What would you think are 'must see/do' for that one big trip to NYC (Late Oct). 3 nt/3 days (Thu-Sun) only, then off to NJ for business. Have booked the Helmsley Park Lane. We are late 30's straight couple. We are thinking a night of theater and a night on the town, then a romantic evening in a quiet location. Days are open but we want to see some landmarks, WTC site, Soho. Thanks for the suggestions. Jim & Cindy (IN)

Boxer - there are so many threads on New YOrk on this board already. Why don't you do a search and look at some other people's itineraries? You can see the responses to certain activities to help you gage your level of interest.

Without knowing any of your interests, it's hard to say what the "must sees" are for YOUR particular trip.

If I had three days only in New York, the WTC site probably wouldn't make the list. Unless you've been to New York before and have seen everything else.

I disagree (politely =) with Lizzie...
The church around the corner from the WTC has a very moving display set up. The fireman slept there on the pews etc.
The WTC itself I couldnt linger at very long in part due to my own emotions and in part due to the tourists taking "waving group photos"
I think it is certainly worth a trip though and is within walking distance of other things you may want to see as well.
Central Park, Grand Central Station, Little Italy, Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, museums, Statue of Liberty, 5th ave., Empire State building. I loved just getting on the Subway and hopping off at a random stop and walking. There is something you recognize at every stop!
So much to see so little time. Enjoy...it wont be your last trip I have a feeling.

Reviews of your hotel
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

For theater, get tickets immediately. Broadwaybox.com has some discounts for certain shows.

You might want to consider doing a bus tour on your first day so you can at least pass the major sites. Grayline does the hop on/off tours and also has a regular tour. Other options
nypartyshuttle.com
kingofnyc.com

Then you can decide what things you may want to go back to or other stops you didn't make. Group things together on a map. Logical to do one day midtown/uptown and one day downtown.

People love to walk the Brooklyn Bridge for great views of the NYC skyline. Take a subway to Brooklyn and then walk back toward Manhattan for best views. Here's a good old post about walking the bridge and what to see on the way back.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34431839

Here's another
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34455618

I love NYC and go several times a year. So much to do that suggesting must see sites for first-timer is really hard. One thing you might look at for is double-decker bus tour. Some people think such tours are corny, but I find them a great way to get an overall feel for a new city and to quickly find some things you want to go back to and spend more time. I've been on various lNYC loops with Grayline. Couple of thoughts - weather is key. It's a waste of time to be inside the bus (so make sure it's a "doubledecker" and not a "coach tour". You definitely want to be on top (outside)of doubledecker so go when weather is nice (or nice enough for you to deal with sitting outside depending on your tolerance for dressing accordingly - I've seen people in full rain gear having a blast topside). You get a really good view, especially of architectural details and sense of neighborhoods. See alot of major landmarks. Tour guides commentary has always been informative and generally entertaining. IMO, best thing is just get on the bus and stay on for the whole loop as a "tour" rather than using it as transportation for the hop on-off aspect. Check out the multi-loop tour at http://tinyurl.com/aegf2. You can get your tix ahead on line, but given the weather consideration, I've always bought them day of, either at office near Times Square or you can get them from bus driver. Concierge in some Hotels may also provide.

One other thought, for general getting around, I've always liked the taxis. They're generally readily available (unless its pouring rain and you just left the theatre along with everyone else!) Subway and bus system is extensive, but I hate to waste time in NY trying to figure out which route I need and where the nearest stop is. Taxi definitely most expensive, but minor cost compared to Hotel and food! Since sounds like time is or essence for you, it's the only way to travel (IMO).

For restaurants, if you like Mexican, Rosa Mexicano either on Columbus Ave or East side (1st and 52nd I think). They have website to check details for sure and make reservations (recommended and well ahead of time for dinner). For a fun, classic theatre district eatery - Joe Allen's. Food more along lines of comfort food than anything gourmet, fusion, or nouvelle, but I've never been disappointed if basic fare OK with you. Again, reservations needed especially for before/after theatre. And in NYC, for more popular restaurants, making dinner reservations days (if not week ahead) if not a bad idea. One more thought for a classic NY experience, Sunday brunch at Tavern on the Green. Make sure you ask for the Crystal room. It's totally gaudy NYC Victorian, but a hoot if you're into it. And a walk through Central park from the mid-town (southern) end is a very nice way to start day.

