Nike

i wonder if the Met is counting the space of the Cloisters
the main building just can't be larger than the Louvre

atilla

Good question Nike, I have a book from the Met at home, I will have a look tonight and see if it details the square footage breakdown. Sorry to hijack your post carrolldf.

carrolldf

Hey, it's a comparison on London/Paris and NYC so comparison of sq footage of Louvre and Met right in line.

I've learned that while beautiful weather can enhance a vacation, cold and rain doesn't spoil it unless you let it. Besudes it being more likely that I'll be able to get time off in October, that's my birthday month so I like to get out of town on my birthday. I don't think I can swing both..........

I just got the free "Official NYC Guide" (Winter 2004/Spring 2005)from the nycvisit.com website. I'll have to browse that (probably this weekend). If it's good and I don't go until Ocotber will have to order another one.

Thanks to all who have replied. Your responses are telling me that I'll probably enjoy NYC as much as I do London and Paris.

Not sure why I've never gone before except I always wanted to go to Europe. Going to NYC didn't sound like going anywhere. But I think I was wrong so I'm really looking forward to it.

aussiedreamer

topping to save great advice.

djkbooks

I cannot imagine planning the sort of experience you have in mind but waking up in NJ and commuting in and out every day...

May hotel rates will likely be significantly lower than October with Priceline having much more availability.

I'd recommend shopping May dates forthwith as rates go up with fill...

NYC hotel rates have been going up and up lately.

bgans

You have already gotten a lot of wonderful advice, and I will try not to be repetitive, but I will add a few notes:

Come in October - the weather is crisp and delightful. The restaurants are at their best - playing with the "local" harvest foods. The museums have all of their big fall season exhibits up and running and the theater season is in full swing. It's my favorite time of year here.

Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (affectionately known as St. John the Unfinished) a Gothic Cathedral in progress for the last 100+ years. It's easily done in the same day as The Cloisters (also worth going out of your way to visit).

Spend a day in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is magnificent, even in October. Next to BBG is the Brooklyn Museum, which has an Egyptian Collection to rival the Metropolitan's. Then go wander Brooklyn Heights, the first "suburb". Block after block of carefully restored 1840's and 50's townhouses. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade has the most spectacular views of lower Manhattan. In B'klyn Hts. is Grimaldi's, the best pizza in the City and then walk back to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Have a great time planning and a wonderful time visiting.

FranS

If you arrive at the end of Oct, you want to go to the Halloween parade in the Village. It is a wild, fun scene, our own mardi gras. If you can stay the week, the NYC Marathon will take place on Sunday, Nov 6.

kswl

Hmmm. I'd have to know someone fairly well before I could recommend the Village on Halloween.

FranS

It is the ying and yang of New York. The Marathon is all about dedicated athletes, pushing themselves beyond the normal. The Village Halloween Parade is also a push beyond anything normal. It is New York at its most flamboyant. Our visitor might have a lot of fun at either or both events. And there will be great stories for the folks in San Antonio.

isabel

Two things that I don't think have been mentioned yet are taking a walk across Brooklyn Bridge, and the Union Square Farmer's Market.

tuscanlifeedit

Ah, I was just going to mention the Union Square market. October is a great time for that market: pumpkins, apples, baked goods.