Anyone been to New York? Times Square ,Central Park?

[Cyclone]

Coney island is really odd IMO. I've been twice, once in the off season and once in season.

 

Getting off the subway (although it's gone over ground by then) in the off season, it looked like the start of an episode of SVU or something, except I was the tourist who'd gone to the wrong area and was soon to get stabbed in an alleyway.

Practically deserted, lots of shuttered shops, a closed up slightly dilapidated theme park, graffiti, and a warm September sun incongruously shining down.

A few years later and a few weeks earlier, late Aug I think, in season for the locals, and it's a totally different place. Bustling, all the shops open, loads of people strolling down the promenade eating corndogs or candyfloss, theme park running, kids everywhere, people on the beach. Really strong dichotomy.

[SnailyBoy]

I'd imagine that you'd pay the same in tourist areas of Paris, London, Amsterdam and so on.

 

Agreed.

 

It's up there certainly with London prices.

[lectrolove]

 

I like good food and wine and a mooch around but nothing really too much.

Will we need a lot of money?

 

That depends. If you intend eating at high end restaurants and taking cabs everywhere, then yes you can easily spend a small fortune. But there are plenty of free or cheap things to do. $31 buys you 7 days unlimited travel on buses and subways, if you just want to see the Statue of Liberty but not fussed about going up it the Staten Island Ferry will give you a good view of it and is free. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a classic thing to do and is free. The Hell's Kitchen area is crammed with restaurants of all nationalities, many of them very cheap and very good. Exploring neighbourhoods costs you nothing, or you could take a guided tour just for the cost of tipping your guide

 

http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/

 

And that's just off the top of my head, a bit of research and you'll find loads of things that won't break the bank. Enjoy

[spilldig]

Wow brilliant replies

Thanks so much there's so much to absorb.

I am a real beach person I don't really like shopping at all but it's my partners 40th so it was something different.

I like good food and wine and a mooch around but nothing really too much.

Will we need a lot of money?

Seems everything is a cost.

But great replys Xx

 

I think you will find it nowhere near as expensive as here, and do take the open top tour bus rides. Just don't stand up if you go upstairs, because of the big yellow traffic lights hanging down and do visit Ellis Island and liberty Island and Staten island with the Staten island free ferry from Battery Park. Also visit ground Zero, just opposite Battery Park.

[spats]

Coney island is really odd IMO. I've been twice, once in the off season and once in season

Coney Island used to be a bit rough round the edges, but since then has had A LOT of new money ploughed into it. Luna Park dominates everything. The area was badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy, so has had to undergo major redevelopments.

It's now more akin to a glossy Blackpool rather than Cleethorpes. Thrill seekers will love it. But for me, it has lost a bit of it's soul since being done up. There's no more penny arcades & independents like Shoot The Freak have also gone. Thankfully Nathans Hotdogs still thrives & the beach is lovely. The wooden walkway along the prom has been restored (you can walk all the way to Brighton Beach). The Subway ride out is great and a visit is not complete without a ride on The Cyclone (old wooden rollercoaster) and a gentle spin on The Wonder Wheel.

I love Coney Island. It's a welcome break from the City. And the New York Aquarium is lovely.

[alternageek]

I like good food and wine and a mooch around but nothing really too much.

Will we need a lot of money?

Seems everything is a cost.

But great replys Xx

 

18-25% is the average cost of tipping in NYC.

If at a bar, give the bartender $1 per order - or tip 20% on a tab.

 

Get a Zagat guide (theres an app in iOS/Google/Windows stores) or you can get a book) Its like Yelp, but better, for food.. Foursquare is a good reference and free. Zagat use reviews from both the general public and their own and the guide can cover everything from hot dogs to 5 star/3* Michelin dining..

 

Most places you cant really go wrong.

 

You'll get some great food and wine. I was the last April and it seemed expensive to when I was there on previous occasions even taking into account the exchange rate.

 

At least £5 for a craft beer for example.

For NYC pricing thats about the average cost of of a pint or bottle. I mean you can go off the beaten track and find where the locals go, but youre really not going to save that much cash..

 

Also mixed drinks are rough pours.. So you could get something that was mainly booze with little juice, for the extra price. NYS/NYC doesnt require measured pours.