For a once in a lifetime trip, you MUST ride the Staten Island Ferry at dusk and see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan and the Financial District light up at night.

The views from the water are simply unparalleled. It is so romantic!

Are people seriously suggesting Tavern on the Green and a bus tour to a young couple in their 30's wanting a once in a lifetime experience in NYC? Okay, please don't listen to them. No need to have the typical midwestern family of 4 New York trip. You are young and should have a fun time. I would do your trip like this:

Thursday night arrival

Friday:

--Go to the Empire State Building first thing after breakfast. Probably just cab it. Just do it first and get it over with. It will change the way you think about the way people live, if you're from IN and have never been there.
--Have a nice lunch someplace you see along the way that looks cute. Just pop in somewhere. Or get a hot dog in Central Park before heading to the Met.
--Go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's simply huge, amazing, quintessential NY, and nothing you will get in the midwest. Wander around the upper East Side there and get a feel for how the truly pampered live. Get a drink somewhere or a snack.
--Book a fun dinner at a very good restaurant. Depending on your taste, either go with an amazing, five star, multi-course only-in-New York experience (Le Bernadin, Daniel, Jean George, you get the picture). There are so many. Or, if you want a more hip, NY "trendy" fun restaurant, try Asia de Cuba, Butter, Mercer Kitchen, something like that. Do not go to any of these places if you do not know how to dress though. (At the very least, go for something not extravagantly priced but decently fashionable, like say, Banana Republic.) You will never have an experience like these in Indiana. If this doesn't sound fun to you, get a Zagat's guide at any bookstore and pick a restaurant from the descriptions that sounds like what you are looking for. Please don't get stuck in Tavern on the Green.

Afterwards-- go someplace cool for a drink. Try the roof bar at Hotel Gansevoort, or any number of the bars recommended by people on here.

Saturday-- Have a nice breakfast or lunch somewhere, depending on when you get up. Again, check the Zagat's guide if you can't find any recommendations on this site that thrill you. We usually just pop in somewhere. Walk around Fifth Avenue and wander in the shops there. If you feel like it, head down to the Village and Soho and wander around.

Make this your theater night. For dinner, make early reservations as you'll need the time to get to the show, hail a cab, etc. Either find a list of good pre-theater places in the Zagat, or online (like this http://gonyc.about.com/od/restaurant...re_theater.htm), or just book something fun or low key, maybe in Little Italy or the Village (the Village Restaurant is nice).

Go see a show. Spelling Bee, Wicked, Producers, Spamalot-- all good, but buy in advance. Do not bother with the 1/2 price day-of bit, because you don't know what you'll get to see and you'll waste precious sightseeing time in line. Yuck.

After the show, wander around Broadway and Times Square, and take in the lights and the atmosphere! You'll love it.

Sunday:
Have a good brunch somewhere. Balthazar gets good reviews. For a nice brunch with the best views of the city, go to Asiate in the Mandarin. It overlooks the city and Central Park. Make reservations in advance. Take a cab to lower Manhattan.
Take the ferry to Staten Island and right back, for the views of the city. You'll see the statue of Liberty but won't have to waste money on one of the tour boats. You'll also get to see more since it will take less time. From there, go to the WTC, which is also in lower Manhattan. I'd save all this for the last day, because otherwise you'll ruin your Saturday night thinking about 9/11. If you save it until the last day, you'll have more appreciation of the city, too.

Thanks for all the great ideas, some of which are definately going on my list of 'must do.' I have read a lot of threads about NYC on here. There are lots of ideas but not a lot that really arouse my interest. I think of San Fran trip and my most memorable moments are sitting around Buena Vista Cafe located at Fisherman’s Wharf drinking Irish Coffee and being amazed at all the diversity in there. Or getting fresh crab sandwiches on the Wharf. In Rome, I think of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Collisium. In London, I did the 'original' Guiness pub tour. Unforgettable, but simple.

