thanks to previous suggestions on this site,Ihave planned my must see list and have reserved the doubletree suites. we will arrive at 8:30am on 2/23 for 4 nights-and need your help with the "plan"I hope to drop off the luggage and go to the visitor centeron Broadway to get maps and metrocard-funpass? Which subway is close that will take us to WTC so i can get tix-where exactly in the tower is the booth and can i get there b4 10:30? After i get tix, is there a place with a view that i can get an early lunch/late breakfast before the normal lunch crowd? I then plan to walk to battery park, so maybe there is a better lunch option there? Depending on weather, we will take the staten island ferry or the cirle line and then which bus- the m6? will take us back to the hotel? If we don't get tix, we want to go to empire state building for night view-which route there and back? Thinking of finishing evening with a nightcap at the revolving bar at the marriot? what is the name? Next day,which bus will take us to the Rhiga,and what is the name of the restuarant in there that has a view of central park? do they serve breakfast or brunch on saturday? Then over to rockefeller center and a nbc tour- which is the best entrance into rfc? then walk over to st pats, up 5th ave for some shopping, maybe stop at the plaza for a drink before going over to hard rock for nyc shirts and then is there an entrance into central park close? is the tavern on the green on this side of the park? thought by now, feet may need a rest so which bus would we take to go down broadway to stop at the soup nazi and then on back to the hotel? The next day is open for suggestions. I'm a seinfeld addict and thought maybe kramers bus tour, or maybe just take the bus ( which one?) up broadway to 112th to that diner? Any other suggestions would be so appreciated. After conference on Monday, hope to get last minute tix to letterman, confernece on tuesday and then fly back to vegas.I know I can't see/do it all, but with your suggestions I hope to have a great weekend!

I'll address the few of your points that I can offer any perspective on. (I'm glad "las vegan" is not the spanish term for a person who eats no meat or dairy - I'd be at a loss to help!). The subway to take is either the 1/9 local which takesyou all the way to WTC or if you'd like to get there much faster take the 2/3 express to Chambers Street - then get off and take a few steps across the platform to transfer to the 1/9 (which will show up in minute or two). A view in downtown? The obious is Windows on the World on top of WTC. if yo arrive at 11:30 or so it should be easy enough to be seated. You might also consider walking down (all inside within the same complex) to the Cosi's sandwich shop in the atrium of World Financial Center. They have fantastic sandwiches made on a unique fresh roasted flat bread that's oiled and salted lightly and split open to insert the fillings. Top shelf ingredients and you can get in and out quickly. The atrium has plenty of places to prak yourself and peoplewatch while also getting a good view of the waterfront (and the amazing yacht with the helicopter pad on the back - it's usually mooored there or across from Starbucks on the Newport-Pavonia waterfont (across the river - Jersey City). To get the Staten Island ferry it's a short walk to South Ferry from WTC. To then return uptown just take the 1/9 back up directly from South Ferry (again - transfer at Chambers back to the 2/3 to speed up the trip). If taking Circle Line I suggest the harbor cruise - the tripal the way around the island is relaxing in summer but very long (3 hours and a bit boring on some stretches). For circle Line just take the same subway route back uptown and get off at 42nd. You'll then have a free transfer with your funpass to take the crosstown bus straight out to the Circle Line Pier. For Empire State take the N/R downtown from Times Square, get off at 34th Street and walk east a few blocks - you're there. Can't advise on Battery Park dining options - don't know the area restaurants. The bar is in the Marriot Marquis hotel - don't know the name of bar but just go in the hotel and take the elevator up. As for Letterman tix - check the CBS website for details on standby tix - I believe you have to start calling late morning and be among first group on the phone who gets through to get standby's for that day, then you'll have to line up at about 3:30 or 4:30 PM to get in. make sure to bring your cell phone for the calling - the NYC hjotels will ding you $1 - 1.50 for every single local call you make - sometimes even if you get a busy signal!

