Advice for traveling to NYC

[flex]

Yay!  I'm going on a tour of NYC in early December (12/6-12/11).  So excited--it's been on my bucket list for years!

Any helpful suggestions on navigating the big city, as well as dressing for the weather?  I have plenty of coats in varying lengths and boots with varying traction from my years living in Alaska.

[hocus2]

Some traction is helpful but there might not be a lot of snow this early in the winter. You'll have to monitor the weather really to know what to bring. It could be anywhere from 30s to 60s to be honest. It isn't usually super cold so a wool coat might be all you need with maybe on layer just incase.

Subways are fine especially if you stay in Manhattan. I would try to plan our outings together -- so you're going to 1 world trade you do other down-down/Brooklyn things that day. You'll spend less time in travel and more time enjoying the city if you create kind of geo-based plans. Broadway is back and there are some really good shows so I do suggest that even though it can be pricey.

I million years ago I took a tour called foods of NY which was really fun. No idea if it runs now with covid. I also suggest a Waton's Adventure if you like that sort of thing.

[rupertpenny]

You will have to make a call on the weather closer to the trip I think, it could be 30 or it could be 60. I think it is most important to wear shoes that are comfortable; don't worry about what they look like. I'd also recommend bringing a jacket or coat with a hood. I hate walking down the street and going in and out of buildings with an umbrella and I find a hood usually works just as well.

If you want to take public transportation I'd buy a week-long pass as it will likely save you money if you take the bus or train 2+ times a day. The Subway can definitely be intimidating but Google maps makes it much easier in my opinion. Then of course there is always Uber, Lyft, and yellow cabs. Rideshares have definitely gotten more expensive over the course of this year, and cabs are harder to find than they used to be, but they are options. I'd just caution you to check how long a trip will really take, sometimes the Subway is the fastest option, especially during rush hour.

My other random advice is to leave Manhattan! You can even do this via ferry and have a lovely view from the river in the process.

[rupertpenny]

Planning days based on geography is a great tip. This works anywhere, but I like to mark any places, including restaurants, I'm interested in visiting as favorites on Google maps. I like being able to visualize in that way and doing restaurant research in advance can save you from eating at the first restaurant you see just because you don't know where else to go.

[jane6672]

+1 to everything said above.

Google maps is actually quite good for public transit directions. Keep in mind weekend service is often different, so if you’re planning your route a day or so ahead, change the “depart/arrive” to the appropriate day to make sure you’ll have convenient trains/buses to the area you want to visit.

Whatever shoes you bring make sure they are comfortable and well worn in! You’ll end up walking a LOT of miles.

You’ll need proof of vaccination and ID to enter a lot of places like restaurants, bars, theaters, etc.
I recommend taking photos and saving them to your favorites on you phone so you don’t have to get your wallet out every time (or get an app like NYC COVID SAFE).

[mbcdefg]

Wear comfortable shoes, and make sure they will be ok if they get wet. NYC could be rainy or snowy that time of year, and if it’s snowy the streets will immediately be covered in dirty melting slush. In fact I would bring a backup pair of boots or sneakers in case your preferred pair gets very wet.

Ditto the suggestion for a hooded coat instead of an umbrella, for ease of movement. I don’t think you’ll need a huge coat, especially since you’re already accustomed to cold weather. Have a hat and gloves though.

Don’t stop to eat in Times Square - I wouldn’t even hang out there, just get some photos and leave. There are some tasty, reasonably priced restaurants and a Food Emporium supermarket nearby on Eighth and Ninth Avenues if you are near there and get hungry.

I like Bleeker Street and the surrounding area for just wandering around.

Don’t block the middle of the sidewalk, lol. If you need to stop to check your phone or whatever, pull over to the side and get out of everyone’s way. Keep up with the flow of foot traffic if you’re able. People in NY aren’t mean, they just want to get where they’re going - and someone who isn’t busy with something will likely be willing to help you if you need directions or whatever.

