New York here I come!
 

I have wanted to go to New York City for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately none of my friends share this enthusiasm, so I will be making the trip on my own. I'm looking for information to see if this is a safe option? Also if there is affordable, nice accommodation in the city that isn't going to cost the earth because I will be on my own? I live in Melbourne Australia so am used to wet cold winters, would love to see the snow in the city, but not if this means that nothing is accessible.

This is my dream holiday destination and I want to do it properly!

good on you Lozz80. There will be many people here that will help you. I am from Melbourne too and will be in NYC on 15th of December. Like you I have always wanted to go and finally this is the year. Whatever you do I am sure you will have a great time.

Even when it snows moderately, it clears up quickly in Manhattan due to the heat generated by the buildings, subways, etc and the tremendous amount of pedestrian traffic. The outer boroughs is an entirely different story.

Well the prices running up to Christmas/New Year's are the highest of the year and anything even remotely like a bargain is long gone. I would assume the lest you could spend is something like $300 per night for a very basic room. The city is gorgeous - but mobbed and expensive.

But, if you choose to go in Jan or Feb (except Valentine's Day) this is low season and you can get hotels for a pittance. check out Travelzoo.com or one of the other discount sites where you get to pick the hotel, rather than Priceline where you have to bid blind - to see what discount they are offering. there should be great deals.

As for the weather - sorry - New York is MUCH colder than Melbourne - if you come in winter you will need a heavy coat, hat scarf, gloves and waterproof non-skid boots of some sort. Out highs then are often in the 30's (near zero centigrade) and at night often in the teens. Every winter we get nights around zero farenheit. Plus the city tends to be windy in winter and damp - since we're on a massive natural deep-water harbor.

We are actually about 100 miles south of the snow belt - so some years we get practically none - a couple of inches 4 or 5 times - and other years we get a lot (the biggest recently was 28" over 30 hours). Some years we get 2 or 3 storms and some 8 or 10. The snow doesn't last long as snow - but if it turns colder can freeze as ice all over the streets. As long as you have boots you can still get around the city since nothing stops the subways - but the outdoors will be difficult until everything is shoveled (stores and apartments have 24 hours after the snow stops to clean their sidewalk - it's not done by the city).

But as long as you are focused on indoor activities you should be fine - and if you get a couple of warmer days - in the 40's you can certainly visit Central Park and take one of the boat trips (not recommended if really cold since you will freeze you buns off.)

The best time to visit IMHO is May - which will be warm, park green but not yet hellishly ot - but by then hotel prices have started to creep backup - although you can usually still find a deal - perhaps $150 of so for a single if you shop hard.

Sorry, I hit the send button too soon.

The East River, which is actually an estuary, used to freeze over but that has not happened, in I would guess the last 100 years, even during our most bitter winters due to the reasons stated above.

Re safety in NYC: you shouldn't have problems most places in Manhattan during the day. Traditionally, it's considered wise to keep your wits about you late at night in areas above 96th Street, in the Meat Packing District, Alphabet City east of East Village, and parts of the Lower East Side. Also avoid parks at night unless there's a large event going on, and take a cab rather than the subway late at night. But note well that Manhattan is one of the safest urban areas in the US, and the chances you'll encounter safety issues are minimal.

Outer boroughs can vary a bit, though tourist attractions in them generally are in areas that are considered safe during daylight hours.

With a little common sense, you shouldn't have worries.

I agree with the above comments.

(1) You'll have a great time!
(2) You will be safe. We'll make sure you know which neighborhoods are off-limits.
(3) Visiting New York in the winter is reasonable. The pre-holiday atmosphere in December is enchanting (though it's much more crowded and more expensive in that period), and hotel costs will be lower in January and February. But you'll probably be disappointed if you come hoping to see the city under a coat of snow. It doesn't snow all that often in New York. When it does, everything is still accessible, and it's briefly quite beautiful, but then the snow gets plowed to the sides of the streets, where it quickly turns gray and ugly with dirt and grime. In Central Park, the snow stays beautiful longer, but even there it will melt, leaving the Park kind of a barren place.

New York City is the safest large city in the country and there is no problem at all visiting any tourist area - even alone, even if you are a petite woman. (There are a few areas that are higher in crime but they are outlying, primarily residential areas that you will not find yourself anywhere near.)

As long as you are sensible - not wandering down dark alleys alone at 3 am when you've had too much to drink - you should not have any problems. The subway and buses run 24/7 - although between 1 am and 6 am they are less frequent and a cab is probably a better idea just to save time.

As for staying south of 96th St - that advice is 20 years old. Areas north of 96th are the only ones now where there is any reasonable housing and young people are moving there in droves - and have been for the last 8 or 10 years. And columbia university is well north of there. Again - just be sensible about dark alleys at 3 am.

