Whats in new york worth seeing
 

Hi, We've been thinking on holidaying in New York this year and was wondering what is there to see. We have thought about end of May so was wondering what weather was like then. Have been to travel agent and waiting on reply about hotels in center so as to save taxi travel each day. Is there coach trips to anywhere exciting. Thank you all in advance.

I am assuming you are going to New York City. The first time I went I stayed in the Marriot Marquis in Times Square. I went back a few years later and stayed in the Da Vinci it was on 57th, I think, Near the Ed Sullivan Theater. It is a town made to walk. We went to see "Wicked", Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Yankee Stadium we were able to see a game while there, Shea Stadium, Coney Island, China Town, Little Italy, Wall Street, the Twin Tower site, Battery Park, Central Park. It was funny one day we came out of the subway, and my DD and I were standing there making sure we knew where we were and suddenly realized we where at the Court House they show in "Law & Order" all the time. It was a Saturday so it wasn't busy. We drove by the New York Public Library, the United Nations and so much more. One of the days there were a bunch of second graders lined up to go into Carnegie Hall with their records (flute-a-phones) and I laughed and said, some day they will be able to tell their family they performed at Carnegie Hall.

If you go during the holidays you definitely want to go to Macy's to see their window displays and the other shops around.

So it isn't so much what we could recommend - it is what do you want to see? I went to the garment district without my daughters because neither one sews. They have shops with nothing but buttons & trims. Lots of very fancy fabric but I never did find plain cotton - but I was so exhausted by then I didn't look real hard. After all we do have a garment district in Los Angeles. And I had already been to Salem MA.

Make a list of what you want to see and get a map of the city and then plan what to see when. There is a site seeing tour bus, not sure what it costs, but I think when we went it was $28 a day. But can't remember if that was for both of us or each.

I love that city and would go back every chance I can - unfortunately my husband doesn't care to go, so that is why God gave me my girls. They love to travel with me.

If you are going to New York City, first take a tour of the city. We took a history tour of Manhattan on a double-decker bus. There is so much to see in that city.

empire states building, statue of liberty, ellis island, any type of broadway show probably, they have a nice shopping district, new york is very fun. went there when I was 13 on a washington d.c. trip with my school, we saw all the historical landmarks from virginia to new york. One of the best times in my entire life

quiltingcandy has given you a great deal of information and all of it good! I don't think there's a street in the city that doesn't have something fun or interesting to see or do. The subway system is relatively easy to navigate as well. And quite reasonable - much more so than taxis.

If you're going in May, the weather is generally quite comfortable. You'll certainly want a light jacket or so for evenings. Usually not to rainy. It's really quite a pleasant month weather-wise here in this part of the country. Maybe a pair or 2 of shorts if you're a 'warm' person. COMFY shoes!

I was somewhat fearful of NY for a long time because I wasn't familiar with the city. I've spent more and more time there over the last few years and really enjoy the city now. Took some friends kids there for the day over Christmas break. We all had a blast!

Comfy shoes is a must. It is a great city to visit .... great variety to appease almost anybody's likes. The theater district is the draw for me ... with Broadway shows, Off Broadway and off off Broadway. And I loved the museums, historical sites, bookstores etc. It is a good idea to arrive on a Thursday (at least in the Theater District) when it is at its cleanest because by Monday afternoon there are trash bags sitting out on the curbs waiting to be picked up. I received the best service at the Edison Hotel in the theater district but I'm sure there are others just as well. It helped that I was with a group that was very familiar with the theater district and got to go backstage on a couple of shows. Have fun!

We took a double-decker bus tour as well. We got a twenty-four hour pass and could get off and spend as much time as we wanted at each stop, then get on the next time one of the double-deckers came by. We were there at Christmas and they had a special tour of the Christmas lights. http://www.newyorksightseeing.com/

Forgot in previous swap ...
There are web cams of New York City, my favorite is the Times Square Cam (http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/timessquare/). They allow visitors to get a feel of the city. So much fun watching people!

Most of the 'stuff' to see is in Manhattan but there are 4 other parts to New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx. Plenty of museums in Manhattan, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, American Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs to diamonds) are some of the biggies. Have a good time you'll see and do plenty and there still will be plenty more to do on other visits.

Plenty of tour info at the hotels. It may be too late to book a Statue. Of Liberty visit...They book up months in advance.

I went on a Hudson harbor tour one evening ..on an awesome sailboat/schooner. Night tour. Awesome!!! What ISNt there to see in New York! I was kind of shocked at the question...but always fun to get input .

Sandy

Be prepared to eat!!! Some of the best restaurants in the world!! But the Pizza is worth the trip. Try little Italy, China town, etc. I am a food network person, so Chelsea market would probably be a nice trip. 5th Avenue is a must, even if it's just window shopping. I live in a bedroom community for NYC, so I know you will not be bored. Definately get tickets to a Broadway show.

I couldn't agree more with all the members that have visited NYC. It is an awesome city. I grew up on the island 20 miles out of the city, and spent my life playing tourist there. For a first time visitor, I would take the double decker tour, and go back to places on the next days. I would stay in the theater district. My favorite thing to do is people watch. There are so many things to do. Love to hit the statue of liberty, and the museums. I will advise NOT to rent a car. Mass transit is available to get everywhere.
If you want company to play tourist with you, I'm sure there are members that would love to play with you. Me especially..

