Fifth Avenue isn't the real shopping avenue anymore. Madison is - for very expensive boutique shops. Fun to look at the windows.

yes - go the Central Park. walk, walk, walk. They'll be all sorts of people and goings-on - not ticketed, not planned beforehand. Get away from 59-65th streets to feel the more calm parts of the park.

Weather wise- be prepared to change your schedule accordingly. Nice day? Grab the chance to do CP. Walk around the city. get of main avenues to eat.

Lots of cheap delis to eat in. Look for the locals. Not everyone goes away on Memorial Day Weekend.

The subway will get you places fast. Buses are slow but you get to look out.

enjoy and welcome to my home town.

Ooops that's "Get off of main avenues to eat."

Bryant Park is lovely too and right near Times Square. (5th and 6th avenues, 40th-42nd streets) Small beautifully kept park. You can buy a sandwich at kiosks in the park or go on 40th street opp. the park and buy food to take back into the park and sit and eat. They have tables in the park and benches on the grass. Great place.

Thank you for replying..always good to hear from people who live there...any other advice? We are looking for a broadway show..would like to see Wicked but seems booked.
This is what we are thinking now of doing but are flexible as seems to be the advice:

Fri=
Arrive 9
get to hotel-affinia dumont
take the speed boat at circle tours cruise ( vs the 3 hour)
walk around midtown-see empire state bldg but not go in
top of the rock and Times square at dusk and night

SAt
ellis island but see sol from boat
china town
brooklyn bridge.walk back to manhattan after eating at grimaldis pizza

sun
central park
boat or bike there or both
have lunch
meander or show

mon
early show

leave for airport as flight leaves 1

I am listening to everyone say be flexible and be reminded the weather may or may not cooperate so then we will take in a museum. Any pros or cons to these ideas on these days? Anything that would work better?

Thank you!

Broadway - If you want to go with a comedy vs. a musical (will be cheaper) try "39 Steps". Probably will be able to get tickets to this. Very funny. It's based on the movie b y Alfred Hitchcock of the same name. Good the see the movie before or after the show. (Will probably have to buy it - it's from the 1930's or 40's). Very clever show.

Also, Jane Fonda is on B'way - "33 Variations". Not sure what the reviews of this were. Another - "August - Osage County" - fab show (won the Tony Award) and pretty sure you could get tickets.

What is the dress code for Broadway shows?

Help for getting from airport ( Laguardia to the affinia dumont) taxi?

For LGA to your hotel, definitely taxi.

4 of you might fit in one taxi if you don't have piles of luggage and can hold small bag or two in your laps, but one of you would have to sit in the front with the driver. There are also some mini-van-type taxis, but you might have to wait a bit for one.

Thank you ellenm

No code for dress at Bway shows. Casual is fine.

Taxis are not supposed to have passengers in the front seat. There are some bigger taxis (mini vans mentioned above by ellenem). When you get out of the airport there's a line to wait on for a taxi. You should be paired up with the approp. size, I believe, by the dispatcher.

Here's the taxi capacity regulation from the TLC website:

How many people can fit into a yellow taxicab?
From Driver Rule 2-43a:
Seating.
(a) A driver shall not permit more than four (4) passen gers to ride in a
four (4) passenger taxicab, nor more than five (5) passengers in a five (5)
passenger taxicab, except that an additional passenger must be accepted if
such passenger is under the age of seven (7) and is held on the lap of an
adult passenger seated in the rear.
(b) A passenger who is unable to enter or ride in the passenger part of the
taxicab, must be permitted to occupy the front seat alongside the driver.
If a passenger's luggage, wheelchair, crutches, other mobility aid or other
property occupies the rear passenger part of the taxicab, a passenger must
be permitted to occupy the front seat alongside the driver.

Does that mean one must be handicapped to ride in front?

dO YOU RECOMMEND A TAXI OR A LIMO SERVICE? I READ SOMEWHERE NOT TO TAKE THE VANS THAT HAVE MULTIPLE STOPS.ANY OPINIONS ON THIS?

