I agree with those who say Times Square IS a good place to stay as a tourist (no, I wouldn't want to live there either!). I've stayed in several parts of New York, but when I was there on my own last year I chose to stay in Times Square. It was great to be able to see a different Broadway show every night, and then walk back to my hotel in less than 10 minutes through well-lit streets thronged with people.

Times Square and Central Park always make me say WOW in NYC.

But I really felt I "arrived" so to speak when I hailed a taxi, by myself, whilst in competition with non-tourists. WOW.

We have taken the trip across New York Harbor on the Staten Island Ferry many times; it never fails to "Wow" me. The saddest trip was the one I took across the Bay in late Septemebr 2001.

For the "Full Monty" experience, ride the subway to South Ferry in rush hour to catch the boat.

Flying into LaGuardia for the first time - the view from the airplane on descent is like a ride in itself. So many big buildings on such a tiny rock! WOW!

The Statue of Liberty, Times Square at night (cheesy yes but a must see at night), Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, Grand Central Station are all "wow" places for me. "Wow" moments tend to be more spontaneous but I'm sure you'll have plenty.

Thank you very much everybody for the suggestions! Have to control myself not to pack my bags already... :-)

Ground Zero...

Several years ago I worked on a large corporate purchase. We had been working on the deal nonstop for months, and worked all through Labor Day weekend. A team of us went to NYC for the closing, traveling on Labor Day. All the arrangements were handled by the firm travel people and all I knew is that I was going to be spending about 20 hours a day for the next four days in a law firm conference room.

We arrived exhausted at our hotel - the Mariott Marquis right on Times Square - at about 11 pm and we were all determined to go right to bed. However, after looking at where I was - Times Square!!! - I had to call one of my co-workers and get her to walk around outside with me for a few minutes. Even though there was a week of pure drudgery ahead of us, it was cool to be at Times Square that night.

Funny, but I work right in that area that some of you are discussing- just 2 blocks from the Empire State Building, and live on the UWS on the park/river.
The prettiest, prettiest view IMHO is to be had from the New(ish) observation deck atop Rockefellar Center. There really wasn't a line the 3 times I have gone there. You can get a ticket in advance. The best time to go is just about a half hour before sunset- you watch the sunset hitting the skyscrpers (and the Empire State Building is front and center) and then watch all the many colored night lights of the city start twinkling in the dusk and then the whole city nightscape comes to life. The deck has all the Art deco flavor you want (it was built in the same era as the ESB)
As a lifelong NYer- this breathtaking sight just grabs me everytime!

Definately the Statue of Liberty...I have these great pictures of her and the twin towers taken from the boat from my trip there with my daughter in 1998. I will never forget that "wow" moment.

I had my "WOW" moment yesterday, driving into the city after several days away. Always incredible, even for the millionth time.

Regarding Times Square and the sad little "geez" comment, again I say that tourists should visit Times Square, but please don't stay there. Invariably, visitors who complain that NYC is dirty or crowded or loud stayed in Times Square.

And, yes, New Yorkers try their best to avoid that area -- I'd prefer to meet friends just about anywhere else in Manhattan for drinks/dinner/etc.

I guess that would make me a "sad little geezer" :-)

Not at all sorry to be one!

Opinions are what makes this forum great. And, I still believe that staying within a few blocks of Times Square is a GREAT place for a first timer to NYC to stay.

The first time I visited I stayed at the Grand Hyatt - it had just opened. We were surprised - and quite disappointed - to find we could not get a taxi after leaving a Broadway show. Was quite a walk - at night - through a big, bad city (first-timers trepidations) - in the cold. Would have been great to been only 2-4 blocks away.

When/ if I am back in Manhattan for a short period of time and want to "pack it in", I will stay there again. Midtown West is my favorite Priceline zone to bid on. And, I love it when I get the Hilton on 6th.

Different strokes for different folks :-)

Taking a circle island boat tour, seeing the Statue of Liberty and the city from the boat. I think that was a "wow" for me. Although there are a lot of wow's. Empire State Building, Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Take a subway to the Staten Island ferry. It is free and can offer:
A great WOW view of Manhattan Island on the return trip
A great WOW view of the Statue of Liberty
Fun rubbing shoulders with commuters
And did I mention, it is FREE!!!

Very romantic at night!