NYC Itinerary
 

Would love some thoughts/comments regarding our upcoming NYC trip. Honesty is fine, but please be kind.<BR><BR>Day 1: Arrive late afternoon and will cab to New York Hilton. Hopefully stores will be open (anyone know how late?) and we can walk around a little bit. Will do a late light dinner in midtown. Any suggestions for this?<BR><BR>Day 2: Plan to take the Grayline (hop on and off) tour and explore the city, especially Soho, Greenwich Village, and Little Italy. Will grab lunch in a Soho cafe (not sure which one yet). This night we have 8:00PM tickets for Rent. Thinking of doing a pre-theater meal at Bryant Park Cafe. <BR><BR>Day 3: Will get up early and do ferry to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty. Which one should we do first to avoid crowds? We'll definitely do the audio tour on Ellis Island, but will probably pass on the walk up the Statue. If time, would like to explore lower Manhattan, possible NYSE and/or World Trade Center. Any good lunch choices in this area? Tonight we have tickets for Cabaret at Studio 54. Considering Judson Grill for dinner (again, pre-theater).<BR><BR>Day 4: We'll only have the morning to explore this day, so will probably do Madison Ave/5th Ave. for shopping and people watching. Have matinee tickets to The Producers, so may do lunch at Sam's or Joe Allen's. Need a special dinner for this night (our last) so I'm going to try for Nobu or Gramercy Tavern, but may already be too late. Any other special places that I may be able to get a reservation for?<BR><BR>Day 5: After mass at St. Patricks (if we're motivated), brunch at Rihga Royal. Then we'll have the whole afternoon to explore or re-explore before flying out late in the evening. <BR><BR>Sorry this is so long, but my mother and sister are counting on me...what am I missing that we'll really regret, or what are we considering that's a waste of time. Thanks in advance!

Since you want to explore the Village, SOHO and Little Italy suggest you forego the Gray Line thing and do it on your own. Take the subway down to the Village and walk through the Village and into SOHO. If so inclined you could walk to Little Italy from SOHO. If that is too much walking take a cab to Little Italy.<BR>You can take subway back from Little Italy - it would be faster than the Gray Line tour bus. I assume you will walk on Mulberry St. in Little Italy. If so, when you get to CAnal Street, cross CAnal and you will be in Chinatown. <BR>The first tour boat leaves Battery Park for the Statue at 9am. If you make that boat you could be back at Battery Park by 1pm or 2pm the latest giving you a couple of hours to explore the downtown area.<BR>

Your itinerary sounds pretty good. My comments:<BR><BR>Day 1: Big department stores may be open until 8, others until 7 or so; depends on the day of the week. Since you plan another shopping day in the area, why not just walk around and take in the sights, or stroll over to Times Square and see it (I realize you'll be seeing several shows around there, but it doesn't sound like you'll be spending a lot of before-show time there).<BR><BR>Day 2: I don't know the Grayline itinerary; if you want a quick tour throughout the island, it's a good idea; if you really want to spend most or all of your time exploring Soho, the Village, and Little Italy, you could just hop on the subway and walk around while you're there. Bryant Park Cafe will be a handy choice for pre-theater.<BR><BR>Day 3: To avoid long waits, go to the Statue first; it gets a lot more traffic than Ellis Island. Judson Grill is very good, and again, will be handy.<BR><BR>Day 4: Since you didn't say when (how soon) you are coming, it's hard to know where to recommend that you might try for a reservation. Are you looking for something that's as much a "sestination" place as Nobu or GT, or just something in the same price range that's excellent in food, atmosphere, etc.?<BR><BR>Day 5: Following brunch at the Rhiga(which is actually now JW Marriott) would be an excellent time to stroll through Central Park, which should be lively on a Sunday afternoon whatever the time of year.<BR><BR>Since it doesn't sound as if you're interested in art museums I won't recommend any per se, although just about anyone/everyone can find something they like at the Met, and it's a space worth seeing for its own sake. But definitely go to Central Park!

Kelly, I just saw in your reply to Lisa's post that you're coming next weekend--Easter weekend! You need to have made all your restaurant reservations, especially the pre-theater ones, yesterday, so please do it ASAP if you haven't already. Not sure what to say about your Sat night dinner; tell us what you want in the way of atmosphere, etc., and maybe we can come up with some good ideas where you might be able to get in.