Why limo? Why pay so much for a the same ride? When yo get tot he airport go outside and find the taxi line. Do not go with anyone who comes up to you and says "Need a ride"? Just go to the official place outside the airport.

Why go with a van that has multiple stops? Why not just go directly to where you need to go, with a taxi ? Anyone out there know if this "multiple stop" way is cheaper? That's the only reason I would go with them.

The multiple stop may be cheaper but you may spend 2 hours circling the city. Go with the taxi

Last time I took a taxi from LGA to East 79 St. the fare was $21 and change. I advised the driver to use the 59 St. bridge - no toll and it is more direct (rather than triboro bridge). If you take a taxi advise the driver to use the 59 St. bridge and it takes you close to your hotel destination. You also avoid traffic tie-ups on the FDR Drive coming south from the triboro.

<<Does that mean one must be handicapped to ride in front?>>

No, it means that people are indeed allowed to ride in front with the driver, including those who might need to use the roomier rear seat for their wheelchair.

Some drivers may claim that you can't sit in the front seat, usually because they don't want to clear it of their possessions.

You are staying just where my daughter lived. Great location. From there you can take the subway (the 6 train) easily up or downtown. I would suggest that strongly. The tourist buses and cabs have to fight the traffic. Also I would not go to the SOL or Ellis Island without getting on the first ferry out. The crowds are so horrible and it isn't worth the time you spend in line if you arrive anytime later than first. If you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhatten you can take a water taxi back up town. There are several stops including one not too far from Times Square. If you don't get tickets for a show before you arrive, try TKTS, the discount ticket booth, or go to the Visitor's Center Visitor Information Ctr (212) 484-1222
810 7th Ave, New York, NY which is steps from Times Square. They have some discount tickets and you don't have to wait in line. Don't get discouraged by the line at the ticket booth though it moves fast, but they used to only take cash. After theater go to the Marriot Marquisright there in Times Square. Go upstairs, take the escalator, there is a cocktail lounge that overlooks Times Square and all the lights. (Don't go all the way to the top, there is a cover for that lounge). Try to sit by the window. It is fine for your 17 year old. You don't have to have an alcoholic drink and many families just go for the view. If you get rained out, museums are fine but most of the best ones are uptown on the east side, with few other options. I agree the Tenement Museum might be most interesting and closer to the other things you want to do. But don't let a little rain stop you. New York is great anyway.

I would say that Central Park is such a must that you should be willing to swap days if it turns out that the day you plan to visit is rainy. It's a wonderful place.

At a reasonable and steady pace, we walk a street (north/south) in one minute and an avenue (east/west) in four minutes. Most people not from NY walk a bit slower--maybe assume 2 minutes per street and 5 minutes per avenue. This will give you a great sense of time/distance and help you to decide when to take the subway or hail a cab vs walk. I would suggest you walk as much as possible--especially because the subways will likely be on a holiday schedule (they won't run as often).

The suggestion to get a map and mark it in advance is a great one. Once you've done that, I would suggest reading some guidebooks or blogs about food and mark some restaurants on the map. That way, if you end up wanting food, but you're far from the spot you'd planned on, you might have some good suggestions for alternatives. This is especially important around the Times Square/Rock plaza area because the good food is harder to find there. Try Serious Eats New York and Chowhound for some ideas.

I once read that one should never eat at a National chain when one visits New York. I think it's great advice (and not hard to follow).

Your 17 year old will probably love downtown--especially NoLiTa, SoHo, and the West Village. There are tons of great places to eat in all three, but especially NoLiTa and the West Village (in my opinion).

You should have no concerns regarding safety--if you're on a street at night and somewhat alone (which will be rare), just get out to a larger avenue and you should feel safer and more assured. Otherwise, just keep your purse zipped in crowded areas like Herald and Times Squares, etc. But really, you shouldn't have any trouble.

Have fun!
Ashley
www.hitherandthither.net

Thank you! What is the dress code for the broadway shows? Is it dressy? casual? who cares?

. . . mostly who cares . . .

Last month, the two women next to us were wearing outfits that I thought were sweat suits, but my daughter called them pajamas.

