Thank you so much for previous advide re: my trip to New York next week. Since everyone's advice proved so useful, I have some more questions!

1. Coney Island and Staten Island ferry - are they worth it? What are the best times to go?

2. We are flying into LaGuardia and staying in Gramercy, and can only afford to take public transportation there (remember, we're students! ) What is the best way to get between the two?

I've never been to Coney Island, but I've taken the Staten Island ferry a few times I've been in the city. Not the tourist one that goes to the Statue of Liberty, the commuter one that goes to Staten Island and back. I think it's a great "poor man's" tourist activity. Just don't go late in the evening, we took the last ferry back and there were no cabs/busses to be found. We finally jumped on the first bus we came upon just to get out of the area!

Gramercy is a great area to stay in.

Be sure to take the Staten Island ferry.
It's a no brainer... free and you get a great view of the city.
Anytime but rush hour.

andie,
Staten Isl. ferry is worth it. Coney Island is a long subway ride and unfortunately has limited bang for the buck, YMMV.

LGA to Manhattan:
Website for the NYCMTA is:
http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/
For all the directions/maps you need.
At least two bus lines can get you from LGA to the #7 subway line. Take the 7 express train - try to get on at either the middle or front of the train. Get off at Grand Central stop and follow signs to the Lexington Ave. line. (# 4,5,6).
Take the #6 (Downtown local) to either 23rd or 14th St. stations - depends on where you're going in Gramercy.

Have a good trip,

Coney Island is a must, IMO. My grandparents live in the area and every time I visit I love going to the boardwalk. It's very long so you can get some good walking in, and if you walk toward the Manhattan Beach end of it, you'll experience a whole 'nother world w/all the Russian restaurants and people on the boardwalk. Astroland itself is okay - fun if you've never been before. And definitely make sure to get a Nathan's hotdog!

Yes to the Staten Island ferry; not sure I would go out of my way to visit Coney Island. LGA to GRamercy area: Q33 bus to train station, #7 train to Grand Central. Transfer to the #6 (Downtown) to either 23rd or 14th St. station - depends on your final destination. If you have a Metro card ( cost is $1.50 since the tranfer bus to train is free; no Metro card $3 as you will have to pay for both bus and subway