New York
Mar 16, 2013 | 05:51 PM
#1
Thread Starter
| Teamspeed Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 95
From: Melbourne
New York
Hi all,
Im heading to NYC in early May (last minute decision) and I've never been. I just wanted to ask for some advice regarding which area would best to look for a hotel in. To me its a maze, and the only knowledge I have of New York is from what I've seen on TV/Movies, which means not much at all.
In addition to the typical tourist attractions, Id be keen to hear from locals as to what the best places are to spend time in. Finally, I'm probably going to head out of New York City for a few days, just to see the surrounding areas, any areas that are a must visit? I'll be driving if that makes a difference.
Sorry for the vague post, its just that Ive got little time to arrange anything given work commitments.
Pete
Im heading to NYC in early May (last minute decision) and I've never been. I just wanted to ask for some advice regarding which area would best to look for a hotel in. To me its a maze, and the only knowledge I have of New York is from what I've seen on TV/Movies, which means not much at all.
In addition to the typical tourist attractions, Id be keen to hear from locals as to what the best places are to spend time in. Finally, I'm probably going to head out of New York City for a few days, just to see the surrounding areas, any areas that are a must visit? I'll be driving if that makes a difference.
Sorry for the vague post, its just that Ive got little time to arrange anything given work commitments.
Pete
Mar 19, 2013 | 10:03 AM
#5
Teamspeed Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 198
Hi there!
make sure you go to Sarabeth's Central Park! amazing breakfast/brunch..
Sarabeth's Central Park South | Brunch, Lunch and Dinner in Midtown NYC
As for a place to stay, I personally liked The London
New York City Luxury Hotel | The London NYC | Manhattan
Hope this helps and safe travels!
make sure you go to Sarabeth's Central Park! amazing breakfast/brunch..
Sarabeth's Central Park South | Brunch, Lunch and Dinner in Midtown NYC
As for a place to stay, I personally liked The London
New York City Luxury Hotel | The London NYC | Manhattan
Hope this helps and safe travels!
Apr 15, 2013 | 01:46 AM
#6
Teamspeed Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 89
From: Toronto
Unfortunately its more then enough. NYC has become extremely commercialized(especially Manhattan), losing a lot of its cool factor and flair. Times Square is just a huge tribute to rampant consumerism. Tourists shopping for things that aren't even made in NY or the US for that matter. You'll soon realize there has been nothing interesting added to the city in maybe 50 years. "Little Italy" is none existent in Manhattan you better off going to Arthur Avenue for the few remaining bakery's and 10th generation "Italians". As recommended by previous posters, you are better off sticking to the filthy subway vs the hassle/expense of a car, at least it's an experience. Don't bother leaving Manhattan to be honest. I'm sure the other boroughs have much more interesting and vibrant neighborhoods(less gentrified), but most of NY outside of Manhattan is not very aesthetically pleasing.
Last edited by Ramius; Apr 15, 2013 at 02:00 AM.
Apr 15, 2013 | 06:04 AM
#8
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,143
From: The Library, NY
1. You MUST check out the view from the rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It opens May 1 and you can go up until the early evening. You are just above the tree tops in central park and it offers perhaps the finest panoramic view of NYC.
2. The Highline: this is an old above ground train rail that was converted to a pedestrian garden. It extends from Midtown West to the Meatpacking district. The landscaping is beautiful and the walkway winds you through some of NYC's most charming areas. I suggest stopping at The Chelsea Markets for a bite to eat. The Market is a bustling indoor venue with boutiques and eateries from all over the world.
3. Traveling Outside of Manhattan: definitely spend a day walking over the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn. Once there, I suggest exploring the neighborhood of Park Slope and Prospect Park--- The Gardens at Prospect Park are not to be missed. They are literally the finest I have seen in my life. The Japanese and Rose gardens could very well be the highlight of your trip. Park slope has tones of neat restaurants and some fun beer gardens.
I would actually advise against staying in a Times Square hotel. I understand the tourist appeal, but in Mid-May TS can be down right annoying due to the overcrowding. I suggest a hotel closer to central park and plan visiting TS one day. You won't see anything here you wouldn't see at any mall in America- only bigger and with more lights. No one who actually lives here goes to times square to hang out- ever.
Driving during your NYC stay will be a hassle. I suggest downloading hopstop app on your phone and using the subway/cabs.
2. The Highline: this is an old above ground train rail that was converted to a pedestrian garden. It extends from Midtown West to the Meatpacking district. The landscaping is beautiful and the walkway winds you through some of NYC's most charming areas. I suggest stopping at The Chelsea Markets for a bite to eat. The Market is a bustling indoor venue with boutiques and eateries from all over the world.
3. Traveling Outside of Manhattan: definitely spend a day walking over the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn. Once there, I suggest exploring the neighborhood of Park Slope and Prospect Park--- The Gardens at Prospect Park are not to be missed. They are literally the finest I have seen in my life. The Japanese and Rose gardens could very well be the highlight of your trip. Park slope has tones of neat restaurants and some fun beer gardens.
I would actually advise against staying in a Times Square hotel. I understand the tourist appeal, but in Mid-May TS can be down right annoying due to the overcrowding. I suggest a hotel closer to central park and plan visiting TS one day. You won't see anything here you wouldn't see at any mall in America- only bigger and with more lights. No one who actually lives here goes to times square to hang out- ever.
Driving during your NYC stay will be a hassle. I suggest downloading hopstop app on your phone and using the subway/cabs.
Last edited by HarveyMushman; Apr 15, 2013 at 06:12 AM.
Apr 15, 2013 | 06:14 AM
#9
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,143
From: The Library, NY
Unfortunately its more then enough. NYC has become extremely commercialized(especially Manhattan), losing a lot of its cool factor and flair. Times Square is just a huge tribute to rampant consumerism. Tourists shopping for things that aren't even made in NY or the US for that matter. You'll soon realize there has been nothing interesting added to the city in maybe 50 years. "Little Italy" is none existent in Manhattan you better off going to Arthur Avenue for the few remaining bakery's and 10th generation "Italians". As recommended by previous posters, you are better off sticking to the filthy subway vs the hassle/expense of a car, at least it's an experience. Don't bother leaving Manhattan to be honest. I'm sure the other boroughs have much more interesting and vibrant neighborhoods(less gentrified), but most of NY outside of Manhattan is not very aesthetically pleasing.
