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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

New York trip

36 replies

Bornin1969 · 04/02/2019 16:34

Hi !

We are going to New York in April ! It's our first time, we are going with our 2 teens. I'm starting to organise the trip but I don't know where to start really. What should I do in term of transport ? Shall I buy 4 train passes for the week ? We will be based in Brooklyn. Thank you for your help !

OP posts:
Somethingsmellsnice · 06/02/2019 21:50

At Madisen Square Gardens? We saw one there - it was amazing!

bitofabelly · 06/02/2019 21:58

Yay, nba game was one of our highlights...cost a fortune for the day that was in it...it's a whole show...great entertainment, fab venue!!

chemenger · 06/02/2019 22:03

We've just come back from a couple of days in New York. If you are at all into the theatre I can't recommend The Ferryman too highly, saw it last night. Get half price tickets, for that and many other shows in the booth in Times Square.

Do not, what ever you do, go to Perfect Crime, which is billed as the equivalent of The Mousetrap in London, the plot is hopelessly convoluted, opaque and ridiculous and the acting, particularly the lead who has been playing the part for over 30 years, is dire. I've seen far better school plays. The Mousetrap is a well produced and acted play, Perfect Crime is a crime against theatre goers.

Definitely walk the High Line, also visit Chelsea Market which is at the southern end of it for a huge selection of interesting food. There is also a little makers' market there selling jewellery etc which is interesting. The Warhol exhibition may still be on in the Whitney in April, be aware the Whitney is closed on Tuesdays, which we did not know the cafe in the Whitney is very nice. Many Broadway shows are on on Sundays but off on Mondays.

My late teens DD really enjoyed having a coffee in Ralph Lauren's coffee shop just off Madison Avenue (Ralph's), very classy and quiet and very friendly. Good Instagram opportunity, if that is your thing. We also visited the Glossier makeup store, which was her favourite thing (it is a very nice shopping experience). Also Instagrammable, I'm told.

Personally I think Times Square is hell on earth but it is a spectacle, it was much better this time, in February, than it was in August when it is just too hot, too seedy and too crowded.

We enjoyed the Hop-on-Hop off bus tour, buy online before you get on. You can get bike hire in Central Park included, which would be fun I think.

Finally keep an eye on the weather forecast, it is usually fairly accurate a few days ahead, the last few days were unseasonably hot in New York but April could also be unseasonably cold!

FaithInfinity · 06/02/2019 22:08

chemenger we were underwhelmed by Times Square too!

We went to Madison Square Gardens for the ice hockey. By far our most expensive day ($15 for a beer!) but the highlight of the trip.

Bornin1969 · 06/02/2019 22:46

We are going to see the knicks against the Washington wizards at Madison square garden. We were not thinking about going to see a show as we can go to the west end but will check out your recommendation @chemenger thank you :) our teens are almost 12 and 15 so the shopping experience you are describing will be a hit with them !

OP posts:
chemenger · 06/02/2019 22:54

I think 12 might be a bit young for the Ferryman, and I you will probably find prices higher than the west end I think.

I hate sport but in general US sport is a much more a family event than in the UK (we live in Boston, I've been to baseball and ice hockey but never basketball), there is always a lot going on and a huge selection of food and drink options. Always a very friendly atmosphere, in my experience.

Underthefur · 07/02/2019 09:43

I took my DC (then 13 and 10) for five days in April 2017 and it was fabulous!

We saw the Knicks vs Washington Wizards at Madison Sq Garden too and it was an amazing night, despite me not knowing anything about basketball.

I would echo all previous posters advice, we did Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, Staten Island ferry, One World Observatory, 911 Museum, hop on hop off bus (uptown and downtown circuits, both worth it), Ellen's Stardust diner, harbour lights cruise, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, a bit of shopping - and I wouldn't change how we did any of it, it really was the trip of a lifetime. Weather in April was really mixed, windy cold and wet for two days then I sunburnt my face on our final day Blush

Hope you have a wonderful time!

TheyGotMyName · 07/02/2019 12:47

My visit is for my MIL 60th... I've just emailed the baked cowboy to see if he will be there during our visit and ask if he will sing happy birthday to her ...
She is such a lady she will be mortified by an almost naked man singing to her....in one of the busiest places in the world ..... But it will be hilarious....just told my DH when he said she will kill you for that but it will be so funny id better video it! I replied not worry will have travel Insurance to fly my body back it won't cost him anything. And at least I'm go out laughing my head off . 🤣🤣🤣🤣.

nornironrock · 08/02/2019 11:53

Times Square is a night time place. We were completely underwhelmed in the day, but the evening just seemed different.

The big secret is the Statten Island Ferry. A free cruise past the Statue of Liberty, with awesome views of the skyline.

For a family of four the tube is expensive. We used our feet, and a combination of yellow cabs and Ubers - worked out much better, and a great way to see more.

FaithInfinity · 08/02/2019 12:33

Beware the people giving out ‘free gifts’ in Times Square. They will expect a gift in return if you accept and will be very rude if you decline their gift! Best to just try to serve past them and not make eye contact.

Longdistance · 08/02/2019 12:51

Yy to the Staten Island ferry. Free to go past the Statue of Liberty. Not much going on on the island itself, but great to whittle away a few hours.
Empire State Building for sure. Get the audio tour, it’s very interesting in the history of New York and it’s immigration.
The food at Ellen’s Stardust diner is awful. Just rank. The entertainment was good though.
You won’t be lost for things to see and do as you’ll turn a corner and they’ll be something else going on.

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