Off to the Big Apple in June with my Mrs. Just wondering if anyone has been and what was the best way to book attractions etc? It’s my first time so I want to pretty much do all the typical stereo typical NY touristy stuff haha
Was there in 2019. Did Citybreak pass (https://www.citypass.com/new-york) for Empire State, Ellis Island/SoL and Ground Zero (there are other attractions you can choose) Did breakfast at https://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/ up on Broadway and the best pizza ever is at Grimaldi's over in Brooklyn https://www.grimaldispizzeria.com/location/1-front-street-brooklyn/ Depending on your budget, there are a couple of really cool bars in SoHo and Chelsea https://www.jimmysoho.com/ https://www.happiesthournyc.com/
We did Christmas so it's probably a different place. There's some fantastic food places under Central Station. What I would say is walk as much as you can. It's just a giant movie set. And they've got a ****ing Space Shuttle over at Intrepid.
There is a tour bus you can use which does a tour with drop off points at the sight and a running talk. Statue of Liberty eles island and Empire State Building a must see
Walking as much as possible is good advice. If you want to do something really American, as you're there in the summer, I'd recommend a baseball game. Last time I was there, we went to see the Mets. I'm never going to be a baseball fan but it was a good experience to get a bit of 'real' New York.
Vodka martinis on top of the Metropolitan Museum of Art at sunset. Amazing. Although after two martinis all my words were jumbled. They are potent. Bought the wife a scarf in Tiffany’s. Cheap but still expensive. Find an Irish bar. Statue of Liberty is a must. Grand Central station worth seeing. Horse and trap round central park. Just some thoughts.
Would definitely do one of the tour bus rides. Really interesting and the guides point out all the sights. As well the usual tourist sights I would walk over the Brooklyn bridge and go to Katz diner where they shot When Harry Met Sally. The pastrami on rye sandwiches have to be seen to be believed (give a generous tip and you won’t be disappointed!) this was mine ⬇️
Yeah, remember having oysters with white wine at Grand Central Station @ 2006, still got the shells on display in the bathroom. Went to a recommended Italian restaurant and low and behold there was a mackem Exile of 20 odd years serving. Got talking about Julio as his waiter mate was Argentinian. A "guy" on the next table was letting his mouth go how he'd bought a four storey building and converted it into flats and made $5m profit... me and the Mrs seemed to get the best service Really enjoyed my trip to New York, all the other comments on here are spot on. Enjoy
Top of The Rock is the best view in my opinion, dont be sucked into thinking you have to pay for trips, excursions etc. If you buy the multi stop bus pass you can get around all of New York pretty much. The High Line is a good walk, Brooklyn Bridge is a must, walk along broadway and into times square. All of that will cost you nothing. To save a few bob on food and drink try and keep away from the main streets and use the small cafes and takeaways, there are some really good places to eat without paying a fortune. The 911 museum is really good, the scale of what happened hits you when you walk past the twin tower footprints, very sad but interesting.
Look into the New York Sightseeing Pass. If you’re planning to go to several tourist attractions it will save you money. Also if you or your wife like the theatre, and there’s usually a great selection of shows. I would say get to the theatre doors as they are opening the box office early morning . They usually have a few seats available at great discounts for that day, often for less than half price.
Got distant relatives that live in New Jersey since the 80s. They say they see something new every time they go to NYC. Turns out the big Apple is just that. Big.
Personally, and I know I'm in a minority here, first thing I would do in New York is jump on a train to Boston. Much prefer it.
