Hello again. Well, we definately want to do the obvious things- SoL, ESB, CP.Would like to do some sort of bus tour and river cruise.
Didn't think we would have time for much else.Except for some shopping of course! Not so sure about shows as we go to West nd regularly, however wouldn't turn down cheap tickets!!!Any ideas to when it is best to do these attractions?
Thankyou. Verity.

"When it is best to do these attractions"???

Go to this website for Grayline Tours

http://www.graylinenewyork.com/sight...cation_id=1077

Most people recommend taking just the downtown loop bus tour as it covers most things people want to see. There is an option to combine a cruise with an evening bus tour but I'm not sure that gives you what you want. The benefit of the hop on hop off bus tour is lost if you go at night I think.

If you want to go to the SOL (it's finally being opend in August-it's been closed since 9/11. Check their website for whether it will be open for your visit.) you need to take a boat to go there. Another option is to take a Staten Island Ferry ride (return) and you will pass the Statue (but not get off the boat).

Another option is the newish NY water taxi. Look at their routes, prices here

http://nywatertaxi.com/waterfront.php

I think which tours you do depend on how much you want to cover, how much you want to walk and how much you want to spend .

If you're interested in discount shopping, I'll mention Century 21 is a popular dept store near Wall St. for designer clothes at discount prices. I gather there's also lots of shopping in Las Vegas (haven't been in years). Your GBP goes very far here now. Have fun.

BTW, there have been reports here that the lines at the ESB are long!!! You might want to buy your tickets ahead of time online http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/index....TOKEN=22521910

I think that avoids one line (the ticket line) but not the elevator line. You might do a text search here for more information. In just 2 short days it would be a shame to spend hrs waiting on line and I gather some of the area is not air conditioned. It will be HOT in August.

As to the theater question, if you want to go to theater one night, why not try something fun and inexpensive off Broadway. Go to playbill.com and/or theatermania.com You register for free (like Fodors) and get discount codes for discount tickets you could purchase online. Playbill will also give you a listing of all the shows playing. Hard to recommend anything without knowing your tastes.

You may want to think about doing the Circle Line cruise. In your situation I'd probably do the 2-hour trip which I did and thought was great. It will take you right up close to the SOL. See www.circleline.com

I don't find the Staten Island ferry that worthwhile (it is free though), you will see lots more on the Circle Line ferry. With your limited time you may then not bother actually going to the SOL.

Half days at a time could be used (for example):
- Central Park
- Midtown (ESB, 5th Avenue, Grand Central, Chrysler Building, Times Sq etc)
- Chinatown/Greenwich Village
- Circle Line cruise as above
- Any museums you want to visit?
- Shopping, though with your limited time in NYC (and I recall you're going to LV too this trip), I'd save shopping for LV.
- there are tons more options too...

An off Broadway play called Mrs. Farnsworth will reopen on July 28 after a sold out run earlier this year. While the original run had Sigourney Weaver and John Lithgow and the new run doesn't, this might be a fun show for you. It is political (anti-Bush) and I would guess unlikely to ever play on the west end. It plays downtown at a theater called the Flea. There are discount tickets available on playbill.com (also look on theatermania.com)