Lizzie, my wife and I anguish over the WTC disaster to this day and can't imagine NOT going to pay our respects and absorb the full impact of this event. I was in the WTC on business twenty years ago, and can't imagine it not there. Panhandle, thanks for the tip about the church. We might have missed it. What 'corner' is it around?

I would have never thought of Sun brunch in the Crystal room although the rest is mentioned a lot. The theater choices don't ring any bells...I have read about a half price ticket booth in Times Sq. Is that a good option if you don't have any 'must see' choices? What about 'off broadway'?

I think a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge, top of a double decker bus and
Staton Island Ferry could be unforgettable. Do you need a reservation for the Ferry? (It will be a weekend.)

Nobody mentioned Soho/Tribeca, Chinatown or the Village. Forget them?
Jim & Cindy

Lukesaunt, you were typing as I was, so I am just reading your message now. It looks interesting. PS everyone-Don't make any assumptions about us as a 'typical midwest couple..' We have been around a bit. Actually, I am from Upstate NY, college in Dallas, law school in Denver,...you get the idea.

" a more hip, NY "trendy" fun restaurant, try Asia de Cuba, Butter, Mercer Kitchen, something like that" sounds great, as does a roof top bar and saving the WTC for Sunday. As for fashion, we are more Armani (me) and Juicy Couture (my wife) types than BR.

I can't deal with crowded elevators, so I am thinking more along the lines of a heli tour than Empire State Bldg.

Come on guys, its Once in a Lifetime!

Oh, thank God. You'll be fine. I was just trying to be nice because I didn't know what your clothing budget was.

Okay, knowing that:

Do Butter, Nobu, Mercer, or Asia de Cuba, something like that, at least one night-- two if you can handle it. And, helicopters are great and all, but no matter what your budget, there's something about actually standing on top of the Empire State Building that is priceless. Go early and miss the line. THEN get breakfast after. And from what I read, definitely do Asiate for Sunday brunch.

Some bars you'll probably like are, again, Hotel Gansevoort and Bed.

I think Top of the Rock is better than Empire State Building. From there you get to see the ESB, and you're still 80 stories high. Also, no waiting lines to go up.

The Staten Island Ferry is free and requires no reservations. On a weekend, it departs about every half hour.

You have been given tons of great suggestions. But don;t understand why this is a once in a lifetime trip - it's only New York - not Mars. You can come back anytime you want - to see everything else you can;t pack into a couple of days.

I'd try Lupa for dinner in Soho if you're into delicious wine, italian meats and appetizers or if not Dos Caminos in Soho is really great as well, for a bit of trendiness.

For pre-theater, a superb but not touristy restaurant (and little known) is Nocello, on West 54th Street off of 8th Avenue. food is incredible and while not cheap, not wallet breaking either!


For brunch in the far west village i'd go to
Sant Ambroseus on W4th and Jane (or thereabouts)...i suggest this b/c of your comment on one of your favorite travel memories in San Fran was sitting outside with a coffee - if it is nice enough you can sit on their little outdoor deck and it is such a beautiful part of the village, you forget you are in NYC (in a good way!). This area also has some great trendy stores (on Bleeker, Marc Jacobs, etc.)- my husband and I are also in our 30s and we live here so hope you like some of our suggestions.

Enjoy!

I was one of those double decker bus tour guides a few years ago and I HIGHLY reccomend them. Not so much for the tour guides comments but the views of NYC from the top are so great that even after having done it for a job, I still go take the tour.

I lived in NYC for 10 years and I might do this...

Arrival day/night...

Day 1 = Head down to the Village and wander around until you find a place for dinner before going to see an Off-Broadway Play, Jazz or Blues Club or Poetry Reading - or some Village-like event that you usually don't go to see in your non vacation life.

