New York must-do's?

[Dirtybirdy]

Going to NYC next week with DH and DS (11) - just a sightseeing hol

I have a loose plan/list of what we want to do, but what would your recommendations be please?

Not bothered about posh restaurants - more interested in sniffing out places that look fab as we wonder by iyswim.

Want to shop, but don't have a list of things to buy, so would Bloomingdakes for example, be a good place to get the definitive NYC shopping experience?

There for a week, so I've added museums and typical tourist stuff to the list, bit we're not desperate to stick to this - just want to pack lots of good stuff into the time we have! Share your gems please!

(Staying central Manhattan)

TIA!

Magnolia Bakery in Greenwich Village for the best cheesecake. Then just have a wander about there-Friends apartment is nearby if you’re a fan.

walk the Highline and go grab some food at Chelsea Market.

ice skating in Bryant Park if it’s started up.

New York library (especially if Ghostbusters fans), as well as Ghostbusters firestation.

Go see a basketball game if there’s any on-Brooklyn Nets is way more affordable than Knicks.

pastrami sandwich in Katz Deli. Absolutely massive so don’t order one each!

my avoid would be Times Square- too busy and full of overpriced tourist trap restaurants. We only went to take a photo and that was it.

Went to the deli from Where Harry met Sally fame.
As expected, very touristy. Thought it was grimy and a bit nasty. Dirty floor, shaky plastic tables...
The pastrami was really greasy.
But we went for the experience!

I think that’s part of its charm-it still looks the same now as it probably always has….it’s like going back in time!

Me 3... Great art in a gorgeous setting.

Also recommend the Guggenheim, which is more edgy.

My list is-

1. Helicopter ride over the city (not cheap, but amazing).
2. Brooklyn bridge. Walk across Manhattan bridge, which is next to it, to get amazing photos of Brooklyn bridge and the skyline. Then come back across Brooklyn.
3. Roosevelt island cable car
4. New York Library and Bryant park.
5. Grand central station. Just wander, it’s lovely, but try to find the whispering subway.
6. Central Park. Again just wander. It will be gorgeous at this time of year.

I'd echo the Subway. You've got to get your head round the best tickets and the mechanics of using it but then it's a dream and a fantastic bargain.

The Circle Line cruise around Manhattan is good. All the way round it fab although it takes quite some time.

This was a great way to see Central Park: www.centralpark.com/tours/walking/central-park-tour/
MOMA is stunning.

Hmm, not sure now that was the tour we went on. But any highly rated tour of Central Park is likely to be worthwhile.

The main hit for us was going to the the Met Opera, it's a stunning building and a stunning experience and if you're willing to be high up in the tiers you can get a ticket for world-class opera for about $30. But I'll accept it might not be ideal for 11 year old boys. They might though really enjoy the Intrepid Museum which is a unique experience.

A while since I have been but would agree Moma is definitely worth a visit - similar in feel to the Tate Modern.
The High Line and Central Park are both pretty cool places to wander - and have a cheaper outing! If your son knows about the Beatles check out the Strawberry Fields memorial. Also lots of other bits in Central Park he might recognise from locations in children's films.

The Summit (1 Vanderbilt) is in my opinion the best of the observation decks…it’s more of an experience. Have done them all over the years and this was my favourite by far (was there last week).

Your timing for “fall foliage” will be spot on! Take a boat up the Hudson to see the Pallisades in all their glory…absolutely stunning. Central Park will also be stunning at that time of year.

Highline quite interesting and worth a look.

the exchange rate just now is BRUTAL..I’d recommend taking basics with you to save some cash….tea/coffee etc (although admittedly the coffee is one of the highlights!). It cost $5.25 for a half loaf of crappy sugary bread last week…€4.50 for a bottle of Diet Coke….my credit card took and absolute beating

$4.50 for coke not €!

I’m just back and it has got expensive. There is a new exhibition at the Guggenheim (Alex Katz) which looks great. I’d agree that Central Park plus that or the Met museum or the Natural History would be good especially if the weather isn’t kind.

Liberty bagels are a must!

Macy’s is a great store as well as or instead of Bloomingdales.

If you’re on the upper west around 86th/broadway go to Zabar’s deli, it’s in all the guidebooks and deserves its spot.

I think you’ll find plenty to do, but if in doubt try walking tours of a district which point out things you might want to go back to. Enjoy, it’s a really special place (tho I’d agree, around Times Square isn’t nice)