Aussie's week in New York
Jul 19th, 2015, 10:04 PM
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Aussie's week in New York
Hello friends,
I've been anonymously trawling these forums for a couple of months now, reading everyone else's questions and responses, so thank you for all that valuable information. I'll try and include everything relevant in this, but if I skip over some vital information let me know.
My wife and I are celebrating our upcoming birthdays with a trip to New York, our first overseas holiday together and my first time out of Australia in about 15 years. New Yorkis somewhere that I've always wanted to go and finally had enough of the waiting. We've got two young children that we're leaving behind which will be hard, and contribute to the short week we're able to spend over there, so I'm planning hard to make sure we fit in everything that we want. Nothing here is set in stone and we're definitely open to suggestion from those in the know.
Friday the 13th of November, arrive around 8pm at JFK. I read somewhere that a taxi from the airport is a flat rate of $45 to anywhere in Manhattan? That might be the go on the first night, but I'm pretty confident taking public transport so we could get the subway, I'd just rather avoid that with the bags. Our apartment is a block south of Central Park between 5th and 6th Ave. I figure by the time we get into the city, settled in the apartment (and after roughly 24 hours of travel) we'll be beat, but I'd love to wander down to Times Square and maybe grab a bite to eat.
Saturday, up early and hit the street, Grand Central Station for breakfast, NY library and Bryant Park, Empire State Building (just from the outside) Madison Square Park and the Flatiron building. Wander over to the Chelsea Market for a rest and lunch. Walk the highline from Chelsea for as far as it goes, then explore Hells Kitchen and the surrounding area until dinner.
Sunday, get early tickets for Top of the Rock, do we need to book the day before, or can we just walk up? Bracktrack to Central Park and spend the morning in the lower half of the park. Lunch, then the Museum of Natural History for most of the afternoon. Keep heading north and hit Harlem for dinner.
Monday, catch the Staten Island Ferry for a round trip view of the Statue of Liberty. We considered getting tickets into the crown, and probably would if we had more time, but I'll be happy just to see it for now. Catch a ferry or subway to Brooklyn for lunch and some sightseeing before walking the Bridge back to Manhattan, then the 9/11 memorial via Wall Street. Fairly relaxed stroll back up town, maybe dinner at Katz's deli or somewhere in Chinatown?
Tuesday, my wife wants to go to the Met so we'll spend some time there or maybe MoMA and maybe another trip around Central Park, or down 5th Ave for some window shopping.
I'm a big sports fan and I'd love to see the Knicks or the Rangers play one (or several) nights, is it easy enough to get tickets or should we try and book before we leave Australia? Also unsure wether it's worthwhile making a trip to Yankee Stadium for a tour, not hugely interested in baseball but I do like the history of somewhere like that. We haven't planned on any Broadway shows, but might change our mind when we get there, and neither of us are really "foodies" so we're not looking at making reservations at any fancy restaurants.
Is there anything glaringly obvious that I've missed, or that anyone feels to suggest? Does that look at all like it could work? I'm sorry it went a bit long, like I said I'm trying to plan it as well as I can, thanks for taking the time to read it, and thanks in advance for any hints, tips and suggestions.
I've tried to be generous with our time because I really don't want to be racing from stop to stop, I've left Wednesday open and then we fly out Thursday evening.
I've been anonymously trawling these forums for a couple of months now, reading everyone else's questions and responses, so thank you for all that valuable information. I'll try and include everything relevant in this, but if I skip over some vital information let me know.
My wife and I are celebrating our upcoming birthdays with a trip to New York, our first overseas holiday together and my first time out of Australia in about 15 years. New Yorkis somewhere that I've always wanted to go and finally had enough of the waiting. We've got two young children that we're leaving behind which will be hard, and contribute to the short week we're able to spend over there, so I'm planning hard to make sure we fit in everything that we want. Nothing here is set in stone and we're definitely open to suggestion from those in the know.
Friday the 13th of November, arrive around 8pm at JFK. I read somewhere that a taxi from the airport is a flat rate of $45 to anywhere in Manhattan? That might be the go on the first night, but I'm pretty confident taking public transport so we could get the subway, I'd just rather avoid that with the bags. Our apartment is a block south of Central Park between 5th and 6th Ave. I figure by the time we get into the city, settled in the apartment (and after roughly 24 hours of travel) we'll be beat, but I'd love to wander down to Times Square and maybe grab a bite to eat.
