I'm going to NYC for the first time...

[spaceman_spiff]

... Any recommendations on events, sight-seeing or eating on a budget? I'm 25, travelling with a friend, and I'll be there Thursday through Sunday morning. We'll probably be walking the city Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.

Thanks in advance!

[Neilr]

1) Central Park, same landscape architect as belle Isle [[Frederick Law Olmstead), the whole park; but my favorite area is the NE section with the Conservatory Garden & the Harlem Meer.
2) If you are at the Met Museum of Art, do not miss the roof terrace. The views are breath-taking.
3) The Cathedral of St. John the Devine at 113 and Amsterdam.
4) The Dakota Apartment Bldg at W 72 & Central Park West. Actually, many, many of the apartments along CPW.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Please report back and let us know what you saw/liked/didn't like.

[eriedearie]

The Dakota is tops on my venture to NYC.
Empire State Building for sure.
Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry.
Statue of Liberty is a given.
Ellis Island [[I didn't get to do that on my trip).
When you do your walking tour, make sure you stop and watch the guys on the sidewalk in front of the stores. They'll have cardboard boxes with shells on top. They'll put something underneath a shell and move the shells around. There will be people gathered, making bets on under which shell the object will turn up. Don't get into betting - just watch the professionals at work. - I know there's a certain name for these guys, but right now it escapes me. Keep your wallet in a safe place.
People watch - that's free and it's the best entertainment!

[gnome]

If you haven't booked your hotel, I suggest you check out the numerous traveler hostels in NYC. Last year my daughter stayed at the Contiental Hostel on 65th street a few times and enjoyed her time there. I just checked tripadvisor and it didn't get great reviews, but there are a number of hostels that have high marks on that site.

If you've never stayed at a hostel it is a different experience than a hotel. You meet people from all over the world who are traveling on a budget. I prefer staying in hostel's because the people are more interesting, they're cheap [[around $35 a night) and if you take an adventurous attitude you'll have fun.

Of course, take your own sleeping bag, don't use their pillows and wear flip flops at all times.

[rb336]

Dojo West by NYU [[fouth street west of broadway) has greeat food and it can be cheaper than mcdonalds. Josie's [[upper west side) is also very good and reasonable, but expect a wait. Angelika Kitchen in union square has great vegetarian food

[detmich]

If you do decide to visit Ellis Island/ Staue of Liberty you MUST arrive at Battery park by 7:30 AM or you will spend hours in line.

[LodgeDodger]

All of the above, plus plan for a dinner at The Palm Restaurant.

[wolverine]

If you haven't booked your hotel, I suggest you check out the numerous traveler hostels in NYC. Last year my daughter stayed at the Contiental Hostel on 65th street a few times and enjoyed her time there. I just checked tripadvisor and it didn't get great reviews, but there are a number of hostels that have high marks on that site.

If you've never stayed at a hostel it is a different experience than a hotel. You meet people from all over the world who are traveling on a budget. I prefer staying in hostel's because the people are more interesting, they're cheap [[around $35 a night) and if you take an adventurous attitude you'll have fun.

Of course, take your own sleeping bag, don't use their pillows and wear flip flops at all times.

There's also the HI location up on 103rd. Nice and clean. My only problem is that this place is under perpetual renovations, although they've finally moved from the interior to the exterior.


FYI, it's really up to your own personal interests on this, but I'd really suggest renting a bike. I know this may sound crazy with traffic being a hassle in NYC, but it's EXTREMELY easy to get around, and you get to see so much of the city. NYC is actually one of the safest cities to bike around, and you'll find many of the drivers there are quite accommodating to cyclists. Bike rentals average around $35/day

[grumpyoldlady]

Why did no one warn about safety issues other than "keep you wallet in a safe place"? Central Park is a place to steer clear of at night. Many other places should be on the "watch your back" list, too.

[LodgeDodger]

Why did no one warn about safety issues other than "keep you wallet in a safe place"? Central Park is a place to steer clear of at night. Many other places should be on the "watch your back" list, too.

Grumpy! We're from the "D"! We fear nothing!