How long for New York - any hints/tips/advice

[lisaw]

We were there last August, it was extremely hot!!

Yes we got to the zoo as it was opening did that first and then hit the park - if you think how big you may think CP is then multiply it by 1000 you may just have some idea of the scale of the place. We did most of the sites in the park - Bethesda terrace (in the film Enchanted), Strawberry Fields, the boating Lake, Alice in Wonderland statue, the baseball/softball fields, and Belvedere Castle which is a bit further north in the park but definitely work a visit as its very pretty with some fantastic views.

Crown access allows you to go up into Liberty's crown, they only allow so many a day to go up and they were sold out before the day when we were there so if you want to do that you need to book in advance. Our tickets were monument tickets which allowed access to the top of the plinth on which she stands - you can look up inside the statue from the top of there and there again are great views from outside.

Not sure if I can put a link to the place I got my pass from so I'll PM you

[arkvilla]

Butterhead on secrets lives in NY and sometimes drinks in the bar of the hotel we stayed in so he knows Manhattan really well. He sent me some details of restaurants and I'm sure he'll help you too Di.

I forgot to say we also did Greenwich Village

So much to see so little time.....

Sooooo jealous - I absolutley LOVED NY

Sandra

[josh.p.]

Another vote for the pass you can get- it was really good value for money

[Isafari]

Thanks for the links Lisa - they are very useful to me

Another vote for the pass you can get- it was really good value for money

Thanks Josh - any do's and don'ts from your point of view?

Butterhead on secrets lives in NY and sometimes drinks in the bar of the hotel we stayed in so he knows Manhattan really well. He sent me some details of restaurants and I'm sure he'll help you too Di.

I had thought of him - hopefully he'll be around shortly and will give me some ideas too

[Britchick]

I shall be watching this closely as this may be part of a bigger road trip next summer if all goes to plan

[Johnie]

Love NYC! I just said the other day that I need to go purse shopping lol

[BUTTERHEAD1]

I was born and raised in Manhattan and still live here. I can help you with restaurant and entertainment recommendations and things like that however I have never needed a hotel so I dont have any to suggest and have no idea how to get good rates(sorry).
My favorite things to do here are:the Museums, Broadway plays,Shopping, Bronx Zoo,Yankee Games,bar hopping and of course dining. There is so much to do and see here that you could spend 43 years here and not do everything ... I havent been to the statue of Liberty since I was kid. I have never been to the top of the Empire state building or the Rock. I love Times square although my wife cant stand going there, she complains that is way too crowded for her and it makes her neervous. I love Central Park and could spend all day there however the central park zoo is very small and can be done in an hour or two. The Bronx Zoo is super cool and extremely large and in my opinion is a cant miss.
It is a great city and a lot safer than people think, with that being said you still have to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you have any questions just ask and if I dont know the answer I will do my best to find out for you.

[uscwest]

I was born and raised in Manhattan and still live here. I can help you with restaurant and entertainment recommendations and things like that however I have never needed a hotel so I dont have any to suggest and have no idea how to get good rates(sorry).
My favorite things to do here are:the Museums, Broadway plays,Shopping, Bronx Zoo,Yankee Games,bar hopping and of course dining. There is so much to do and see here that you could spend 43 years here and not do everything ... I havent been to the statue of Liberty since I was kid. I have never been to the top of the Empire state building or the Rock. I love Times square although my wife cant stand going there, she complains that is way too crowded for her and it makes her neervous. I love Central Park and could spend all day there however the central park zoo is very small and can be done in an hour or two. The Bronx Zoo is super cool and extremely large and in my opinion is a cant miss.
It is a great city and a lot safer than people think, with that being said you still have to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you have any questions just ask and if I dont know the answer I will do my best to find out for you.

Are you available for being a tour guide? LOL

I've been trying to convince my DW that New York is a great place to visit.

[BUTTERHEAD1]

John it really is a great place to visit and it is very safe, I believe that Donna would love it here. I am a NYPD detective and have been with the department for over 19 years. The city has made a huge turn around in regards to crime over that same time period. Times Square was a scary place back in 1980's and even in the early 90's and the subways were dangerous, but now I would have no problem allowing my 15 year old son to go to times sq. with his friends.
There are so many great restaurants here and there is nothing like a Broadway play. My least favorite season in NY is the summer and I wouldn't really recommend coming here during July & August. The Spring is nice and the fall is great too but there is something about NY during the Christmas season that is magical. A nice dinner,a broadway play and a horse and carriage ride through Central Park during a light snow and Donna will fall in love with New York, now if I can only get you to root for the Yankees.

[Isafari]

Thanks for all the great help and advice so far Butterhead - I'll be sure to get back to you as I have absolutely loads of enquiries/questions about New York.

I wouldn't really recommend coming here during July & August.

Oh dear - that is the only time we can go!