We are going to NYC in June, and I just found out that our first full day there (Sunday, June 10th) is the same day as the Puerto Rican Day Parade. After reading several posts on this website, I know it will be best to avoid the UES and Central Park that day.

Does anyone know how the parade impacts the Gray Line Hop-On/Hop-Off tours? I would imagine the uptown loop is impossible or has to take a serious detour since half of the route runs down 5th Ave. I was wondering if the downtown loop would be a good idea for that day. It has some stops near the end of the tour that are near 5th Ave, but I suppose we could hop off before we get to those stops and walk back to our hotel. I will call Gray Line to see what they say about the parade, but I was wanting to see if anyone had any actual experience with it.

The website for the parade shows that it begins at 11:00 am. Does anyone know how early 5th Ave is closed to traffic and when it re-opens?

Also, would the Musuem of Natural History be an ok idea for that day, or should that area also be avoided due to the parade?

sorry - i think i forgot to post this under the new york topic heading. i hope the new york experts on here will still find my message and help me out.

Can't help with parade deatils, but not to worry - people will find your post as some people with the time to do so do read through all the postings that show up for the US on the left side of the screen; others will seach by area and read what comes up; you have a good title so I think it will capture the attention of those who can help out.

Enjoy NYC!

Manhattanites flee Manhattan on that miserable day, for good reason.

Avoid the UES, yes, and also avoid midtown east of 7th Avenue and ALL of Central Park. Try not to ride the subways either.

The American Museum of Natural History is probably a good idea.

Frankly, I wish pretty much _all_ parades could be abolished!

And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Gekko - Do you mean don't ride the subways at all that day or just the lines that go through that area (east side)? If we do go to the Museum of Natural History that day, I would have probably taken the subway, but I will make other plans if you think it is best to avoid the subways altogether.

Yes - I assume the upper loop would be cancelled. Either stay downtown or on the west side. There's no need to avoid the subway overall - just don;t get mixed up in the parade - which is especially enthisiastic - even for New York.

The west side subway lines should be okay ... just ride in the center car with the conductor.