saalfeldk

We will be visiting NYC ion Friday, September 28th and have tickets to see the 9/11 memorial for 12:30pm. On that same day we want to visit: Rockefeller Center, Time's Square, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Central Park. Is there any particular order that makes more sense and is there anything in particular that we should see in Central Park. What is the best way to travel between these spots and is there any "Biggie" we're missing? We'll see the Statue of Liberty when we set sail on our cruise. We thought we'd start at Rockefeller Center just to get a glimpse of the Today Show. Any advice is welcome.

doug_stallings

You need to arrive at the memorial by 12. No need to be there sooner. So there's plenty of time to do stuff both before and after. Travel by subway and walk where it makes sense.

Regarding the "biggies" I'd say you're missing almost all of them, but I'm guessing you are not art lovers. The must-miss on your last s, I'm afraid, the 9/11 Memorial itself. I'd skip that with just one day and visit one of our world cass museums instead. Or even the Tenement Museum, which is amazing. Or the extraordinary Museum of Jewish Heritage.

nyer

The best way to get around is subway (longer distances) or walking.
None of the sights you mention have anything specific to see, so the order doesn't really matter.

Rockefeller Center is a bunch of building with some iconic spots like the NBC Building, statue in the plaza, nearby Radio City Music Hall. If you're not doing any tours of the interiors, just walk around in the morning after the today show. St Patrick's is also very close, so time it for a service if that's what you want or check if they have any other restricted times (like when a wedding or other event is on).
Central Park needs to be during the day
Times Square is better at night, all lit up.

So, Rockefeller Center
Then subway to 9/11 memorial
Then subway back up to Central Park
Have dinner
Walk around Times Square

saalfeldk

Sorry, I should have stated that we're not interested in museums or art. We love nature and only want to hit the things most recommended to see other than museums and art.

nytraveler

I can never understand people who say they do;t like museums. i can understand (well, not really, but accept) that some people don;t like art museums. But NY Has a plethora of museums about every possible subject, including

Ellis Island Immigration Museum (brilliant)
Intrepid sea/air museum with the Space Shuttle
Museum of the Moving Image (TV and movies)

However, if you don;t - you don't.

For Central Park go to the web site of the Central Park Conservancy - which will give you a good map of the pedestrian paths as well as a list of the various activities and attractions: the zoo, rowing on the lake, biking on the roads or just exploring some of the wilder sections. Much of Central Park is not groomed, but is heavily wooded. It's a major stop on the north south migratory pathway for birds, there are a number of haws/falcons in the area (they typically nest on the skyscrapers and eat a lot of pigeons) as well as all sort of other wildlife up to coyotes. Check out the Park Ranger walks to see if they have one of interest to you.

simpsonc510

I can certainly understand not having an interest in museums. I would also prefer the outdoor activities of a walk/ride through Central Park, or strolling neighborhoods, having a coffee at an outdoor cafe, walking around ground zero, etc.

doug_stallings

I guess I've had my say, saalfeldk, so I should just let this go.

But I'd choose any number of choices above the 9/11 Memorial, including all of the choices that nytraveler has suggested. Or just a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. But the Tenement Museum isn't really a "museum" as such. It's a historically accurate re-creation of the actual living conditions of immigrants of the last century, and it's a very unique experience that will give you an insight into NYC history that you can't get anywhere else.

You could also spend a full day in Central Park or one of the other wonderful NYC parks.

Of course, that's your choice.

nytraveler

Other things you might want to consider are:

Top of the rock - great views of the whole city and in Rock Center

Staten Island ferry (across the harbor and back - views of SoL and the Manhattan skyline) and free

Don't really reco biking in the park since you are limited to the single road - adult bikers aren't allowed on pedestrian paths (only small children.)

arun_roy

I am also amused when I see people getting surprised when someone does not want to see museums. I like to see museums but only in places where I am for a long time. For example what can you see in the "Met" if you are there for just one hour.The met deserves, If I am right, a full week just to appreciatew what all you have there.

nytraveler

Everyone has different likes/dislikes. I would do an hour in the Met (or almost any decent museum) above one in Central Park any day.

Although I do like to explore different neighborhoods - but on foot - window shopping and eating in sidewalk cafes. And you can't pay me enough to "hike" anywhere - although I do walk a lot in the city (probably way more mileage than most suburbanites do).

J62

I fully get the not-visit-museum perspective, and I'd much rather walk or bike around NYC than be inside. Seeing the sights, people watching, hearing the sounds and enjoying the smells are all part of the best of NYC experience to me. I would (and do) pay $ to hike just about anywhere - different strokes for different folks, and all is good.

Here's a thread from 9mo ago - you can see my 1 day walking intensive itinerary. Definitely not for everybody but I had a blast.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...highlights.cfm

5alive

With one day, I can understand your viewpoint about museums although I myself might choose differently.

Maybe visit somewhere that gives you more of a slice of life of regular New Yorkers? Central Park is good but what about Greenwich Village or Grand Central Terminal (great food court)? A friend from New York mentioned Chelsea and a Chelsea Food Court that I didn't have time for.

It's rough your timed entry is right in the middle of the day.


Would definitely agree with this after visiting NYC. At home, I walk because I have a dog and I make an effort.