Rain Showers Next Sunday/Monday
 

According to the ten day forecast rain showers are expected next Sunday and Monday. How bad will this make it to get around for a holiday shopping and sight seeing visit, and what will we need to wear?

Where are you going?

My 21 year old daughter wanted to come to see the Rockefeller Center tree, the store windows, go to plays, and shop. She might be up for a museum visit also. We have reservations for the River Cafe on Tuesday, tickets to Mama Mia, and Hairspray on Saturday and Sunday. She just wanted to be in New York at Christmas.

thanks

Well- you won;t be able to get a cab - but then that's useless this time of year in midtown anyway.

Plan on taking the subway everywhere and be sure you have sturdy folding umbrellas and waterproof footwear (ankle booties are still very in.)

The only thing it might affect is visibility from Top of the Rock of the ESB.

Otherwise just ignore it and go ahead with your plans.

Okay, you are the second New Yorker today that I need booties. I am not quite sure what ankle booties are. We have the rubber boots around here that are knee height, but I don't know about booties. Also are you saying that I cannot get a cab because more people will want them and/or because it is the holiday. I like taking cabs. I really don't know the subway system well and the last time I tried it, I didn't have a great experience.

You will find it difficult getting a cab and then if you do the traffic is so bad, you might just as well walk.

The subway system is pretty easy just pick 2 lines like the #1 train on the West Side and the #6 train that runs on the east side, and that will probably make it a little easier for you to get around. At 42nd St there is a shuttle that runs between the two.

The long range forcast is probably a good suggestion of what the weather will be cold and probably rainy/snowy or cold and sunny, in either case bring warm clothing, hat, gloves, scarf and sturdy comfy shoes. Boots wouldn't be a bad idea at this time of year, since we have already had a bit of snow.

I think there are more tourists in the city than I have ever seen, so figure crowds wherever you go.

All that said, this time of year in the city is a bit magical and I really think NYers are at their best this time of year, so if you get lost just ask anyone around you for help,,,,,and have a great time.

Give the subway another try. Get a map from your concierge - and ask them which lines to take to and from. If you still aren't sure, ask someone in the subway - either at a window or just another passenger. NYer's love to help, in my experience. If you just look like you need help, they often offer it.

Much of the typical holiday shopping/sightseeing is in midtown and is walkable. Or decide to do midtown one day and pick another area (like Soho or the village or wherever) the other day. Cabs are just not going to happen, with or without rain. For things like River Cafe, consider ordering a car service to get there. Dial7.com or carmellimo.com are both fine. Forget about the rain and come and enjoy.

This time of year the traffic is horrendous - which means fewer rides in the same number of cabs (which are at a premium anyway). When in rains that slows things even more - and more people want cabs - so it might take you 15 or 20 minutes to find one (when by subway you would already be at your destination).

No - do not wear knee high rubber boots (we save those for blizzards). Just either waterproofed walking shoes or low booties (ankle booties that have been so popular last 2 years are fine) so your feet don't get wet from water seeping into regular shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking out in the weather - but you won;t have to deal with streams - just wet sidewalks and puddles.

Make sure your shoes or boots have a good inch rubber sole.

Learn the subway. The Bronx is up or Uptown and Brooklyn is down or downtown.

The best way to get a cab is to get a hotel doorman to hail one for you.

One note on umbrella use: you might consider also bringing a coat with a hood or a small hat to make moving around easier. In really crowded situations, carrying an umbrella is a little bit of an art form and I've seen one too many tourists poking folks in the eyes accidentally. Do bring an umbrella, but please bring small, pocketbook sized ones. (I work in midtown and could write a book on the poor umbrella etiquette that goes on here daily!)

Terms of the cabs vs. subway thing, you really could have difficulty with the cabs, and I would back the others who say to walk as much as possible.

Have a great trip!

Thanks for all of your help. I can't wait to get there!