Got any tips about the 9/11 museum?
 

We're headed to NYC by car and plan to stop at the 9/11 museum. Any helpful info you can offer -- on parking, time required, worth-it/not-worth-it features, etc. -- is appreciated.

Also, we're thinking of parking near the museum and then taking public transportation into midtown. Best best for doing that?

TY

For parking go to the web site of Icon Parking which has a large number of garages all over Manhattan. You can find the closest, make a reservation and determine the fees in advance. If you will be there for most of the day - since you are going up to midtown after the museum expect $35 to $40.

TY. Other advice welcomed.

Any idea what a taxi would cost from the 9/11 museum to, say, Rockefeller Center?

We were there a few weeks ago. We had the pre-purchased the first reservations of the morning (9 a.m. time slot) That was great because we could see the museum without the crowds (which were there when we left about 2 1/2 hours later). We had an audioguide that spotlighted about 15 different things (well done). It was a very moving experience.

((H))

Subway would be much faster than a taxi, especially in the next few weeks.

Haven't been to the 9/11 museum.

TY

This time of year it could be a lot based on how bad traffic is. Anything near Rock Center will be bumper to bumper traffic. I would assume something like $30 plus.

Bring tissues. Seriously.

This 9/11 museum is relatively new so worth a visit. You can spend hours walking in the museum completely taken in by all the events leading up to the attacks and the aftermath that followed it. For me personally, I still remembered that day quite vividly what I was doing that day, how I learned about the news and my reactions hearing about it.

The 9/11 Museum and the memorial pools are very powerful and well done. Definitely get tickets and reserve a time in advance, especially this time of year. I went my then 13 year old daughter and her friend. We had a tour guide who was not strong. Guides are assigned randomly, as far as I know, so you either take your chances or do the audio self guided tour (which I think is a safer bet). It is easily a 3 hours to absorb the powerful displays and immerse yourself in the experience. There is a self contained room, not for the very young or faint of heart - that has very personal remains and voice mail messages left during the attack that make it all very real and very emotional/upsetting.

I agree that traffic and parking in lower Manhattan is a challenge. The subway is much more practical than taking cabs.

Appreciate the comments and observations.

I know the subway runs to 42d St., where we would get off. What's the proximity of the closest stop to the museum? Wall St.?

If you want to use Rockefeller Center (48th/50th Sts) as a landing place you can take the R train downtown from 48th St & 7th Avenue to Cortland Street station. You can exit near the intersection of Church and Cortlandt Streets and walk north on Church Street about three blocks. It is a snap.

Parking in midtown Manhattan will cost you more like $50-60 depending on when you go. At off times, you may be able to get a discount coupon from Icon's web site.
http://www.iconparkingsystems.com/fa....5SRD1wYC.dpuf

If you don't get to Manhattan often, and the weather is nice, plan to walk around the financial district, even go to the west side or Battery Park and look at the Statue of Liberty while you are there. There are outdoor restaurants along the Hudson where you can have dinner or drinks. It adds to the experience.

Enjoy!

Cortlandt St is closest and the trains that stop there are great for your midtown sights.

Get off at
= 34th St/Herald Square for Empire State Building and Macy's.
= 42nd St/Times Square for southern end of Times Square and Bryant Park.
= 49th St/7th Ave for northern Times Square, TKTS booth, Rockefeller Center
= 57th St/7th Ave for Carnegie Hall

Great info. TY

Any restaurant recs for the area near the 9/11 memorial. No limit on price or type.

(Yes, new things pop into my head intermittently. Sorry.)

As I recall, we walked over to River Terrace by the Hudson and found an unremarkable restaurant that served us drinks and apps. It was perfect for what we were looking for one a hot summer day. I know there is a Le Pain Quotidien (which are fine places for a light bite) but not sure how close it is to a river view. There is a high end place - Pier A 22 Battery Place - but I've never been, have no idea of the quality or prices. It is supposed to have a great view of The Lady and NY Harbor. The way I like to dress to spend a day at a museum, it would be unlikely I'd wind up dining at a place like that. But, that's just me. If you go, please post a review.

Also, check out Merchants River House 375 South End Avenue
Hudson River Esplanade between Liberty & Albany Streets

Near the museum, the best place to eat is actually the food court at Brookfield Place. The food choices are really outstanding, and the prices aren't astronomical. Much better (in my opinion) than the sit-down options nearby.

There's also a Shake Shack within walking distance, and if you want an upscale lunch North End Grill is really nice (albeit expensive). There are a lot of upscale, expense-account restaurants nearby, catering to Conde Nast and Wall Street. Most of them are good, and most of the other fast food options awful. It's really what you want.

TY. We probably will go a little upscale. (I have eaten at Shake Shack, and have no objections to it, but not this trip.)