[erbear]

Go to Mercato. Skip Times Square. The subway is super easy to navigate. You need to wait until it’s closer to decide about jackets - the weather is a crapshoot

[Jalapeñomel]

Oct 21, 2021 18:28:07 GMT -5 erbear said:

Go to Mercato. Skip Times Square. The subway is super easy to navigate. You need to wait until it’s closer to decide about jackets - the weather is a crapshoot

If it’s your first time in NYC, one should go to Times Square!


Don’t stand in front of the subway doors! Eat in Koreatown.

[fryjack2]

Download the nyccovidsafe app. You will need to show proof of vaxx most places.

I just got back from a few days in NYC and the app is so nice to have.

Without knowing what you like to do, I'm going to suggest you hit up the Whitney, Little Island, Chelsea Market, 9/11 memorial, rooftop drinks just about anywhere.

[livinitup]

What kind of tour?

[Bad Dingo]

I'd plan layers, sometimes the wind rushing up the street will be absolutely freezing, but walking will make you warm and the subways can be crazy hot.

Go to Allllll the shows, get cheap tix the day of if you don't have any preferences, don't forget to enter the lotteries. If you are looking for something different I highly recommend Freestyle Love Supreme.

You are going to have a fabulous time.

Man, I miss NYC 😢😭😥

[livinitup]

Also, I’m usually hot in anything appropriate for walking around NYC. Sure, I’m walking around for a little while and it is nice to have a coat, but then I’m inside a taxi, restaurant, subway, museum, shopping, etc. It gets really bulky, hot and hard to carry around. I usually dress in layers and pretty light. You will be indoors quite a bit. And yes to a hood for your head 💯

You don’t need hiking boots at all. You need really comfortable walking shoes or boots. The sidewalks get cleared from
Ice and snow. (And won’t have much in early December). Wear what you can climb stairs and walk for miles.

Visit the Tenement Museum with a guided tour and walk a few blocks over to Little Italy and have a fabulous lunch at any place that looks interesting.

It’s okay to buy tickets for one of those buses that goes all over the city that you can get on/off at any stop (They hawk like crazy at Times Square). Yes, it’s ridiculously touristy, but it’s also easy and fun for a day. And you can actually hit a lot of tourist spots easily. That’s kinda the point.

[flex]

Oct 21, 2021 19:40:04 GMT -5 livinitup said:

What kind of tour?

We'll be hitting all the touristy spots: 9/11 Memorial, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, etc.  We're going to see the Rockettes and at least one Broadway show TBD.  Plus we'll get to go to Sacks 5th Avenue, etc.

[HRH Queen Dick I, Orphan]

If you're doing a tour, they'll be navigating for you right?

But generally, just make like a shark and keep moving. If you stop in the middle of the sidewalk, you might get trampled.

When crossing the street, a red light is merely a suggestion.

[livinitup]

Oct 21, 2021 21:27:43 GMT -5 flex said:

Oct 21, 2021 19:40:04 GMT -5 livinitup said:

What kind of tour?

We'll be hitting all the touristy spots: 9/11 Memorial, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, etc.  We're going to see the Rockettes and at least one Broadway show TBD.  Plus we'll get to go to Sacks 5th Avenue, etc.

That sounds great. So, it’s a group with transportation arranged? That is a ton of fun. You will see a lot of highlights without too much hassle. If you have a group bus, I would definitely dress light. Light jacket, layers, nothing you would wear in Alaska. Sorry. But that’s good news, too, right?

[fryjack2]

Lol. I misread. You want tips for navigating and what to wear.

Check the weather before you go and pack based on that. Sometimes the tall buildings create wind tunnels and make it feel so cold. it may also feel cooler down by the water and the memorial. I dress in layers, but I like walking around NYC more than ubering/subway.

Other tips- don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk and look up at the buildings. Good way to get yelled at and trampled. Don't make eye contact. Just keep moving

[flex]

Oct 21, 2021 22:06:10 GMT -5 livinitup said:

Oct 21, 2021 21:27:43 GMT -5 flex said:

We'll be hitting all the touristy spots: 9/11 Memorial, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, etc.  We're going to see the Rockettes and at least one Broadway show TBD.  Plus we'll get to go to Sacks 5th Avenue, etc.

That sounds great. So, it’s a group with transportation arranged? That is a ton of fun. You will see a lot of highlights without too much hassle. If you have a group bus, I would definitely dress light. Light jacket, layers, nothing you would wear in Alaska. Sorry. But that’s good news, too, right?

