Some NY Holiday Hints
 

Christmas Week is the busiest tourist week of the year. So here are some what I hope are helpful hints:

The Met Museum has one of the most elegant Christmas trees. Not only should you go early but there is an entrance to the left of the main steps which has about 1/10 the foot traffic as the mean entrance.

From JFK you can the Airtrain to Jamaica Station and then take either the LIRR (Long Island Railroad) otr the "E" "J" and "Z" subway line and save the cab fare. The subway will take longer but will cost at least $5 a person less. If you are going to some parts Brooklyn or Queens, you can the Airtrain to Howard Beach and the "A" train

As noted on another post, if you fly in on AA at LGA or another airline in that building there is a large staging area for licensed yellow cabs to the right of building. When you exit building turn right and then right again at the end of building.

Use the subways or walk whenever possible. Traffic is insane that week.

The streets are around Rock Center and Times Square often become impassable. In fact they change the bus stops on Fifth Avenue that week because of the crowds.

Whatever you need tickets for, get them now, if they are still available.

Whenever possible eat in in residential areas not in the tourist areas. The food will be cheaper and they are often less crowded because some NY'ers go away.

How to eat cheaply in NYC

Breakfast

Every, and I do mean every, neighborhood in Manhattan has what are euphemistically called delis. Almost all have some sort of breakfast specials that usually includes eggs, potatoes, toast and coffee. If you are not hungry or are cholesterol adverse, they also usually sell sliced fruit and yogurt. Of course there are bagels and pastries. NEVER EVER order room service.

There are many places that make their bagels. NOT DUNKIN DONUS. Some of the better one’s include Ess-a-Bagel,. Murray’s Tal’s, David’s.

Lunch

Part of the NY experience is to avoid chain restaurants. There is an incredible variety of inexpensive foods, among them Chinese and Indian. Quality varies substantially. If you are in or near Chinatown, there are many places including Big Wong’s. If you are near the East Village East 6th Street has literally 14 Indian restaurants to choose from. There are also excellent Indian restaurants on Lexington Avenue in the 20’s. The East Village also offers inexpensive Eastern European cooking at Veselka comfort food at Mama’s.

No NY’er cannot resist a frank at Gray’s Papaya who also sells fruit drinks including papaya, hence the name. There are now many variations on papaya and dogs all are inexpensive. I do not think the fruit drinks have ever come in contact with real fruit, but that also is part of the charm. Nathan’s are also very good but they are more expensive.

Pizza is a long lunch standby-do not go to ANY chain, the cheese is older than the kids who make it. Look for by the slice places and try a calzone as well, you will not eat for two days.

Sidewalk hot dog venders are always cheap, avoid the guys around Rock Center, you pay a premium. There are those who wonder about the hygiene, the dogs are boiled and the knishes grilled for forever. It must kill anything that lurks

Free samples are available at Dean & Deluca, Sarabeth’s, and Gourmet Garage.

It is the rare independent bakery in NYC that does not have at least one bread or pastry that is enticing.

With the economy is bad many restaurants are offering Recession and Lunch specials, so keep your eye out., especially pizza places and the Indian places on 6th Street

The following are inexpensive meals and desserts:

Inexpensive Italian- La Marca (3rd Ave. and 22 Street, only opened noon-10 PM, Mon-Fri), Excellent Food Value

Inexpensive Eastern European- Veselka,

Dessert-Veniero's, DeRobertis for the frozen lemon thing and cannoli , Fat Witch Bakery (brownies only) Chelsea Market

Brunches-, I Coppi, (best $15 brunch we have had in a long time) Turkish Kitchen, Cafecito (Ave C), Clinton Street Bakery, City Bakery

Pizza-Motorino, they luncheon special with individual pizza is a great great buy, also Lombardi’s

Hole in the wall-Stage (next to Stomp) great cheap home made soups

French fires-Pomme Frites

Inexpensive American-Mama’s

Ice Cream-Cones on Bleecker, Il Laboratorio de Gelato, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, Cones and Sundae (East 10th off Third) Ronnybrook at the Chelsea market

Chinatown-Big Wong's, Joe’s Ginger, NY Noodletown

Dim Sum-Jing Fung, Golden Unicorn, Nom Wah on Doyers Street

Sandwiches-Dafonte-the meatball tastes like old Brooklyn and where else can still get potato and egg sandwiches.

Tapas-Despana on Broome Street, Nai

Dinner

When we travel we often buy different foods as we walk around the city and put them in our backpacks and have dinner in the hotel room. In NYC you will probably see foods that are unfamiliar. Bring a knife, forks, and a corkscrew. If you are using a carryon bring plastic utensils with you.

