New York experts please answer a few questions.

[ihatethecold]

Uber? Any good there? Cheaper than 4 of us on the metro?
How about getting from JFK to Brooklyn?

Weather in mid April? Snow?? Sunshine or really wet and cold still?
Lastly we are taking our 17 and 14 year old. Any tips?
We went as a couple in 2001 so I’m sure lots has changed.
Thanks.

Sorry to muscle in on the thread, but are tips in fine dining restaurants added into the bill like the UK or do you have to make sure you add onto the end?

I’m not sure. Hopefully someone will answer soon.

I was there in July this year. A lot of restaurants added a 20% tip on - took me a while to realise it so they were getting a huge tip - obviously the purpose of the exercise. I asked a NY friend who said on no account should you tip on top (pretty obvious, but I was still scarred from seeing someone chased down the street over a tip a few years before.)

My (adult) kids were with me and went cycling. We went to the boat on W 42nd St (go right to the end of the street but check the boat times first - there's usually one at 4pm though there's a night one, too) - the boat ride around Manhattan is fantastic. Just next to the ticket booth there's a bike hire shop. My kids hired bikes and went up the riverside and then into Central Park and cycled right round that, then back to Riverside Drive and then returned the bikes. They had a brilliant time.

We also walked over Brooklyn Bridge - loads were cycling. No idea where you could hire bikes from there. On the Brooklyn side check out Grimaldi's for pizza.

Thanks.
Grimaldi’s is on my list.

Bring cash to Grimaldis as it does not accept any credit cards. It also does not serve alcohol.

I loathe Uber. It exists, but why would anyone want to support such a scummy company? You'll buy four weekly metrocards for both bus (where you can actually see the city) and subway. If you'er arriving at JFK, check as to whether there's a shuttle bus going to Brooklyn.
Snow should be gone by April, but there's no predicting the rest.

Thanks MsAmerica.
I’ve never used Uber in England. I usually use Addison Lee if I’m in London late at night.
Happy to use any public transport. Whatever is the most user friendly and affordable really.