3 days in NYC--suggestions please!
 

I'll be in New York City for 3 days next week. Will be around 51st & Lex. Plan on Central Park, a couple of plays, couple of museums, Tavern on the Green, dinner @ The Water's Edge, hope to get one of the later evelators up the Empire State Bldg. does anyone out there have a more definitive plan for someone who is hoping to spend a short, yet romantic, 3 days in NYC?? Thank you...

<i><b>Relax</b></i>. Walk around. Experience the city. You can't do it all in 3 days, so enjoy yourself.

Not sure what the weather will be like when you're here, but if you're feeling adventurous, get to Queens an hour or two before your dinner at The Water's Edge and check out Gantry State Park, a few blocks away on the water. This is a part of the city that few tourists see. The park is pretty unique, with some cool looking benches and other interesting features, and you can watch boats go by on the water. There's a part of the park with grass and benches where you can sit quietly with your husband, and you can watch the sun set over Manhattan from here. Here are some photos I've taken down there: sunny16.smugmug.com/gallery/188002


Also, right near where you'll be staying, there's a Houston's restaurant in the Citicorp building. There is usually a work crowd there on weekdays (I used to go for lunch all the time when I worked nearby) but the place is dimly lit, the booths are cozy and the food is fantastic.

Hope that helps a bit...have a wonderful time!

I agree with Gekko. You have a lot planned already for 3 days so the best way to experience NY is to walk around and take it in. There are a million things to experience here so just let it happen.

If you need/want more suggestions, I'd say before you go to your plays, come hang out on the west side. There is a trip report from a 'former ny resident' that was just posted, I replied with a bunch of restaurants to visit - all of them with potential for being romantic, and maybe a little more 'fun' or energetic than Water's Edge or Tavern - which I think you should definitely experience because they're both great, but balance it out a bit with one or two other places.

If you're looking for more fun in the evening, try the Village - see a comedy show (at Comedy Cellar) or go to a blues club - I find laughing and/or blues to be incredibly romantic! :) Have fun.

Thank you all very much for your prompt and sound advice. It'll be a blast and I already know we'll be going back again. Again, thanks to all.

Sugest you reconsider Tavern on the Green - the food is mediocre at best and the service very poor - the only thing it has going for it is the view - and at the moment the park is very dreary - brown and damp.

Okay, while I agree that the lighting at Houston's is dim and the food at Houston's isn't bad, I doubt you are coming to NYC to eat at a big chain restaurant. If you are staying at 51st and Lex, may I suggest a few other choices?

Fresco -- 52nd &amp; Mad. Not exactly romantic as it is noisy and bustling. But the food is great (Italian) and the service warm.

Solera -- 53rd b/t 2nd &amp; 3rd. Spanish. Yummy tapas to share and a romantic atmosphere.

L'Impero -- 43rd in Tudor City. Delicious and different Italian food. The $54 prix fixe menu is a bargain! Hip, but romantic atmosphere.

Go on the World Yacht Dinner Cruise around Manhattan Island. It's romantic with terrific views.The Statue of Liberty, in the bay looks fantastic lit up in the dark. Cruise leaves from Pier 81 at World Yacht Marina. Boarding at 18.00 sailing at 19.00. It's about$75 for cruise,4 course meal,
entertainment and dancing. A great end to your break.(I'd pre-book tickets)

Another idea for dinner is Delta Grill - http://www.thedeltagrill.com/
Food never disappoints and is reasonable ! The American Museum of Natural History is awesome ! http://www.amnh.org/

Other restaurants: Siam Too is a small but fabulous Thai place on 8th Ave between 51-52 Sts. My favorite - Baluchi's for Indian food. There are several in the city. Their menu is half price for Sunday lunch which is a great deal. Service and food are extremely good !

Sorry.. forgot to say the Baluchi's at East 53rd St. between 2nd &amp; 3rd Aves will be close to you. They have a web site also: http://www.baluchis.com/

Enjoy !

Another vote for skipping Tavern on the Green - especially if you have only 3 days.
A great place for dinner is Cibo at 767 2nd Av - their prix fixe is an outstanding value. www.cibonyc.com

I'd definitely check out Moma while you're here. It's a great musuem. I also say skip Tavern on the Green. It is a big disappointment. There are so many better restaurants in the city.

For outstanding chinese food:
Shun Lee Palace
155 E 55th St, New York 10022
Phone: 212-371-8844

For a drink:
Divine Bar East
Mediterranean, Tapas
244 E 51st St, New York 10022

For a trendy place, a fancy meal:
Vong
Thai, French
200 E 54th St, New York 10022
Phone: 212-486-9592

For a drink and appetizers:
Le Colonial
Vietnamese
149 E 57th St, New York 10022
Phone: 212-752-0808

have fun, New york City is so much fun!