Lots of great places to go in NYC. I love to get coffee and a scone and sit in Bryant Park with the newspaper. Also don't forget City Quilter. If you like books, you've got to visit the Strand - best bookstore on earth. I'm not sure if anyone mentioned the Cloisters but it's a must-see.

There's a wonderful shop in the fabric district called "City Quilter" if you get to that part of town. I wanted to see Mood Fabrics after watching all the Project Runway shows. It was cooler on TV than in person, but an interesting stop nonetheless.

I enjoyed the Guggenheim, Metropolitan, Ellis Island, Harlem and Times Square and I stayed at the Y. It was fun.The Empire State Building and Rockefeller Centre were nice as well.

Thanks for posting this. I had no idea about this place. I'm going to have to check it out the next time I'm in Manhattan. I've been to a bunch of fabric stores, but they tend to cater to clothes/costume makers. I recently passed a store that sells only spandex! Many stores just have a few bolts of quilting fabric in the corner.

As for what to see when you're here, newjeepgreen, the possibilities are endless. There's art galleries, museums, performing arts, sports games at Madison Square Garden and Barclay's Center, any kind of ethnic food you can imagine... I can people watch for hours. It also depends on how much money you want to spend. You can have a great time spending big bucks or very few. Let us know what you decide to do. Also, my husband is a wiz when it comes to the subway system, so PM me if you have any questions about how to get around.

Take the time and go to Ellis Island...I did not want to go there, but some friends made me...it is an incredibly moving experience....one I will never forget!

When I lived in Boston, I often travelled to New York for the day. Took an early morning shuttle flight, then bus from the airport to Grand Central Station, which in itself is worth a visit! Then I'd walk to my appointment with plenty of time to stop at places like the FAO Schwartz store, the Steuben Glass Museum, the Met. The point is, as has been pointed out, it is a very walkable city. Oh, there's St. Patrick's Cathedral, Saks, the NY Public Library, Rockefeller Center. Enjoy yourself.

Hi everyone I am just amazed at the quick and informative results from my question but I knew I would only have to ask all you good folks and you would help. Well we are booked for 17th May for 10 days so hope we can fit in as many things as possible. I will be making out a list of the places you have told me and will certainly be visiting the fabric centers. After visiting the Amish community last year this will be different type of holiday. Please keep the info coming and many thanks again.
Vi

How cool is this thread! I have always wanted to visit that city - but it hasn't happened yet and now may never. Thanks to this thread I am now people watching at Times Square! Love it!!! newjeepgreen, have a fabulous time and give us an update when you return. I'll see it through your eyes.

People do not think of all of NY when they talk about it .Up here by me in WNY there are alot of things for example Letchworth State Park ,Niagara Falls,or even Watkins Glen (not here by me but still NY) Adirondaks, I would suggest getting a pamphlet of things to see in NY it covers all areas. Hope you have a GREAT trip!

As has been said, NYC has so much to offer depending on what your interests are. There is a site which has wonderful information including a travel guide, maps, event calendar, links to the top must-see sites. http://www.nyc.com/events

I was born in the Bronx and went to college there as well. There are so many wonderful restaurants like the Russian Teahouse, L'etoile, Mama Leone's. Be adventurous and foods you can't get at home. And they are right about the pizza; I miss that - especially the Sicilian.

I agree the shops in the garment district can be so fun. I remember one with ribbons and trim. Sensory overload.

Have fun.

My thoughts are the same as Cassie69! In case you were NOT referring to just NYC, the rest of the state of New York has a great deal of beautiful scenery to see. The Adirondack Mountains, the Catskill Mountains, the beautiful Finger Lakes area that include very many award-winning wineries, fabulous gorges to hike. The most notable gorges are Watkins Glen, Letchworth, Buttermilk Falls, among many others. Some of the great places to visit are the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, thw Women's Hall of Fame and Women's National Historic Park in Seneca Falls, the Harriet Tubman House in Auburn, the George Eastman (Kodak) house in Rochester, and Niagara Falls. There is SO much more to see in the state of New York than just NYC. It is beautiful state with mountains, lakes and farmland. I hope you get to experience it all!

Also there is Long Island. Our beaches got a little messed up from the storm, but they are still wonderful. We have light houses, and islands off our main island. Only an hour out of the city.

My daughter lives there and spring is the best time to visit. I love to visit Central park. Our first visit we took the red line tour. We got off at many stops. It was a great way to see the city.
See a show and eat lots of pizza!

If you are a real quilter and love art you should visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the MoMA-museum of modern art. Designs and color. Don't get me wrong, this is not just for art quilters, its for your spirit. Here is an introduction to the top three museums. The research on the internet.
http://www.smartdestinations.com/ptm...html?kbid=1667

You hit it right on the nail!! I LOVE NEW YORK!! I was born in Queens Village, but grew up in upstate NY. Now live in Nevada. I can tell you this ... New York is still my home. I miss it so. When I make a trip back home, I usually get to spend a week with my cousin in Long Island. We make sure we take a trip into Manhattan. I love your comment about the fabric district. I've been through there and was bursting with joy!