Saturday, up early and hit the street, Grand Central Station for breakfast, NY library and Bryant Park, Empire State Building (just from the outside) Madison Square Park and the Flatiron building. Wander over to the Chelsea Market for a rest and lunch. Walk the highline from Chelsea for as far as it goes, then explore Hells Kitchen and the surrounding area until dinner.
Sunday, get early tickets for Top of the Rock, do we need to book the day before, or can we just walk up? Bracktrack to Central Park and spend the morning in the lower half of the park. Lunch, then the Museum of Natural History for most of the afternoon. Keep heading north and hit Harlem for dinner.
Monday, catch the Staten Island Ferry for a round trip view of the Statue of Liberty. We considered getting tickets into the crown, and probably would if we had more time, but I'll be happy just to see it for now. Catch a ferry or subway to Brooklyn for lunch and some sightseeing before walking the Bridge back to Manhattan, then the 9/11 memorial via Wall Street. Fairly relaxed stroll back up town, maybe dinner at Katz's deli or somewhere in Chinatown?
Tuesday, my wife wants to go to the Met so we'll spend some time there or maybe MoMA and maybe another trip around Central Park, or down 5th Ave for some window shopping.
I'm a big sports fan and I'd love to see the Knicks or the Rangers play one (or several) nights, is it easy enough to get tickets or should we try and book before we leave Australia? Also unsure wether it's worthwhile making a trip to Yankee Stadium for a tour, not hugely interested in baseball but I do like the history of somewhere like that. We haven't planned on any Broadway shows, but might change our mind when we get there, and neither of us are really "foodies" so we're not looking at making reservations at any fancy restaurants.
Is there anything glaringly obvious that I've missed, or that anyone feels to suggest? Does that look at all like it could work? I'm sorry it went a bit long, like I said I'm trying to plan it as well as I can, thanks for taking the time to read it, and thanks in advance for any hints, tips and suggestions.
I've tried to be generous with our time because I really don't want to be racing from stop to stop, I've left Wednesday open and then we fly out Thursday evening.
Jul 20th, 2015, 03:38 AM
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The taxi from JFK to Manhattan is $52.80; with tip and tolls, figure on $70 all in.
Unless a friend or family member is letting you stay in their apartment, please reconsider. Almost all short term apartment rentals in NYC are ILLEGAL--even if you found them on a reputable website. The authorities are cracking down on these rentals, and I'd hate for you to arrive for your special vacation with nowhere to stay and your money gone.
The 7 day unlimited metro cared for subway and buses costs $31 per person, plus $1 for the card itself. The break even point is 13 rides, which I think you'll hit.
Unless a friend or family member is letting you stay in their apartment, please reconsider. Almost all short term apartment rentals in NYC are ILLEGAL--even if you found them on a reputable website. The authorities are cracking down on these rentals, and I'd hate for you to arrive for your special vacation with nowhere to stay and your money gone.
The 7 day unlimited metro cared for subway and buses costs $31 per person, plus $1 for the card itself. The break even point is 13 rides, which I think you'll hit.
Jul 20th, 2015, 03:54 AM
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Sorry - the flat fare from JFK to Manhattan is $52 plus bridge or tunnel toll and trip - so a total of about $68 (tip is 20% of the fare but not bridge toll).
Not sure what type of apartment you have but you should know that in New York short term sublets (less than 30 days) are illegal unless you are staying in the apt WITH the legal tenant. Even then many landlords and almost all co-ops don;t allow it, although some condos do. I would make sure what you have rented is legal. Also that you have used a reputable company since some - like Craig's list - have many scams listed.
I would get tickets for Knicks or Rangers as soon as available in order to have the best choice of seats (most of the best seats are season tickets but you don;t want to have to spend huge $ on the secondary market).
Otherwise looks good but you need to be flexible on which days are mostly indoor versus outdoor. November is not winter but an get very chilly and rainy and you will probably want to do indoor things those days.
