Mel Scarr

We are an Australian husband and wife (30 years) travelling to New York for the first time. Do you think two weeks in New york city is too much time to spend there.
We plan to also go to Chicago and maybe Colarado or Toronto, so we are trying to work out how to divide our time ( about 3 or 4 weeks).
Any advice would be appreciated.

Valerie

I live in the New York City area and can tell you that although it is a big city, 14 days is probably too much time. I would say that 5 days is enough to see and do everything, just like any other big city in the world. Also it depends on what you want to do here. If you want to see a Broadway show or two, then that would take up some time. You could always go outside the city if you have a rental car and go to the boardwalk in Atlantic City ( a casino place) or visit Washington DC and the Whitehouse. This is about a 5-6 hour drive away from NYC. But for the usual sites in NYC, I would say only a week would do. NYC is a great city and I know you will love it like I do. Welcome and have a great time!

ellen

I agree that 2 weeks in New York city is too long. What do you like to do? Museums, outdoors?
I can give you some things outside of NYC if I know a little more about what you want to do with your time.

k. Lee

I agree - plan for 5 or six days in NYC. I recommend balancing out your trip with a visit to Colorado and perhaps Jackson, WY. This way you can have the fun and excitement of a big city and see the beautiful mountains and more laid back way of life in our western states. Plan for a week for both Colorado & Wyoming (Jackson is an 8-9 hour drive - not too exciting but well worth it when you see the Teton Mountains! Also the Western states offer great mountain biking, white water rafting - lots of fun things!!

richard

As a New Yorker living in Texas (been here 18 years) I think all the above are right, 5-7 days are enough for the city. If you have time, arrange to rent a car (we drive on the wrong side of the road you know) and drive up the Hudson River Valley to see the real New York, on up to the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. Everyone I've spoken to who've done this trip is amazed at the beauty. New York is not New York City!

missy

I agree with eveyone about 14 days in New York being too long. I do, however recommend trying out some of the southern states for a completely different view of the U.S.A. Possibly Savannah, Ga., Memphis, Tn., but DEFINATLY NEW ORLEANS, LA!!!! It's like no other city in the world and personally it's my favorite (over London, Paris, N.Y.,etc!). If you need any info on what to do feel free to e-mail me, I'd be more than happy to fill you in on what the locals do and fun tourists spots.
ENJOY THE U.S.A.!!!!!!!!!!!

missy

I agree with eveyone about 14 days in New York being too long. I do, however recommend trying out some of the southern states for a completely different view of the U.S.A. Possibly Savannah, Ga., Memphis, Tn., but DEFINATLY NEW ORLEANS, LA!!!! It's like no other city in the world and personally it's my favorite (over London, Paris, N.Y.,etc!). If you need any info on what to do feel free to e-mail me, I'd be more than happy to fill you in on what the locals do and fun tourists spots.
ENJOY THE U.S.A.!!!!!!!!!!!

Olga

New York City is EXHAUSTING! Lots to do, but it takes its toll on you. Try a week and then alternate with several days at a slower pace. You might rent a car and drive to Pennsylvania and stop in Lancaster to see the Almish people in their environment. (A big contrast to the hectic pace in new York City.) From there, head to Washington DC - in addition to the seat of our government, there are wonderful museums, theatres and restaurants. By alternating city visits with contrasting countryside experiences, you will get the bigger picture of the United States. Enjoy our country.

michael

As an almost lifelong New Yorker, I can agree with all of the above. BUT, many visitors underestimate the attractions New York offers just beyond Manhattan. Like Paris, the countryside surrounding New York City can be quite gorgeous. There are the castles and mansions of Locust Valley, Long Island (1 hour away), some of which were shipped over stone by stone from England, and whose houses and gardens are open to the public now. Two great ones include Planting Fields and Old Westbury Manor. There are the Hamptons -- New York's own "Riviera" (3 hours east of the City) which has some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the world, along with some of the most beautiful rich and famous people in the world. Heading North, there are the castles of the Hudson Valley, most prominently among them Kykuit (1 hour) -- the family seat of the Rockefellers which is now open for tours (book ahead). Further up the Hudson Valley, you will find many other major homes built by Vanderbilts, Astors, and other prominent families at the turn of the century, all of which are now open to the public. And there is WestPoint military academy -- a worthwhile visit at any time. The Hudson River itself provides a spectacular backdrop for all of it -- the Hudson is one of the most magnificent rivers in the world. Heading out to New Jersey, there is beautiful and historic Princeton -- the original capital of the U.S. and site of a quintessential beautiful, quaint yet elite American university.

I could go on and on and on. These are the places close in to Manhattan. If you travel a little further, the options expand. A couple other ideas -- Newport, Rhode Island (3-4 hours from NYC) is a must at some point in every sophisticated traveler's experience. Boston is wonderful -- as is DC. But Boston is cooler in the summer than DC and seems to have fewer tourists. It is also on the water, which is a plus.

I guess I'll stop here, but feel free to e-mail if you want specific questions answered.

gordon

Congratulations, you have included Chicago in your trip itininerary. Chicago is a great American city with a skyline that tops New York City. Make sure to have dinner or brunch at the signature room, atop the John Hanckock building. Check out all the museums, and if your into baseball, see a Cubs or White Sox game. Have Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carol M

Hi!

I noticed your great reply to a question in Fodor's (somewhere!) and wondered whether you could suggest somewhere I could go!

I'm relatively new to New York City and desperatley want to see some countryside again after five months of buildings! Trouble is I cannot drive so need to use public transport (trains preferably).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

CM

Glen

Speaking as a fellow Australian I'd recommend a week in Manhattan. Cover the touristy sites, take in some atmosphere and then move on. It sounds like the greater state of New York has a lot to offer and from what I've heard some stunning countryside. Bear in mind that our good old Aussie dollar is very sick compared to the US at the moment, in fact at an all time low. Manhattan will be quite expensive to stay too long. I stayed on Manhattan for 4 days last year in June and managed to see loads of stuff. You can easily cover the major sites around about. Don't be frightened to walk the streets. Just do what everyone else does, which is to look like you know where you're going and don't make eye contact. I used the services of the fantastic Big Apple Greeter which can be arranged from Australia. A guide will meet you at your hotel and then take you on a free tour of the area of New York City that most interests you. You get a great local feel and view of the place. They have a site on the Net. Hope this info helps.

Neal

Agree, reluctantly -- after all, how can you see ALL of a city like New York in even a lifetime? -- but too much of a good thing and all that . . . still -- allow yourself a day or two to catch up on jet lag . . . and . . . rather than trying to "see everything," decide what you really really want to spend time on . . . a half a day at the MOMA is better than trying to whirl thru all the museums in town in a day or two . . . take time to enjoy the sights, the people, the sounds . . . one at a time . . .

B. Wolfe

By now you know that five or six days in NY City is plenty. You should include Washington, DC in your plans and Boston while you are on the east coast. Each city is less than one hour flight from NY or you can take the train (Amtrak). Lots to see in Washington and Boston and it would give you a flavor of the east coast of the USA. Chicago and Colorado are also wonderful choices.

Joan

I'm also an Australian who returned from the USA on April 24, 1998. I spent 4 days in NYC and could have done with another one or two.....but that would be all. I saw just about everything I wanted to see and loved evry minute of it. I also suggest having a look at the southern states...I had a great time in New Orleans, Louisiana and San Antonio, Texas. Washington DC also worth a look. Will visit for longer next time.