there. Last time I was there (6 mos ago) it was still just a hole in the ground.

Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building are probably the two biggest tourist attractions. And both are very interesting and educational. But due to the crowds, they will take at least 3 hours each. Two of the silly little things that I enjoyed on various trips were the NBC Studio Tour and the Virtual Reality "helicopter ride" that's located in the Empire State Building. Great place to start on day 1, because it gives you a 20 minute narrated tour of the whole city, and might give you some ideas of what you'll want to go see for real.

Since you're young, I'd recommend maybe taking a bike tour or walking tour with themes (movie sites or such) as well. I'm sure there are some New Yorkers who could give you better advice, as I've only been there a dozen times or so. From from a tourist's perspective, I can assure you that you won't run out of things to do!

Have fun!!

This will without doubt be a very interesting trip. I have visited almost all of the European countries already (Europe is small in comparison to the USA). But the USA is still an unfamiliar territory for me. New York is actually part of a big US tour later on where I am planning to visit every state in the US (only the main capitals though and/or famous cities). It will take a LONG time to accomplish. But it will be a well needed adventure.

 

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[rsant]

lol, I always find it interesting to see insight from non-new yorkers. What did you have in mind? I've only spent 25 years of my life here, so I may have a few suggestions.

 

[fanocks2003]

lol, I always find it interesting to see insight from non-new yorkers. What did you have in mind? I've only spent 25 years of my life here, so I may have a few suggestions.

Always open for suggestions. There is always Guides to hire on sight either case, but it is always fun to hear about odd places that a Guide wouldn't usually ask you to visit. That is why I opened this thread.

 

[cmartin371]

lol, I always find it interesting to see insight from non-new yorkers. What did you have in mind? I've only spent 25 years of my life here, so I may have a few suggestions.

I can agree with that. I have been lucky to know people who live there. So when I visit with them, it is a different experience with them knowing the ins and outs......

 

[rsant]

feel free to throw random topics at me and I shall give my opinion and recommendations.