Bowsprit

Hi jcmalwar: The long thread you've posted to is two years old. You're likely to get more responses tailored to your interests if you start your own new thread.

AJPeabody

A 2 year old thread is revived, but the question of NYC on NYE always remains.

nytraveler

Restaurants with a view are few - and VERY pricey - since they will have a single price "party" for the night. For an inexpensive experience (comparatively) stay on the upper west side (The hosteling International is reliable if that's what you want). Have dinner at one of the local ethnic restaurants for a very reasonable price and then walk to Central Park for the free fireworks.

Staying near Times Square will be an awful price - Marriott at Times Square gets more than $1500 for a room with a view - and seeing the ball drop there will require getting there around 4 or 5 pm and standing in a police pen until after the ball drops at midnight. (Did this as a college student, many years ago, way before there was so much security, and we had a dry, warm night - in the 30s). If it's cold (wind chills of zero farenheit - or snowy/sleety) it can be hell.

mbell_UK

Thank for the great advice nytraveler. Can you recommend any nice ethnic restaurants that are a not too long walk to central park for the fireworks?

Also, for central park fireworks - are these free and not as crowded as at times sq I imagine?!

nytraveler

There are a host of restaurants if you just walk up and down Broadway, Amsterdam of Clumbus Ave.

Some goo places:

Italian: Gennaros, Aqua
Dominican: Cafe con Leche (very casual and inexpensive)
Kefi (Greek)
Tandoori (Indian)
Gabriella's - Mexican

But there are a ton of places - do call to be sure they are open and serving a regular dinner

nytraveler

Fireworks in Central Park are free - and since the Park is enormous (bigger than the country of Monaco) crowding is not a problem.

mbell_UK

thanks for your advice guys, really appreciate it!