Anyone want to help plan our honeymoon to New York in December??

[SpottyTeacakes]

We're going beginning of December and I can't wait! I don't want to waste any days so would like most things planned.

Couple of questions....what should I pack to wear? Comfortable shoes are obviously a must, will it be wet? Really cold?

We're staying at the Distrikt hotel near the Port Authority bus station and flying in to JFK, what's the best way to get to the hotel?

We land Wednesday lunch time and leave Monday evening so have five full days.

Things we would definitely like to do:

Helicopter ride over the Hudson etc
Broadway show (which one? When to book?)
Rockefeller centre
Empire State Building
Shopping!
Central Park (what should we do here??)
Times Square

Not sure what else really I don't know much about New York. We're not that into museums but I could be persuaded.

We don't want to waste a whole day just wandering around so any help and tips greatly appreciated. We are foodies too so any recommendations plus things to do in the evening.

Sorry that's really long....

Don't underestimate just wandering around . It's my favourite thing to do in New York. Cab to hotel, much the easiest way to get about.

Go to Staten Island on the Ferry (great views and free)
Walk the length of Broadway or as much as you can manage, takes you past Wall Street, new World Trade Centre etc
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Central Park has a running track if you like to jog.
Columbus Circle is right next to Central Park.
Time Square is ok for a quick look but overwhelmingly crowded with tourists. Stayed near there last time but never would again. Restaurant called "Virgils" just off it though and that was one of the best places we ate. Frozen Apple Martinis were gorgeous.
Grand Central Station, definitely worth a look, beautiful building and amazing food market and shops. Eat at Grand Central Oyster Bar, does loads of other seafood too. Loved it.

I can't wait to go back again.

Broadway show? Book now! All sold out when we went.

I loved New York, I wish I were going again. I'd recommend www.phototrektours.com if you want something a bit different, they take you on a quick tour of the city, teaching you how to use the subway on the way and take amazing photos. We're not posey people at all and were a bit at first, but it was great!

The one thing I didn't do that I wanted to was ice skating at the Rockerfeller, I'll go back and do it one day.

Clothing wise it was freezing when we went, it was the Christmas of the snow when it was all over the news over here, but once you get walking it's fine. You can always treat yourself to something warm from Bloomingdales

We are going in December too.

Trip Advisor forum has been invaluable in planning.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g60763-i5-New_York_City_New_York.html

I lurk on there almost daily reading the post from people who are brave enough to post their itineraries and I love reading the trip reports, have picked up loads of ideas I would not have come across otherwise. The Christmas markets will be open then too: Bryant Park & Union Square are the ones I have on my list.

Kind of cheesy but seeing as you are on your honeymoon, try to find the Love Sculpture for a photo op

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g60763-d4303229-Reviews-Love_Sculpture-New_York_City_New_York.html

Congrats on your wedding, hope you enjoy NY and your honeymoon

It will be freezing in December so take warm clothes, hats, scarfs etc. Because all the streets are very straight with skyscrapers the wind can be bitter at times. We still had a great time both a December trips though and it's a great excuse for warming drinks (hot chocolate / cocktails...)

Anyway onto happier matters.
Top of the Rock is excellent. better I think than the ES
The Frick collection is wonderful - I know you say you aren't museum people but it is worth thinking about.
Central Park is lovely to just wander through, although you can go ice-skating
The High Line is a good walk too, (could be Hi-line?).
The shops on Fifth Avenue are great to window shop in, especially Tiffanys
We went to a great champagne bar called Flute and the Gramercy Tavern was also good. Take waiting times with a pinch of salt as often you are seated sooner than they say you will be
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are good

Oh I'm so jealous! Have a wonderful time.

I would see if you can go and see the Rockettes Christmas show at the Radio City Music Hall if you are there in December. They always put on a great performance.

Wrap up warm and wear layers, it can become very cold there in December.

Wow thanks everyone. Will be back later for a proper read and research you're making me really excited now. Will look into broadway shows too hopefully can find something good that's not sold out!

What's the best time of day to go to the Empire State Building and Rockefeller centre? And on a helicopter ride?

Will definitely take a look at that trip advisor thread thanks

Dusk on top of the Rockefeller Center was good. All the lights coming on across the city on a cold crisp evening.

We did a helicopter ride in the morning which was fine. I think daylight is required for that.

Ok I need help with a show. I have no idea what I'm doing! Where do I look? Still need to sort out the small matter of who's having the dc

sign up for broadwaybox alerts as will get to know when shows are selling discounted tickets: www.broadwaybox.com/?gclid=CKyXlPjbscECFTMQ7AodencAqA#signup

I think people in the UK also use starhub to book tix but we aren't so i haven't done this, just mentioning as seen it mentioned a few times in trip reports

also worth a browse on broadway box just to see what is on. for our trip we are trying to decide between, if/then, beautiful and hedwig (if it is still on) if that helps to get you going - also wicked is massively popular but not my cup of tea

trip advisor is also good for how to book shows - guides to the right hand side of the forum

Agree with top of the rock, less crowded, more space, ice skating at Rockefeller. Also afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental, mainly for the views over Central Park. Have a brilliant time!

Thanks I quite fancy Aladdin!

Can someone please also give me the rules on tipping? Who to tip and how much.

Thanks twiggy off to google. Would you not bother with the Empire State?

Tipping is a horror.

Double the tax on restaurant bills / waitress service drinks but check they haven't already added a service charge.

Dollar a bag for bellboys / dollar a drink for drinks at a bar

We had a fantastic honeymoon there

Are you a sex and the city fan? If so the coach tour is amazing, we went on first day and it inspired us with places to visit for the whole week. Loved our very cheesy and touristy horse and carriage ride through Central Park. China town is great value and interesting to visit. We really liked the student area too, forgotten what it's called... Greenwich??

Highlight was getting drunk and booking a very cheap round flight to buffalo to see niagra falls!

Brunch in the lakeside restaurant of the boathouse in Central Park was really good when I last went. I'd recommend eggs Benedict washed down with a glass of fizz . Combine that with a stroll round the park.

Yes we definitely have to do brunch.

Wow Niagra falls! That's crazy

I seem to remember being told that the whole of the Midwest comes to NY in December to see a show, so I would book as soon as you can. It's probably an exaggeration but be warned! We booked direct with the theatre.
Second all the comments about it being cold - and it's the wind blasting into your face as you turn a corner into a block that really bites.
I love wandering around and discovering new bakeries in and around Greenwich village.
Am also v jealous - have a lovely time

The Empire State was being refurbished inside last time I was there so may be better now, but I do think views from the Rock are better.

Oh and a definite yes to The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station - if you like seafood it's a must and the menu is vast and serves a lot more than just oysters. It's relaxed and busy and you really don't feel as if you're sitting in a train station (albeit one of the most visually amazing train stations!)

Ok where do I go for shopping? Actual shops I can afford and also ones just to look at and wish I could afford?

To look at Barneys, Bergdorfs, upper east side designer ones.

More affordable Bloomingdales.