Hi all,
I am visiting New York in May for two week by myself.
This will be my first US trip and I am very excited and nervous!
Would love to hear everyone's experiences and esp their recommendations.
Can you give me your best 5 things to do, see and eat?
Cheers
PS. I will be 27(male) during the trip if this makes it easier as few seem to ask my age.
Also, I have created a poll as I am unsure when would be a best time to visit free tourist places-
Considering this is OZB and Museum of Nat History has come up - Entry ($20-$25) is a suggested price which most tourists may not realise. You can rock up to the window, put down $1 and ask for a ticket. A lot of ppl are embarrassed to do that but a true ozb'er wouldn't. I got my Mrs to do it as she had less shame than me but the cashier didn't even flinch anyway.
Yeah na, def doing this
Places to go - JFK airport
Things to do - take a flight to Toronto
Things to see - obese people on the ground as you soar at cruising altitude
Things to eat - pancakes and maple syrup
I don't think we should be throwing stones… Australia is #2 behind the USA in obesity. Honestly, I see more land whales in my local suburb than I saw in the USA.
In that case, perhaps we should infact get off our arses and throw some stones.
I visited NYC in August and highly recommend staying anywhere but Manhattan. It's just a few train stops away, but staying on Long Island can save you at least $100 per night.
Since it hasn't been mentioned here before, go for a walk along the Highline. Relaxing, pleasant, and a good way to observe the city.
but LI seems so far. I plan on staying half the trip with family and half closeby from cool places where I could walk back home
Stay in Brooklyn/Queens, the section of Long Island close to Manhattan :-)
My fam are in Queens so will be spending one half of the trip there :)
If I went to NYC now, I'd
However after visiting 11 times in the past 11 years, I have made a decision to not visit USA whilst Donald Dump is in power.
Besides, there are sooooooooo many other places in this great world to visit! Looking to tick off my 60th country in 2018.
Hahah true, hopefully there are some changes by the time i get there ;)
Trump Tower is a must visit on any NYC trip. Marvel at the heavily armed guys with submachine guns standing outside. Get airport style security while walking into the building. Eat a burger at Trump Grill (I did) washed down with Trump wine. Every customer is white for some reason… Admire the cheesy red marble and gold interior with copious glass.
But… a word of warning. There's a little souvenir shop on the ground floor with all the gaudy Trump merchandise you could ever want. But the prices are an incredible ripoff. Nothing has a price tag. Be sure to ask about every item, otherwise the shop keeper tries to charge you US$20 for EVERYTHING, even a bottle opener.
If I go there, would that make me a Donald fan?
The visitors there appeared to be more curious than fans of Trump. After all, we all stare at a car crash even though we don't like what happened. My employer went to Trump Tower in early 2017 even though he really doesn't like the guy.
I purchased a few choice items for family and colleagues, even though we all despise Trump. I bought a Trump and MAGA cap and wear it when I want to troll people. It's hilarious watching some people getting fired up about it.
Bhphoto…that's where I'd be going.
I am not the most tech-trendy guy but that seems like a place i wouldn't mind checking out ;) Cheers!
Just remember that B&H Photo's physical store is closed on Saturdays (Shabbat) and major Jewish holidays.
I visited on a Saturday without knowing this and had to go back the next day.
I love NYC, it's my favourite place I've visited. Have been there twice now and will be going back again either later this year or next year for sure.
Ride the subway everywhere, it's so easy once you get the hang of it. Download any one of the free apps so you have access to a map at all times. Getting into SOHO from JFK is also relatively easy and much cheaper compared to catching a cab or one of the bus services which only take you to Penn or Grand Central.
Food!!! The food here is amazing.
- Los Tacos Number 1 in Chelsea market - the best beef tacos I've ever eaten
- Essa Bagel - you have to get the everything bagel, amazing!
- Eileens cheesecake for one of the best cheesecakes in NYC
- Have also tried Levain Bakery in Harlen which was delicious
- The Halal guys is a must - get the Beef gyro plate it's amazing
- Katz Deli is delicious
- Burger and Lobster
- I tried Chicken and Waffles at the Clinton St Baking Company Diner which was amazing
- Watch Buzzfeeds worth it episodes for some others - Fried Chicken, Cheesecake and Pizza. All in NYC.