So, newjeepgreen .... I do hope you get to take that trip to New York. It's a fabulous state. Not only Manhattan, but upstate as well. New York is more than concrete & sky scrapers. The country in New York is beautiful. I'll have to find a picture of the home I grew up in so you can see how beautiful it is. Enjoy and have fun!

don't just go to NYCity, the rest of New York is beautiful and interesting too. Along the Hudson is West Point, and some beautiful homes and sites, Albany is really nice too, the Finger Lake region has a lot to offer and Western New York has the Falls. Enjoy the Whole State.

This is my childhood home in New York.
 

Found the picture of the home where I was raised. It's the house on the hill. This picture was taken in early May. The countryside was just starting to come alive! I'm planning a trip back in September of this year. Can't wait to get home and see family & friends.

Ohhh I like that cam. I'm a country girl. Barely get out of town, much less out of the state. thx!

Check out hotels in Secaucus, NJ, about 20 minutes from mid-town Manhattan with bus service available at all hours. It would cost much less than a hotel room right in the city and most of the Secaucus hotels are located in or near malls with food options, shops, etc. Staying in the heart of Manhattan is exciting and wonderful but if cost is a factor for you at least check this out. As far as what's worth seeing in the city - someone already said it, there's something worth seeing on every block. A guided bus tour would be a good start. Streets in Manhattan are mainly numbered and getting around on your own is easy - it's a city made for walking. Enjoy!!!

EVERYTHING in NYC is worth seeing. All the well known landmarks are awesome. I also like to hit the different sections of town... the Village, Chinatown, Harlem etc AND eat as many different ethnic foods as I can!! There is a website called roadside America that often tells about some of the less known oddities in an area.

We stopped at the Baseball Hall of Fame several years ago. I didn't expect to like it (and I was right - I DIDN'T) but my husband was so patient with fabric store stops,I promised not to whine. But even he, who has lived and played baseball since he could walk, didn't like it. He thought it was boring and unimaginative. Luckily there is a good fabric store just down the road - Heartworks Quilt and Fabric in Fly Creek, NY. Great little shop!

All of the above is good to see! One trip you have to make to see how our ancesters live go to the
"Lower East Side Tenement Musuem"It is on Orchard St. Just take the bus and ask the Driver to drop you off there on Orchard St. you pay a small fee to see the Appartments but it is well worth it to see how thy lived in the 18th & 19th centuries it is amazing. Some thing that will stick with you & Hope you enjoy it!

New York is one of the most diverse States. You can spend every summer there and never be bored. I lived all over the state, loved it and miss it. My heart still calls it home.

A couple of things that I didn't see mentioned:

the Intrepid Air & Space Museum - maybe more to your husband's liking but I certainly enjoyed it - they now have a space shuttle on display - http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

Jones Beach air show - which will be the last weekend you are there I think - they have the Blue Angels - awesome - be sure to take sunscreen, hat or visor, lip protection
http://www.jonesbeachairshow.com/

walk across the Brooklyn Bridge - a traditional tourist thing or so my daughter tells me.

take the Staten Island ferry - free I think

even if you can't get tickets to go to the top of the Statue of Liberty, you can likely get tickets to go to Liberty Island on the ferry and then on over to Ellis Island.

My daughter now lives in NYC and set up our itinerary and we saw almost everything previously mentioned. Take lots of pictures, and a fanny pack comes in very handy.

Enjoy your trip.

I'm loving this thread. NYC is a pleasure I don't have often enough. We usually take out-of-town visitors there, and every time we ask ourselves, 'Why don't we do this more often?' I LOVE NY!

I live in Midtown New York and I'd like to offer a few suggestions. To use public transportation go to HopStop.com for the best options, and a time estimate. I think the bus is best for visitors because you get to see the varied street scene. The important museums have one free evening - check a guide book because entrance fees could get expensive. Try to eat in places like Chinatown, the lower East Side, etc. It's a lot cheaper than midtown. Also see if you can get Groupon for New York - there may be restaurant deals that appeal to you. Also try Savored.com for discounts. Broadway theatre is very expensive. Try to get tickets at TKTS at Times Square.
For things to see - don't miss Ellis Island, the Apple Store at 59th St. and Fifth Avenue, Eataly, Central Park.
Part of the best part of NYC is just "people watching".
Hope you have a great time.

there is a jump off jump on bus, they also have a subway. For hotels...go to priceline. I have used them for over 10 years...When I stayed in NY 5 star hotel for 69.00 Have Fun!!! The most shocking thing I found was the trash cans everywhere. I did not find NY a clean city. Washington DC is much cleaner.

Four of us gals went to NY City for two Broadway shows - MaMa Mia and Jersey Boys! We didn't know we would have so much fun taking the Hop On Hop Off Bus two days!! We saw so much!! We walked and walked too. Best food we have ever had anywhere!! We stayed 1 block off Times Square so it was very easy to get around. We were not expecting the people to be friendly, but they were wonderful. I would go back in a heartbeat!!