New York for 40th

[Blusmurfette]

Hi all

DH and I have agreed to have a weekend trip to New York in late Spring for my birthday, child free.

We are debating whether to book our hotel and stay in either Tribeca/ Soho region (DH choice) or near Times Square/ Central Park areas.

Where would be best to really experience New York? I'm not fussy about noise but as we're only there for a few days we want to see as many landmarks as possible, not to mention the nightlife.

Any reasonably priced hotel recommendations gratefully received too, thanks!

We only had a day and a half as we stopped over last year en route to California but managed to do loads - visited Central park, went on the subway, saw Grand Central station, Staten Island Ferry - its free and sails by the Statue Of Liberty and we went up the Top of The Rock - great views of the city, including the Empire State Building! Just booked to go back in December for DHs 40th and we are staying in the financial district here.

No reason to choose the Times Square area unless you're planning on going to the theater five times over the weekend. It's an ugly neighborhood.

For hotel ideas, of course there are a lot of travel books about NYC, and you could also do a search on the Manhattan forum of the City Data website:

www.city-data.com/forum/new-york-city/

Or food:

chowhound.chow.com/boards/18

Thanks for all the tips. I want to be back there as the whole experience was out of this world!

We stayed in the Tribeca district in the end, it's so much quieter but there are great food and bars, there's a vegan place called nish nush which I'd highly recommend. Other areas easily accessible by subway once you get your head around which lines to take!

In terms of activities we did Statue of Liberty, grand central station, museum of natural history, world trade centre (beautiful and very moving), Central Park (loved watching the skaters and listening to house music and African beats), Wall Street, top of the rock, Chelsea food market, high line walk, oh and the show we went to see was Wicked which was amazing. So glad we could experience Times Square and 5th Ave/Bloomingdales (pooches in department stores?? ) without actually being in it as it was too crowded and manic.

It really is the city that never sleeps, the people and the NYC culture are amazing and we didn't want to leave. We managed to pack in a lot over a weekend, I really appreciate all the tips and hope my summary helps anyone else thinking of going. Great birthday present !

we're going on Saturday, Blusmurfette, so this was very timely - glad you had such a great time & thanks for all your recommendations

You will love it, have a great time!

I went early last June and the weather was horrendous on the first day - think torrential rain and howling wind. The following two days were gorgeous with the temperature soaring up to 90 degrees.

Can recommend Katz's Delicatessen on the Lower East Side where you can sit at the actual table where Meg Ryan had her 'moment' in When Harry Met Sally. Top of the Rock is good as well - amazing views. A walk round Greenwich Village is lovely on a sunny afternoon, lots of nice restaurants and quirky shops. Have a fab time. Would love to go back