PlumeriaTattoo

Also check out the Circle Line boat cruise. They have a Harbour Lights Cruise that is nice in the evening, especially from the top deck. You see the skyline, Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges during daylight, then they turn around and head back as the sun sets and the city lights all come on. Here are a couple photos I took from the Circle Line to give you and idea what you might see:

http://i.pbase.com/v3/29/292529/2/45920773.P7030046.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/v3/29/292529/2/45...Lsunset5x7.jpg

PLUS, then you can cross the Staten Island Ferry off your list and have more time for other things during the day. Check for coupons in the free tourist publications you can find at the airport or your hotel.

nytraveler

Do not use a tour bus as transit. It simply won;t work - and is a complete waste of money. If you want to take a bus - just use the regular city buses - they cover the whole city and generally appear every 5 minutes or so during the day early evening.

But - for short distances walk. New York is a city that you must get out onto the streets to see things to really learn what the city is like. For longer distance transit either use a cab (not that much for 4 people) or the subway (cheap, safe and faster than anything else for longer distances).

Agree ot to schedule so many things. You will want time just to walk and explore, sit in a sidewalk cafe and have a drink or snack.

And it is Criminal to visit the city and not see at least a couple of the museums. Go to the web site of the Met to see what departments might interest you (pick just 2 or 3 - perhaps the Costume Institute or Impressionaist paintings or ???). And do try to do Ellis Island Immigration Museums - which is positively brilliant. It chronicles the lives of so many immigrants - and personifies what makes New York - and the US - the incredibly diverse place it is.

(IMHO diversity is one of the most important benefits of NYC over any small town - color, race, religion, nationality, gender oprientation and every sort of opinion on any topic. We have positively anything - and anyone - you can imagne. And leraning to understand and live with that is a great part of our strength as a nation.)

LLindaC

Just returned from trip with 2 teenage daughters. I don't think the Lincoln Center is worth the time, but that's JMHO. Wear good shoes with VERY good arch support or orthotics, not flats. Plan on walking a LOT, cause it's faster than taking cabs! We booked the NYC Party Shuttle tour from 10-#:30 and saw everything without worrying about driving, catching transportation, etc. The remaining time, we filled in the blanks with shopping, TOR, etc. I highly recommend this, plus the info they give and questions they answer are priceless. They give you 30 min for lunch at the South Port...next time, I'd bring my own lunch.

LLindaC

Sorry...meant to say, the tour is from 10-3:30. Highlight of our trip.

mclaurie

Another reco to get rid of the Super Shuttle. It's an awful service that will take you forever. Even if you've already paid for it, don't use it. Bad buses, drivers etc. Get a taxi to your hotel and make sure to get an official yellow cab from the taxi line. Do NOT accept a ride from anyone who approaches you. The taxi will be about $30-35 for up to 5 people. (another reason why Super Shuttle is not a good idea for your group) If you prefer a car service, I like limores.net

Walking to/from your hotel to theaters is absolutely fine. Just walk with a purpose. Yes taxis will carry 4 people but one has to sit up front with driver.

Maria Pia is a good Italian rest. not far from your hotel with a good prix fixe dinner. The girls will also like Film Center Cafe and Vinyl. Must have some good pizza. John's on west 44th st is one good one.

Menupages.com is a great website for searching for rest. by area and by cuisine.

Hopstop.com will help you navigate around Manhattan. If you plug in addresses, it gives you options for getting there including estimates taxi fare and walking time plus detailed walking instructions to subways.

Have a great time and RELAX.

usermom

As a mother of 3 daughters (23-15yrs), I can't tell you what a great trip this is going to be. I go to NYC with my dtrs 2-3x/yr. They love it! Where you are staying, walking to & from activities is fine at night. "It is the city that never sleeps," so you will be amazed at how many people are on the street walking out at night. The Lion King is a great show. People for the most part are friendly & helpful. You can always stop & ask for help. There also is a great deal of police officers on foot, as well as car & horse patrols. This always made me feel more comfortable, but note crime can happen in any town or city so take precautions not to take money out on the street or wear lots of gold jewelry and stay together. I think you might have underestimated your time from the airport to the hotel, and your time for check in, walking & dinner. It depends where you eat. You can wait an hour or more to be seated at certain restaurants or walk right in at others. Carmine's Italian Restaurant is great but allow alot of time to be seated or sit at the bar & have dinner much quicker. The portions are huge (family style)but you can eat reasonable there is you order 1-2 entrees & 1 appetizer & split it. You will still be stuffed. Hope you have a great time.