Have a great time in NY.

I am sure others will have many other hints.

Well we aren't going to be in NY for Christmas but will be there next year so I appreciate all your great advice, thanks for posting.

You are welcome.

Oooh, potato and egg heroes - haven't had one of those in years. I need to make a note of that one - thanks, Adu. Good tips.

I would just add to make a plan with your loved one(s) if you get separated in the crowds. And I know there's probably less of a need for this now since everyone has cell phones, but don't underestimate how insanely crowded a seemingly standard street corner can become. I remember the look of horror on my claustrophobic sister's (who still doesn't carry a cell phone)face some years back when she thought she lost me in a crowd.

Nice idea to post, Adu. Thanks.

The President is coming for the tree lighting - well he will be around the block sort of. Watch the show with a stiff drink in the comfort of your hotel room....Yes the streets are getting busy. Visit neighborhoods away from midtown while you are here.

What great tips--thank you! We aren't coming at Christmas time either, but will refer to this when we are there in May. Thanks again!

You are welcome.

I won't be there at Christmastime, but we will be there for a few days next summer. Thanks for all the tips, Adu!

Thanks, Adu! DD and I leave a week from today for a whirlwind, 2 day trip. I'm going to print this out for a reference!

Will the tree at the Met be up by then? Can I ask about The Cloisters Is it far from the center of things? I'd really like to see the Unicorn Tapestries but don't want to take too much time out of our day. The only firm plan we have is Book of Mormon Thursday night. Everything else is open.

Btw, we are flying into LGA and we are staying at the Moderne. Any tips for the best way to get from airport to hotel?

And do you think we will have much time that first night to do much? I am clueless as to how long it will take to get to the hotel.

thanks!

There are many others who offer a great deal of very fine advice on these boards and I was hopeful they would add to the list.

Thye Clositers is about a 45 minute subway ride and walk from midtown.

There is limited public transportation from LGA, so a cab is best.

cat11719, I think the Unicorn Tapestries and the Cloisters are well worth the travel time! An added attraction right now is the exhibit of the Lewis Chessmen. I wish I could be there, too!

http://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-m...-isle-of-lewis

Have a wonderful trip, saige.

If you have time, The Botanical Gardens in The Bronx has a wonderful train exhibit. Then head over to Arthur Avenue for some AMAZING eats.

http://www.nybg.org/

http://www.arthuravenuebronx.com/

Go to Zero Otto Nove for to die for pizza.

http://www.roberto089.com/ZeroManhattan/index.htm

[089 is the telephone code for several Italian cities]

Thanks! When I was in NYC once before, we took a city tour in an open air bus. It was the wintertime, and cold, but I enjoyed it. I just don't remember how long it took. Do you think that is a good idea with our limited time?

What is all of your opinions on getting a New York Pass, wither with the Hop On Hop Off bus tour? There is a two day one available, and it also gets you to the font of any lines. Do you think it is worth it? I usually get the Museum pass in Paris and find it to be a good deal.

http://www.newyorkpass.com/prices.aspx

None of the locals like the HOHO buses.

Do you plan (or will have time) to see all/most of the attractions on the pass?

I'm not a local, so that's okay! :) WHat I liked was the stories they told about the different neighborhoods, things I would have had no way of knowing, and since we won't be with any locals, it might be nice.

I'm not really sure how much time we'll have. The first full day, we need to be back for our theatre tickets at 8, the second day is wide open. I love just being able to run in and check something out and if we like it, we can stay, as opposed to having to pay at each thing. I'll go over the list of things with DD to decide.

This is a great thread thank you Aud! I am arriving on December 13 and VERY excited. I have not been to NYC at Christmas time since my daughter was about 2 years old...

Our only firm plans are Mary Poppins on the 13 and Lion King on the 14th.

cat, just looking at it I don't see that many things I'd just "drop in" for. You can buy timed tickets for the Top of the Rock. You'd get in MOMA. Other than that, I'm not sure what you'd want (and have time) to see.

My favorite museum is the Frick. Gorgeous building, gorgeous collection but small and intimate - not overwhelming.

Cost it out (the pass).

ps - I really like the HOHO buses too. ;)

Starrs, I think you are right.

Are there different HoHo tours?

Here is one, two days, that includes all the tours, plus the ferry to Ellis Island. What do you think?
http://www.citysightsny.com/tourpage.php?item=SNY

You can take the Staten Island Ferry across for free I think? It goes right past the Statue of Liberty and then get off and take it right back - I did that a few years ago with my girls.

