Hello,

We have midwestern friends with teens visiting us in Boston and they just found out it's a quick 4-5 hour trip (depending on traffic) to NYC so we have made a last-minute decision to head there at 6am Monday (yes, tomorrow!). We should arrive around 11 and here's what people want to do:

Eat at Macbar at 54 Prince St
SoL on Staten Island Ferry
Either Empire State Bldg or 30 Rock
Canal Street shopping

Time permitting: Times Square and 9/11 site

We were thinking of going to the South Ferry Terminal and parking there for the day, then hitting Canal Street, then MacBar, then either ESB or 30 Rock. Depending on time, we would then hit Times Square and/or 9/11 site. Then head back to the South Terminal and take the ferry, then head for home. Realize it's a LONG day but everyone wants just a taste of the city since none have ever been. We will be taking cabs between stops.

Does that itinerary sound right? All quick responses are appreciated since we will be leaving in 7 hours! Yikes. Thanks, all!

Staten Island ferry with waiting time and traveling downtown-2 hrs.

Very often it is faster to take subways. And only four people are allowed in a cab.

I just got back from Manhattan yesterday and the heat was not condusive to sightseeing. It was hard to get a cab just for the two of us, as everyone was too hot to walk. Perhaps it is a bit cooler now but I would take the weather into consideration while making plans.

7 hours? Go to sleep! Have a great day and stay open to "distractions" that could turn out to be the most memorable parts.

Unless the weather gets better I woud delay the trip. Cabs are hard to find, car services booked in advance and traffic is practically at a standstill. Subway, ordinarily the fastest way to travel, is absoute hell in this kind of weather(stations get all the hot car from the cars and can easily be more than 110).

Also, you are trying to do too much in the very limited time you have.

I'malways in favor of a trip to NY -- but you have no idea how hot and unpleasant this can be.

"Either Empire State Bldg or 30 Rock"

Do you mean Top of the Rock? I would recommend Top of the Rock in place of the ESB as you get a great view of the ESB.

Stay cool! Head to the Seaport for a Circle Line cruise that will show you the NYC and New Jersey skyline, the SOL, the site where the plane landed on the Hudson and the general area where the Twin Towers stood. It'll be a bit cooler around the water.

Don't bother trying to go up the ESB, head right to Top of the Rock where the views are virtually unobstructed and you will be able to see the ESB from there. I've never encountered a wait at TOTR and there are several viewing areas so it just never feels too crowded.

I don't think the weather is quite as bad today as it has been but heat emmanating from the concrete will still be daunting. Get a few metro passes and use the buses. They're air conditioned and will give your friends an opportunity to see a bit of the city comfortably. You can take a bus from the Seaport area to points uptown. Central Park is a nice place to be in the hot weather as is any museum. Stay hydrated, drop into a store, museum, or gallery to cool off and take a lot of photos!

If they went through with it, this group is already here or on the way.
It was posted late last night (7/24) and said "head there at 6am Monday (yes, tomorrow!)" I think gin_beach overestimated how many Fodorites are on the US board late night weekends.
Fortunately, it's only about 80 here today, though thunderstorms are expected

IPad is a great little piece of equipment; perhaps they brought theirs?

So did you do it? How did it go? I thought the boat tour sounded like a great idea-you'd see the sights without running yourselves ragged, and not be so hot either. Please let us know about your day