19 and going to NY on NYE
Nov 29th, 2003, 06:02 PM
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19 and going to NY on NYE
My g/f and I are 19, and we are staying at the Le Parker Meridien from 12/29-1/2. Anything that we should absolutely do while we are there. We are going to see the ball drop as well. Any tips. Thanks
Nov 29th, 2003, 10:20 PM
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It depends on what you want to do- there are great clubs, bars, stores, the top of the empire state building, the statue of liberty... you can wander around the city- central park, the village (east village, greenwich village, west village). The best idea is to get a pocket sized tour book and figure out what you want to do and what you have time and money for.
Nov 30th, 2003, 04:06 AM
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People rave about the breakfast at Norma's IN your hotel. Expensive but good & large portions. If you want to see a show, try looking on one of the discount websites like playbill.com, hitshows.com, theatermania.com & buy tickets ahead of time. Rent is popular with your age group. Bring warm clothes & do be careful of pickpockets in the crowd on NYE. Have fun.
Nov 30th, 2003, 12:23 PM
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I second GoTravel's suggestion. The sister of a friend of mine travelled down to NY from Boston with her boyfriend when they were both 20 and the New York Palace would not allow them to check in unless accompanied by an adult over 21. They then had to scramble to try and find a hotel and were unsuccessful on all attempts -- from high-end to low-end. They ended up staying with me in my apartment! Not the romantic weekend they had planned. Since you are coming on NYE, I STRONGLY suggest you call the hotel before coming.
Nov 30th, 2003, 03:00 PM
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My nephew & his gf also were refused lodging (his 21st was just 4 days away) so jlents - you'd better heed the advice. BTW, instead of the romantic hotel, they stayed at the HI/AYH Hostel.
Bluestructure's post was more true than you'd want to believe, but true indeed.
Bluestructure's post was more true than you'd want to believe, but true indeed.
Nov 30th, 2003, 03:07 PM
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Thanks everyone, I was really worried about not having somewhere to stay, but I called Le Parker Meridien and it is only 18. Whew! BTW, do people really piss on your shoes when they are that tanked. I'll remember to wear a plastic bag for an insole. Thanks again...anymore comments would be appreciated.
Nov 30th, 2003, 03:20 PM
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...me again. I am a music arts major, so my love of broadway is more than the average 19yr old. I was Marius in Les Miserables during highschool and I loved every minute of it. Any broadway that is just a must see? Like I said, I have a more than average love of fine arts than the average 35yr old even, so list away. Yes we are only 19, but funds are not scarce, so what restaurants and other events might we want to to check out as well. Thanks again, you people scare me, but it's helpful information.
Nov 30th, 2003, 04:03 PM
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Not to be unwelcoming - but New years eve is such a drag - are you sure you want to be here? Most NYers (me included) go out to an early dinner and are home by 8:00. Cabs are hard to find, and frequently go off the meter and charge . . . whatever. Restaurants jack up their prices and book up early. It's usually really cold.
But then again, I'm middle-aged, what do I know? it will probably be a special experience for you two, as long as you exercise some common sense and caution. Stay in the well travelled areas, know where you're going, don't be afraid to ask for help or directions, but keep your money safely zipped up. Pickpockets work the Xmas crowds.
Shows? musicals? "Wicked" "Rent" "The Producers" - all tough tickets, particularly that week - but if you start calling, maybe try the concierge at the hotel and ask advice . . .
Near the Parker Meridian is Trattoria dell'Arte - a good fun italian place famous for the antipasto choices. Molyvos, a very good greek place. Seppi's in your hotel, (also, Norma's is excellent for breakfast all day) and the burger place in the hotel is good too.
Do a lot of reasearch, it will pay off exponentially in your enjoyment of the city. And have a great time.
PS- I've lived in NYC for more than 30 years - no person has ever pissed on my shoes. (Dogs are another story!)PPS - wear comfy shoes and a hat!
But then again, I'm middle-aged, what do I know? it will probably be a special experience for you two, as long as you exercise some common sense and caution. Stay in the well travelled areas, know where you're going, don't be afraid to ask for help or directions, but keep your money safely zipped up. Pickpockets work the Xmas crowds.