"None of the locals like the HOHO buses."
Starrs, most of us don't ride tour buses in our own city so it's not really a like/dislike issue (except when people complain about the buses clogging streets in their neighborhood)

But many of us point out that the buses are inefficient at getting from point A to point B (some visitors think of them as substitutes for subways/public buses), they move slowly and at this time of the year, sometimes barely move in traffic at all, and the narrators on the buses range from OK/entertaining to outright liars. I have heard some of the tour guides as the buses have passed by me, and I wanted to jump on board and tell the passengers to ignore everything they heard!

No one will forbid a visitor from using these bus tours, but since they're pretty pricey, I think a "buyer beware" is always in order. If we can help people see and do what they want in a usually limited amount of time, more quickly and for less money, why not?

nyer, thank you. I am one of those people who loves hearing the stories of the buildings I am going by, not something you can really get when walking by yourself.

I want to give DD (and myself) the best taste of NYC in the quickest amount of time. I like the Hop On Hop Off because you can do just that - hop off if you find an area that looks appealing. Truthfully, I have such a limited knowledge of NYC. It's hard to know what you don't know, ya' know?

But I am also on a budget so trying to make the best decisions. Any and all input is so appreciated!

<<<It goes right past the Statue of Liberty and then get off and take it right back - I did that a few years ago with my girls.>>>

It's a fun ride, but it's a fairly distant view of the SOL.

cat, the night you arrive, you should just go for a walk to see all the Xmas windows -- there's many fewer people in front of them late at night than during the day or early evening.

cat, I think the HOHO's are pretty interchangable. I've had great guides on them and pretty crappy guides. The good thing about the HOHO is when you hop back on, you've got another guide ;)

I've not taken this tour but I've added it to my list because the reviews are OUTSTANDING. If you want an overview of the city with a great guide look at -
http://www.zerve.com/KingOfNYC
Marvelous Manhattan tours

They are also offering a holiday lights tour. My mom and I took one (back in the early 90s, from Grayline) and it was FABULOUS. A great way to get around the city and see all the holiday lights.

I also loved the Slice of Brooklyn pizza tour and they've added a holiday lights tour of Brooklyn. It's the first thing I'm doing when I'm back in the city during the holidays. The originator and guide of that company is one of the best guides I've ever had anywhere -

http://asliceofbrooklyn.com/

The Brooklyn tours leave from the Union Square area.

cat111719, New York is a good city for walking tours where you can hear many of the tales of people and places you might like. Some are run by museums(for example the Tenement Museum), some by well respected tour companies (like Big Onion tours), some by non-profit or neighborhood groups (Municipal Art Society, Union Square Partnership)
Most are pretty inexpensive, about $10-$15 per person but some are free http://unionsquarenyc.org/park/walking-tour/255

<<<It goes right past the Statue of Liberty and then get off and take it right back - I did that a few years ago with my girls.>>>

It's a fun ride, but it's a fairly distant view of the SOL.
---
yes, worked for us :) It is distant but free and fairly easy :) Pretty cold I would imagine in the winter.

Cat - here is a link to the photos from our NYC 2008 trip that we took the Ferry across - there are some great photos for the lady so I think it was not too distant? I do not have a good camera but DO have a bad memory...

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...9860504&type=1

Are you able to get off at Ellis Island?

Not from the Staten Island Ferry, cat.

The Staten Island ferry goes from Manhattan to Staten Island and back. When you get to Staten Island, if you're not interested in visiting Staten Island, you get off, make a "u-turn" and get back on.

"Are you able to get off at Ellis Island?"

Not the Staten Island ferry.


You can take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and get off at Ellis Island.

The Staten Island Ferry is an entirely different ferry that the one for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island;

http://www.statuecruises.com/

is for the latter.

And you can't just take that ferry to "look, see;" it includes visit to SoL and EI. In other words, you cannot just take a ride on the ferry to the islands and then return [well, you can but you are paying for admission to the buildings.]

Well dang. The MM tour is no longer operating. Sorry.
"Thank you very much for your interest. However, after many years giving fabulous tours of NYC, Marvelous Manhattan Tours is no longer operating."

I think what we would want is to go see SoL and Ellis Island, not just do a drive-by, so to speak. DD is just now studying Ellis Island in HS. I think the timing would be good.

No, to be clear - I was suggesting that you take the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island - you get off - turn around and come back - you get a view both ways of the Statue of Liberty. You go past the Island.

cat, in that case, you the link above to book tickets. They have a flexible 3 day purchase, so you can decide when you are in the city which day and time you want to go, you don't have to commit to a specific day/time now

Yes, that is why I was leaning towards that option.

It has been lovingly pointed out to me that I sometimes get a little, umm, plan-happy on trips and I'm trying to let things just sort of flow. Dang, that's hard for me!