My advice re north of 96th Street was to "keep your wits about you late at night." I don't think that's unreasonable advice, especially if you're walking alone. I'd never suggest to anyone not to head north of here, generally speaking, and some areas are okay pretty much any time of day or night -- though there are some odd pockets, especially in Washington Heights, I'd be more concerned about up here as well.

I'm the person who posted a Harlem Walking Tour back a while ago here, after all.

The East Village from Ave B west has more people on the streets from Thursday night until Sunday morning at 3 AM than live in many towns.

I have a good friend who's from Melbourne now living and working in NYC. She first came on her own on vacation and fell in love with NYC so got her co. to transfer her here to work. You'll have a great time. Know that hotel prices fluctuate pretty dramatically based on when you decide to come. If you want help selecting a hotel, give us an idea of when you're thinking of coming and a hotel budget. There's no way to plan for snow but it's most likely in Feb. I think.

Presumably in reply to my safety suggestions, Aduchamp1 wrote: "The East Village from Ave B west has more people on the streets from Thursday night until Sunday morning at 3 AM than live in many towns."

Agreed, but that's not "Alphabet City east of East Village" about which I said, "[t]raditionally, it's considered wise to keep your wits about you late at night." Again, I fail to see any argument that my suggestion might be wholly off base.

Please note that Alphabet City, a term which is not used that often any more, starts at Avenue A and goes to the river from 14th Street to Houston. But even Avenue C has begun to be built up with more and more bars and restaurants.

Here are the crime stats for the 9th precinct which includes the entire East Village.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloa...s/cs009pct.pdf

Aduchamp1, if you want me to express myself more clearly, that's fine with me. "The part of Alphabet City located east of East Village." Better? More clear?

I have no doubt that this section of Alphabet Village is gentrifying, and the same is surely true for the other areas I referenced above to varying degrees. That all being the case, I still fail to see the harm in suggesting to someone specifically asking for guidance on safety issues in NYC that "[t]raditionally, it's considered wise to keep your wits about you late at night" in these parts of town, especially for what I presume is a woman walking alone.

I think that every traveler should keep their wits about them at all times - not matter what city or neighborhood. Even their home towns. It's only common sense.

I see no reason to point out specific areas - unless you are telling people to stay out of Bed-Stuy or East New York.

Hi Lozz. I am another Aussie who longed for a trip to NYC. Noone would come with me so, rather than lose my dream, I came on my own.I found the city safe and the people friendly and helpful. I went in May so don't know what prices are for when you want but others have given and will give you valuable information. Go for your dream . You will love it as I did.

Wow thanks guys - I really appreciate all the info (could have done without the bickering tho!)

I'm thinking I'll probably aim for Mar-Apr. Still cold but not peak season.

Any suggestions on where to stay? Not really keen on backpacker type accommodation. Also, found a web site offering a 'New York Pass' which was pre-paid entry to most attractions. Does anyone know if this is worthwhile?

Lozz, since it's just yourself you can get some GREAT deals on hotel rooms on Priceline or Hotwire. www.betterbidding.com will help you figure out the process - we can too. Those rooms are nonrefundable, hence the great prices.

Look at travelzoo.com for specials too.

For a moderate place to stay, I like the LaQuinta on 32nd street. I looked at random dates in March and got a price in the low 100s with a AAA rate. A subway stop is on the corner (which is good in the winter) and they offer free breakfast and a small rooftop bar. Once you know your dates, I'd book something that you can cancel later and then look for deals. It's not in the fanciest of neighborhoods (to say the least) but is not far from Macy's, Herald Square and Madison Square Garden. A family member lived in that area for a while and enjoyed the location. Almost any area will work so widen your search. I stay often in the UWS but if the truth be told, I'd rather be a few steps away from the theaters than a few subway stops away.

A lot of people will say they would NEVER stay in Times Square, but for a lot of us who love Broadway shows it's our favorite place to stay for short visits in the city.

I was in NYC at about that time this year so click on my name if you want to read my trip report. There are many other trip reports that are great in helping to plan a trip - as are the Fodor's destination notes above.

NYC is my favorite place to travel solo. I try to take on at least a couple of day when I can (after work trips)

Most "New York Pass" or "City Pass" options I've seen offer false economy by saying it includes "free" entry to places that are always pay-what-you-wish. Also look closely at how much time you have to see all the options--often an impossible schedule. I would research if I really wanted to visit the places listed, what the entry fees are, and verify any "free entry times" before committing a lot of money to a pass.

One discount I do recommend: check the combo tickets being offered by Top of the Rock, the observation deck on top of Rockefeller Center. There is usually a good combination ticket for that and the Museum of Modern Art.
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/

Another good investment: a MetroCard Unlimited Ride pass for the duration of your visit. the fares are changing soon, and the one-day unlimited ride ticket will disappear. But the 7-day pass could still be an excellent value depending on your plans.

http://www.mta.info/mta/pdf/approved_fares.pdf

If you give us an idea of how much you are prepared to pay, we can help you further.

