HELP!!! NEW TO NEW YORK
 

Hi, <BR>My husband and I and our 2 children (aged 12 and 16) will be visiting NYC in June. I am thoroughly confused and have several questions. The attractions we want to see are Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a Broadway Play, the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Time Square, and Central Park. Anything else you reccommend? <BR>My main question is where should we stay. I am looking for a moderately priced decent hotel in a convenient area. Based on the sites we want to visit, should we stay midtown, downtown, uptown, upper east side, upper west side, Soho, or somewhere else? <BR> <BR>Are there any really good websites? Is there a website that lists what is going on in the various theaters? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR>

I'd recommend somewhere in the mid-town area would be a good location. Try the Marriott or Doubletree as they would be in that very area. The Parker Meridian is a nice choice to as it has an indoor pool on the 42nd floor and an easy walk to Central Park or Broadway and easy access to Subways or bus lines. While your down near Battery Park (ferry to Ellis Island & Lady Liberty) I'd highly recommend going to the top of the World Trade Center. While not as historic, it actually has a much more spectacular view (my opinion). I'd also recommend going up the Empire at night (quite spectacular at night). The Modern Museum of Modern Art might be of more interest to your kids and you can see a lot in few hours (you could literally spend days at the Met and not see everything). Last but not least, there's really not a lot to see at Radio or Carnegie unless you are seeing a performance. Have fun it's a great city and do not be afraid to use the subways or ask people for directions/assistance.

Adding to David's comments. Most of what you want to see is in the midtown area. You might try one of the two Courtyards by Marriott (one on West 40th St., the other on Lexington Ave. in the east 50s). <BR>As for seeing a cultural institution, there is a tour of Lincoln Center that is quite interesting. And, as for the Radio City Music Hall, I believe there are tours and it worth seeing this magnificent Art Deco structure. <BR>I would add the show at the new planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History to your museum list. At the Metropolitan Museum, make sure you include the Egyptian section. And pute the Temple of Dendur on your must-see list. <BR>The sites on your list that are not in the midtown area (i.e., Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Metropolitan Museum) can be reached by public transportation. (Actually in the case of the Statue and Ellis Island, it'll take you to the boat departure site.)

Thank you David and Howard for all of your input. I will check on your hotel recommendations. Also thanks for the tip on seeing the Egyptian collection. I wouldn't miss it, Egyptian art is my favorite. <BR> <BR>Anyone else who has anything to add pelase do so. I'm really excited about seeing NY. <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

Kathy, there are two museums in New York City with superb Egyptian collections: the Metropolitan Museum of Art (82nd at Fifth Avenue) and The Brooklyn Museum of Art (Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn). <BR> <BR>The Metropolitan's collection, easily the best in the country, has been re-designed in the last two years and is outstanding. Seeing it properly is an all-day affair, as it covers roughly 25 separate galleries. There's no "approach" per se, just turn right from the main museum entrance. <BR> <BR>The Brooklyn Museum's collection is nearly as extensive as that of the Metropolitan though not nearly as well displayed. Still, it is well worth visiting, even though it is out of the way. The Nos. 3 (West Side IRT) and 4 (Lexington Avenue line) stop right outside of the museum and are quite safe.

Neal, <BR>Thanks for the museum information, it is greatly apprceiated. Possibly the Brooklyn Museum is something to do when I go to Coney Island. Are they near each other? <BR>

Hi Kathy: <BR>Why do you want to go to Coney Island? <BR>Not much to see really. It is not close to the Brooklyn Museum (which is wonderful) and a long subway ride back to Manhattan. You can see Lady Liberty on the Staten Island Ferry (it's free) just do the round trip from Staten Island. <BR>Don't forget to visit the renovated Grand Central Terminal. You can get your Metro Cards for the bus and subway at the Transit Gallery located by the Station Master's booth. There is a Visitor's center right in Times Square 46 & Broadway where you can get free subway and bus maps and Metro Cards. If you take the bus remember exact change in coins only(1.50) <BR>Welcome to NYC.