Shows? musicals? "Wicked" "Rent" "The Producers" - all tough tickets, particularly that week - but if you start calling, maybe try the concierge at the hotel and ask advice . . .
Near the Parker Meridian is Trattoria dell'Arte - a good fun italian place famous for the antipasto choices. Molyvos, a very good greek place. Seppi's in your hotel, (also, Norma's is excellent for breakfast all day) and the burger place in the hotel is good too.
Do a lot of reasearch, it will pay off exponentially in your enjoyment of the city. And have a great time.
PS- I've lived in NYC for more than 30 years - no person has ever pissed on my shoes. (Dogs are another story!)PPS - wear comfy shoes and a hat!
Dec 1st, 2003, 08:33 AM
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Times Square can actually be a ton of fun when you're around 20. The first time I went I was 20. Yes, you do have to worry about the "pee" thing...there's no place to go so everyone just goes anywhere they can. Tougher if you're a girl.
Dec 1st, 2003, 10:09 AM
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I agree that Times Square can be a blast when you're 19 but don't expect to be able to go to any bars or clubs afterwards since you're underage. I've always lived either close to or in (now) Manhattan so when I was younger I just took the train in with all my friends, watched the ball drop and then went back home.
Dec 2nd, 2003, 07:55 PM
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Hey jlents, don't listen to all these negative rants. New Years in Times Square can be a blast, just be prepared to get there well ahead of time if you want a view, dress really warm and keep your wallet in your front pocket. I've gone a couple times and once I was nearly trampled by a police horse, another time I was hit by a flying smoothie and jumped by two strange dutch girls, but I have to say despite all the mayhem, it was a once in a lifetime experience. Don't miss the burger joint off the lobby of the Parker Meridien, it's a great burger. They're very strict about underage drinking here, so forget the bars. Hit the Metropolitan and Natural History Museum. Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Walk around Central Park, visit the little zoo in there. Go see the play Wicked. Check the internet for any bands playing at Irving Plaza or any of the other joints. Go shopping in SoHo. Eat pizza at John's in the Village. My absolute favorite thing to do when I was your age was to simply walk around all the different neighborhoods here and take in the sights and smells that made each on distinct. Enjoy!
Dec 3rd, 2003, 10:27 AM
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Bad advice, Jumbo. The days of "fake ids" are long gone. I think that reached its peak when I was in high school in the late '80s. What a pain in the a-- it will be to go down to the village to only be turned away at every place. Come on.. fake ids?!?
Dec 3rd, 2003, 11:14 AM
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Thanks, the suggestions are great, however stop the arguing,this is supposed to be fun, and really all of the suggestions are good, but RB and Michelle have a point, I live in the detroit area, and Windsor Canada is just a hop skip and a jump, so I can drink when I am home, because canadas drinking age is 19. I was more curious about the age restrictions because of some clubs I've heard about. I know I will be far too busy to go to one, so it's not a big deal. And I am a music arts major with a minor in marketing, so being in these fields, they teach you how to enjoy everything. From the "club scene" to "broadways" to even the "fuddy duddy 50yr old scene"...so really stop arguing and judging one anothers opinions, because all I want to do is make it a memorable time. I will be transfering to NYU in the spring of 2005, this is another reason why I am going. But I've got a list of 2 pages on things to do. You guys are great, thanks a million, and keep them comming.
Dec 3rd, 2003, 11:32 AM
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OK, I apologize for jumping on Jumbo's case. There ARE a lot of great suggestions already listed ... mine is to NOT go to any of the nicer & costlier ones on New Years Eve. Having worked in hotel & restaurants, I can assure you that the service & quality will be sub-standard & rushed. Enjoy any special dinners on the other nights of your visit. On NYE - just go out & people-watch, have some cheap-eats, a few drinks if you can, and enjoy the "show" all around town. Oh yes ... and tell us about your trip afterwards - deal?
Dec 3rd, 2003, 11:47 AM
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All you never wanted to know about New Years Eve in Times Square from www.TimesSquareBID.org
Q: Can you give me some general information about the celebration in Times Square for New Year's Eve?