Here are a few more answers. The restaurant at the Rhiga is called Halcyon, and I don't know if they serve Saturday breakfast; you can call them and ask. (212) 468-8888. Be sure and tell them you want to sit by a window; the windows are not huge, and unless you're right next to one, you won't get the view. The Rhiga is on 54th between 6th and 7th Aves., which is not a huge walk from the Doubletree suites. If you need to take the bus, though, just grab one going up 8th Ave and walk over on 54th St. If you walk north two blocks from the Hard Rock Cafe, you will be at the southern end of Central Park. Tavern on the Green is on the west side, where you will be, but between 67th and 68th Sts. Any bus heading south on Broadway will take you down to 55th St. so you can visit Soup Kitchen International. (Please, please, please, do not refer to Al Yegeneh as the "soup Nazi"! Yes, he's brusque, as famously lampooned on "Seinfeld," but he's also a talented chef who was genuinely hurt by this insult; it's not a term that's in any way fair to toss around.) The Seinfeld diner is called Tom's.

Thank you Owen and Caitlan! I had seen your previous helpful suggestions and hoped that you both would be answering! Never being on a subway before, how much faster is the Express? Cosi's sounds great- thank you!I'm glad that you told me where circle line was or I'd been looking for it at the same place as the Staten Island ferry! Do you think it is much better than the ferry? Or would I be paying for the warmpth of not being outside? I found a site that has a 10 day forecast for nyc and it looks mighty chilly. Thank you for the info about Haylcon-is there any other options that have a view of central park? I've read that the soup is really fantastic at the soup kitchen so will be sure to show Mr Yegeneh due respect. Ideas for Sunday? We kicked around the idea of museums, but would rather be outside ( or at least have a view of the outside) Any "celler" type places for dinner? Are most of the restuarants non smoking or since we haven't quit, can we still get a table in smoking section? Again, I do appreciate your insights.

Some restaurants still have smoking sections, most often tables in the bar area - call ahead to inquire. The Circle Line has an open area on the bow but also has much inside seating. if you want only a view of the Statue of Liberty and the approaching and receding view of the lower Manhattan skyline the Staten Island Ferry is fine. The Circle Line "harbor cruise" (the cheapest and shortest at 45 minutes) goes closer to the statue, sdtays there for a short bit and does a loop so folks sitting on both sides get a good view. It also runs parallel to the skyline, goes more slowly, gets a nice of the Brooklky Bridge and has running commentary from a guide- I'd suggest it as worthwhile for a first time visitor. The Cloisters might be a good choice on Sunday - interesting museum but fascinbatign building to view on the outside and if the weather is decent the park in which it's located is very pleasant (and safe) to walk in, with spectaular views of the Palisades across the river. You'll save about 10-15 minutes each way by taking the exoress subway.

The only place where you can smoke in restaurants in NYC is in the bar area. It's the law!
Just about all of your other questions have been ably answered by Owen and Caitlin. I'd only add that a cab would probably be the most convenient way to get to Tavern on the Green. It won't be that expense from any of the midtown locations you've mentioned.
(P.S.: I felt tired just reading your itinerary!)

For your breakfast, you might try One c.p.s in the Plaza Hotel on 59th St. It's a ground-floor view but with big windows; again, ask to be seated near the window. I don't know where you can get a reliable "high up" view of Central Park for breakfast. Your best bet is a walk in the park on Sunday! It's impossible to say what the weather will b like in three weeks, but right now it's kind of nasty--cold and a lot of wet snow.

Thankyou again for the info. Sounds like the Circle line is worth the price. Is the NBC studio easy to find in RFC? Howard, I planned the itinerary based on a lot of your previous suggestions! Caitlin, I'm also planning our vacation in SF for march and was reading postings there, are you the same Caitlin with info for that area too?

Cathy, yes, that's also me. I grew up in the SF Bay Area and lived in or near the area until I moved to NYC around 5 1/2 years ago. Of cousre, I travel back to visit family and friends and get my fix of great northernm CA produce and other things I miss.