Friday - Get up early and take the bus down 5th Ave to go to Breakfast at Grand Central Station - I love sitting above the main floor where all the commuters are scurring about on their way to work while you sip a leisurly cup of coffee. Get there before 9 am to make the most of your smug vacation face.

After breakfast, eat light, go over to the NYC Transit Store and pick up unique gifts for those who may insist on them. Myself, I bought a subway map shower curtain.

I would then take the 10 minute walk over to Times Square to pick up the Double Decker Bus. I would do the Downtown Tour only. Take it as far as Statue of Liberty. You can then choose to either go on the Staten Island Ferry (great little ride) or choose the Statue of Liberty one. I would lean toward reccomending the Statue Of Liberty because if you've never done it you should - BUT DON'T GET OFF AT LIBERTY PARK - stay on the Ferry and get out at Ellis Island. It's a great exhibit. The movie they show is well worth the sitdown. Wander around for an hour and head back to the ferry. Go to the WTC site after that.

Go back to the park and pick up the double decker bus for the ride back uptown.

REST -

Get dinner near Lincoln Center and go to a music event. There is also a great jazz there too. Great food in that neighborhood.

Saturday -

Get a cab or it's a nice walk and go to the upper westside (with a backpack). Go to Zabar's and stock up on some picnic supplies, don't forget to grab a famous H&H bagel and see how long it takes you to break down and eat it while it's stll hot!

Take all your supplies and go into Central Park for a picnic and people watching. I would go up for a walk through Strawberry Fields, head over to the little lake, rent a row boat and have a picnic - but's that is just my romantic side showing. After rowing, rent a bike (they even have bikes built for two) and pedal all the way around the park - not as bad as it seems and there will be a ton of people doing the same. There tends to be a lot of activity on a nice day in Fall.

Return the bikes then head over - walk - to the Metropolitan Museum. It will be late enough to miss the crowds and you won't feel as guilty when you run out of time to see everything.

Go back to the Hotel for a rest

You've earned yourselves a fancy dinner so splurge at a NICE place and then go for drinks later at the Rainbow Room - sure you're paying rent for the table but you earned it after all that biking!

Or hit the Empire State Building at night for a stunning view.
Sunday - A gospel brunch in Harlem is an interesting experience. Then catch a cab and go up to Upper Manhattan to the Cloisters museum. It's affilitated with the Metropolitan. Or if that's not your cup of tea, go down to Soho for some Gallery hopping and up to the Empire State Building.

Whew! I want to go back to NYC!

pilot, I agree about the double decker tour buses. I've done them a bunch with visitors (I don't live in NYC but worked there for years and would stay in Manhattan for weeks at a time).

I think the views are awsome and have never figured out the naysayers.

Pilot & Lori have some great suggestions... as for your questions regarding the TKTS Booth, there is always a line. I would go to Broadwaybox dot com and pre-purchase tickets and save the time.

Chinatown is crowded with knockoff booths. It doesn't have the same kind of feel, IMHO, as say, San Francisco's Chinatown. Unless you're in the market for a $20 Mark Jacobs knockoff handbag, I'd skip this area as well.

Now, why is this a once in a lifetime trip?? You're well traveled - why try and get everything NY has to offer in a 3 day trip? I'm in NY at least 2xs a year and still have yet to see everything I want to see.

Lots of great suggestions...pilot, i think you need to do the trip you suggest for us!

OK, the reason this is a 'once in a lifetime trip' to NYC is because it is the First time for my bride, and there is nothing like the First time! Our trip to Italy was on our honeymoon, and while we may go back, we did it like a trip of a lifetime and will always remember it. Also, who knows what the future holds! I like to live like there is no tomorrow! Carpe Diem! I hope that answers your questions. Thanks again for all the great suggestions. I am sure there are more to come! A think the Palm One restaurant (for steak, lobster and celebrity sightings) and the Stage Deli for lunch are good ideas too. If there is a subway World Series going on, or playoffs, I might have to see the Yankees, who I still root for since I was a kid.