Times Square New Year's Eve features music, balloons, pompoms, confetti and a colorful pyrotechnic display. Revelers begin to gather in the late afternoon on New Year's Eve, December 31 -- dress warmly! At approximately 6:00 p.m. EST the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball -- designed by Waterford Crystal-- will be raised to the top of the 77-foot flagpole at One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd Street) and lit. At exactly 11:59 p.m. EST, the Ball will make its 60-second descent down the flagpole to signal the start of the New Year.
Q: What security procedures are in place?
The NYPD will man all access points to Times Square. They discourage backpacks and bags, as these items will be searched. Emergency Service squads, drug and bomb sniffing canine units and counter terrorism personnel will be on hand in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
Q: What streets will be closed for the celebrations, and at what time will these closings occur?
As crowds build, the New York Police Department will begin closing down access to Times Square starting at 43rd Street and Broadway and moving north as revelers arrive. As with every Times Square New Year's Eve, the times that these blocks close to pedestrian and vehicular traffic will depend on when the revelers begin arriving. However, there will be no vehicular traffic on either Broadway or Seventh Avenue as of approximately 4:00 p.m. Vehicles will most likely have difficulty traveling across town after 6:00 p.m. above 42nd Street as far north as 59th Street.
If you are planning to come to Times Square and join in the festivities, you are advised to enter from Sixth or Eighth Avenue. Your chance of getting a viewing spot near the Ball (at Broadway & 43rd Street) increases the earlier you arrive. The blocks will be closed off as they fill up northward, street-by-street, as the police deem necessary.
Q: Where is the ball lowered? What time must I arrive in Times Square if I want to be able to see the Ball Lowering?
The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square. It can best be seen along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street.
The best advice we can give is to GET HERE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. We cannot predict how quickly the viewing areas will fill up. Prime viewing areas may fill up early in the afternoon.
Q: Will there be public restrooms available?
No. There are no public restrooms available.
Q: Will there be areas in Times Square designated for the disabled?
The police will set aside a viewing area for disabled people, located on the northwest corner of 43rd Street. However, this area will fill up quickly, and it is advised that disabled visitors arrive early in the day.
Q: Where can I get the best view?
The earlier you arrive, the better your view and the closer you'll be to the action. The sound system is set up in the Bowtie area (where Broadway and 7th Avenue cross), and the video screens on One Times Square (where the Ball is lowered) are easily visible. There is an additional screen set up at 7th Avenue and 53rd Street. Of course, even if you are as far north as 57th Street, you'll still be able to see the gleaming ball being lowered and the spectacular fireworks framing One Times Square.
Q: Will there be a Webcast I can pick up?
If you can't join us in person, be with us in spirit thanks to Earthcam's cameras and Panasonic. Earthcam will Webcast the festivities. Click here to get to their site.
Q: Can we bring/consume alcohol?
Please remember that public drinking is illegal in New York City, and therefore police will confiscate alcohol.
Q: Will there be food and drink vendors in the square?
There will be no licensed food and beverage vendors in Times Square. Many restaurants located in the Times Square area will be open on New Year's Eve.
Please try to take whatever trash you have with you and deposit it in an appropriate receptacle. Our sanitation crew will greatly appreciate your cooperation!
Q: Will there be restaurants open in the area, so we can eat and come back to our spot in a viewing area?
Although some restaurants in and around Times Square will be closed on New Year's Eve, many will remain open. For a full listing of restaurants in the Times Square area, check out our Online Restaurant Guide or pick up a copy of the Zagat Times Square Restaurant Guide at the Times Square Visitors Center (1560 Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets). Please bear in mind that if you dine at a local restaurant, you will not simply be able to come out and watch the ball lowering at midnight. Revelers will arrive in Times Square early in the day, and while you are dining, designated viewing areas will fill up on a "first come, first served" basis. Furthermore, no one is allowed to stand in the emergency lanes or on sidewalks. Please remember that if you leave your viewing area to dine in a restaurant, you will not be able to return to your spot in a viewing area.
Q: Are the theatres going to be open? What other stores and restaurants will be open?
Some Broadway theaters will be open on New Year's Eve. You can check the schedules for Broadway and some Off Broadway shows at www.telecharge.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Stores and restaurants will be open at their own discretion, so please call them ahead of time.