Thanks so much rqf &amp; Caitlin! Actually, we're coming the following weekend, not Easter, so hopefully we're not completely out of luck as far as reservations. <BR><BR>My mother would really like to get a "lay of the land" so I'm thinking that the Grayline tour may be appropriate, as long as we can get off periodically and do our own exploring. That is how it works, correct? <BR><BR>Since Saturday night is our last, and we're doing a matinee, we'd really like a special, upscale (though not obnoxiously expensive) location that has great food and a nice atmosphere (that's not asking too much, is it?) Nobu has been recommended by several people (both on- and off-line), but if it's not worth the money please let me know. <BR><BR>I'm a little less sure about the Rihga Royal (yes, now JW Marriott) for Sunday brunch even though it seems highly recommended on this board. Is it as good under new ownership? Nytimes.com review was very mediocre, but that was 1998. Any updated info? Should we consider the Plaza or somewhere else?<BR><BR>Central Park sounds like a great plan for Sunday afternoon. I sure hope the weather cooperates. If not, we'll probably check out the Met or MOMA which would be much higher on my list of things to do. <BR><BR>Thanks again for the information and the continued help!<BR><BR><BR>

Sounds like you are packing a lot into the few days that you are here. If you are planning on looking over Soho, the Village and Little Italy on your second day, I would skip the Grayline tour. There is enough in these areas of town to keep you busy all day. If you want to see the city you can use the regular city buses to see the scenery plus the metrocard you buy is good for the subway which will get you to your other destinations a lot faster. (A metrocard will get you unlimited rides on the subway or city bus for $4 per person per day or $17 per person for a 7 day pass). After the Statue of Liberty, you might want to try eating at Fraunces Tavern. It's a Revolutionary War tavern with lots of history. Just remember that when you are in this area you are in the financial district and during the lunch hours, everything is going to be crowded with Wall Streeters.<BR>If you are planning on Judson Grill, I would make a reservation, it can get very crowded. Also, allow enough time for pre-theater meals. When you arrive at a restaurant, tell your waitperson you are going to the theater and they should be able to tell you whether the meal you ordered will arrive in time. I would be at the restaurant on theater nights no later than 5:45-6:00 if you plan to make an 8:00 curtain. <BR>

Make your dinner reservations immediately. You may already be too late at most places for your Saturday evening dinner.<BR>A word of caution about visiting museums on a Sunday afternoon. They get very, very, very crowded! You might want to go right after mass and a quick breakfast on Sunday morning.

Thanks so much for all the great advice! Since we'll be there ALL day Sunday before our flight leaves, are there less crowded things to do than the museums? How early would we have to eat to avoid the rush at Sarabeth's Kitchen (read that it's also crowded on weekends). <BR> <BR>Anyone have first hand experience with the Grayline tour, which I'm rethinking, but want to make sure. <BR> <BR>Keep the great suggestions coming!

If you get good weather, I would spend Sunday walking around the Upper West Side. There are many good brunch places-try Isabella's or Avenue(you can sit outside and people watch at either place) and spend some time exploring Central Park. Also, The Museum of Natural History/Planeterium is right there, so you could also check that out. Unfortunately, museums are quite crowded on the weekends. Also, if you are looking for a good meal in Soho or the West Village, Balthazar (in Soho) has a great late lunch menu. If you go around 3 or 4, you can walk right in and it is relatively quiet. I also love Tartine in the West Village. it is BYOB and great inexspensive bistro menu. They don't take reservations and there is usually a line for dinner, not always for lunch. Let me know if you want more restaurant suggestions.

Kelly, glad to hear you're not here this weekend! Since I live here, I don't have any experience about the Grayline tour. Re the Rhiga/Marriott, I have not had Sunday brunch there, but had another similar buffet-type meal, and it was okay but nothing special. The place is often touted for the view, but if you're not seated right near the windows, you can't see much. The room is just a hotel banquet suite. If you want to do the lavish buffet thing with better food/nicer atmosphere, I recommend either the Palm Court at the Plaza or Cafe Botanica in the Essex House. The latter is not all buffet; you choose an entree and get buffet appetizers and desserts; the food is very good and a glass of champagne is included. The room is lovely, like a garden, full of flowers, trellises, a fountain, with a tranquil atmosphere and the window tables are on Cetral Park South. The Plaza is an all-out buffet, very good food, and the atmospher is well, Plaza-ish. I agree that Sunday is kind of a madhouse time for museums, so perhaps it'll depend on your mood (as well as the weather--cross you ringers for a day like today--crystal clear and 70 degrees!). <BR> <BR>As far as your Sat night dinner--getting into Nobu or Next Door Nobu (basically same menu) would be pretty difficult, but you could show up early (5:30 or 6) and perhaps be seated (I know a number of people who have done this successfully, though I don't know if it was on a weekend). I would say that you will probably only find it worth it if you are real lovers of sushi and sashimi, as that is th real art of the menu there, vs. cooked fish (though that is certainly likely to be good!). Two ideas that are not as high-profile, but have great food and atmospheres and where you can probably get a table: Eleven Madison Park (owned by same person as Gramercy Tavern) and Park Avenue Cafe. www.parkavenuecafe.com for a preview, EMP doesn't have a web site, but I wholeheartedly recommend it for food, service, and elegant atmosphere.