Some other stuff to do
- Walk the high line
- Top of the Rock during sunset is magical, amazing views of central park and downtown
- Staten Island ferry is free and cool to just hop over and back
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Catch the subway over to Dumbo, enjoy the views of Manhattan from there and walk back across the bridge - Trip Adviser has good instructions on how to get up there.
- Central park is amazing
- Friday Nights at MoMA is free entry
- If you're keen to do some shopping then Century 21 downtown is a good spot to get good deals
- Macy's have a 10% deal for tourists, just need to present ID or passport to their info desk. Macy's is pretty expensive I found
- Times square at night is just hectic, watch your personal belongings here
- If there's availability to the Statue of Liberty I'd recommend to go for it. Don't do a tour that people are selling on the street
- Pay what you want walking tours - Free Tours by Foot is highly rated. I did a Harlem tour with them which was very informative
I wish I could go back….
In regard to food i'd also recommend Carlos Bakery the guy from the show Cake boss - red velvet is amazing there
Thanks Keepa, thats some great list there, so keen to tick it off! Cannot wait, cheers!
Where did you stay while you were there and what are your thoughts on that area?
The first time I stayed in mid town - Hotel Yotel. It’s close to Times Square, but I wouldn’t recommend it to be honest. It’s very noisy with lots of buses and trucks and the walls are paper thin.
The most recent time I stayed at an Airbnb in lower Manhattan between China town and little Italy. Saved about $1000 compared to a hotel I was looking at. The area was perfect, had lots of food options around and a few subway stops nearby.
I would recommend to try and get something near a subway stop. Makes life so much easier.
- If there's availability to the Statue of Liberty I'd recommend to go for it. Don't do a tour that people are selling on the street
I second this. If you book early enough, you'd be able to get tickets to the park/pedestal/or the crown. The ticket is the same price even if you do all three, but gets booked out very early. Book directly through the state cruises website, and it's about US$21 and I'm sure there would be spaces for May if you book by now.
The people near the ferry terminal pose as legit resellers and rip tourists off. They even blocked our path and preventing us access to a public street unless we buy a pass. Luckily I've been to NYC multiple times and knew that battery park is free to access.
Maceys great for Levi jeans.
(Available in short leg sizes, 29,30,31).
Also greater range available…..not just 501or 550s.
You forgot Chipotle for Mexican food. Epic..
Why neg?
cause Mexican food in usa is best on the west side….
I didn't neg you..
Beautiful to the most ugly city in the world
Garbage on the streets/rampant homelessness on the flip side amazing sights super fast life style 24/7 (it really never sleeps).
I loved/hated NYC would say dont spend less then 3 days or more then 5 - walking central park is an adventure on its own.
Everyone is trying to rip you off it is almost like a super expensive version of bail in the sense everyone is calling out to you to buy this and that. - if you get away from the vultures and can ignore the clear socioeconomic class divides it is one of the most amazing cities in the world (or at least that i have been too).
Take the subway everywhere it is a good value and super cheap compared to other ways of getting around the city.
Nothing is cheap on the island of Manhattan and tipping in NYC is compulsory 18% but you can get away with 10%.
For food there are a few 1$ slice pizza places and cheap kebabs stands you can eat out in. My advice is don't eat out in Manhattan unless you are ready to spend big. - if you are looking to eat healthy good luck!
There is loads to see and do Staten island ferry, Statue of Lib, Empire state building, Museum, central park etc
If you want to buy souvenirs go to like the Bronx not to far from Yankiees stadium there is a complex with target etc (much better then targets in Australia) you can get baseballs (3-4$)/American footballs 5-10$)
If you are going to new york i'd say it is also worth going to New york state and seeing Nigrafalls take the maid of the mist
I could go on but that is some general advice from someone who were was 15 months ago
Good luck i loved the USA i went to 6 states each one felt like a different country
10% tip is an insult to Americans jus sayin
Hence why i said 18% but you can get away with 10% - most European tourist dont tip anything but i reckon they cop a lot of hate from the locals many of the complained to me about them.