 

Coney island is really odd IMO. I've been twice, once in the off season and once in season.

 

Getting off the subway (although it's gone over ground by then) in the off season, it looked like the start of an episode of SVU or something, except I was the tourist who'd gone to the wrong area and was soon to get stabbed in an alleyway.

Practically deserted, lots of shuttered shops, a closed up slightly dilapidated theme park, graffiti, and a warm September sun incongruously shining down.

A few years later and a few weeks earlier, late Aug I think, in season for the locals, and it's a totally different place. Bustling, all the shops open, loads of people strolling down the promenade eating corndogs or candyfloss, theme park running, kids everywhere, people on the beach. Really strong dichotomy.

 

Coney Island is such a dump. The Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone is probably the only reason to go visit, but its not worth getting mugged while sight seeing.

[CuttersGoose]

As Dudan said take a really comfortable pair of shoes, you'll do a lot of walking and the pavements (sorry sidewalks) feel pretty hard after a few hours.

 

I would also consider your whole holiday time in New York. There's a lot to cram into 4 days and 7 days in Mexico will feel like you've not even stepped outside the airport.

 

As already suggested Upper West Side can be a little more settling for European travelers mainly because there are more familiar style coffee shops and restaurants and the prices are reasonable. If you're still intent on Midtown then the Comfort Inn or The Metro Hotel are practically opposite each other on 35th Street and just a block from the Empire State Building.

 

Don't just fall into the guide book suggestions, try hot food from the local deli near your hotel one night, if sports are your thing see whats going on at Madison Square Garden a few weeks before you go, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is great in May, Macy's for shopping (Macy's outlet outside of Manhattan if you're looking for cheap Levi's), regular evening events in Rockefeller Plaza, phenomenal breakfasts in local diners and the new World Trade Center area is an experience. There's also places like the Natural History Museum, The Intrepid aircraft carrier air/sea/space museum and Grand Central Station.

 

More practical advice is book a hotel car for your airport transfers, don't get a limo unless you want to give the impression of being a ditsy 17 year old on their birthday party. Use the subways and get a weeks pass... walking becomes hard work. Tips are usually about 20% to be on the safe side, local chemists are generally Duane Reade or Walgreens, carry some anti-bac hand gel with you, use cash in non-branded stores.

[I1L2T3]

The Rockefeller may be shorter, but it definately has the better views and is in a nicer area of New York.

 

I agree. The views are far better from the top of the rock

 

Places we liked too:

 

Rockaway Beach

 

Lower East Side Tenement Museum

 

Staten Island Ferry but don't plan spending too much time at the other side because there is very little in the immediate area although we did visit the 9/11 memorial there, and coincidentally at the same time as a chap who had been badly injured in the attack. Very emotional.

 

Ellis Island

 

Central Park

 

Zabar's deli on upper West Side.

 

Comfort Diner near Grand Central station

 

Cycling on Governor's Island on a nice day

 

 

Enjoy it!!!!

Edited December 4, 2015 by I1L2T3

[Cyclone]

Coney Island used to be a bit rough round the edges, but since then has had A LOT of new money ploughed into it. Luna Park dominates everything. The area was badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy, so has had to undergo major redevelopments.

It's now more akin to a glossy Blackpool rather than Cleethorpes. Thrill seekers will love it. But for me, it has lost a bit of it's soul since being done up. There's no more penny arcades & independents like Shoot The Freak have also gone. Thankfully Nathans Hotdogs still thrives & the beach is lovely. The wooden walkway along the prom has been restored (you can walk all the way to Brighton Beach). The Subway ride out is great and a visit is not complete without a ride on The Cyclone (old wooden rollercoaster) and a gentle spin on The Wonder Wheel.

I love Coney Island. It's a welcome break from the City. And the New York Aquarium is lovely.

 

I have a photo of myself in front of The Cyclone. Didn't go on it though.

I did have food from the famous hotdog place though.

[spilldig]

I would advise a walk over Brooklyn bridge too. I think walking across from the Brooklyn side gives a great view of Manhattan. Also the police museum near Fulton Street and the tenement block museum too is well worth a visit. Blimey you will have us booking another trip soon.