AC, <BR>Your not the first person to ask my why I want to go to Coney Island. Maybe I should cross this off my list. There are way too many things I want to see, and I only have a week. <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

Just a thought -- since you mentioned you want to go to the third tallest building in New York (Empire State), may I suggest you also visit the tallest (World Trade Towers). The viewing area is more open, the wait is shorter, and you can look down at the Empire State Bldg. Also, there's a TKTS booth (half price Broadway tickets)there, with lines one tenth as long as the comparable TKTS booth at Times Square. <BR> <BR>I also recommend taking the Staten Island Ferry to SEE the Statue of Liberty, but recommend against actually visiting the Island. The lines just to get on the boat are long, and, when you get there, all you can do is look up at the statue. That is, UNLESS you want to wait three hours in line to get to the top for a mediocre, crowded, 30 second view of the Manhattan skyline. <BR> <BR>I do recommend walking along Fifth Avenue, the New York Stock Exchange tour, Federal Hall, and Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

Hi all, <BR>I have heard that taking a taxi in NYC is an expensive rip off because a taxi driver will take a visitor on a joy ride of the city to jack up the fare. I know this can happen anywhere, but in NYC is this true in most cases? <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

In a word, no. I'm sure it happens sometimes, but generally speaking, you don't nned to worry about being ripped off by cab drivers. One suggestion I'd make is to get and familiarize yourself with a map of Manhattan before you arrtive. That way you can faniliarize yourself with the city's layout (generaly pretty simple, actually), which will make getting around on foot and via public transit easier, and give you a sense of where a cab driver should be going. <BR> <BR>Check www.radiocity.com and www.carnegihall.org for detailed info on tours of the venues. <BR> <BR>I think if you go out to Coney Island, you'll probably be disappointed and feel you could have spent your time better elsewhere. It's not the "classic" place you're imagining, but a rundown shell of its former self. It's a rather long journey from Manhattan even by subway and is indeed rather far from the Brooklyn Museum (Manhattan is quite compact, but Brooklyn is large).

Hi all, <BR> <BR>I will most likely be staying in Midtown. Is this area safe at night? Also are there any areas of the cith that I should stay out of? <BR>

Hi Kathy: <BR>You need to remember this about NY and any other city, town, or village--do not leave your common sense at home! Be mindful of your surroundings, safeguard your personal belongings, don't count your money on a street corner, don't put your purse on the back of your chair you know the drill. NY is the safest it has been in years but that does not mean that things don't happen. NY goes 24/7/365 literally. People come and go and work all different hours so there is always something going on. Midtown is probably THE safest place to be. Besides you will be so tired from all your sightseeing that you'll be in bed by the 11 O'Clock news. Don't worry so much. Relax and anticipate a wonderful week in NYC!!

Let's put it this way: given the orientation of your activities (popular tourist sights), you are unlikely to find yourself in any part of Manhattan where you will feel unsafe. Givem that you plan to come in the summer, expect Midtown to be fairly busy, and therefore safe. As AC says, bring your common sense and avoid making youself a target for pickpockets (the only crime you'd be likely at all to fall victim to as a tourist). So avoid carrying valuables in a backpack, fanny pack, or anywhere else you can't keep an eye or hand on, and be aware of your surroundings. NYC is quite safe, especially in the well-populated areas you're going to be visiting. Relax and enjoy your visit...and don't be afraid to ask for directions or help on the street. With rare exceptions, you're likely to find New Yorkers, contrary to the stereotype, polite, friendly, and helpful. That's been my experience in the years I've lived here!