You're right you can get away with it. I guess it's just the guilt knowing that you've insulted someone albeit indirectly. Many places I went to had the bill printed with pre-calculated tip options of 18%, 20% and 22%. I always disregarded that and put 15%.
You don’t need to tip eg take out food… pizza by the slice etc… or maccas, kfc eat in etc ….cheaper way to go….
If however you sit down for a meal and are provided service you need to tip.
To put it bluntly if you can’t afford to tip you can’t afford to go out for dinner.
I only thought people ripped off in Asia, apparently not from what I have been reading here.
18% tip, thats heavy as ! Hopefully I have enough cash saved to cover everything!
18% is kind of the recommended minimum they want 20% in Manhattan - but if I was you stick to 10% no one will say anything if you give 0% you need to have a good reason and I always tipped something even if they service was average.
As for Asia you know how there are people in Asia on bikes that take you for a rid for like 10-15$ for like an hour that is the same all over central park but they charge 3-20$ PER MINUTE they usually get the asian tourist who think it is a cheap way of getting around like in China or Japan. Basically anyone who comes up to you asking you to buy something is working on a high commission basis and the best thing you can do if plan each day and see everything on your own accord - dead set i saw one bike rider take 3 Asian tourist for about 45 min and charge them $450USD
Also there is a bunch of bus tours that are way over priced and honestly taking the subway is faster then driving in the city
OH AND ONE MORE THEN IT IS EXPENSIVE BUT I RECOMMEND GOING TO A SHOW ON BOARDWAY - Im not a musical kind of guy but it is pretty amazing some of the shows - i saw Aladdin which cost me an arm and a leg but if you just want to catch anything go to the mid day session opposed to the night session you can get cheap tickets
Yeah i have come across people who have been ripped off in that way. Esp in Times Square, apparently people dress up in various costumes and get photos taken with the public and they charge a fortune without informing the toursist before hand. Something to be cautious about i guess.
As for musicals, the first/last one I have seen in person was The Book of Mormon here in Melb and it was great! So will def try and fit in one atleast although I not very musical either.
can ignore the clear socioeconomic class divides
Now that exists everywhere in the US and not just NY. Every downtown is equally ugly. No?
Top of the Rock
Ground Zero
Staten Island Ferry
Central Park
Times Square
There's also a bunch of Australian cafes like Little Collins that might be worth a visit and say hello to the owners
Cool. Curious to drop by the RM Williams store
1.Marie's Crisis. West Village. Piano bar where you'll get broadway stars come and sing after their shows. I spent Christmas Eve with the cast of Glee and Cuba Gooding Jr, arm in arm singing show tunes drunk. I'll never forget it.
Rudy's in Hells Kitchen. Dive bar but free hot dog with every beer!
Also street vendor hot dogs.
Didn't see time of year but Madison Sq Garden to catch the Knicks, if possible.
Go to Williamsburg, be ironic and hang out with Australians in gentrified Brooklyn.
For some reason numbering ain't working, but whatever.
for hotdogs, goto Gray's Papaya, or other similar Papaya type shops.
Loved Marie’s Crisis!
ah White Christmas would be amazing! I will one day…
-There is a weekly subway pass (from memory $25?)
- Google best fried chicken in new york, i think I did 6 out of 10 on the list and they were all good. Even their KFC is so much better than ours (try the extra crispy)
-Views everywhere - Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island etc
- There are attraction passes for sale in Groupon NYC see which ones suit you
If you're going shopping, catch the train to Newport Centre is technically New Jersey but it is only 10-15 minutes away on the PATH train from Manhattan. New Jersey sales tax is less than NYC. There is also a cheesecake factory in there which is a must try! I think they have hundreds of items on their menu.
Side trips to Boston, Philly and Washington DC are also worth considering if you've got time.
no sales tax in NYC on clothing items under $110
Yeap, I love fried chicken so will definitely be trying that.
Which one was your fav if you had to pick one?
Also, looks like the weekly pass is the way to go apparently from many recommendations here.
I think Charlie's it was called? Bon chon was good too if you like the glaced Korean fried chicken. But honestly even the double crispy KFC was so good the standards were set so high.
