Hi, we're visiting New York on 09/31 for a week and have been wondering whether to take a trip out to Atlantic City. We've already seen the posts on this forum on how to get there, but would like to know if it's worth taking the time out to visit and ideas of places to see while there. Can anyone help? Thanks, Andy and Hayley, England.

IMO there are SO many other things to see and do in NYC that a trip down to Atlantic City is not worth it. A long way to go to see big hotels and gamblers. The city itself is not at all attractive and away from the casinos is quite seedy.

If you are looking for trips out of the city, go up the Hudson to see some of the historic homes along the Hudson, such as the Vanderbilt Mansion or Kykuit, the old Rockefeller Mansion. These and other homes of the "robber barons" of the late 19th and early 20th century are in the Hudson River Valley area about 40 minutes north of NYC. Huge homes and acres of gardens and woodlands which would be in good color in late September. Take a look at the New York State tourism website at http://www.iloveny.state.ny.us. You may even be able to do some of this trip by taking a boat up the Hudson, which would be a great way to see this huge and beautiful river and areas north of NYC.

I think AC would be a good visit if you were in NYC for months and just needed a day out of town. Otherwise it is definitely not worth taking time away from your NYC visit.

There is so very MUCH to see in NYC and the surrounding area and so very LITTLE to see in Atlantic City. The area surrounding the casinos is almost a ghost town of boarded-up, decrepit buildings.

If you leave NYC for a few hours you could possibly visit West Point, the Army's military academy and a beautiful site up on the river.

Perhaps you could come back another time and come visit us at the nation's capitol, Washington DC.

Whatever you decide to do, have a great trip.

As others have said, AC is not worth a trip IMO anytime unless you are a gambler. It is a nasty place. One week in NYC is a very short time. You will only be able to scratch the surface.

Thanks for all the replies. So glad I found this forum, I've read so much good advice. That's settled it anyway, we'll stay in NY for the week!

Have you given any thought to Philadelphia? It's very close (1.5 hours by train) and a very nice city.