Q: What is the best way to come to Times Square?
The best way to come to Times Square is via public transportation. To get to Times Square, the # 1, 2, 3, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F, N, Q, R and S shuttle trains all service 42nd Street. The MTA is planning to keep all subway stations open on New Year's Eve, however, some entrances and exits will be closed as crowd conditions require. It is possible that after 7 pm on December 31st, the N and R train station at 49th and 7th Avenue may be closed until after midnight. Trains may also bypass some stations, depending on how the crowd of revelers builds.
The NYPD has established "Pedestrian/subway chutes" which are special lanes to help travelers traverse the crowds that will gather. These chutes are at:
39th Street & Broadway to 6th Avenue
41st Street & 7th Avenue (directed Westbound to 8th Avenue)
49th Street & 7th Avenue (directed Eastbound to 6th Avenue)
50th Street & Broadway (directed Westbound to 8th Avenue)
53rd Street & Broadway (directed Westbound to 8th Avenue)
55th Street & 7th Avenue (directed Eastbound to 7th Avenue)
For further information nearer the date of the event, please call the MTA at (718) 330-1234.
Other useful numbers:
Port Authority Bus Terminal - (212) 564-8484
New York City Transit Authority (Local Bus Service) - (718) 330-1234
Amtrak - 1-800-523-8720
Metro North - (212)-532-4900
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) - (718)-217- LIRR
Q: Are there still hotel rooms available in the Times Square area, and can you recommend one?
There are more than 16,00 hotel rooms in the Times Square neighborhood - ranging from large hotel chains, to small quiet retreats or suite hotels for extended stays. There are also several youth hostels situated in and around the Times Square area. Book your stay now to avoid disappointment. For a complete listing of hotels in the area visit our hotel listings page. You can contact the hotels directly about rates and availability, or contact your travel agent for more information and reservations.
Q: Can you give me some general information about the celebration in Times Square for New Year's Eve?
Times Square New Year's Eve features music, balloons, pompoms, confetti and a colorful pyrotechnic display. Revelers begin to gather in the late afternoon on New Year's Eve, December 31 -- dress warmly! At approximately 6:00 p.m. EST the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball -- designed by Waterford Crystal-- will be raised to the top of the 77-foot flagpole at One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd Street) and lit. At exactly 11:59 p.m. EST, the Ball will make its 60-second descent down the flagpole to signal the start of the New Year.
Q: What security procedures are in place?
The NYPD will man all access points to Times Square. They discourage backpacks and bags, as these items will be searched. Emergency Service squads, drug and bomb sniffing canine units and counter terrorism personnel will be on hand in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
Q: What streets will be closed for the celebrations, and at what time will these closings occur?
As crowds build, the New York Police Department will begin closing down access to Times Square starting at 43rd Street and Broadway and moving north as revelers arrive. As with every Times Square New Year's Eve, the times that these blocks close to pedestrian and vehicular traffic will depend on when the revelers begin arriving. However, there will be no vehicular traffic on either Broadway or Seventh Avenue as of approximately 4:00 p.m. Vehicles will most likely have difficulty traveling across town after 6:00 p.m. above 42nd Street as far north as 59th Street.
If you are planning to come to Times Square and join in the festivities, you are advised to enter from Sixth or Eighth Avenue. Your chance of getting a viewing spot near the Ball (at Broadway & 43rd Street) increases the earlier you arrive. The blocks will be closed off as they fill up northward, street-by-street, as the police deem necessary.
Q: Where is the ball lowered? What time must I arrive in Times Square if I want to be able to see the Ball Lowering?
The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square. It can best be seen along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street.
The best advice we can give is to GET HERE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. We cannot predict how quickly the viewing areas will fill up. Prime viewing areas may fill up early in the afternoon.
Q: Will there be public restrooms available?
No. There are no public restrooms available.
Q: Will there be areas in Times Square designated for the disabled?
The police will set aside a viewing area for disabled people, located on the northwest corner of 43rd Street. However, this area will fill up quickly, and it is advised that disabled visitors arrive early in the day.
Q: Where can I get the best view?