The travel passes are worth it but you have to buy per week so you might as well get it as soon as you arrive.
Get in early for the Empire state to avoid a massive line.
I stayed in Brooklyn and Harlem (cheaper and "cooler") but if you want to see lots of museums and sites in Manhattan it is worth paying to stay in midtown or somewhere central. Hey in EARLY with your Airbnb if that's how you book.
The food is amazing. I recommend reading Gaurdian and Independent travel guides for what's current. Katz's Delicatessen is a classic famous for its pastrami on rye. Definetly recommend getting up to Harlem to try food we don't really get in Australia.
Sites I liked: Sky Line, all the galleries, there's a Beauty and the Beast style library that's lovely and less known (just googled it and found this https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/most-gorgeous-n… it's number 2), rowing boat on pond in Central Park). Could miss: Natural History Museum.
New York is a great place to holiday! I went for two weeks in April two years ago and like it so much I went again later that year. (All this Oz bargaining allows for excellent saving and travel.) Enjoy!
Cheers 1mmyx2, although 'cheaper and cooler' would be the way to go, this time, I prefer spending a bit more and stay in midtown for east access and convenience plus time factor as i only have two weeks. From what I have looked into, SOHO, East Village seems to be on the top list so far.
It's not the greatest…but soup nazi is in new york! It's somewhere between times square and central i think….
May would be hot so maybe if a cold day turns up ;)
We went in November and got the newyork pass saved us $100 but we did a lot of planning to get our money's worth
It's also expensive to eat out in the tourist areas so travel out a bit and save $
New York City is one of my favourite holiday destinations as there are endless amounts of things to do and see. I’ve been 3 times and still want to go again. Here are some of my favourite places:
I would highly recommend Chipotle - a Mexican food chain and The Cheesecake Factory - a fine dining place, though they're not NY specific.
Cheesecake Factory is not fine dining
What is it then? It isn't just a cheesecake place - it is a proper fine dining restaurant serving a range of food. How much fine is 'fine' for you can be subjective.
It's a good casual dining/family restaurant chain.
Me likes 2.
I love hidden bars and places similar to that, expect the unexpected kinda themes.
Highly recommend Sleep No More as well, to groups and to individuals. You're in a highly immersive environment where you basically get to choose your own adventure. It's not that going by yourself is better, but to maximise the experience a group should split up for the session, with everyone sharing their experiences at the end. It would also be a serious hindrance to stick together - you'd move slowly and miss everything.
Broadway musicals are also awesome, and there are a number of significantly cheaper options for some shows (http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-rush-lottery-and-st…) - the compromise is that you may not be guaranteed a spot.
The ones where you queue up as the box office opens are fairly reliable but they'll often allocate you to a limited viewing angle seat on the far side. As quite a few of these shows don't sell out completely (and usually the ushers are lenient if you aren't too brazen in your self-upgrade), right before it starts it's often possible to move to an unoccupied seat nearby for a significantly better experience.
Mmmmm bad time of the year to be going IMO. I hated NY. (went in the middle of a heat wave and they leave their rubbish out on the street and it stunk like shit)
I preferred quieter cities though.
I found the people to be rude (they lived up to the stereotypical New Yorker)
Having said that it's a tourist's dream if you're that way inclined. Already been mentioned.
If you remotely like sports, MSG for the NHL (Rangers are doing ok) or Prudential Center up in Jersey (Devils are doing extremely well), Yankee Stadium (Baseball will be on), Metlife Stadium (NFL won't be unfortunately)
Also make sure you go to the 911 memorial. I went in 2007 when it was still a big crater in the ground. Seeing the kids paintings about their lost parents was heartbreaking stuff but something everyone should have to see.
really? everyone should have to see a memorial of 9/11?
May is great time of year to go. If you arrive before May, check this out:
https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/sakura_matsuri_2018
Yes. As a mark of repspect.
R-e-s-t-e-c-p. Do you even know what that spells?
I thought May was one of the good times to go. Ideally around Oct would be my first preference. When is the best time in your book?
around September is when the US open is on for tennis.
Sadly I cannot as i work in finance and June-Sep is locked for FYE :( but I recon it would be nice!
