I just won an all expense paid trip to NYC in December. What should I be sure and do?

Question

We're staying in Times Square

Answer 1

I would say avoid Times Square, but you have no choice about that. My second piece of advice is to ignore the usual places.

December is a wonderful time to visit New York. The city is decked out for Christmas and there's a joyful feeling in the air.

Not knowing how much time you have, I would make a few suggestions. First you'll want to see a Broadway show. I suggest staying away from the Disney ones like "Lion King." Instead go see the revivals of "Chorus Line," "Chicago," or "Les Miserables." And all of them are within a five minute walk of your hotel.

Second, I'd suggest taking one of those double-decker buses on your first day. They're a great way to see the whole city fast and pick out places you want to get a closer look at. But let's start downtown in Lower Manhattan. Having lived here nearly my entire life, I'd suggest the Brooklyn Bridge (a walk across in December is invigorating) and a walk through Brooklyn Heights to the promenade. You also really should see the Statue of Liberty and a roundtrip on the Staten Island Ferry can be a lot of fun too. (Great views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty). If you're a history buff, you'll want to stop in at Fraunces Tavern, where Washington gave his farewell address to his officers. It's still a working restaurant and has been since before the Revolution. Nearby you'll find Bowling Green, laid out by the Dutch in 1624.

I also strongly suggest avoiding the WTC site. There's nothing touching or moving about it. It's a construction site for heaven's sake and the milling crowds are vultures as far as I'm concerned (having seen what happened with my own eyes).

A little farther uptown, you have to walk through the Village (officially, Greenwich Village but no one calls it that). You'll find tiny restaurants and jazz clubs and Washington Square Park.

In midtown, take a stroll through Bryant Park. In December they'll have a free ice skating rink set up again this year. Naturally you absolutely have to visit Rockefeller Center at Fifth Avenue and 50th Street if only to see the tree. It's kind of touristy, but it's well worth it. (If you're in need of a cocktail, I also strongly recommend the Rainbow Room atop 30 Rock. It's a magnificent place to unwind and the view is stunnning).

Over on Madison Avenue starting around 44th Street you'll find all kinds of wonderful (expensive) shops. You can walk up Madison to around 80th Street and you won't see the same store twice (okay, except for The Gap). Before you stroll up Madison, though be sure and walk over to Grand Central Station on 42d Street.

I see someone else suggested going to Macy's. (In December the place is a zoo). Go if you must, but go early and be warned.

Once you've walked up Madison, turn west at 80th Street and there you'll see the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You must visit this magnificent museum. Outside in Central Park, I suggest taking a Hansom Cab ride (horse and buggy) through the park. On the west side of the Park at 81st is the Museum of Natural History. Again, I strongly suggest a visit.

As for food - best pizza can be had at John's on Bleecker Street (in the Village). Fine restaurants include Gramercy Tavern, Blue Hill, and Babbo.

Have fun!

Answer 2

I just took a trip to New York City, and I enjoyed it very much! One of my favorite places was Washington Square Park, where they have live bands, plays, and other interesting forms of entertainment. I also enjoyed Central Park, though I did not get to see very much of it.

My least favorite place was Times Square because it was SOO crowded. I found it extremely helpful to get some books on NYC and do my research before heading out on my own. I can't imagine getting around without those books! Doing the research is well worth the time and effort. And remember, you won't be able to do half of the things you want to do because everything happens in a New York minute.

Good luck! Enjoy the city for what it is and you will have a fabulous time!

Answer 3

Go to Lower Manhattan and visit the WTC Memorial site, it's very touching. From there, catch a ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Be sure to take a walk through Central Park, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and/or the Museum of Modern Art, and go shopping/window shopping on Madison Avenue.

Answer 4

Take a "tourist" tour! Also, see some of the great museums. Try to find specialty shops, you can shop at Times Square chains anytime (but don't miss the storefront windows dressed for the holidays). Also, get a great deal on show tickets - same day deals at tkts. Have fun!

Answer 5

Oh man you coming to my city. First i want to warn you as its 2006 the year of the crips so watch your back they been in the news these days. Ok well what you should do is go to the Museum of natural history and the planetarium, if you going to stay during new years you bet that you're going to go to the celebration in the square and go to the bronx zoo. Well stay safe this city is getting worse by each day.

Answer 6

See Broadway shows.


Basically just walk around Times Square.

Answer 7

You'll be here during the best time of year...Christmas! Go to The Emprie State Building, Rockefeller Center to see the tree and possibly ice skate. Go to see the window displays at Saks, and Lord & Taylor.
Macy's always looks great at that time of year as well.
Have a great time!

Answer 8

watch out for pickpocketers,scams.
also if u drop your luggage on the sidewalk to look at the sites,& someone walks up to ask for directions,make sure u grab your luggage then talk to them,ive heard of 2 or 3 people scams where someone else will grab your stuff while u help out.
i would also be very careful & not try to goto the bad areas at night if i were u.
hope this helps a little.

Answer 9

If you like art go to the Museum of Modern art, if you like food, then eat, if you like theater take in a show. It all depends on what you like to do.