I agree, take your time and don't over plan. I'd skip the Hop on and Off bus too. NYC is meant for the feet! (UNless any of you have problems walking?)

Broadway you will see everything but I always use the occaision to look extra nice. You will see some dressed up and some in shorts and tennis shoes.

If the weather is nice, take the subway to Central Park and take a walk there, then go to Fifth Ave for some shopping - mainly window shopping. Fifth Ave is is right there at the S. end of the Park.

I'm glad you are droppin the SOL. Wise move IMHO.

My daughter was in NYC the first time at age 13. We went again when she was 15 and 17. Her loves have been fifth Ave, Broadway shows, Serendipity, and the best one? Sitting at an outdoor cafe in Chelsea, having Sunday brunch, taking our time, people watching. Its still one of her favorite things to do, (next to shopping). She fell in love with NYC and now is in college there. I'll be there in 3 weeks to bring her home for the summer!

Isnt it great having a nice place to visit? Our son is in Phoenix and I love going there and visiting!Doesnt hurt that the weather is sunny and warm year round!Here in Michigan we are so excited to have it 60 degrees!
Thank you again for all your tips Fodor Travelers!

Thanks to everyone responding to this forum! We have a game plan and now need a show to go to..our choices so far based on tickets available and seats available adn price are:
9-5
august...osage county
chicago

Our group consists of Married couple in 50's and a daughter 17 and her dad..48

The BEST show by far is August/Osage, but honestly if you're looking for fun, you could be disappointed by the intense drama of it all. If you all agree you want to see some special serious drama (mixed with some humor) I'd go for it.

9 to 5 is getting some mixed reviews -- many saying the music itself is nothing special, but a fun show.

Chicago? Have you never seen it? Just the movie? Certainly no longer fresh, but if you haven't seen it, and only the movie, well you could really still love it.

Any other recommendations?

I'd definitely skip Grimaldi's but DO walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. I just ate pizza there on Fri. and after waiting 1/2 hr for a table found the pizza MOST disappointing. It has rubbery rather tasteless cheese, non-descript sauce and ok crust. Definitely NOT worth the wait! While you are down near the bridge, you could walk over to the South Street Seaport and get half-price tickets at the TKTS booth there. The lines aren't as long as in Times Square. However, Hair hasn't been on the list the past five days that I've been here and do remember, there is a fair amount of nudity in Hair. Wicked may be a good choice for a family of your description; I think you mentioned you are traveling w/your teenage niece? Mamma Mia has been on the list as has Phantom if for some rare chance that you've not enjoyed either of those in the past. Just check out the TKTS website for a list of the past week's selections. In Chinatown, a fun cuisine to try is dim sum. Oriental Garden has lovely selections. Also, stop by at Ten Ren Tea Shop for an iced bubble (tapioca) tea; it is a fun & refreshing beverage.

Oh, JUST saw 9 to 5 and it is the WORST Broadway musical I've ever seen and I LOVED the movie! I'd take Chicago over 9 to 5 if that is one of your three choices.

Ok scratch 9-5 and no we have not seen Chicago or mamaMia so maybe one of those would be good. Hate to see have not see phantom either. Perhaps one of those would be good to see now! Thank you everyone for your advice and recommendations! It is most appreciated. Anyone needing advice on Az or MI just ask!

Yes, DO walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (on a decent weather day). Wonderful vistas. Benches along the way if you need to sit down. If you start from the Brooklyn side you will end up in downtown Manhattan. Other places to eat besides Grimaldi's. Go to Jose Torres chocolate shop if you want some really incredible chocolate (Main Street near the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side - the neighborhood is called DUMBO for Down Under the Manhattan Brooklyn Overpass.)

ALSO - Brooklyn Heights is right there as well. Beautiful Brownstone Neighborhood, with many places to eat. There's a Promenade there that that runs along the East River and gives you great views of lower Manhattan, The Statue of Liberty, etc.

Im getting mixed reviews about Grimaldi's...is it just a convenient place to get pizza or is it really great? The chocolate and ice cream sounds wonderful too!Hope the weather is good while we are there!

