One day in NYC
Jun 18th, 2013, 01:29 PM
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Intrepid is an area of the city not served by nearby subway lines (well, a few long blocks away but not really close) This is where taking a taxi makes sense.
Please look at a good map. Though the Statue of Liberty is on a island close to lower Manhattan, the Circle Line Ferry starts much farther uptown around 42nd street.
If you were taking the free Staten Island ferry, that is downtown near the end of the number 1 train line (SOuth Ferry Station)
There are no trains going really east /west in that area, so no train from Intrepid to Rockefeller Center., Taxis or some buses (or lomg walks) are the way to go.
Please look at a good map. Though the Statue of Liberty is on a island close to lower Manhattan, the Circle Line Ferry starts much farther uptown around 42nd street.
If you were taking the free Staten Island ferry, that is downtown near the end of the number 1 train line (SOuth Ferry Station)
There are no trains going really east /west in that area, so no train from Intrepid to Rockefeller Center., Taxis or some buses (or lomg walks) are the way to go.
Jun 18th, 2013, 01:33 PM
#22
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have not used this myself, but it looks very useful - http://tripplanner.mta.info/MyTrip/u...ipplanner.aspx
I plugged in Penn Station and Intrepid for 8am monday 6/24.. i would take itinerary 1, or take a cab.
Your granddaughter will love it.
I plugged in Penn Station and Intrepid for 8am monday 6/24.. i would take itinerary 1, or take a cab.
Your granddaughter will love it.
Jun 18th, 2013, 02:21 PM
#24
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here are the Rules of the Subway. Others will add their own thoughts.
Rules of the Subway
The NYC subway system is an amalgam of lines that were once privately owned and were purchased by the government to unite them. This explains why there is duplication in many areas and no trains in other areas. The line that King Kong destroyed is now underground.
With a few exceptions the subways in Manhattan run north/south. Almost all, except those that go to the Bronx, will eventually make a turn into Brooklyn or Queens. The two Manhattan trains that only run east/west are the shuttle from Times Square to Grand Central and the L train that runs along 14th street.
Even though a Metrocard is used for entry, no NY’er calls the subway the Metro, Tube, or Underground. It is either called the subway or the train.
Do not use or ask for a subway line using the colors on the map. They will have no idea what your talking about. NY’ers either use the letter or the number. Say, “Can you tell where to get the “R” train or the “E” train. There are few exceptions. NY’ers refer to the 4 or 5 as the Lex (Lexington Avenue) Express and the 6 as the Lex Local. And the train from Grand Central to Times Square is called the Shuttle.
There are green and red globes at the entrance to many stations. Green supposedly means open all the time and red means sometimes. Sometimes vary form station to station. Some have mechanical card readers without token booths others are just closed. But red is usually open during week day business hours. Got that.
Transfers occur at many stations. Some transfers are across the platform, others on another level, while others are an interminable walk through corridors which vary from extremely crowded to ill light and very lonely. The main transfers are usually madhouses at all times.
The subway runs all day, all night every day including Christmas, Yom Kippur, and Ramadan. If you are lucky there will be more trains during rush hour.
Do not expect to understand any announcement through the PA system. Do not expect an explanation regarding delays. And if they do make an announcement, do not necessarily believe them.
Many newer trains have peppy computer voices announcing the stations. Very un-NY. There are usually correct. On the newer trains there is also an electronic linear map showing the line and stops. That is usually right. There are, however, large lit arrows that show the general direction and they are often pointing in the wrong direction.
If you miss your stop, you will not die, even if you wind in Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx. Well maybe the Bronx. Just get off at the next stop but there is the rub. Not every stop has a corridor which connects trains in both directions so you may have to exit, go upstairs, cross the street, descend again and pay another fare. Although there are major exceptions, this is often true on the local lines where are there are few transfers.
There are basically two types of trains, expresses and locals. Expresses stop at designated stops while locals stop at every station. There are times when the local is actually faster. When there is a problem, locals can run on the express tracks and vice versa. Sometimes during extenuating circumstances stations will be skipped. If you are lucky an announcement will be made. (See above rule regarding PA announcements.) And during those times you might be standing on a platform watching a train pass you by. If a train blows its whistle as it enters the station, it often means it ain’t stopping.
Many students take the subway to school. Many travel as hordes when school lets out. 99.9% of the kids are just being kids. Do not be afraid. As I get older, I realize how frightening we were as kids to adults.
