julieann

I have updated itinerary (thanks much in part to help from this forum). Still looking for good local places to eat in the areas we are each day. Also, would appreciate input on jazz/blue clubs and anything else you want to add!

Arriving at LGA at 10:50 am on Saturday, December 20. Staying at The Benjamin on 125 E 50th Street.

- United Nations (closes at 4:30)
- visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Walk along 5th Avenue-shop windows
- Rockefellar Center (Top of the Rock) and Christmas Tree
- dinner - suggestions?

Sunday

- Central Park -either Met or Natural History Museum
- Tavern on the Green
-Chelsey Market
-Longacre Theatre 3:00 pm -Boeing Boeing
-Time Square
-Dinner - suggestions?

Monday

-Battery Park/ferry to Ellis Island
-Walk along Wall Street/American Stock Exchange/Charging Bull
-Trinity Church/cemetery
-Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
-Live music (Birdland, Iridium or ...?)
-Dinner - suggestions

Tuesday

Our flight leaves at 3:10pm - suggestions for am?
Does the sequence for each day make sense - I was told early was best for Ellis Island - how early?
Thanks.

julieann

ttt

quiUK

Hi Julieann,
I am probably not the best person to help you out here - I've only been to NYC once and that was back in 2006. However, on reading your itinerary, I would question your plans for Monday. When we visited, we found we needed a whole day for Ellis Island. We got to Battery Park early (sorry - don't remember exactly what time) and there was already a long queue for the ferry. By the time we got on the boat, had been to the Statue of Liberty (we didn't climb it) then got over to Ellis Island, it was almost lunchtime. The museum at Ellis Island needs a good few hours, and then we also had a long wait to get the ferry back. If you did similar, I'm guessing it might be dark by the time you get back - not necessarily a problem, but it would be a very long day.

I'm sure you would be able to fit all this in, but I thought Ellis Island was so wonderful, I wouldn't have wanted to rush my time there so I could cram a walk down Wall St in.

Anyway, as I said, I'm no expert, so I'm sure others on here would have much better (and more recent!) advice, but just my thoughts. Have a great trip though - I'm jealous as I loved New York!

julieann

Thanks - I appreciate your time to response. I do feel we are active and can "fit in" more than some people. I was planning on getting on first ferry of the day (if I can figure out when that is). We are just planning on walking down Wall Street and across the Brooklyn Bridge - not really spending too much time there except for the time it takes to do it! I am figuring not getting to a club until 8:00pm or later - The only place my husband really wanted to see was Wall Street so I can't take that out - the rest is my choice! Thanks so much for your help - I am getting excited, this will be our first trip!

bethke14

As far as restaurant recs, it sort of depends on your tastes and your budget. A few blocks from Times Square is Restaurant Row - lots of good and relatively inexpensive choices. Or, John's Pizzeria is tasty for thin crust pizza right near Times Square, between 7th and 8th Ave (can't remember the cross st, sorry!) Like many on this board, I'm a fan of Roberto Passon - reasonable and tasty Italian on 9th. Their fixed price lunch on the weekdays is a steal.

I agree, Monday is quite ambitious. Last time I was in New York, the whole Ellis Island trip took 5 hours, and we didn't get off at the Statue.

Also, Sunday is spread out over a large area. For example, the Met is at about 82nd St on the UES, and the Chelsea Market is, well, in Chelsea, and then you'll be back to 42nd st (or nearby.) It's a lot of back and forth. Maybe save the Chelsea Market for Tuesday?

Regardless, enjoy your trip!

julieann

Thanks - I do want to keep the "back and forth" to a minimum - I will change that! I love Italian!

nytraveler

To avoid long waits for the ferry to Statue of Liberty annd Ellis Island you need to get tickets in advance for a specific time. then get there much earlier since there is a long security line (like airline security) to get on the ferry. The boat will stop at Liberty Island but you stay on and go to Ellis Island. You need to allow at least 5 hours for this - longer if you don;t have advance ticket and go early (like 8 am).

For restaurant recos you need to give us a budget and types of food you like and dislike.

julieann

I think there is some confusion on my part -we are not planning on going out to the Statue of Liberty. We just want to go to Ellis Island, is it the same ferry that goes to both places? If it is the same ferry do we have to get off at the Statue of Liberty? Thanks.

ellenem

It is the same ferry--you don't have to get off at Liberty Island or even at Ellis Island if you don't want to do so. I think 5 hours is a good estimate. It takes a while to get through the security line and ride the boat. Then there are exhibits and movies on Ellis Island that can take more or less time depending on your level of interest.

julieann

Thanks, for clearing that up for me. I don't know where, but I thought I had read somewhere about the Staten Island Ferry going to Statue of Libery and another to Ellis Island.

dmlove

The Staten Island Ferry passes by the Statue of Liberty, but doesn't stop there (or at Ellis Island, for that matter )

TheTravelMaven

If you have time and want to take in a full walking tour of the Big Apple's holiday decorations, visit http://travelmaven.wordpress.com/ins...new-york-city/.

For Jazz Clubs, try:
Blue Note 131 W. 3rd St (btwn. 6th Ave. & MacDougal St.) (212) 475-8592
Birdland 315 West 44th Street (btwn. 8th and 9th) 212-581-3080
or
Iridium 1650 Broadway (at 51st St) 212-582-2121
You can find descriptions of these clubs at: http://ny.com/clubs/jazz/

I'm afraid it's been too long since I've eaten out on a regular basis in NYC, so I don't have any good referrals, I'm sorry to say.

Enjoy!

julieann

Thanks so much for the jazz club website - I had not heard of that and it was great information.