How old are you if you don't mind me asking? I just came back from my solo trip in New York and will try tailor some recommendations based on your age.
I documented my trip and the highlights in a google doc spreadsheet (accountant background!). If you are interested, feel free to PM me for a link to it.
Hey mate, I'll be 27 in May and also accountant background so I do my excels for travelling.
Sure thing, PMd you.
I'm also 27 so we might have a thing or two in common!
My recommendations:
- get a Citibike 3 day pass.
Most things in New York are within a short distance of each other, so if you plan your time well, it'll be much faster than walking or taking the subway. There's almost no need to take the subway or even the big your buses if you have one of these because there are literally bike stations near every corner. It's a great experience and it means you can eat more whilst your there.
Be sure to cycle through Central Park and up Brooklyn bridge using this!
have a look at the New York pass and plan out what you want to do and get the pass before you go. This covers most of the admission on the really touristy things and you'll also have access to the express queues at each of the attractions.
Intrepid museum (use new York pass)
I'm not a big fan of museums but this one really was amazing if you are even remotely into the military/aircrafts. You can go through a submarine, board the carrier ship which holds over 10 large decommissioned aircrafts.
9/11 memorial museum (use New York Pass)
This one speaks for itself.
See a sports event NBA/Ice Hockey
The Americans do sporting events so much better than the Aussies do. Constant entertainment and plenty of celebrities will be there.
Woodbury outlet for shopping (you can get discounted bus tickets using the New York pass)
Be sure to get the coupon book with your bus ticket when you arrive
do a pub crawl
Traveling alone can get lonely. Go out for a drink and meet people! I'd recommend the Empire Pub crawl. The groups are apparently smaller. Free shots with every drink you order ;)
Final point, don't expect too much from the food there. Most of it is pretty ordinary (even the more famous places). The servings are just slightly larger.
Used to live in Astoria, Queens.
My top 5 for tourist:
Now those are very tourist-y things (except MET, i can spend days there, I avoid Time square like the plague and central park is just that… f-in huge park, you do have to see them at least once)
Bring some locals if you know any, go to Flushing, woodbury (shopping), visit some nice delis in harlem, grab uber to the Bronx to get some nice (pizza) pies and while you are there go visit the Yankee stadium.
Go to guggenheim, from there walk around central park then go Broadway then go to muso :). Go to staten island if you have the time, NYC (as in the 5 boroughs that forms NYC, not just manhattan has alot to offer).
But stay away from Jersey. Not worth it.
Have fun!
Weide, one question, my family lives in Queens.
If I want, i could stay there for the two weeks I am travelling and save on accomodation.
The plan in to stay there a week and week closer to town around SOHO, East Village.
Do you think Queens would be too far to stay and explore places(mostly touristy places) or I could wing it?
I grew up in Astoria too! It's changed so much since I was a kid.
Depends where in Queens, and if near the subway. Some parts of Queens are far/takes a while to get to the city. Western Queens would be fine, like Astoria/LIC/Sunnyside/etc.., 15 minutes and you're in the city.
I used to drive it is around 10 minutes from Astoria to Met as a reference point. Subway if I remember correctly (10 years ago) will take you 30 minutes and around $10. I don’t think it is too far if you want to save money (I never stayed in hotels there so I don’t know how cheap/expensive they are) but sometimes staying close to tourist areas are more relaxing, you can just walk to your hotel after a days outing. Soho to Astoria is a bit further out, an extra 15 minutes by subway i think
Yeah very true, it would be nice to walk to places when I am there.
Might bite the bullet and stay closer to the city.
Also, last thing I would want to do is catch a long subway home after being out for 12-14 hours walking all day.
@Wiede: I barely commute during rush hour here in Melb and when I do, it gets my head in.. don't even want to think about NY. Although, it would be cool to sip coffee/beer and see the traffic at Grand Central from a roof top or somewhere elevated.
This is the order i would go;
Central park & MET
Time square at night
Empire state building
Broadway musical
Staten island ferry
Ground zero
All on the list, cheers! Just need to figure the order to go about!
start early and do central park for the morning. Once you taken in central park walk to the MET which is on the right hand side of central park about half way up. MET will take half a day. Spend the evening at a Broadway musicale and then go to time square around midnight (where it is at its best).