For discount tickets to a broadway show go to broadwaybox.com about 3 months out to see which shows are discounting. Take the discount code and go to regular ticket seller to get discount tickets to be held at will call. This will give you the best choice of seats and good prices. If you want to see a hit show get tickets now to avoid being shut out or having to pay scalper's prices.
If you get a coupe of milder days (upper 50s) you might want to have lunch or dinner at one of the sidewalk cafes and watch the local world go by in one of the residential areas. Can't tell if the outdoor sections will be open until a day or two before.
Also - do check to see if any of the Christmas window displays are up yet when you arrive. This is typically done in mid November but dates are usually not announced far in advance. If any are up it's definitely worthwhile seeing them, especially Lord & Taylor (5th Ave), Saks (ditto - across from Rock Center and next to St Pat's), Bloomies ( Third Ave) and the rest of fifth Ave and also Madison in the 60s. These windows are incredible - with themed animatronic displays and attract mobs of viewers. Also stores may start staying open longer hours as part of the holiday season - although the really long hours (7 am to 11 pm or more) don't usually start until Thanksgiving (Nov 26 this year).
Not sure what type of apartment you have but you should know that in New York short term sublets (less than 30 days) are illegal unless you are staying in the apt WITH the legal tenant. Even then many landlords and almost all co-ops don;t allow it, although some condos do. I would make sure what you have rented is legal. Also that you have used a reputable company since some - like Craig's list - have many scams listed.
I would get tickets for Knicks or Rangers as soon as available in order to have the best choice of seats (most of the best seats are season tickets but you don;t want to have to spend huge $ on the secondary market).
Otherwise looks good but you need to be flexible on which days are mostly indoor versus outdoor. November is not winter but an get very chilly and rainy and you will probably want to do indoor things those days.
For discount tickets to a broadway show go to broadwaybox.com about 3 months out to see which shows are discounting. Take the discount code and go to regular ticket seller to get discount tickets to be held at will call. This will give you the best choice of seats and good prices. If you want to see a hit show get tickets now to avoid being shut out or having to pay scalper's prices.
If you get a coupe of milder days (upper 50s) you might want to have lunch or dinner at one of the sidewalk cafes and watch the local world go by in one of the residential areas. Can't tell if the outdoor sections will be open until a day or two before.
Also - do check to see if any of the Christmas window displays are up yet when you arrive. This is typically done in mid November but dates are usually not announced far in advance. If any are up it's definitely worthwhile seeing them, especially Lord & Taylor (5th Ave), Saks (ditto - across from Rock Center and next to St Pat's), Bloomies ( Third Ave) and the rest of fifth Ave and also Madison in the 60s. These windows are incredible - with themed animatronic displays and attract mobs of viewers. Also stores may start staying open longer hours as part of the holiday season - although the really long hours (7 am to 11 pm or more) don't usually start until Thanksgiving (Nov 26 this year).
Jul 20th, 2015, 05:38 AM
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Please read what both abram and nytraveler posted about renting short term rentals in NYC. The chances are very high that you are renting an illegal apartment. Cancel that rental and look into an apartment/hotel such as those offered by affinity.com
Jul 20th, 2015, 03:40 PM
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Thank you all for your advice and concerns, we're staying with friends of my parents in their own apartment, but they've said we're free to come and go as we please, I should have specified. I don't know them very well so it felt a little awkward asking them for advice, much easier anonymously asking strangers over the internet ;-)
Will probably still grab a taxi from the airport, even at the higher cost, just for an easier arrival, and will definitely grab a 7 day metro card. One of the things I'm most looking forward to is riding the subway(along with people watching), don't ask me why because I don't think I could answer you.
I have friends previously use Stubhub for sports tickets, it that purely just a reseller? Am I best to get the tickets direct from the team website?
Definitely will keep things as flexible as possible, the wife loves to shop as well so that could be a wet weather answer if we've already hit the museums.
And I will definitely keep the Christmas windows in mind!
Will probably still grab a taxi from the airport, even at the higher cost, just for an easier arrival, and will definitely grab a 7 day metro card. One of the things I'm most looking forward to is riding the subway(along with people watching), don't ask me why because I don't think I could answer you.
I have friends previously use Stubhub for sports tickets, it that purely just a reseller? Am I best to get the tickets direct from the team website?