A serious note: Unfortunately, the subway system is not designed for the disabled. All stations have stairs and the few that have escalators or elevators are unreliable.
MetroCards
Never ask how to use the machines that dispense MetroCards beforehand. Always stand in front of the machine as long as possible so a line can grow behind you. Hint to tourists: If the person has not moved their hands in fifteen minutes, get on another line.
Always crowd the person in front of you at the turnstile. Not every turnstile works and pirouettes can occur.
The MetroCard turnstile swipe is an art form. Sometimes the first swipe will not work. And do not be surprised that after multiple swipes, if you are charged for two trips.
You can get a MetroCard at almost all subway entrances, especially at the larger stations. Some entrances just have turnstiles. You cannot get one on a bus, even though you need one or exact fare. Currently the fare is $2.50, no matter the distance and you can transfer to one bus up to two hours from entering the subway.
Of course, all Metrocards have restrictions since they issued by a bureaucracy.
Getting Directions
New Yorkers who barely know their name know the subway lines in Manhattan but few know the subway in the boroughs, other than the one where they live. Always ask for directions, NY’ers are always proud to display their subway knowledge. Conversely, NY’ers only know the bus lines they use and have no clue where the other buses go.
Above each platform are signs that identify the trains which will stop at the station and the general direction. Do not be alarmed that the signs say, Brooklyn Queens, or the Bronx, it is the general direction. Downtown means south and uptown means, well you get the drift.
There are no subway maps above ground. So you will have to descend to into a station to read one.
Riding the Rails
Entering the train can be a bit of free for all. The victory goes to the swift. If you dawdle people will push in front and not many will say things like “Excuse me Sir/Madam, but may I get ahead of you.” At rush hours, people will push from behind and you can be carried with the tide. If you have children, hold their hands and make plans if you get split up. I do this with adults, who so not know the train if someone should miss their stop. (Not hold their hand but make alternate plans.)
Do not stare at people. This is not a joke. It can be interpreted as impolite or worse.
Do not emulate NY’ers who:
1. Lean on the pole so no one else can hold on. It has been known to hold the pole in a certain way so that the knuckles of one’s hand jab the back of the slob.
2. Transport their refrigerator during rush hours. People carry all sorts of objects all the time.
3. Read the New York Times spread open, with their splayed open taking up two seats. (This is a male specialty.)
4. Stand with your bike and take up the room of six people. I will never understand, if you have a bike, why you are taking the train. I would, however, like to borrow their helmet sometimes.
5. Don’t shower and wear muscle shirts.
6. The subway is not your living room, move your butt to the wall if you want to speak on the phone.
You can do just about anything in NYC but do not block a subway car door. When the train stops, the doors open, and you are blocking them there are many choices: make yourself small, get off the train so there is room and then get back on, move to the center, or be prepared to be bounced and cursed. It is prime spot to stand, own it with pride.
Do not say to your fellow passenger, this is like being in a sardine can. We have probably heard that before.
There will be people selling candy, others God. It is your choice to engage them in conversation.
Getting off
It as important to know the stop before as it is to know the stop you need. The stop before warn all your friends and relatives. Know which side the doors will open. Most doors on an express open on the right. On the local trains, the doors usually open on the right on local stops and on the left on express stops. This is a rule of thumb.
Another rule of thumb regards, people not moving out of the way. Say, “excuse me,” loudly. If they do not move after the second “Excuse me” you have my permission to push your way through the crowd.
Rules of the Subway
The NYC subway system is an amalgam of lines that were once privately owned and were purchased by the government to unite them. This explains why there is duplication in many areas and no trains in other areas. The line that King Kong destroyed is now underground.
With a few exceptions the subways in Manhattan run north/south. Almost all, except those that go to the Bronx, will eventually make a turn into Brooklyn or Queens. The two Manhattan trains that only run east/west are the shuttle from Times Square to Grand Central and the L train that runs along 14th street.
Even though a Metrocard is used for entry, no NY’er calls the subway the Metro, Tube, or Underground. It is either called the subway or the train.
Do not use or ask for a subway line using the colors on the map. They will have no idea what your talking about. NY’ers either use the letter or the number. Say, “Can you tell where to get the “R” train or the “E” train. There are few exceptions. NY’ers refer to the 4 or 5 as the Lex (Lexington Avenue) Express and the 6 as the Lex Local. And the train from Grand Central to Times Square is called the Shuttle.