The earlier you arrive, the better your view and the closer you'll be to the action. The sound system is set up in the Bowtie area (where Broadway and 7th Avenue cross), and the video screens on One Times Square (where the Ball is lowered) are easily visible. There is an additional screen set up at 7th Avenue and 53rd Street. Of course, even if you are as far north as 57th Street, you'll still be able to see the gleaming ball being lowered and the spectacular fireworks framing One Times Square.
Q: Will there be a Webcast I can pick up?
If you can't join us in person, be with us in spirit thanks to Earthcam's cameras and Panasonic. Earthcam will Webcast the festivities. Click here to get to their site.
Q: Can we bring/consume alcohol?
Please remember that public drinking is illegal in New York City, and therefore police will confiscate alcohol.
Q: Will there be food and drink vendors in the square?
There will be no licensed food and beverage vendors in Times Square. Many restaurants located in the Times Square area will be open on New Year's Eve.
Please try to take whatever trash you have with you and deposit it in an appropriate receptacle. Our sanitation crew will greatly appreciate your cooperation!
Q: Will there be restaurants open in the area, so we can eat and come back to our spot in a viewing area?
Although some restaurants in and around Times Square will be closed on New Year's Eve, many will remain open. For a full listing of restaurants in the Times Square area, check out our Online Restaurant Guide or pick up a copy of the Zagat Times Square Restaurant Guide at the Times Square Visitors Center (1560 Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets). Please bear in mind that if you dine at a local restaurant, you will not simply be able to come out and watch the ball lowering at midnight. Revelers will arrive in Times Square early in the day, and while you are dining, designated viewing areas will fill up on a "first come, first served" basis. Furthermore, no one is allowed to stand in the emergency lanes or on sidewalks. Please remember that if you leave your viewing area to dine in a restaurant, you will not be able to return to your spot in a viewing area.
Q: Are the theatres going to be open? What other stores and restaurants will be open?
Some Broadway theaters will be open on New Year's Eve. You can check the schedules for Broadway and some Off Broadway shows at www.telecharge.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Stores and restaurants will be open at their own discretion, so please call them ahead of time.
Q: What is the best way to come to Times Square?
The best way to come to Times Square is via public transportation. To get to Times Square, the # 1, 2, 3, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F, N, Q, R and S shuttle trains all service 42nd Street. The MTA is planning to keep all subway stations open on New Year's Eve, however, some entrances and exits will be closed as crowd conditions require. It is possible that after 7 pm on December 31st, the N and R train station at 49th and 7th Avenue may be closed until after midnight. Trains may also bypass some stations, depending on how the crowd of revelers builds.
The NYPD has established "Pedestrian/subway chutes" which are special lanes to help travelers traverse the crowds that will gather. These chutes are at:
39th Street & Broadway to 6th Avenue
41st Street & 7th Avenue (directed Westbound to 8th Avenue)
49th Street & 7th Avenue (directed Eastbound to 6th Avenue)
50th Street & Broadway (directed Westbound to 8th Avenue)
53rd Street & Broadway (directed Westbound to 8th Avenue)
55th Street & 7th Avenue (directed Eastbound to 7th Avenue)
For further information nearer the date of the event, please call the MTA at (718) 330-1234.
Other useful numbers:
Port Authority Bus Terminal - (212) 564-8484
New York City Transit Authority (Local Bus Service) - (718) 330-1234
Amtrak - 1-800-523-8720
Metro North - (212)-532-4900
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) - (718)-217- LIRR
Q: Are there still hotel rooms available in the Times Square area, and can you recommend one?
There are more than 16,00 hotel rooms in the Times Square neighborhood - ranging from large hotel chains, to small quiet retreats or suite hotels for extended stays. There are also several youth hostels situated in and around the Times Square area. Book your stay now to avoid disappointment. For a complete listing of hotels in the area visit our hotel listings page. You can contact the hotels directly about rates and availability, or contact your travel agent for more information and reservations.
Dec 3rd, 2003, 09:40 PM
#20
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Quick guestion, can somebody tell me an idiot proof way of getting to the area where it will be on TV in Times Square for NYE? Landmarks are more helpful than the street #...you guys are great, thanks again.
