New York planning tips

[Champagnebar]

Me and DH fancy a trip to New York next April - aim to go well ahead of the Easter holidays.

I’m keen to hear all tips please- best airline, where our hotel should be, how to travel from airport to city? How many days to stay there :)

We are generally pretty good at travelling independently but would a package be worthwhile for this trip?

Our closest airports are Manchester and Leeds Bradford. But we aren’t averse to using London airports if necessary.

Thanks in advance for all the useful info :)

We went last week. Stayed in an apartment at the north most region of the upper west side close to Central Park. Was very quiet and convenient to get around via subway. And had a whole foods right next door if we needed supplies.

Oh the High Line must be done at sunset! I forgot to add that, but I’d never go back to walking it during the day now that I know what I was missing. I also recommend going south to north. With the sun setting, the colours and street art you notice are totally different than during the day.

I don't think you need a package. Just check wherever you book to stay isn't right beside a fire station or you won't get any sleep...in fact take ear plugs, it's very noisy city.

The hop on hop off buses are great if it's your first time and you want to see lots, they usually do a deal with a boat trip too.

There are so many sights and things to do you won't be bored.

I've been in October and it was freezing and at Easter when it was unseasonably hot.

@WonderingWanda Oh god, was it cold in October? The average temp says it's not, and I was planning around that!

Join a Facebook group - you'll get a wealth of info.

We booked our hotel and flights with British Airways and got an amazing deal at the Hilton midtown with breakfast and premier economy flights.

We went for 6 nights.

Airport transfers - we found booking.com were he cheapest.

Used 'Go City' to book tickets for everything

Today Tix to book theatre tickets

There are loads of good Facebook groups which share tourist advice. I found these helpful. Just enter 'New York tourist / travel tips' and you will find them

extra tips

Buy a n e-sim for your phone. I got mine from Get Your Guide

Book a tour of the United Nations building directly on their website it was fascinating.

Rude the Roosevelt Islsnd cable car. It's only $3 and the views are awesome.

I think I was unprepared. It was windy and there's lots of shade. I didn't have any jumpers and just a thin jacket because the UK was having some sort of late summer....just be prepared for either extreme. I went with no t shirts and some winter boots the second time and was roasting hot 🤣

We are going this November, we booked it just after Christmas in the BA sale, got a decent deal for the 4 of us.
We are planning on getting the train from JFK it’s significantly cheaper.
Ive joined a couple of tourist/travel groups on FB they have been helpful.

We went in April- loved every second of it. We stayed at Hilton Midtown which was perfect for us as it included breakfast and we had DD5 with us.

We stayed at hotel edison off times square.
Very convenient and beautiful decor

Hop on hop off bus is great way to acquaint yourself to the city.
Central Station is beautiful
Ground zero is very moving and beautiful..so calm there.
Absolutely loved NY we were there for 4 nights in April 2018.

Williamsburg for more vegan options than you can imagine!

@WonderingWanda Ok, phew. I think I've probably got it right then.

We lived in NYC in the mid 00s. On return visits we have stayed on the upper west side, because we know the area and it’s a good subway line. It’s over 5 yrs since we visited, but we liked The Beacon Hotel. It’s above a theatre so it’s sound proofed properly. Believe me that makes a difference in the city that never sleeps.

PS I cannot think of a single reason to stay in or near Times Square. It’s actually the most underwhelming sight I can think of. New York isn’t huge so there’s no need to pick a central location

The answer is that it’s a bit warmer in October on average than it used to be. In 2008 we arrived for a 3 month work stay in late September. Based on every other time I’d been there at that time of year, I took 2 summer outfits and 1 pair summer footwear. It stayed hot until November. That was unusual then, but now it’s not so much. However, when it’s cold it’s often both windy and colder and colder than most parts of the uk.

We found October autumnal, it can be chilly so take layers. As you would here. Packable down jackets are good. Trainers and jeans. Layers such as t shirt, shirts and pullovers. Packable rain jacket. Just be flexible.

I don't understand the obsession with Magnolia bakery banana pudding. It seems all over the FB NY travel planning groups I'm on. Am I going to miss out on the greatest banana related experience of my life if I don't get some when we visit NY next year?

Some super useful information - thanks all.

DH has been to NY a good few years ago but he was with his 16 yo son who had written their itinerary. I am somewhat more chilled and would like to see a few sites, but generally like to wander and explore the local area/s.

Great tip

oh remember not many places use Apple Pay it’s really annoying and strangely mediaeval

Juniors cheesecake at Times Square.....soooo good.

Skip Times Square and buy in in Grand Central

I know this thread hasn't been posted on it a few months but please can you tell me about the breakfast as I've booked to stay at this hotel in March?

Also are the rooms comfortable?

Thank you