There are green and red globes at the entrance to many stations. Green supposedly means open all the time and red means sometimes. Sometimes vary form station to station. Some have mechanical card readers without token booths others are just closed. But red is usually open during week day business hours. Got that.
Transfers occur at many stations. Some transfers are across the platform, others on another level, while others are an interminable walk through corridors which vary from extremely crowded to ill light and very lonely. The main transfers are usually madhouses at all times.
The subway runs all day, all night every day including Christmas, Yom Kippur, and Ramadan. If you are lucky there will be more trains during rush hour.
Do not expect to understand any announcement through the PA system. Do not expect an explanation regarding delays. And if they do make an announcement, do not necessarily believe them.
Many newer trains have peppy computer voices announcing the stations. Very un-NY. There are usually correct. On the newer trains there is also an electronic linear map showing the line and stops. That is usually right. There are, however, large lit arrows that show the general direction and they are often pointing in the wrong direction.
If you miss your stop, you will not die, even if you wind in Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx. Well maybe the Bronx. Just get off at the next stop but there is the rub. Not every stop has a corridor which connects trains in both directions so you may have to exit, go upstairs, cross the street, descend again and pay another fare. Although there are major exceptions, this is often true on the local lines where are there are few transfers.
There are basically two types of trains, expresses and locals. Expresses stop at designated stops while locals stop at every station. There are times when the local is actually faster. When there is a problem, locals can run on the express tracks and vice versa. Sometimes during extenuating circumstances stations will be skipped. If you are lucky an announcement will be made. (See above rule regarding PA announcements.) And during those times you might be standing on a platform watching a train pass you by. If a train blows its whistle as it enters the station, it often means it ain’t stopping.
Many students take the subway to school. Many travel as hordes when school lets out. 99.9% of the kids are just being kids. Do not be afraid. As I get older, I realize how frightening we were as kids to adults.
A serious note: Unfortunately, the subway system is not designed for the disabled. All stations have stairs and the few that have escalators or elevators are unreliable.
MetroCards
Never ask how to use the machines that dispense MetroCards beforehand. Always stand in front of the machine as long as possible so a line can grow behind you. Hint to tourists: If the person has not moved their hands in fifteen minutes, get on another line.
Always crowd the person in front of you at the turnstile. Not every turnstile works and pirouettes can occur.
The MetroCard turnstile swipe is an art form. Sometimes the first swipe will not work. And do not be surprised that after multiple swipes, if you are charged for two trips.
You can get a MetroCard at almost all subway entrances, especially at the larger stations. Some entrances just have turnstiles. You cannot get one on a bus, even though you need one or exact fare. Currently the fare is $2.50, no matter the distance and you can transfer to one bus up to two hours from entering the subway.
Of course, all Metrocards have restrictions since they issued by a bureaucracy.
Getting Directions
New Yorkers who barely know their name know the subway lines in Manhattan but few know the subway in the boroughs, other than the one where they live. Always ask for directions, NY’ers are always proud to display their subway knowledge. Conversely, NY’ers only know the bus lines they use and have no clue where the other buses go.
Above each platform are signs that identify the trains which will stop at the station and the general direction. Do not be alarmed that the signs say, Brooklyn Queens, or the Bronx, it is the general direction. Downtown means south and uptown means, well you get the drift.
There are no subway maps above ground. So you will have to descend to into a station to read one.
Riding the Rails
Entering the train can be a bit of free for all. The victory goes to the swift. If you dawdle people will push in front and not many will say things like “Excuse me Sir/Madam, but may I get ahead of you.” At rush hours, people will push from behind and you can be carried with the tide. If you have children, hold their hands and make plans if you get split up. I do this with adults, who so not know the train if someone should miss their stop. (Not hold their hand but make alternate plans.)
Do not stare at people. This is not a joke. It can be interpreted as impolite or worse.
Do not emulate NY’ers who:
1. Lean on the pole so no one else can hold on. It has been known to hold the pole in a certain way so that the knuckles of one’s hand jab the back of the slob.
2. Transport their refrigerator during rush hours. People carry all sorts of objects all the time.
3. Read the New York Times spread open, with their splayed open taking up two seats. (This is a male specialty.)
4. Stand with your bike and take up the room of six people. I will never understand, if you have a bike, why you are taking the train. I would, however, like to borrow their helmet sometimes.