Do a search on NYC or New York to bring up all the other comments on the city. If you insist on going up to the Statute of Liberty, I remember reading that first thing in the morning is the best time - shortest lines. The next stop on the ferry is Ellis Island. From what I read, you'll spend as much time in line to get off the island as you did looking around. If you're going to be there a week, consider getting the City Pass. If you go to more than 3 of the 6 attractions, it's definitely worth the money. On my trip in October, we got our Broadway tickets at the TKTS booth at the World Trade Center, then later saw the line at the Time Square TKTS booth. DEFINITELY pick up your tickets at WTC. <BR> <BR>After an intensive 3 day, 2 night trip to NYC, one of the things I enjoyed the most was hoofing it around town.

Here's another assurance that you should be safe in New York. It's doubtful that as a tourist you'd be anywhere near the high-crime areas of the city. <BR>One more bit of advice: Relax and don't get paranoid about your safety, about being ripped off, etc. AS other posters have said: Be careful and be aware.

Hi, <BR>You all mentioned that as a tourist I will be seeing tourist attractions that are in safe areas and I won't be in the high crime area of the city. But note of you said where the high crime area is. So where is it? <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

Kathy, like any big city (or small city, for that matter), there are areas that have higher crime rates than other areas. And, New York being the largest city in the U.S. and one of the largest the world, certainly has "unsafe" areas. None of us is about to list all the "unsafe" areas. (Unless we're in the crime-prevention business in NYC, none of us could be called authorities on the subject in any sense of the word!) Why don't you tell where you plan to go, and perhaps we can tell you about the safety factor. <BR>Meanwhile, I iterate that you seem to be hung up on this subject. Frankly, if it's going to bother you that much, I think you'll have a lousy time when you come here and ought to think about going someplace else!

Kathy, really, you needn't worry about high-crime areas. First, the higher-crime areas are either essentially residential or are areas without much commercial acticities anyway, and are literally on the fringes of the island relative to where you'll likely be, e.g., the far eastern and western edges above and below (but NOT in) midtown, the easternmost part of the Lower East Side, and some areas above 110th Street. In other words, the places you're likely to be--midtown, lower Manhattan near South Street Seaport, the WTC, Wall Street, or Chinatown, Central Park during the day, and the Village--are quite safe. Since it's five months until your trip, I think/hope you'll have time to let your unnecessary concerns blow off. You'll be totally fine here. If you are from a particularly quiet part of the midwest, you may indeed find NYC to be a bit of a sensory overload, but if you relax you'll find it an exciting one, not a frightening one!

Okay Horard and Caitlin, I'll get off of the NYC is dangerous kick. I lived in Milwaukee, WI for several years and now live in a quiet suburb outside of Milwaukee. But I do go to Chicago often, and love it there. NYC is probably no more dangerous then Chicago as long as I don't do anything stupid. Thanks for your patience. <BR>

Kathy, <BR>I was one of the most overly paranoid overplanners for a trip to New York. I can honestly tell you from that stand point, that we walked from the theaters at night to our hotel. And, I even got the courage to take a ride on the subway system down to the Staten Island Ferry. Again, I can't emphasize how overly paranoid I was, and I felt just fine walking at night and riding the subways.

Good for you Kathy! If you felt okay in Chicago, you'll feel the same in New York. Both are great cities, especially if you know how to enjoy them! So now, relax and plan a great trip! You're gonna love New York. <BR> <BR>

Kathy: <BR>Susan survived her trip to NYC so will you. We helped her along (LOL)!!! You'll be fine! You'll have a great time and then wondered why you had worried so much! Keep asking us though, we love to give you our thoughts!!!

Hi, <BR>We're wondering how much of my hard earned cash NYC is going to swallow. I got hotel rates (higher then I expected) from web sites. I also got admission prices to some attractions (about what I expected). How about restaurant prices. For breakfast I don't plan on having a $50 per person burnch. We will probably go to the average bacon and eggs restuarant or grab a bagel sandwich from a street vendor. Most of our lunches will be lighter fare, probable deli type places. For dinner we want to have a nicer meal in a decent but inexpenseive plae (if they exist). we might want to have two or three really nice dinners if a place is highly recommended. Can anyone give some suggestions on all types of restaurants.

