Help, I am taking my college kids to NYC for the long weekend. I need help with the following questions:

1. Has anyone taken the tour NY Party Shuttle, or would I be better off with a private tour, any suggestions. We have limited time and thought I would take that Friday for touring. I guess the crown of the Statue of Liberty is still not open???

2. Is the Empire State Building better viewed during the day or night?

3. My sons are 20 and 23, any must do or see for them. They like designer clothes, at college student prices. We will be staying at the Grand Hyatt Grand Central Station, any place they should stay away from at night on their jaunts?
Thank you!

Cat

Dont' forget to wear you Easter Bonnet for the parade!

A/X (sale items), Old Navy, Macy's, H&M, Century 21.

Not sure what jaunts they plan on in the evening - but be aware that it's very rare for clubs to allow minors in - so unless the 20 year old has really good fake ID their nightlife may be limited. Also- clubs do not usually open until 10pm and are usually deserted until midnight or so (the clubbers have dinner at 10pm and then move on).

The Statue of Liberty is still not open - can best be seen (from a distance) from the free Staten Island ferry.

Never heard of that shuttle - but am against bus tours on principle. New York is a walking city - so get out there on your feet and mingle (or subway if the weather is bad.)

nytraveler, did I hit my head or something? Didn't the Statue of Liberty reopen this past summer?

Thanks for your input, I remember when the drinking age was 18 in NYC! Ha!

Okay, well in California if we are visiting LA they could hang out at Venice Beach and watch the street entertainers, eat and people watch, or in SF hang out at Pier 39 or the warf, there was always something to do, would central park be the equivalent?

For shopping, nightlife, and some fascinating people watching, they'll enjoy St. Mark's Place east of Third Avenue -- very funky, punk, whatever. Also Canal Street and lower Broadway north of Canal for daytime shopping.

The 20 year old is more likely to get carded near NYU and during peak hours. At most bars in the East Village, I doubt anyone will take notice, particularly if he doesn't look like a tourist.

"Tourist areas" somewhat like SF's Fisherman's Wharf would include the South Street Seaport (generic), parts of midtown around the Plaza/Rock Center/etc and Times Square (disney nightmare). All are worth a visit but I certainly wouldn't suggest hanging out there.

Central Park is just that -- a large park. Depending on the day/time/location, it's just you & nature. (On sunny warm weekend days, however, Sheep Meadow and the Great Lawn provide excellent people watching (good lookin' girls in minimal attire).)

Enjoy!

Thanks Gekko, I am printing this reply to bring along.

Cat

Sorry - I shortcutted - the OP wanted to climb up to the crown- which is not open - nor is most of the inside as far as I know - you can see just the outside up close and the base - and most don;t think its worth the bother.