Definitely will keep things as flexible as possible, the wife loves to shop as well so that could be a wet weather answer if we've already hit the museums.
And I will definitely keep the Christmas windows in mind!
Aug 17th, 2015, 05:34 PM
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If anyone's interested I managed to score some great tickets to both Rangers v Maple Leafs (should be a great game) and Knicks v Hornets. Getting those locked in has made it a bit easier to plan the rest of our evenings, only 3 months to go now!
Aug 17th, 2015, 06:13 PM
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A few things you should know about Ranger games:
1. The fans will start cheering before the American national anthem. Before that will be the Canadian anthem as Toronto is from....
2. You will hear someone whistle in short staccato bursts. At the end you are expected to scream. Potvin sucks. Denis Potvin (POT-van) 30 years checked a NY Ranger and broke his leg. The worse the game the more the whistling.
4. When a Ranger scores the crowd will chant/sing GOAAAAALLL. It is not the same a soccer goal. AT the end of third time, you are expected to raise your arm and yell, Hey, Hey, Hey, hey, hey.
5. If you tell someone you are from OZ, expect some stupid trite comment but you may also get a free beer. We do not get too many Aussies at Ranger games.
6. Try not to buy any food inside. You will think you are miscalculating the exchange rate.
7. Depending on where you are seated, you might Dancing Larry during one of the game breaks. He has more of a simian quality.
8. Some time during the game they will play Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline. Listen the first time and you will learn quickly when to sing.
9. If the crowd does not like something the ref or a Maple Leaf does expect the chant "A$$hole, A$$hole." Feel free to jump in.
The Maple Leafs are a team in transition, so it is hard to know how the game will go.
1. The fans will start cheering before the American national anthem. Before that will be the Canadian anthem as Toronto is from....
2. You will hear someone whistle in short staccato bursts. At the end you are expected to scream. Potvin sucks. Denis Potvin (POT-van) 30 years checked a NY Ranger and broke his leg. The worse the game the more the whistling.
4. When a Ranger scores the crowd will chant/sing GOAAAAALLL. It is not the same a soccer goal. AT the end of third time, you are expected to raise your arm and yell, Hey, Hey, Hey, hey, hey.
5. If you tell someone you are from OZ, expect some stupid trite comment but you may also get a free beer. We do not get too many Aussies at Ranger games.
6. Try not to buy any food inside. You will think you are miscalculating the exchange rate.
7. Depending on where you are seated, you might Dancing Larry during one of the game breaks. He has more of a simian quality.
8. Some time during the game they will play Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline. Listen the first time and you will learn quickly when to sing.
9. If the crowd does not like something the ref or a Maple Leaf does expect the chant "A$$hole, A$$hole." Feel free to jump in.
The Maple Leafs are a team in transition, so it is hard to know how the game will go.
Aug 18th, 2015, 07:25 PM
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IMDone… you make me wish I was a hockey fan! If Oztral's spouse might want some theater… The King and I is a wonderful show at the Vivian Beaumont theater in Lincoln Center. It's been a sell out but just saw that tickets are starting to open up a bit. Still would buy well in advance.
Aug 18th, 2015, 11:20 PM
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Hockey fans can be quite crude and brutal. I could regale you with stories.
I forgot to warn Oztral. Not that he would wear a business suit, coming from Oz and being on holiday, but do not wear a suit to a Rangers game. After whomever they playing that night they are enemy 1A and can be taunted and have an occasional beer guided in their direction.
I forgot to warn Oztral. Not that he would wear a business suit, coming from Oz and being on holiday, but do not wear a suit to a Rangers game. After whomever they playing that night they are enemy 1A and can be taunted and have an occasional beer guided in their direction.
Aug 19th, 2015, 04:42 PM
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Hahahaha, thanks again guys. Fear not, I will be doing my absolute best to blend in at the game.
And thank you Grandma for the recommendation! I'll mention it to the wife and we'll see how we go.
And thank you Grandma for the recommendation! I'll mention it to the wife and we'll see how we go.
Sep 6th, 2015, 03:04 AM
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Oztral we spent a week in NYC nearly three years ago and loved every minute there. We got tickets to a Rangers game but that year there was a hiccup with players signing contracts and so the season didn't start on time so we missed out. The Yankees got into the playoffs so we got tickets to a baseball game instead.
