New York solo 7 days March 2024 (+)

[Yongala35]

Hello,
I am a 61 year old woman. I have had a challenging few years and feel I deserve a special treat. I think I will fly with Aer Lingus because of immigration and customs pre-clearance into USA via Dublin. Flying from NW England.
Can anyone help me with a suggested itinerary and travel passes? I am a museum and theatre person. I would like to visit Guggenheim and 9/11 Museum. Not too fussed about shopping but would be grateful for "must see/purchases"
My budget will be about £4k including flights. I'd hope to spend less but I am realistic about prices and value of £.
Many thanks.

@Yongala35 I'm following this eagerly! I'm 61 and going for the first time at Easter.

I'll be with my DD and 2DGC (under 10s). There are so many good tips here which I'll work into our trip. I've done my ESTA (took care not to fall into the trap you mentioned)and got travel insurance. I now need to plan my packing.

I hope you have a wonderful time!

Look into the Tenement Museum! Soooo good. Each tour is led by a wonderful docent who leads 4-8 people around one of their restored tenements, telling the stories of the people who actually lived there at one time. Wonderfully researched and fascinating way to experience the history of the city. Also, Ellis Island museum is wonderful. You have to pay for the ferry to go there (stops at Statue of Liberty, too, but you can see it from the ferry just fine, you're my age so I assume you don't want to climb up inside of it). It's a National Park, so you can get a Ranger led tour for free, which are lovely. You can also do a self guided audio trip around the museum, each little exhibit has oral histories of the immigrants involved. Really well done. If you're down at 9/11, its just a subway stop away from the ferry building. Book all of these a few days ahead, esp the Tenement Museum. Due to the very small spaces and consequently few visitors allowed, things book up very very quickly! There's a decent cafeteria onsite. Last time I was in NYC, I booked the Tenement tours two weeks in advance and that was the first time I was able to get what I wanted. Go to nearby Chinatown for lunch!! Lots of value for money. Any place that specializes in Xiao Long Bao is sure to be good!!

Guggenheim is wonderful, as is the Met and MoMA. Also recommend the Neue Gallery, very close to the Met - amazing Klimts and a fun cafe. If the Judy Chicago exhibition is still on at the New Museum when you're there, it's wonderful. The New York Public Library Treasures exhibition is free and extraordinary. Central Park lovely to wander round after the museums. Museum of the City of New York and New York Historical Society have great exhibits, a bit off the beaten track. Chelsea gallery district - around 19-25th St between 10th and 11th is fun for a wander (galleries closed Sundays). The Promenade in Brooklyn is historic and great views, as is Greenwood Cemetery for a total change of pace. Williamsburg is fun for shopping and people watching. See what's on at BAM in Brooklyn for innovative theatre, or the Public, or St Ann's Warehouse, as well as Broadway! And movies are a fun and very "New York" thing - try Film Forum. Hope you have a wonderful time, such a fun city just to wander round!

Many thanks for your advice.
I am arriving at Newark airport. My hotel is at 33 West 37th Street NY 10018.
Any recommendations for transfer from Newark to hotel?
To add to my adventures : I am going to Germany with a friend for 2 weeks in early March on the train.....Interrail for 60+. Staying in Cologne, Berlin,Munich,Heidleberg and returning via Brussels. I think I have my mojo back......