<BR>why not try america on 18th street. it's loud and fun, and has an extensive menu, from peanut butter and jelly to filet mignon and everything in between. <BR> <BR>seredipity3 (on 57th) is fun for ice cream.

just a quick post on a few good web sites <BR>http/newyork.citysearch.com is great for nightlife, attraction, shows, hotels etc..check out 'the best of' <BR> <BR>also what i love to do is walking tours <BR>www.bigonion.com offers educational tours throughout the city--if you are around during the muli-ethnic eating tour I would definately suggest that

It will help if you can tell us kinds of food you like and what budget you are thinking of for thoses dinners (both inexpensive and "really nice"--these are highly subjective and mean different things to different people). Also, lcation? Are you wanting to stick to midtown or are you willing to branch out a bit? If the latter, there are more inexpensive-but-very-good options. <BR> <BR>A bagel or donut and coffee from a street stand is $1-1.50. Egg-on-a-roll plus coffe type breakfast from a bodega (corner store/deli) is around $2-3. Coffee-shop breakfast in midtown, $6+. If you stay in a suite hotel with kitchenette, you can buy provisions and eat breakfast there. Corner-deli style sandwiches run $4-5. Hot dogs, kebabs, etc. from street carts, $2-3.

Look for an Irish Pub for a good meal at a good price. We found a great one in the East Village but I can't remember the name. There were 4 of us in NY for 4 days and the cost of food was not a big investment, however, we skipped the fancy restaurants. Had a blast by the way and never felt unsafe-we mostly took the subways. Do the Empire State at night and see a show-the kids ( and you) might really enjoy "STOMP"-off broadway, high energy and not too expensive. Maybe stop in at the FAO Schwartz toy store. Lots to see and experience-an exciting city!

Thanks Loni, I've added America to my list. It sounds great. <BR> <BR>Jason, thanks for the web site addresses. A walking tour sounds like a good idea. <BR> <BR>Caitlin, you are absolutely right-expensive means different things to different people. I was looking for a nice dinner that is not much more then $30 per person. As far as the dinds of food we like goes I am looking for steak places. Also is there a good seafood restaurant in NYC We would also love a good italian restuarant. Are ther any chinese restaurants that also serve steaks and burgers (the kids don't like Chinese food, but my husband and I love it.) As far as location goes we are willing to branch out for a really great place. <BR> <BR>Ginger, your not the first one to recommend Stome, so it's at the top of our list. Hopefully tickets will be available through half-price tickets for this show. As far as shopping goes FAO Schwartz is on my list of musts. <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

Hi Kathy: <BR>My all time favorite steak house is Gallagher's 228 West 52nd Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue <BR>212-245-5336 for a reservation. Enjoy!

Generally speaking, traditional steak houses here are expensive--the steak itself around $30, and side dishes are extra. However, you can definitely get a French-style Steak frites (steak, perhaps with sauce, and thin-cut fries) in your budget range. For that, I'd recommend Steak Frites on 16th St. btn. 5th Ave and Union Square West or Les Halles on Park Ave. So. around 26th St. or thereabouts (use Yahoo yellow pages or wait and use the one in your hotel room). For seafood in your budget and a nice atmosphere, try Blue Water Grill, corner of Union Square West and 16th St. (same block as Steak Frites). For Italian in midtown and in your budget, you might consider the oft-recommended (on this forum) Becco, which has a $22 pasta tasting menu--as much as you want of salad and three daily-changing pasta specials. All these places need reservations. <BR> <BR>I doubt you could find a Chinese place here that serves steaks and burgers, but if you did, I doubt you'd want to try the Chinese food... <BR> <BR>Midtown doesn't have a lot of inexpensive restaurants that are very good, except on 9th Ave. in the 50s. There are many ethic restaurants there, and also Island Burgers and Shakes, which serves burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches with your choice of about a million toppings and is inexpensive. A similar place is Jackson Hole, a local chain with several locations around town that specializes in big burgers in many varieties. <BR> <BR>I get that you're an overplanner, but I suggest that you file this away and then come back here in May to ask about restaurant suggestions. The responses you'll get will be more up-to-date and germane to your June trip.

