Tks for all the adv...

Since I hv 3 full days in New York, besides shopping, I would like to go sight seeing. I chk out a few company operating the hop on hop off but not sure one to use. Can anyone be kind enough to recommend me?

Do not do Hop On/Hop Off buses. You can see sights only from the roof (outside) and will freeze there in January - even if not get covered in snow or sleet. These are expensive and a very bad deal.

Much better to just pick out what you want to see and go. the subway is your friend - inexpensive, quick and goes almost everywhere - and trains run every 5 minutes or so. You should have choices available that are both indoor and outdoor - since you might get days that are mild - in the 40s - or days that are very cold (teens or 20s) with snow - when you won;t want to spend a lot of time outdoors - even with proper clothing (winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves and boots with non skid soles - for sidewalks that can be very icy and slippery).

TQ nytraveler....i will take your adv. IS it easy to get subway maps?

Getting a subway map is hit or miss. It's certainly easier at big, tourist filled stations. But you don't need it. There's a map in each station as well as on each platform and train car. If you buy a good guidebook (strongly recommended) most have subway maps in them.

Here's the online map:

http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm

Hmmm. I have a wonderful little folding subway map. It says FODORS on it. It was a "gift" at one of the past Fodorite gatherings in NYC.

Doug and Neo, old subway maps are near useless since there have been major changes due to budget cuts.(as of late June 2010) Several lines have been completely eliminated for the fiorst time in most people's memory.

Of course, most lines are still there and maps can be useful for general planning, but for actual travel, it's essential to look at the most recent map and to look at schedule of station closing and track work that reroutes lines , especially on the weekend.

Quite a few bus lines have been eliminated, and many rerouted, have their hours shortened etc,. Again, essential for visitors to work with the most current information.

Per nyer's warning, many of the recent changes have to do with service outside Manhattan, but it still pays to check a new map and especially the service changes. I was surprised just last night to find that the M has been changed to a different color and route that caused confusion for many at the station where we got on.

Hmmm. I have a wonderful little folding subway map. It says FODORS on it. It was a "gift" at one of the past Fodorite gatherings in NYC.

It went the way of Katie.

<<I was surprised just last night to find that the M has been changed to a different color and route that caused confusion for many at the station where we got on.>> I was surprised last weekend to see an E train running through the 42nd St/Bryant Park station. The guy next to me just shrugged and said something about budget cuts.

These are the biggest changes, for the worse, in many years. I also no longer assume that all visitors to NYC stay in Manhattan so even changes to service in the "outer boroughs" is worth noting

And the V is gone.

The E train is running on F tracks b/c of track work. http://travel.mtanyct.info/servicead...thod=getstatus

Trains often run crazy routes on the weekends and sometimes during on weekdays from midnight to 5 AM due to track work.

These temporary chnages are often confusing for regular riders, let alone someone who is not familiar with the system.

There are usually paper signs posted in the subway stations and on the white boards behind the clerk in the booths indicating what to do. In Brooklyn, for example, these changes often include a bus transfer.

If you see people with orange striped vests ask them what is going on.

Thank you eveyone....for the adv about the subway. Sounds confusing. I will see how when I reach there. If anyone has better ideas how I can go around NY that won't cost too much, please help. How about the NY Pass?

Subway has some changes but is still by far the bet way to get around - esp in cold weather.

Not sure what yo mean by what about the NY Pass. If does NOT provide a way to get around the city. And for sightseeing it is very expensive and very rarely pays for itself - it's cheaper to go where you want and pay individual entrance fees.

If you prefer you can take city buses at the same cost as subways - but it will take 2 or 3 times as long to get anywhere.

The Red Roof Inn on 32nd street has rooms in January 2011 for about $135 a night. I've stayed there 3 times and always happy with it. It's a pretty good location, nice but small room, fair sized bathroom for NYC.

Tks nytraveler...NY Pass is the New York Pass for tourist. I think I will take your adv..the subway or the bus. I think I can manage.

Austin...tks for the accommodation tip. Will chk it out.