I never been to NY. My wife and I plan to go there for vacation. What do you suggest for us to do?

Question

What is a good place to stay at? Places to go, places to eat. How do we get around? We want to make the most out of it and we like to keep it under $1000.00 without including the flight.

Answer 1

~~ Staying on Manhattan will be the biggest expense.
This is a link for hotels, there are many:
http://officialsite.com/index.asp?RegionId=45&CategoryID=6

~~ The one thing I would spend money on is the trip across to Liberty Island, The Statue is worth seeing up close. (The ferries also stop at Ellis Island).
~~ Take an elevator up the Empire State Building and gaze in awe at the island.
~~ There are free things to do also, visit the WTC site, Times Square, Central Park and stroll Fifth and Park Avenues.
~~ New York has oodles of atmosphere to soak up, great cafes, restaurants, clubs and bars.

~~ Getting around in New York is mostly done by cabs.
They are everywhere!!
But the best way to see a city is by foot.

~~ I've found a link with attractions, maps etc and you can click on any of the individual attractions for further information:
http://officialsite.com/index.asp?RegionId=45&CategoryId=1

Answer 2

Hotels are expensive in NYC. You should play around with the dates, because often the middle of the week is far less expensive than the weekend. I would recommend kimptonhotels.com. I also recommend the Clarion on Park - rooms are really small, but clean and cozy and around $100 per night.

The cheapest and easiest way to get around is the subway. Our subway system is really easy to understand, most lines run east-west or north-south. Fare is $2.00, but if you get an unlimited metrocard, you'll save a lot of money. You can get a 7 day card. The vending machines will accept cash, credit cards and debit cards. If it's your first time, you'll probably want to walk around a lot. Most NYers have no problem walking about 10 blocks in any direction. I would suggest planning your itinerary so that you can see things within 10-15 blocks, so you can walk and save $. For example, Macy's, Empire State Building, and the MidManhattan Mall are within blocks of each other - 10 more blocks and you're in Times Square.

For food, NY has both cheap and upscale places and everything in between. Just walk around and you'll find plenty of places to eat. I like using opentable.com to make reservations - all the restaurants are above average, and you can get reward points for each dine.

For activities, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has suggested fee but not a set entrance fee, so you and your wife can just give a little donation of $5-10 each to get it. It's massive and wonderful. South Street Seaport is wonderful on the weekends. You can get a ferry tour around Manhattan from there. The Bodies Exhibition is there also - it's pricey, around $30 but definitely worth the money.

Answer 3

There is a way to see N.Y. on a budget. First of all, plan to travel using the subway or bus system. Also, skip the restaurants and have a true "NYC" experience by eating on the street. Hot dog vendors, pretzels, and even the sidewalk deli or soup kitchen will save you a wad of money, and is a fun experience too. Put your money more towards the attractions. Be sure to see the following:
1. Central Park (FREE) and the zoo fee is nominal).
2. Cruise to Liberty Island.
3. Cruise to Ellis Island.
4. Rockefeller Center (FREE)
5. The window displays at SAKS Fifth Ave (FREE)
6. The Bronx Zoo
7. Grand Central Station (FREE)
8. American Museum of National History
9. Empire State Building
10. MUST DO: See at least one Broadway Show.
11. Times Square (FREE)---Don't eat in this area.....VERY EXPENSIVE.
12. Radio City Music Hall

Put your money towards #10 and get the best seats they sell to make it worth it. Have a wonderful time. You will come back saying what everyone else says: "I love NYC!"

Answer 4

Try The Statue of Liberty for starters. After that, there are plenty of things see, like the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, the list goes on. The Subway is a good method of getting around. or, if you prefer, take one of those tour buses that show you around. The only place I could think of where to eat is Chinatown. Have fun!

Answer 5

ice skate at Rockefeller Center, go to a Broadway show, walk up and down Fifth Ave and look at everything! there are museums and buggy rides in Central Park, if it's not too cold. go to FAO Schwarz and see all the toys. there's SO much to do there. have a great time

Answer 6

Take a tour first. Then walk, walk, walk! Look on the web site for NY, it has tons of information. Plus you can get a hard copy in the mail.

Answer 7

its brilliant i went there last year
loads to do shopping especially!
you can get some good deals online i stayed at the milford plaza hotel just round the corner from times square
reasonable priced hotel