April is not likely to be cold and the chance of snow is almost nil (what we get is almost all Jan/Feb - although March is possible). You just need to avoid easter weeks (before or after) since prices will be a lot higher.

<<<April is not likely to be cold>>>

I agree it's not <i>likely</i> to be cold. However, the last time I was there in April, one week, it went from being freezing/raining (temps in the high 30s) to balmy (70s) the same week.

Me too. Wore my heaviest winter coat* at the beginning of the trip and didn't need a jacket at the end of it.
As always, dress in layers. You'll be fine.

*my long wool business "New Jersey" coat - purchased for winter trips to the cold north ;)

I'm getting excited just reading all this!!!

I think I'll be aiming for late March/early April so should miss Easter which is at the end of April next year.

Not really sure what is realistic for accommodation, but maybe something around $100 per night? I know that getting a single is more expensive than twin share and I don't want to stay somewhere dodgy!!!

The more I start to look at planning this trip the more I realise that I'm in love with the idea of going to New York but I don't really know anything about it!!! Apart from the obvious things like trying to see a show on Broadway, going up the Empire State Building, seeing the Statue of Liberty I'm not really sure what else is good value, as opposed to touristy gimicks!

I think you will find $ 100 a night is not a realistic figure. My husband and I were there three years ago at the beginning of April (we thought it would be spring, but it was freezing), and the cheapest accommodation we could find at that stage was $ 150,00 a night at the Radio City Apartments. We didn't know about Priceline then.

Radio City Apartments are right by Time Square, handy to subways, but they are very popular and you need to book way in advance.

We are from New Zealand and it was my dream also to go to NYC, it blew me away when we saw all the yellow cabs, and the traffic, and heard all the honking of horns. It was just like in the movies :-). Little did we know then that my daughter would be living there now. Another trip is in order.

Lozz, can I suggest you get a good guide book and read up on the miriad of things which are available to you in NYC. Alternatively, you could play it by ear and just wander and you will find lots to grab your attention. I have to tell you though $ 100 per night will be hard to find. Unfortunately NYC is expensive for accommodation. The locals will point you in the right direction as to where you might find a place closer to your estimate.

The things we did included going on the Staten Island ferry which is free and goes right past the Statue of Liberty. We also went up to the Top of the Rock (Rockerfeller Center) which is now just as popular as the Empire State Building, and less crowded. Went to the Frick Art Gallery which was just amazing, I had never seen so many wonderful paintings. Did a couple of Broadway Shows, we loved Wicked which is still running. Billy Elliott is great too but you might have seen that in Melbourne. Come to think of it Wicked has played in Melbourne also. Central Park is a must but don't expect it to be green in April. I was disappointed forgetting the fact that yes it does snow and get very cold in NYC and parks don't stay green like they do in NZ.

Agreed that $100/night is low for NYC. You might look into the Pod hotel in midtown on the east side (www.podhotel.com). It's more of a European style of hotel, with a range of options including I believe a shared bath down the hall.

Also, if you are a woman, you might have luck staying in a women-only residence. These places require an application, not all accept short-term visitors, and can book up quickly. If you want to try, here are some suggestions: The Brandon on the Upper West Side (http://www.thebrandon.org/) takes visitors; some of the others are might take a woman in town on business, such as the Webster (http://www.websterapartments.org/) and the Markle.

As for what to see, other than the city itself, what are your interests? Art, history, shopping, sports...?

So after doing some more research I've discovered that my original thought of $100 per night was a little unrealistic!!! Managed to get a decent brochure from a travel agent today so will look at rates etc. Have also found the Lonely Planet NYC guide so am looking forward to reading that over the weekend too!

I'm starting to put together a list of places I think I want to go and then I can work out the logistics from there.

Didn't see Wicked when it was here in Melbourne so would be aiming for that or Lion King if its still on when I get there (saw it here and was FANTASTIC).

Lozz80, please put away the travel brochures for the hotels. I find that these prices are extremely high. You can do better by looking at sites such as:
www.travelzoo.com or www.wego.com or www.hotelclub.com.
Also, use a forum such as tripadvisor to look at hotels, as well as www.oyster.com.
Each hotel will have their own website and listed specials. You can also sign up to hotel emails. They will send you specials when they have them.
You could also be brave and try www.priceline.com

Both shows are still running and are full or close to. And Disney rarely discounts - as a policy, Once your dates are final you should buy tickets them to get your best choice of seats/prices.

And $100 per night in NYC is possible that time of year only through Priceline - which mean bidding blind. You might get a 4* hotel - but you need to research how to do this to ensure you don;t get something you can;t live with.