Has anyone seen the off broadway show alter boyz?

Hi Sunshine,
I replied to your separate post about Altar Boyz. It's definitely a lot of fun, but if you have your heart set on a big B'way production, this isn't it. I saw 9 to 5 last night - most of the audience was wild for it, but not me. I laughed more at Altar Boyz. Loved Chicago if you are still thinking about that one. Also, South Pacific is excellent, and I'm hearing very good things about Rock of Ages, but I have not seen it.

HI spring 212, we decided to do both Altar Boyz and Mama Mia. Thanks for everyone's input! I love South Pacific but have seen that in San Francisco before so thought we should do something new. I'm getting anxious for our trip now!

HI spring 212, we decided to do both Altar Boyz and Mama Mia. Thanks for everyone's input! I love South Pacific but have seen that in San Francisco before so thought we should do something new. I'm getting anxious for our trip now!

Opps I did that two times.

Here is what we have decided to do after listening to everyone's helpful hints and advice. Hope it isnt too much but we can cut stuff out if we get overwhelmed. Now we just need to figure out how to get from place to place most efficiently....will use hopstop to help us or any advice you have will be helpful!

not specific days except shows

Day One
arrive Laguardia..take cab to AFfinia Dumont
AFfinia Dumont to the BEast ride..( circleline tours not downtown)
back to hotel area to shop, walk in esb, etc
Times square
MAMA MIA
COCKTAIL LOUNGE THAT WAS MENTIONED
TOTR if time OR DO ANOTHER DAY

DAY TWO

ELLIS ISLAND TOUR (NOT SOL) FIRST OF DAY
(FINANCIAL DISTRICT)
GROUND ZERO
CHINA TOWN
BROOKLY BRIDGE..WATER TAXI THERE AND WALK BACK AFTER VISITING CHOCOLATE SHOP AND ICE CREAM SHOPS? PIZZA MAYBE
BACK TO HOTEL..SUBWAY?

DAY THREE

CENTRAL PARK-BIKE AND BOAT EAT AT BOATHOUSE VISIT BALTO STATUE ( WE ARE IDITAROD FANS) PICNIC
TENEMENT MUSEUM IF WEATHER IS NOT NICE
ALTAR BOYS OFF BROADWAY SHOW

DAY 4
7AM VISIT ONE OF THE TV MORNING NEWS SHOWS
WHICH IS CLOSEST TO HOTEL?

SHOP AND ETC AROUND HOTEL TIL 11
11-TAXI TO AIRPORT FOR 2 PM FLIGHT..IS THAT ENOUGH TIME?

I HAVR LEFT OFF THE EXTRA DETAILS LIKE RESTAURANTS THAT APPEAL TO US ETC BUT WILLFIT THOSE IN IF P OSSIBLE...WE DONT EAT ON A SCHEDULE!

I stayed in NYC in Manhattan for two nights a couple of years ago and Jekyll and Hydes is a great place to eat.

My sister and I didn't have much time to actually go into things; We definitely walked, took the subway the bus and cab. My husband and I and two sons 18 and 20 will be going there on the long weekend of May as well May 15-17. We are staying at the Westin Times Square. We are going to Shrek the Musical on Broadway. My husband would like to see statue of Liberyt son I think we also will take that 2 or 3 hr cruise.

Hello again!
The only other suggestion I now have is for your DAY 3. If the weather is yucky, why not visit an uptown museum like the Met or Natural History? Since you are spending DAY 2 entirely downtown, it doesn't make sense to go back downtown again the next day just for the Tenement Museum. The two museums I mentionned are some of the very best in the world. The Tenement Musuem is interesting, but not at all in the same category (world class). Have a wonderful time!

Thank you for that advice about museums...wasnt sure where the tenement museum was.

Just a word of caution about Jeckyl and Hyde -- beware of places that offer some sort of ersatz "entertainment" - the food and service usually suffer greatly in these places. Most reports from people who have been enticed to go there have been very negative. Too many good eating spots in town to choose from.