5. Don’t shower and wear muscle shirts.
6. The subway is not your living room, move your butt to the wall if you want to speak on the phone.
You can do just about anything in NYC but do not block a subway car door. When the train stops, the doors open, and you are blocking them there are many choices: make yourself small, get off the train so there is room and then get back on, move to the center, or be prepared to be bounced and cursed. It is prime spot to stand, own it with pride.
Do not say to your fellow passenger, this is like being in a sardine can. We have probably heard that before.
There will be people selling candy, others God. It is your choice to engage them in conversation.
Getting off
It as important to know the stop before as it is to know the stop you need. The stop before warn all your friends and relatives. Know which side the doors will open. Most doors on an express open on the right. On the local trains, the doors usually open on the right on local stops and on the left on express stops. This is a rule of thumb.
Another rule of thumb regards, people not moving out of the way. Say, “excuse me,” loudly. If they do not move after the second “Excuse me” you have my permission to push your way through the crowd.
Jun 18th, 2013, 03:14 PM
#25
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,846
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One of the funniest things I've seen is when my husband offered his seat to a lady standing on the train. She said something like, "Why? Is something wrong with it?"
d, you can do the subway. It's actually cleaner and easier to use than we expected. The people we encountered were nice. My husband did tell me to quit saying Good Morning to strangers and said people in NY don't do that.
d, you can do the subway. It's actually cleaner and easier to use than we expected. The people we encountered were nice. My husband did tell me to quit saying Good Morning to strangers and said people in NY don't do that.
Jun 18th, 2013, 04:13 PM
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
s12013--I like that trip planner it looks very useful in terms of how long how far, walking or whatever. I was surprised to see how close rockefeller Center was to Penn Station. I now think I will do that first in addition I to seeing a play. I wanted to do something that she would not do anywhere else but the fabulous new york city.
Jun 18th, 2013, 06:45 PM
#27
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband did tell me to quit saying Good Morning to strangers and said people in NY don't do that.
_________
Over 8 million people live in NYC. Another 250,000 commuters each day during the week plus there were 51 million visitors last year. What is the point of saying hello or even good-bye for that matter.
This is the way my niece describes the difference between NY and LA. In LA everybody says hello but if you fell down no one would help you. In NY no one says hello but if you fell down a dozen people would help you.
_________
Over 8 million people live in NYC. Another 250,000 commuters each day during the week plus there were 51 million visitors last year. What is the point of saying hello or even good-bye for that matter.
This is the way my niece describes the difference between NY and LA. In LA everybody says hello but if you fell down no one would help you. In NY no one says hello but if you fell down a dozen people would help you.
Jun 19th, 2013, 09:19 AM
#29
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,846
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The actual words he used is "people here will think you're crazy if you do that." We live in a city of 4 million people, and it's pretty common for people to greet each other. Get on the elevator, bus, wherever, people will say Hi or Good morning.
Jun 19th, 2013, 09:30 AM
#30
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The actual words he used is "people here will think you're crazy if you do that." We live in a city of 4 million people, and it's pretty common for people to greet each other. Get on the elevator, bus, wherever, people will say Hi or Good morning.
With 4 million people must something of a part-time job.
With 4 million people must something of a part-time job.
Jun 19th, 2013, 12:20 PM
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So my tentative itinerary looks like this--Go to the Liberty cruise--get there for the 11 a.m. cruise. Then go to the Top of the Rock, visit Toys r us, which is in times square, visit rockefeller center, the try and visit the Museum of National History which is in Central Park. (200 w.central park.) I would also like to do one of those pedicabs there if I can find one. That should be a full day I would think--Does this sound doable and easy enough?
Jun 19th, 2013, 01:40 PM
#32
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Museum Nat'l Hist is on Central Park West _ between 78/81at - not IN the park - across the street.
The only way to travel IN the park is foot (most paths) or horse carriage or bike (on the limited roadways only). Go to the website of the Central Park Conservancy for a map of the park and paths with a listing of what to see and do.
Top of Rock is IN Rock Center.
The only way to travel IN the park is foot (most paths) or horse carriage or bike (on the limited roadways only). Go to the website of the Central Park Conservancy for a map of the park and paths with a listing of what to see and do.
Top of Rock is IN Rock Center.