If you prefer to know where you will be staying in advance you ned to use the unblinded discount sites (travelzoo.com, kayak.com, etc) but them check tripadvisor.com to get guest reviews.

Also, once you have picked out possible hotels go directly to the sites - which often have internet specials.

Radio City Apartments is simple but in a great location. but since the rates are so slow they sell out many months in advance.

The Newton on the upper west side (great mid/upscale residential neighborhood, many good local inexpensive/moderate restaurants, a couple of blocks to Central Park, walkable to lots of major museums and right on top of the subway) is modest but recently updated and has a single or a double with shared bath for about $165 a night. This if for early April - but if you avoid Easter rates will be lower.

nytraveler said: "I see no reason to point out specific areas"

We're going to have to agree to disagree on this issue.

nytraveler also said "- unless you are telling people to stay out of Bed-Stuy or East New York.."

No argument with either area as a place to stay out of, period.

I never thought in a million that I'd enjoy staying in or near Times Square but I got a great last minute deal this past spring at the Sheraton Towers and as it turned out we enjoyed the location so much it's where we'll be when we return in a couple of weeks. As starrs writes the location is great for theater!

AnnMarie, I'm so glad you enjoyed it too. There are some hotels right IN/ON the craziness, and I can see why some people would not enjoy it. But even just a 1/2 block to a block away makes a BIG difference. And in winter? There's no other place I'd rather stay, especially if I plan on going to the theaters more than once (and Broadway IS my biggest draw) :-)

The Muse was 1/2 block from the Thanksgiving Day parade. We were steps away from seeing it from the street, could see the balloons from the window and watch the rest of it from the bed. Sweet. Anything on 8th would work for me too, especially the Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn. It's where I stayed for years for free and it's still my favorite base.

We're going to have to agree to disagree on this issue.

Your impressions of the East Village, LES, and Meatpacking are as old as Letterman's jokes about crime. Just twenty years out of date.

And the Lower East Side is so bad, there is $400 a night hotel and SVA built a dorm for its students.

The Milburn Hotel at 76th and Broadway on the Upper West Side is a very nice place to stay. There is a fridge, microwave, dishes, etc. in each room. The beds are very comfortable, the bathrooms extremely large and clean. One block away is the Fairway market where you can buy food for times when you don't want to eat out. They also have a nice continental breakfast which is free. If you stay for a week, they'll give you a discounted rate. I just got a room for $199 for March. However, be aware that there is about an 18% hotel tax for each night, so it adds up. Still a good deal for an ideal location.

starrs, Fodor's needs a "Like" button. :-)

Aduchamp1, you'll in fact find pretty much the exact safety advice I gave the OP in recent Frommer's guidebooks on New York City, for one. It's not as if I'm the only person to say something to this effect. Besides, if I were giving out 20+ year old advice on NYC safety, I'd be warning people not to walk in these areas at all and to avoid scary spots like Chelsea, Times Square, and various other venues to boot.

Just as importantly, it's not clear that what I posted is being read or interpreted fairly. Here's the part I suspect is getting the undies knotted up:

"Traditionally, it's considered wise to keep your wits about you late at night in areas above 96th Street, in the Meat Packing District, Alphabet City east of East Village, and parts of the Lower East Side."

Point by point:

-Note the use of the word "traditionally," which already puts some level of qualifier on the advice.

-Note that the term "keep your wits about you" is not the same thing as "don't go into," nor the same as "run scared as hell if you even think of venturing forth into."

-Note that the term "late at night" was used. No, that's not the same thing as "all the time." I did say prior to this "you shouldn't have problems most places in Manhattan during the day" and also followed up with "But note well that Manhattan is one of the safest urban areas in the US, and the chances you'll encounter safety issues are minimal." And I did later say above that "I have no doubt that this section of Alphabet Village is gentrifying, and the same is surely true for the other areas I referenced above to varying degrees."

It's not clear to me that naysayers on this thread even read or comprehended any of the above with the least bit of care.

And there's yet another issue that affected the advice I gave above. It appears that the OP is a lone tourist, I'm assuming a woman traveling by herself. Given that the person is not a local and likely doesn't know the city at all and specifically asked for advice on safety, I didn't think it was out of line to suggest what I did given the person's situation.

For you to disagree with all the above as qualified, am guessing you'd have to be willing to say instead that every part of Manhattan is equally safe every hour of the day or night no matter the individual (or group) walking there. I presume you believe this to be the case?

I agree with bachslunch. A family member (a young woman) is living in Alphabet City after living in three other areas of the city in the last few years and would agree also. bachslunch is spot on with the advice given to a solo woman traveling to the city on her first trip.

My Mum has decided to come along on my NY adventure!

We're going to stay in Conneticut and come in on the train each day - much cheaper!!!

Travelling with someone else makes this much more affordable and just gives me some piece of mind.

Thank you to all for your wonderful suggestions!