Yes, all the transportation is arranged.  I will be staying an extra day or too.  I plan to travel to Katonah NY, which is an hour out of NYC, on my last day.  It's where one of the founders of AA and his wife, founder of Al-Anon, lived back in the day.  I'll be taking the train from GCS so this will be an adventure for me!

[Jalapeñomel]

Oct 22, 2021 9:05:01 GMT -5 flex said:

Oct 21, 2021 22:06:10 GMT -5 livinitup said:

That sounds great. So, it’s a group with transportation arranged? That is a ton of fun. You will see a lot of highlights without too much hassle. If you have a group bus, I would definitely dress light. Light jacket, layers, nothing you would wear in Alaska. Sorry. But that’s good news, too, right?

Yes, all the transportation is arranged.  I will be staying an extra day or too.  I plan to travel to Katonah NY, which is an hour out of NYC, on my last day.  It's where one of the founders of AA and his wife, founder of Al-Anon, lived back in the day.  I'll be taking the train from GCS so this will be an adventure for me!

[mags]

I'll 2nd don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk!! Move to the corner or over to the side! We hate when people do that

We love the West Village, Chelsea Market, High
Line, 9/11 Museum.

If the Van Gogh experience is still in town try and get tickets for that. Bag lunch it in Central Park.

[tacokick]

I always get hot in NYC no matter how cold it is. All that walking and close spaces. I normally try to layer and bring a bag I can jam a sweater in when I start to get hot.

Good waterproof walking shoes or boots and plenty of socks or tights.

[flex]

Thank you so much everyone for all the great advice!!

[dochas]

Oct 22, 2021 9:05:01 GMT -5 flex said:

Oct 21, 2021 22:06:10 GMT -5 livinitup said:

That sounds great. So, it’s a group with transportation arranged? That is a ton of fun. You will see a lot of highlights without too much hassle. If you have a group bus, I would definitely dress light. Light jacket, layers, nothing you would wear in Alaska. Sorry. But that’s good news, too, right?

Yes, all the transportation is arranged.  I will be staying an extra day or too.  I plan to travel to Katonah NY, which is an hour out of NYC, on my last day.  It's where one of the founders of AA and his wife, founder of Al-Anon, lived back in the day.  I'll be taking the train from GCS so this will be an adventure for me!

Since you're going to Grand Central anyway, there's things to see if you can spend a little time there before or after your train. The Grand Central Market is great and the Holiday Market will be going then too. 

[flex]

Oct 22, 2021 12:08:50 GMT -5 dochas said:

Oct 22, 2021 9:05:01 GMT -5 flex said:

Yes, all the transportation is arranged.  I will be staying an extra day or too.  I plan to travel to Katonah NY, which is an hour out of NYC, on my last day.  It's where one of the founders of AA and his wife, founder of Al-Anon, lived back in the day.  I'll be taking the train from GCS so this will be an adventure for me!

Since you're going to Grand Central anyway, there's things to see if you can spend a little time there before or after your train. The Grand Central Market is great and the Holiday Market will be going then too. 

Thank you for the info!  I planned on getting there early so this will give me something to do in the meantime.

[dochas]

Oct 22, 2021 12:18:09 GMT -5 flex said:

Oct 22, 2021 12:08:50 GMT -5 dochas said:

Since you're going to Grand Central anyway, there's things to see if you can spend a little time there before or after your train. The Grand Central Market is great and the Holiday Market will be going then too. 

Thank you for the info!  I planned on getting there early so this will give me something to do in the meantime.

I'm glad I mentioned it then. It starts to feel like just another train station when you're rushing through every day, but it's GRAND CENTRAL STATION. lol Will you be alone, or with someone. I love the "whispering wall" and it's fun if you have someone to whisper to. Or stupid and hokey, which is why I often hesitate to comment. 

[flex]

Oct 22, 2021 12:21:23 GMT -5 dochas said:

Oct 22, 2021 12:18:09 GMT -5 flex said:

Thank you for the info!  I planned on getting there early so this will give me something to do in the meantime.