Tickets may or may not be available for Stomp at 1/2 price but FYI , they "only" cost about $50.00 a seat full price-not too bad compared to Broadway. When we went in Oct. there were seats available (1/2 price) for Chicago and for Cabaret-good shows!

You got some good suggestions. You might also want to look into Blue Man Tubes. Teenagers seem to love that show. They might also actually enjoy Jeykl & Hyde even though it is a musical. Chinatown is a great evening trip for cheap eats, as is little Italy. One of my favorites in Little Italy is Luna. John's Pizza on Bleeker is in the heart of the Village & is considered a landmark. Good window shopping before & after. Don't forget the sports bars, the boys will love it (you may need a beer or two though)-ESPN ZONE, WWF, Allstar Cafe. Not so expensive, huge shareable sp? portions, great things to look out while waiting for the food.

Ellen, you're giving dated suggestions. Jekyll & Hyde and the All-Star Cafe have closed!

AC, Thanks for the info on Gallagher's. Maybe we'll try it. <BR> <BR>Caitlin, I will definitely check out Blue Water Griss and Becco. Island Burgers sounds like a good lunch idea. <BR> <BR>Ginger, We will probably wait until we get there to buy Broadway tickets. It looks like half-proce tickets always has quite a variety of shows available. Hopefully that won't change between now and the time I get there. <BR> <BR>Thanks everyone, <BR>Kathy <BR>

OK, Kathy, you can take rest from your planning. Except perhaps for booking the hotel, there is little else to do now for you Junue trip! It's certainly too early to make restaurant reservations; and since you've decided to get discount theater tickets, there's nothing else to do on that front either. <BR>A couple observations: <BR>1. You may not have a huge choice of shows at discount prices in June, since that is a fairly busy theater season. If you have not gone to too many shows, however, you'll probably be able to find something for your family to see. You might consider joining the Playbill club on its website (www. playbill.com). It's free and it's not a gimmick. Once you join, you are "eligible" for discount tickets to some shows. The advantage over the TKTS booth is that you wouldn't have to wait in line and you can get tickets in advance (by phone or at the box office). Be aware, however, that offers for June probably would not be posted until sometime in May. <BR>2. As for restaurants, you should make reservations at the popular ones (like Becco) 2-3 weeks before. <BR>Now, relax!

Howard, <BR>We are going to look at all of our hotel options this weekend and pick one. <BR> <BR>I'm sure I'll find a show at half price tickets that we will all want to see. There aren't that many that we have seen as there aren't a lot of choices here in Wisconsin. I will also check into joining playbill. <BR> <BR>I want to thank all of you for your help. And a special thank you to Caitlin, Howard, and AC <BR> <BR>Now I'll leave you guys alone until my trip gets closer. <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

Yes, Howard, you are correct. I was under the impression that All Star was just closed temporarily for renovation. And, I see those David Hasselhof posters all over the place so I assumed Jekyl & Hyde was still kicking. Oh well... Anyway, WWF & ESPN Zone are still around. OH WAIT! What about Mars 2112? My friend's kids loved that place! Howard, do you have kids (I don't)? Is Mars still happening?

If you like sports, no trip to NY is complete without a visit to Yankee Staduim

Ellen, I have grandkids. (Does that count?) They're still a little young for the places we've discussed. Their favorite right now is the American Museum of Natural History. However, since our 7-year-old grandson is learning about Monet in school (!), we plan to take him to the Metropolitan Museum soon. <BR>For Kathy and other NYC visitors, check out The Big Apple Greeter Program in which volunteers share their knowledge of the city with you, and it's free. <BR>Website: www.bigapplegreeter.org <BR>Phone: 2312-669-8159