My friend and I are going to NYC for our first time in 2 weeks. We are staying at the Park Central Hotel which is in Midtown west. We are going to see "Chicago" on Sunday eve., but aren't sure how to plan the rest of the itinerary. We are going Thursday-Monday 5/22-5/26. I have read books and have the free NYC guide, but I feel overwhelmed. Would like to see Empire State bldg., World Trade Center site and Greenwich Village.Otherwise not sure what else to plan.I welcome any ideas or suggestions or any useful info. Any good restaurants or shops? Also we are not hugely into shopping, more of the little stores interest both of us. Thanks!!!!

As you know, there is so much to see and do in NYC. when I plan trips there I plan our days geographically and try to see/do as much as we can in one area each day or 1/2 day. eg-Lower Manhattan one day-Wall Street, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, Chinatown, Lower East Side (unfortunately, Lower east side is really fun on sunday mornings, but then Wall Street is closed), then pick another section to go through each day (Central Park, musuems, nearby). You might like to venture into Brooklyn for part of a day also. Best advice-keep your options open-if you see something that interests you, go for it. Have a great trip

I would suggest spending some time in Central Park. Walk around the Bethesda fountain and see the boat house--you can rent a row boat, or just have lunch there, or even bring a picnic (get some goodies at Zabars on the West Side. Nearby, there's a pond where people go to sail toy boats. There's also horse and buggy rides that go through the park, they all park near the Plaza hotel.

If you like museums, the Metropolitan is also nestled in Central Park, along Fifth Ave at 82nd St (which is the East side of the Park). Check out their website for current exhibitions. The Frick, which is nearby the Met, is more intimate and has a wonderful collection.

On the other side of the park is the Natual History Museum.

Greenwich Village is a great place to shop, eat and people watch. The stores there are more boutique-y. Check out Po on Carmine, great Italian food. Reserve ahead.

Soho is a more upscale shopping and eating area.

You can see Ellis Island, the ferry ride is fun in itself. Though it can get crowded, I do think the exhibits there are very moving. You also can sit and get a good view of downtown Manhattan and watch the boats go by. Nice way to spend some time in an afternoon. I'd suggest going early, since there will most likely be long lines.

I did a long post on Botanic gardens, there's one in Brooklyn and a much larger one in the Bronx. There's also the Bronx zoo, which is amazing.

You might want to post more specific intersts to get better answers. There's also jazz clubs, the ballet, symphony, opera, other types of performances. See Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall schedules for a start. You can take a look at Time Out NY to give you other more specific restaurant and "doings" suggestions.

jtothebaum,

Marge has offered some great advise. You may want to also consider taking a Circle Line Cruise (I did that as a kid, so don't know if it's still good). South Street seaport is also a nice area.

Jtothebaum,

I'll be right behind you, leaving in 4 weeks for my first NYC visit.

I was wondering something about Central Park... if a person was going to walk completely around it, how far/how long is it? I guess there are probably numerous walking trails through the park... how about bicycle trails? Can you rent a bicycle there?

Thanks!

You've already gotten some good suggestions and you'll no doubt get a lot more. Obviously, you will get far more good suggestions than you can possible experience in your brief stay. Thus, I might suggest that you first step would be map out a rough agenda for each day and "try it out" on the forum. Also, check out Fodor's and other guides for suggested 3-day and 5-day agendas.

There is a loop road that goes around Central Park (it's fully IN the park). It's 6 miles long, with some very hilly parts up north. It'a a beautiful, fantastic bike ride...I used to do it every weekend. There are bike rentals on the loop near the SE corner of the park, north of the carousel I believe (though I can't explain exactly where...maybe someone else can). Ride it in the morning to avoid the crazy rollerbladers!! If you walk the loop, stay in the jogging lane to avoid getting run over (or cursed at). The southern half of park has sidewalks along the loop for walkers. If you plan to rent a bike, be aware that there are often events (like races) going on in Central Park that block off/greatly restrict riding the loop.

well your making it to the theatre, so thats one down.
other mentionables:
central park...a must. (strawberry fields?)
the met...you can do it in a 1/2 day. you'd be remiss if you didn't go.
rockerfeller center
times square...but just to pass through. you'll get the idea
the east village...endless shops/bars/resteraunts
the circle line...such a great idea! it's cheap, it's fun, and you really get a sense of new york. a must do!
enjoy.

Trattoria Pesce and Pasta in Greenwich Village is wonderful. Cozy, delicious Italian food, and pretty inexpensive. Enjoy!

You should consider do a Grayline tour of the city. It is an excellent way to get a good overview of the city. If you only take one of these tours, I advise doing the Lower Manhattan tour.

www.graylinenewyork.com

There's a bike rental place by the Boat House
http://www.centralpark2000.com/datab...ke_rental.html

I've never used it, though. This site also has lots of info on Central Park.

Have a great time.
Marge