I'm glad I mentioned it then. It starts to feel like just another train station when you're rushing through every day, but it's GRAND CENTRAL STATION. lol Will you be alone, or with someone. I love the "whispering wall" and it's fun if you have someone to whisper to. Or stupid and hokey, which is why I often hesitate to comment. 

It'll just be me as it's not a part of the tour.  I had to make a reservation to visit the place and they provided all kinds of information on how to get there.  Living in the PNW I'm used to hopping in my car and driving wherever I need to go, so I admit I'm a bit intimidated about the process, but I'm scrappy and determined to push past the unease. 

[livinitup]

Oct 22, 2021 9:05:01 GMT -5 flex said:

Oct 21, 2021 22:06:10 GMT -5 livinitup said:

That sounds great. So, it’s a group with transportation arranged? That is a ton of fun. You will see a lot of highlights without too much hassle. If you have a group bus, I would definitely dress light. Light jacket, layers, nothing you would wear in Alaska. Sorry. But that’s good news, too, right?

Yes, all the transportation is arranged.  I will be staying an extra day or too.  I plan to travel to Katonah NY, which is an hour out of NYC, on my last day.  It's where one of the founders of AA and his wife, founder of Al-Anon, lived back in the day.  I'll be taking the train from GCS so this will be an adventure for me!

Fun fact, Stanley Tucci, actor and host of “Searching for Italy” had a childhood home in Katonah, NY.

[twilightmv]

Oct 22, 2021 9:05:01 GMT -5 flex said:

Oct 21, 2021 22:06:10 GMT -5 livinitup said:

That sounds great. So, it’s a group with transportation arranged? That is a ton of fun. You will see a lot of highlights without too much hassle. If you have a group bus, I would definitely dress light. Light jacket, layers, nothing you would wear in Alaska. Sorry. But that’s good news, too, right?

Yes, all the transportation is arranged.  I will be staying an extra day or too.  I plan to travel to Katonah NY, which is an hour out of NYC, on my last day.  It's where one of the founders of AA and his wife, founder of Al-Anon, lived back in the day.  I'll be taking the train from GCS so this will be an adventure for me!

Get an egg cream!!
It's not going to be 60 degrees. So disregard that comment.  There also won't be mountains of snow or anything. Comfortable shoes, no umbrella (hood is good), take the subway. It'll be windy, probably. A hoodie you can zip up higher on your face or a scarf would be good, if we're not still wearing masks. 

[dochas]

Oct 22, 2021 12:35:56 GMT -5 flex said:

Oct 22, 2021 12:21:23 GMT -5 dochas said:

I'm glad I mentioned it then. It starts to feel like just another train station when you're rushing through every day, but it's GRAND CENTRAL STATION. lol Will you be alone, or with someone. I love the "whispering wall" and it's fun if you have someone to whisper to. Or stupid and hokey, which is why I often hesitate to comment. 

It'll just be me as it's not a part of the tour.  I had to make a reservation to visit the place and they provided all kinds of information on how to get there.  Living in the PNW I'm used to hopping in my car and driving wherever I need to go, so I admit I'm a bit intimidated about the process, but I'm scrappy and determined to push past the unease. 

You'll do great! Just give yourself plenty of time and do what I do when I ride Mero north - ask everyone you se if the train stops in Katonah!!!

[klingklang77]

Oct 21, 2021 21:27:43 GMT -5 flex said:

Oct 21, 2021 19:40:04 GMT -5 livinitup said:

What kind of tour?

We'll be hitting all the touristy spots: 9/11 Memorial, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, etc.  We're going to see the Rockettes and at least one Broadway show TBD.  Plus we'll get to go to Sacks 5th Avenue, etc.

If you go to Saks, then make your way to the visitors center. I am not sure if Saks does it, but I know Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s do this, but you can get a 10% discount card. There are some restrictions, but I alway get it when I visit my family, even though I am from NY. I just show my out of state/country license.

For pizza, go to Joe’s on Carmine. Take the ACE to w. 4th and take the w. 3rd exit.

  

[isabel]

Get a cronut at Dominique Ansel. It’s worth it.

The 9/11 museum is so well done. Most memorable part of my last trip there.