Next day start early at empire state building to avoid the cue and get the best views. The Staten island ferry and ground zero are nearby so you can do either one of those next. If you are game (and your legs haven fallen off) you can do the Brooklyn bridge as well.
eat hotdogs, burgers, pizza and pretzels in between places.
Well thats how I did it anyway over 2 days. have fun :)
Some new suggestions:
Visit a legendary jazz club like Blue Note, Birdland or the Village Vanguard. Cover charge is a bit steep but was worth it for me.
The Nintendo Store at Rockefeller plaza was cool because I’m a massive Nintendo nerd.
www.smorgasburg.com for food. Awesome collection of food stalls - the best food experience we had in NY.
Can do the DUMBO art district after and do the Manhattan bridge in the same day.
yes to smorgasburg!
I like your thinking, something different.
Cheers and will research more… Always wanted to try a Jazz club!
(profanity) Time Square, and (profanity) Central Park. Horribly overrated filled with tourists and not much else, avoid avoid. Or whatever.
I actually agree with Time Square. I found it to be extremely overrated.
Yeah I just plan to go visit TS once and that's about it.
My old housemate stayed in TS and I felt sorry for her
Love love love New york! Been 3 times in the last 6 years. One of my most favourite places to visit!
Going back this year! Want to see my New Jersey Devils play again! Taylor Hall baby!
So much to do there its amazing! i have stayed in the best hotels there as well the Trump and so on.
Will be finally staying at the Plaza Hotel this year. Get my home alone fix! also going back to chicago
Driving down to see the Packers!
I love America!
You're going to have a amazing time. Enjoy!!!!
User name doesn't check out
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Lots of exclamation marks!
I love your excitement!
I am getting more excited reading your comments!
You have a great trip too!
My favourites:
Planetarium at the natural history museum - best one of I've been to.
Momofuku (the cheaper one) in the East Village
Luke's Lobster in the East Village
Shake shack anywhere
Crif Dogs (hotdog joint in the East Village, has a secret bar - you go into the phonebooth and pick up the phone and a door opens - hard to get into sometimes and biig queue), also in the East Village
Big Gay Icecream for delicious ice cream
Hire a boat in Central Park
The MET Museum (hands down my favourite)
Century 21 (the downtown one) or Woodbury Commons (if you have time) for insane outlet shopping.
If you want a decent coffee, from memory, Ninth St Espresso in the East Village is good too.
Have fun! I went in 2012 and loved it. America is an interesting place.
If i do end up staying in East Villa, I shall definitely try it out!
The boat hiring, is that just around Central Park?
I am thiking of riding a bike around it.
Yeah there's a small lake in the middle of Central Park where you can rent a boat and paddle around it, was lots of fun! Riding a bike would be awesome too, it's a big-ass park.
Sounds like an ideal dating area if you ask me ;p
Hopefully I have enough time to try it out!
I took three of the below tours when I was in New York on business:
http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours
Ended up making some friends on the tour and met up with them a couple of times when I was there. Highly recommended.
I feel like NY is a place you can do it yourself.
Doing tours makes you locked against your will.
Thoughts on this and why did you choose a tour and not venture yourself?
All the great stuff has been mentioned, but you will find plenty of hidden treasures. We ate at a pizza restaurant recommended by a local, where the pizza chef had trained 4 years in italy just making pizzas - yes the pizzas were pretty damn good. If you are a daredevil hire a car and drive through the city, it is insane to drive there lol
sometimes local is the way to go hay
When a friend of mine went to New York he was in Brooklyn and is a fan of legendary avant-garde jazz musician John Zorn and I found out that one of his regular cohorts Joey Baron was playing a gig at a jazz club in Brooklyn that night (Bird Cage maybe?) so let my friend know about it and he and his wife went to the gig. They had a great time bought a CD and got it signed by him and talked to him they said he was a nice guy.
So my suggestion would be to go and see some live music :)
True that.. and eat plenty complimentary groundnuts while you wait for your burger.