Several thoughts: <BR>Here's another vote to skip the bus tour. <BR> <BR>Remember to compare cab fares where three ride together against bus fares, airport transport, etc., where each person pays. Sometimes cabs are cheaper. <BR> <BR>I think the NY Hilton is one of the dullest hotels in the world, so prepare to go out a lot. <BR> <BR>I think the Carnegie Deli is an adventure not to be missed. <BR> <BR>Your schedule seems jam packed to me; be prepared to be worn out, or to cut some stuff as you get tired. <BR> <BR>I missed the point of Sarabeth's Kitchen; nice enough, but I do notsee what all the fuss is about. <BR> <BR>The Metropolitan Museum is (or at leat used to be) open on Friday evenings, making it a great time to see an attraction outside of regular daytime hours. <BR> <BR>Is there any hobby-realted place you shoud add in? Anyone a serious photographer, so go to the Leica Gallery? Is there a kid back home who loves magic, so you should visit a magic store? <BR> <BR>BAK <BR>

No additional help to add, just had to inject a funny little story about the New York Hilton. Friends of mine, an older married couple, stayed there. They had two double beds so each took one. In the middle of the night the wife woke up and her husband was coughing dramatically. "Arthur, are you OK?" she asked. More coughing, even more furiously. "Arthur, are you all right?" Still nothing. She turned on the light to see Arthur peacefully sleeping away. Then she realized the coughing was coming through the wall from the room next door. <BR>I've stayed at the Hilton many years ago. While it may not be New York's finest, it's not all that bad, and here's hoping you don't get a coughing neighbor!

Once again, THANK YOU! Even the comments about the drab Hilton are welcomed since my expectations will be nice and low. That part of the trip was planned by my sister, the only one of us who has been to NYC, so I think there was a "comfort" factor. Oh well, we won't be in the room much anyway. <BR> <BR>We're all really looking forward this getaway. Thank again, everyone!

Kelly, as a note of reassurance on the Hilton, my in-laws usually stay there. They use Hilton points, and that's the main reason, but they've stayed at the new Times Square Hilton, too, and have gone back to the Sixth Ave. location for their visit next month. It's nothing really "special," but the location is good, the windows are large, and I doubt there will be anything awful. Hope you have a wonderful trip--if you're up to it, do a trip report after and let us know what you chose and how it all worked out!

Caitlin, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the kind words and reassurances. I just returned from three days in Chicago and now have one day to do laundry and pack for NYC. Whew!! <BR> <BR>Anyway, we're pretty well set other than Saturday night dinner reservations. Were planning on Judson Grill, but they are closed for a private function so we're going to cross our fingers and hope the Hilton conceirge can find us something. Otherwise, we're planning on several great meals (Bryant Park Grill, Joe Allen, Maristella) including brunch at Cafe Botanica/Essex House which I believe was your personal recommendation! <BR> <BR>I'll defintely do a trip report after I recover! Thanks again.

Just a note: MOMA is very close to the Hilton, so that would be a great choice if you want to take in some art. Another option would be a tour of Radio City Music Hall - also very close to your hotel (and redone in the past few years). And don't miss Rockefeller Center (just to walk around and see the Today show set through the window!) Also, if you make it to the Upper West Side for brunch, we recently ate outside at Ocean Grill and had a great meal (plus, when the weather's great, you can't beat outdoor brunch in NYC!) Have a great time.

Just a couple of more clarifications: <BR> <BR>-Department stores in NY are open till <BR>about 8:30 M-Sat. "Neighborhood" stores <BR>keep very different hours depending on the neighborhood(e.g. SOHO stores open much later than upper East Side stores), and the type of store (e.g.'gift' type stores open for browsing later than a <BR>local shoe store). Might be nice to get into one of the neighborhoood other than midtown for that first night's shpping/window shopping. light dinner (restaurants are more varied and cheaper <BR>out of midtown) <BR> <BR>-When you take the boat to the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, I beleive that you MUST go to the statue first if you intend to do both. After the boat continues on to Ellis Island, it then returns to NY and you cannot continue on to the statue. And yes, it is much more crowded (probably 90%) of people do NOT get off to see Ellis Island-- a pity!) so by all means go to the statue first. <BR> <BR>-Museums in NY are great in the evening, and many are FREE then. The Guggenheim is free Fridays, 6-8pm, MOMA Fridays from 4:30 on, The Met and The Museum of <BR>Natural History are both open late Fridays & Saturdays until 8:45(and both are pay-as-you-wish, literally) at all times. <BR>Several of these museums have music playing in the evenings to enhance the atmosphere. <BR>Enjoy! (and no, I don't work for the tourism office, I'm just a typical native New Yorker!)