New York

[Keema]

Hi we are off to New York on 29th Jan for 3 days, just wondered if anyone has used the NY Pass to visit attractions? Apparently for $50 you get a ticket that lets you into all the main attractions. Do you think we can see both Emp. St Building and Statue of Liberty in a morning or is this a bit too much. No DS and we are early risers (7 - 7.30) end ESB is only 3 blocks from hotel. Also does anyone know where the outdoor ice rink is I would love to go there but don't know where or if it is open.

Thanks

[Pedro]

Hi Keema

Think you'd be pushing it to do Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty both in a morning. Would be a rush and you wouldn't do justice to either. You have to get across the city and queue for a ferry to SoL. Security very tight for SoL and you have to go through airport type before boarding the ferry and again on the island before going inside the statue. Of course depends how busy they are.

You can also go to Ellis Island Immigration Museum as part of same trip to SoL, ferry takes you to both, just hop on and off. Well worth it IMHO.
http://www.ellisisland.com/

There are two ice rinks that I'm aware of:
Rockefeller Center on 5th Avenue, www.therinkatrockcenter.com
Central Park www.centralpark.org/ev_details.php?showev=191

Peter

[jobowden]

We were there in November and the Empire State was opening at 8.30am - if you got there early avoiding the queues I think you could do both in a morning. There's only so long that you can spend taking pictures at the top & it was VERY cold. One bus would then take you right the way down to lower Manhatten & it's a short walk over to the ferry terminal. Did you want to visit the statue of liberty (bearing in mind you can't climb her anymore) or would you be happy taking the free staten island ferry for a good look on the way past? It depends how much more you want to see during your three days?

[monkeehanger]

I think you could do both if you chose the Staten Island ferry option instead. I know it doesn't go right up to the statue, but it's a great free attraction in it's own right. Plus you get a great photo opportunity looking back at Manhattan as you leave.

The Subway is the easiest way to get around between attractions too. Get yourself a Metrocard asap. $20 or so should cover you for enough trips over the three days. See New York Transport Authority (sure you can search google) for more details. The subway is both clean and safe.

Ice rinks are indeed at the Rockefeller centre and Central Park.

I'd recommend also trying out the newly opened Top Of The Rock (Rockefeller Centre viewing platform) as an alternative to the ESB.

We were in NYC in November and had a great time, I'm sure you will too!

[sarah82]

We are off to New York in Feb and looked at the NY Pass, although we are there for 6 nights so not as much of a rush. If you do get the pass would be interested to know how good they were! Enjoy the trip!!!! :grin:

[GOS]

We're going in March and I wouldn't bother with the NY Pass. If you get a 3 day grey line bus pass, you get passes for the ESB and Statue in with it. Plus you can hop on and off the buses a many times a you like during the 3 days.

Heather

[Keema]

Thanks for all the info I thought that a limited number of people were allowed to climb SOL on a first come first served basis but maybe mistaken. I am so excited but also a little depressed as we are leaving DS with my DS but think he is a bit too young (6) for NY we plan on taking him in a couple of years.

Keema

[lesley1960]

Word of advice , we went last February and it was bloody freezing !!!!!!!!! , you will wear every piece of clothing you own lol

[Pedro]

Thanks for all the info I thought that a limited number of people were allowed to climb SOL on a first come first served basis but maybe mistaken
Keema

Hi Keema

You can go inside the statue and look up via a glass panel to the top. But you can no longer walk out through the Crown. You go on a guided tour inside and there is a museum type display in the basement. There's also an observation platform you can walk onto.
http://www.nps.gov/stli/

Definitely agree NY would be too much for a 6 year old. You will be absolutely knackered at the end of each day, I assure you!! Fabulous city.

Hope this helps,
Peter

[sarah82]

Word of advice , we went last February and it was bloody freezing !!!!!!!!! , you will wear every piece of clothing you own lol

I heard that rumour ;) Will make sure i pack plenty of layers then, but if I have to buy some clothes to keep myself warm....well it would be rude and silly of me not to??? :grin:

[Spiderman]

Hi all, Go to the Empire Diner for Breakfast or Dinner. It is absolutly bloody lovely. It looks a bit shabby but the food is just amazing. It is located in Chelsea. We stopped there when we were heading down to The World trade Centre on the Subway. I think it has actually been in a few films. It really is worth hopping off the Tube to go and eat there. Also B.B Kings Blues Bar is worth a visit in an evening. Have a pint of Fat Angel its great. If you have a choice between doing the Empire State Building in the day or night imo you should go nightime as the city of New York is one hell of a place all lit up. Can i also recommend going to the Revolving restraunt at the top of the Marriot Marquis Hotel. Depending on how flush you are you may just want to order one drink and make it last until you have done a full circle. i know im going on but New York is just the most incredible city. There is just so much to do in New York. Try and see the Knicks, a Broadway Show, Central park Zoo, Greenwich Village, Financial district, China Town, Little Italy,Statue Of Liberty + Ellis Island, Chelsea, C.B.G.B's for you Rockers out there, Sea Air Space Museum which is actually on a US aircrat Carrier there is also a Submarine and Concorde there aswell. Well i think i've gone on enough now. Enjoy your Trip to NYC. You will want to go back every year.