Jun 19th, 2013, 01:49 PM
#33
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Does this sound doable and easy enough?"
The AMNH closes at 5:45 so having that as the last place on your schedule isn't best if you take an 11 am cruise that will take you about 2 hours. I assume you;ll aslo need to stop for lunch.
Toys R Us and TOTR are open much later so maybe switch the order of your day
The AMNH closes at 5:45 so having that as the last place on your schedule isn't best if you take an 11 am cruise that will take you about 2 hours. I assume you;ll aslo need to stop for lunch.
Toys R Us and TOTR are open much later so maybe switch the order of your day
Jun 19th, 2013, 01:52 PM
#34
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Diann24,
Just a heads up if you are planning to be in NYC this weekend (specifically on 6/23). Next week is Gay Pride week in New York, and the actual parade is on Sunday 6/23. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get around because many streets may be blocked off. Have fun!
Just a heads up if you are planning to be in NYC this weekend (specifically on 6/23). Next week is Gay Pride week in New York, and the actual parade is on Sunday 6/23. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get around because many streets may be blocked off. Have fun!
Jun 19th, 2013, 01:57 PM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ahhhh yes good point about the museum closing at 5. Never thought of that one--yes I might have to switch it up a bit. Gay pride week is all week---? Not just the 23rd? The 23rd is the parade I would assume. No I will not go on sunday probably tuesday is my calculated bet--at this point in time. i will come back and let you know how this all worked out. Thanks again for all your replies.
Jun 19th, 2013, 02:07 PM
#36
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is a freakin parade every weekend in NYC from May to September. And every block has their weekly annual street fair.
For any visitor to NYC, be sure to to be check the following site for changes in the subway schedule on the weekends, which are more annoying then the parades.
http://www.mta.info/service/
For any visitor to NYC, be sure to to be check the following site for changes in the subway schedule on the weekends, which are more annoying then the parades.
http://www.mta.info/service/
Jun 19th, 2013, 03:54 PM
#37
Good advice here. One note, carefully avoided so far, is that it is the Museum of *Natural* History, not National. You might confuse a cabby, many of whom have little more than rudimentary English.
Jun 19th, 2013, 05:58 PM
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fra Diavlo I actually have it written on paper correctly and I do know it is "Natural" I am not sure how I did that National thing--? Just not paying attention to what I was writing I suppose.
Jun 28th, 2013, 07:21 PM
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wanted to report to you all on our day in New York City and how great it all went. It was perfect---We arrived at Penn Station at about 8:20 or so. We ended up walking towards the Liberty Circle Cruise which was our first stop. We did this as the lines for the taxi were enormous!! So long and I did not see any taxi's even picking up people. We stopped for coffee and pastries and when we were down a few blocks we hailed a taxi at the point in time. Our tickets were for 11:00 so the timing was great. The Liberty Circle cruise was 75 minutes and my Granddaughter loved it!! She really enjoyed it a lot and loved listeing to the narrator.
From there it was off to the Museum of Natural History via taxi. We had lunch inside. She tired of that in several hours the dinorsaurs were the highlight and we saw the Whale exhibit which was ok. From there we took a 45 minute pedicab tour through Central Park. That was awesome, and I really enjoyed that so much.
From there it was the subway to rockefeller center dinner, and then a trip to the lego store, and then up to the top of the building just as it was getting dark. The view was spectacular and it was wonderful. From there it was times Square and we ended the day with "toys R us." Then we took a taxi to penn station. we did not get home till 12:00 midnight. A long day for sure, but it was a fun memorable day. One I am sure we all remember for years to come, especially my 7 year old Granddaughter. Thanks you all so much.
From there it was off to the Museum of Natural History via taxi. We had lunch inside. She tired of that in several hours the dinorsaurs were the highlight and we saw the Whale exhibit which was ok. From there we took a 45 minute pedicab tour through Central Park. That was awesome, and I really enjoyed that so much.
From there it was the subway to rockefeller center dinner, and then a trip to the lego store, and then up to the top of the building just as it was getting dark. The view was spectacular and it was wonderful. From there it was times Square and we ended the day with "toys R us." Then we took a taxi to penn station. we did not get home till 12:00 midnight. A long day for sure, but it was a fun memorable day. One I am sure we all remember for years to come, especially my 7 year old Granddaughter. Thanks you all so much.
