wanderer

We have decided to stay at the Library Hotel, 1st weekend in December.

We thought we would walk from there up Madison or Fifth, and do the shops, up to Central Park. Then maybe do a buggy ride through the park (do they run all day?).

For the second day, thought we'd like to see Union Square area - some of the store around there, and then head over to Greenwich Village.

Considering that it will be cold and busy, is walking to Central Park from the Library Hotel doable? What about from the Hotel to Union Square and the Village (this looks a little too far).

If not, what are our best transportation bets - cab, bus or subway?

MFNYC

Figure about 10 north-south blocks are 1 mile. East-west blocks are longer. I see the location is near grand central. I've walked from there to greenwich village many times. It just depends on your shoes and how much you enjoy walking. Subways are the quickest and easiest way to get around (and safe). Buses are OK, but sometimes you have to wait 20 minutes for one to come (subways come much more frequently). The walk to Union Sq is about the same as to the south end of central park.

MFNYC

Oops, it's 20 blocks = 1 mile, not 10.

Patrick

And on my recent stay I've finally come up with a good estimate. Walking at a pretty consistant clip, and even allowing for the "don't walk" signs, I seem to average just about a block a minute (the north south blocks, that is). In otherwords walking straight up an avenue from 45th to 65th will generally take me about 20 minutes. I walk a lot, so nothing you mentioned would phase me in the least.

I have learned to hate the busses. I've stood and waited as much as a half hour for a bus that is supposed to come every 11 minutes. And the real clincher, after waiting that long for one, it stopped half way there and said it was closing down and we'd have to transfer to the next one -- another 20 minutes. So it took us an hour and a half to go a distance we could have walked in 45 minutes!!! The subways can be confusing, but are great for getting you there.

suzanne

Wanderer, it depends on how much you are used to walking. For me and other NYers, walking 5-10 miles on a weekend is no big deal. However when we have friends/family in town they are usually pretty worn out after 2 miles.

Walking from your hotel up 5th Ave to Central Park is almost a mile. Walking down to Union Square from your hotel is not as far as you think: about 1.5 miles. Tack on another 1/2 mile if you want to go to Washington Square Park (roughly the heart of the Village).

If you're not walking, the subway is your best bet. There are a zillion subway stops in the city (ok, only about 500) which serve every neighborhood well. Taxis are best if you've got a lot of stuff to carry, are lost, or just can't walk another step.

wanderer

What is the best source to use to help figure out the subway system?

djkbooks

http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/

You can download wonderful pdf maps to print, fold, carry in your pocket. It's a good idea to have a good street map along as well.

We love the buses.

I prefer to taxi or bus to our designated neighborhood, so we have plenty of enery to walk all over once there.

It's best to dress so as to be comfortable while out and about, though, it's often dreadfully overheated indoors everywhere.

mlm59

If you plan to ride the bus take plenty of quarters. The will not take dollar bills. We were just in NYC 2 weeks ago and even with a map weren't real sure of the subway. We always found other people buying tickets who were willing to help. The subway is by far the quickest way to get to your destination. When we were there over a weekend we found it difficult to hail cabs, but we needed two for our party of seven.

MFNYC

Metro cards are for the bus and subway, much easier than lots of quarters. Also, if you switch from subway to bus or vica versa, the 2nd fare is free (provided the time between the 2 is < I think, about 45 minutes).

lisettemac

Assuming the weather isn't too cold, I would definitely walk up to Central Park for your carriage ride. That way, you can take in all of the Christmas decorations on 5th, the shops, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, etc. The carriages do run all day.

As for walking to the Village, it isn't that far, but if you intend to walk a lot when you get there, I might take djkbooks's suggestion and taxi or subway there and then do your ambling when you get there.

Have a great time!!

Gekko

Actually, with a Metrocard, the free transfer time is more like 2 hours. I'm often amazed at the free transfers I'm afforded after a meeting or other appointment. The city loses alot of money on free non-transfer transfers.

Please please don't carry quarters. It's a pain and you'll annoy all the people behind you. Purchase a Metrocard when you arrive.