LikeToTravel

I am taking my mom, 71 yrs old, to NYC for her first trip. I have torn a ligament in my ankle and am in a walking cast. What is easiest way to get from Penn Station to Marriott Marquis (Times Square) morning of 12/20 at about 10am? I am thinking cabs may be too busy. If so, what is best route by subway with minimal walking? (I know walking is necessary in NYC and usually I love this). 2) Also, which store has the best Christmas windows this year? 3) She wants to go to Little Italy- what restaurant do you recommend- not fine dining, just family, nice, good food, decent prices? I have eaten at a few restaurants there but really do not know which ones are highly recommended. 4) Is there any way to show her Wollman skating rink and minimize my walking? 5) Has anyone been to the Christmas market at Bryant Square and Union Square- which is more like markets in Europe? Thanks- this is really bad timing for me!

nytraveler

To minimize walking you will have to use either cab or bus (which stops every 2 blocks) and go almost everywhere when you transfer (free) from one to another (ie up or downtown to crosstown). The subway will involve not only more walking to and fro stops but many stops will involve negotiating stairways - sometimes more than 1 set - and long passageways.

Unfortunately there is no way to get close to Wollman rink without walking. Can you settle for the rink at Rock Center?

The best windows are Lord & Taylor (Fifth and 39th) and Saks (Fifth across from rock Center (49/50). You can really see them only on foot (since the crowds in front of the windows will prevent you from seeing them from a bus). For such a short distance in that neighborhood I really can't reco a bus - since the wait can be long and you will have to stand all the way - unless someone takes pity on you.

mclaurie

You might qualify for paratransit service. Have a read here
http://www.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm
and here
http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=174

I don't know if you have to be permanently disabled to qualify but it's worth a try. Contacting Big Apple Greeters is another good idea.

Little Italy is really a very touristy but if Mom has to go, try Da Nico.

Hope you have a good trip despite the problem. Places like the Met museum have wheelchairs you can use.

lizziea06

I would also recommend Da Nico or Il Cortile, but with the huge caveat that Little Italy is v. touristy and overrated.

I've been to both xmas markets. I'm not sure what would make them "European", maybe you can elaborate? The USQ xmas market gets really crowded, and it may be difficult for you to navigate with your ankle. I would imagine that this upcoming weekend will be extra packed.

hobse

Having just returned from NYC, and looking at all of the windows, we believe Macy's had the best by far.

Really don't think you would have a problem getting a taxi (unless it is raining).

Did not make it to Union Square this time, but Bryant Park's market is not like in Europe (have seen many of those). They do try, but the booths are just more modern, and you don't have the food/beverage booths like in Europe. But they do have a small ice skating rink that they added this year, which makes it nicer.

ellenem

1) Best route by subway to your hotel would be the 1, 2, or 3 train from Penn Station one stop to 42nd St/Times Square. You will still have to walk three of the most crowded blocks in NYC. I'd wait for a cab.

2) I liked Lord & Taylor the best for old fashioned style--plus I love old postcards, which is part of the theme. I liked Macy's interactive cuteness better than Saks crystal figures.

3) I aggree it's not great food in Little Italy but offer another vote for Da Nico.

4) You can get part way into the park by cab, but eventually you will have at least a five- to ten-minute walk.

5) Bryant Park is closest to your hotel and had many of the same vendors as Union Square. Union Square can be cold and crowded. Another option: the Christmas market in Grand Central Station. I've never been to European Christmas markets so can't compare.