We now have the opportunity to choose between Boston and New York City after our 4 night stay in Connecticut. Any advice on which one to choose? And why? A little nervous about the Big Apple probably out of ignorance. We will be taking a 14 and a 16 year old. We will stay about 3-4 nights. Annemarie

I can't emphasize enough that EITHER would be an excellent choice, and that three to four nights will only leave you wanting more. However, unless you are interested in history, New York would be my choice. It's got better museums (although Boston's are in my top five), cultural and ethnic diversity (although Boston is up there), food (ditto), shopping (ditto), fine culture (ditto), nightlife, and general vibrancy.

One thing you MUST know before you go to EITHER city: you must NOT use a car in either one!! In both cities, trying to get from place to place in a car will use up more of your time, money, and energy than using public transport and walking.

I agree, either city is great to visit. However, (and at the risk of raising the ire of my fellow New Yorker's) go to Boston. New York has to much to see and do and 2-3 days isn't enough time. Three days is a perfect visit to Boston. My kids were that age when we went and they enjoyed it. The history is cool (my son's words), restaurants are excellent and it's a great walking city, (park your car and forget driving)easy to get around. But...if you don't plan on returning to this area again, come to New York. It's a once in a lifetime experience.

HAVING LIVED IN BOTH CITIES, I WILL SAY THAT BOSTON IS BASICALLY A SCALED DOWN NYC. It has much of the culture, museums, parks, restaurants, neighborhoods, etc., but its not New York. There is nothing that compares, and there probably won't ever be. But there are alot of great things to do in Boston. NY can be overwhelming if you're not a seasoned traveler. Both are great cities, Enjoy!

Oh, please..New York. It's a great city.
There is no need to be nervous. Just read up on what you want to see...more than enough.

I love Boston-it's a great city and everyone should go there....however there is no city in the world with more excitement and interest as New York. If you or your kids have never been there it is a must. They are a great age to really enjoy lots that the city has to offer. There are several good websites devoted to NYC.

Both are fabulous, and, yes, there is only one New York. But Boston is a better place to visit, esp.if you are not really a city person. NYC is pretty impossible to escape from, once you've had enough (and that may be on day 1). Boston is smaller, more accessible, less intimidating, slower paced and prettier. But you won't be wasting your time in either city.

I would definitely rec. Boston for all the above reasons. Since Conn. is so close to NYC, maybe you could go there 1 day (that's enough for me!)and then go to Boston for the rest of the time. Also there are a lot of young people around Boston because there are so many colleges and universites. Your children are not that far away from applying to college (if they plan on going), so visiting Boston would give them an idea of what the area is like.
Elsa