Cookiew

We literally just got back from a long weekend staying on Broadway, not our first trip but anyway:
You have way, way too much stuff planned. NYC is a crazy place, you may need to wait in lines for things, the people watching alone will take time (and its fun) so cut out about half of your list IMHO and relax. Yes, its safe on the main streets, just watch the obvious stuff like your bags as you would in any incredibly crowded place. Be careful around the street vendors as there are some shady types sometimes hovering around and some might be pickpockets. But overall, its fine. We walked about 7-8 blocks after an event on Monday night back to Time Square and never worried for a second.
Eating- you would have trouble NOT finding a place to eat, restaurants are every couple of feet. Some are even affordable. I hope you have lots of cash planned because this is a very expensive city. We commonly paid $2 for a cup of coffee in some places (not all) and a glass of wine ran about $10 in some places.
Definitely wear good shoes, the streets are brutal on your feet- trust me, I'm still feeling it as we are big walkers, aren't heavy people but I wore slightly ornamental shoes without the support of my walking sneakers- not a good idea.
Again, cut down your wishlist. You'll be very surprised at how tired you'll feel coping with the newness of such a big place coming from such a small one. Its very noisy, traffic is nuts, the signage alone will awe and surprise you- its a great fun place to visit but take it slow!

wliwl

I agree with everyone who says - take your time! You'll love just walking around and people watching.

Just hit the highlights - Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Macy's, Metro Museum of Art, Times Square, Wall Street (maybe). Seriously - you'll be EXHAUSTED!

Use cabs. Only use the official yellow cabs. They will let you put a fourth person in the front. If the numbers light is on on top of the cab then it is available. (No point in trying to hail down an occupied cab.) Just stand at the curb and stick your arm up. ***Catch them on the one way street that is going in the direction you want to go!*** It saves you the money (and time) of going around the block in the cab. SAVE YOUR FEET if you're going longer distances.

You have NOT left enough time on Monday for your flight!!! You should BE AT the airport around noon-12:30 for your 2:00 flight - not just leaving the city. You really have no idea how much traffic there is and how busy the airport can be and what sorts of unforeseen things might happen!

You are going to have a blast.

kenav

NY is only really expensive (clothing and other articles, and restaurant)s in areas like Times Square that cater to tourists, as in any big city.

The restaurants I recommended in that area won't be so bad. I agree on the Film Center Cafe as well on 9th Avenue between 44th and 45th Streets. Think your 16 year olds will like it - funky and comfortable - and it's reasonable.

Liz5959

I realize you probably have a Macy's at home, but this one is huge (one whole square block, nine sales floors), and you won't even be able to try anything on in your one hour alloted time. I had a friend who was there recently that was totally entranced with the wood escalators on the upper floors. Sounds like she spent 30 mins just going up and down them! If you really want to shop, allow more time.

dkopp9

Thanks so much, kenav. Your suggestions are very much appreciated! Pizza and chocolate--that's speaking the girls' language!
And I had no idea taxis came in more than one size, so even that simple advice means a lot!!
I'll print all these off and narrow down our to-do list and highlight all the dining suggestions!

I'm so glad I stumbled across this website! Thanks to all of you!

Gekko

Taxis may come in two sizes -- sedans & minivans -- but by law they only carry 4 passengers. (In sedans, the 4th passenger sits in the front seat next to the driver, as well as in some minivans.)

travelbuff

Another Girl Scout here, have to admit, I have my 25 year pin, and had been a leader for many years.

Just a thought would you like to meet up with a troop while you are here? The Greater New York Girl Scout Council is located on W 23rd ST and there are lots of troops in Manhattan.

Let me know and I can get you in touch with a Field Service Manager.

Have a great time while you are here.

jt7dreamz

flying into lga. you'll be late lga is always late. tack on a half hr. luggage retrieval is slow too. sorry its true!!!! I'd bet you arrive closer to noon (say 1140ish) by the time you get the bags and the girls in a cab and into town. But some might call me a pessimist.

Remember the girls will be overwhlemed! I've lived in the city for 6 yrs now and sometimes I do!!

Ok Friday- Times sq is a good option but I'd do 5th ave instead- it wont be as crowded as it wil lon Sat. H&M is on 51st and 5th... right across from St Patricks Cathedral. Theres also great shopping around there too... You can meander back to your hotel in time to change (if you want) and go to dinner etc and then the play. Times Sq at night is the best. It will DEFINITELY be packed ona Friday night and there will be tons of people (and police) around. Remember nyc is the safest big city- you'll be fine... jsut don't dangle your purse in the wind and you'll be ok. walking will be fine.

sat- take the subway!!! I know this sounds nuts but if you take the N,R from your hotel (and yes its close! it's on 49th and broaway) downtown to city hall. You'll get out and be at the bridge. I know you wont see much- but no trip is complete without a subway tour. The bus will take forever. agree w the top of the rock at night- did you make reservations??