We landed around 5.30pm and got a cab to the hotel (upper west side). Once we had unpacked we went for a little walk around the hotel area and had a meal and got to chat to a lovely local couple who were able to help with where to go to get local sim cards for the phones etc.
We bought some of our tickets before we left (top of the rock etc) It meant we weren't using the holiday money and didn't have to line up for some of the places as we already had our tickets.
Wear the best walking shoes you have. It is a city for walking. It has the most incredible buzz walking the streets.
On the way back to the airport we booked a Town Car. It was only slightly dearer than a cab but a it was worth the extra.
Enjoy
We landed around 5.30pm and got a cab to the hotel (upper west side). Once we had unpacked we went for a little walk around the hotel area and had a meal and got to chat to a lovely local couple who were able to help with where to go to get local sim cards for the phones etc.
We bought some of our tickets before we left (top of the rock etc) It meant we weren't using the holiday money and didn't have to line up for some of the places as we already had our tickets.
Wear the best walking shoes you have. It is a city for walking. It has the most incredible buzz walking the streets.
On the way back to the airport we booked a Town Car. It was only slightly dearer than a cab but a it was worth the extra.
Enjoy
Sep 6th, 2015, 05:50 AM
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Grandma do you remember a fist fight at the Met about twenty years ago. The star tenor could not perform and the understudy was not properly prepared and hit many false notes. Most of the audience was forgiving except for a few people and that is when a fight broke put.
______
I happened to have tickets for the first Ranger game after 9/11 which was against the Flyers. There were all sorts of police there for the obvious reasons. Two Flyer fans who were apparently drunk got into a few fights in the stands. Two NY State troopers were escorting them from the arena, otherwise you would never see NY State troops at MSG. The Flyer fans were still taunting everyone and some Ranger fans threw beer at them (which is expensive and not advised) but hit the Troopers. I thought this going to get worse. Where upon one trooper turned to the other and said, "Isn't this great?"
______
I happened to have tickets for the first Ranger game after 9/11 which was against the Flyers. There were all sorts of police there for the obvious reasons. Two Flyer fans who were apparently drunk got into a few fights in the stands. Two NY State troopers were escorting them from the arena, otherwise you would never see NY State troops at MSG. The Flyer fans were still taunting everyone and some Ranger fans threw beer at them (which is expensive and not advised) but hit the Troopers. I thought this going to get worse. Where upon one trooper turned to the other and said, "Isn't this great?"
Sep 6th, 2015, 12:36 PM
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Sep 6th, 2015, 01:04 PM
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IMD… I've only seen Gioconda once at the Met (Bergonzi)…. thank god it wasn't that one ! -
At least there was no beer involved. And $65 for center box…. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. (Tho I think we were paying $50 for Grand Tier then.)
At least there was no beer involved. And $65 for center box…. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. (Tho I think we were paying $50 for Grand Tier then.)
Sep 6th, 2015, 01:13 PM
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What, no Broadway show?? I would not bother with the Empire State Bldg plus Top of the Rock. Too similar for your short trip. My preference is Top of the Rock/Rockefeller Center.
When you say the "Met" do you mean the Opera House or the museum? I like the Metropolitan museum better than either the MoMA or the Museum of Natural History.
When you say the "Met" do you mean the Opera House or the museum? I like the Metropolitan museum better than either the MoMA or the Museum of Natural History.
Sep 6th, 2015, 01:30 PM
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When you say the "Met" do you mean the Opera House or the museum? I like the Metropolitan museum better than either the MoMA or the Museum of Natural History
______________
Those are three very different museums and each should judged separately. MoMA is probably the best modern art museum in the world. And Natural History has captured the imagination of every child that has ever visited it. The Met is one of the top three general collections in the world.
BTW, the Met Museum is moving their contemporary collection to the old Whitney starting March 2016.
______________
Those are three very different museums and each should judged separately. MoMA is probably the best modern art museum in the world. And Natural History has captured the imagination of every child that has ever visited it. The Met is one of the top three general collections in the world.
BTW, the Met Museum is moving their contemporary collection to the old Whitney starting March 2016.