nix the UN tour- I think NBC is more interesting for teenagers. I would def sneak in the park- its amazing to see such a huge mass of green in the middle of the city- and its a nice break. world trade center. walk to the water- there are a few restaurans there and its pretty. right near the site is mainly business lunch places.


before i forget. if i had 2 pm flight to LGA and I was staying where you are staying I would leave at 1115 latest. Figure by the time you get a cab (always aim fo rthe worst)and get to lga it will be 12 at the earliest- cross town during the day is a bitch. excuse my french. LGA can be a disaster at any moment... so maybe 1130. But not 12. You will be anxious and nervous.

If you or your daughters are interested in business (I was as a kid!!) I would say leave early on Monday am and see the rush of Wall Street. All the men in suits racing around I though twas great. But thats JMHO.

Theres another restaurant Eatery by your hotel (53rd st) we used to eat there a lot. The food is good and its a trendyish cool place. 9th avenue is exploding with restaurants so I would chk that out if you're around.

HAVE FUN!!

flatfeet

> I don't believe you are allowed to sit up front in a taxi - against regulations.

Except for children, sitting up front is definitely allowed.

> Be careful around the street vendors as there are some shady types sometimes hovering around and some might be pickpockets.

I want to comment on this because what I love about my city is that there is room here for all kinds. Some people look clean cut and some don't, and it often has little to do with whether they are upstanding citizens or not. I'm a partner at my firm but I probably look like a bag lady on my days off. The poster's intention is absolutely right – be alert. But dkopp9 will likely see a lot of people that she's not used to here, and she has already said she's nervous. So I just want to reassure her that just b/c someone looks less put together doesn't make them shady or a pickpoctet. In fact I don't think there's a pickpocket problem in nyc.

nytraveler

Sorry - regular cabs hold 4 adult passengers (1 up front with the driver). The vans can hold 5 adult passengers.

As for getting to the airport - if your flight is 2:10 I would be at the airport no later than 12:30 - at the latest - meaning you need to leave the city at 11:30. If you leave later you may make the flight - but all it takes is an accident or some roadworks and the drive is 30 minutes longer. And a hold -up in the security line can make it take an hour.

Better early - than agitated and running for the plane.

nytraveler

And to give you some perspective the official population of NYC is 8 million - more than 9 if you include the illegal immigrants. But the greater metro area (suburbs from which people commute to work in the city) is about 20 million people.

The new york city school system has more than 1.1 million students - and some high schools have ore than 5,000.

In fact, about 5,000 people live on my block (we have several highrises) - which is not rare in Manhattan.

dkopp9

travelbuff,
Hi! I've only got my 15 year pin, but I have another troop with my ten year old to get through the program so I may get to that 25 year mark, too!
I'll ask my girls if they want to meet up with another troop. I'd love to, but it's their trip so I'll check--plus we are pushing it time-wise.
Have you toured the GS headquarters? Do they have a shop there like they do in the council headquarters?
Thanks for your post!!

paula1470

I will agree with others that your schedule is way too tight. Part of the fun of New York is just walking through the different neighborhoods without rushing.

I stay at the Belvedere when I come to NYC. On 9th street (go out of the lobby, go right until the end of the block) there are many smaller restaurants that are reasonably priced. You can just walk by and check out the menus.

Definitely take the girls to H&M. They have several locations but my daughters really like the one on 5th Ave across from St. Patricks. You have down plenty of time on Friday to go to H&M. Although you will get to your hotel probably later than you listed, I don't think you need all the time allotted to walk around Times Square. I am sure you will want to get some lunch and of course just soak in the Times Square environment. Once you have down this you can head over to 5th Ave to H&M and this will get you out of some of the crush of Times Square.

As others have suggested, try using the subway especially to Downtown. Besides the N, R mentioned at the 49th & Broadway, there is a smaller subway station at 50th & 8th which is just around the corner from the Belvedere. You can take the C,E right down to the WTC location. If you are worried about using the subway line, this is a good station to use because it is not that crowded and it's close to the hotel. Just remember that not that many lines go into the 50th street station.

The day I took my younger daughter downtown, we did the Staten Island Fery, walked over the WTC and then started walking Uptown going through Chinatown, Soho, the Village. My daughter really liked this part of time. She was 17 at the time. Finally when we couldn't walk any futher, we took a taxi the rest of the way home. Of course you would also have to fit the Brooklyn Bridge in that day-lots of walking!!

Have a wonderful trip. I know you will all have a wonderful time.

paula1470

my typing is not too good tonight. Meant to say "my daughter really liked this part of town".