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

Original poster

"Special" things to do in New York?

75 replies

geordieminx · 21/07/2009 12:03

We have been once before, 7 years ago, but it was very last minute (2 days before) so we just kinda went and wandered.

This time we are going for our honeymoon, 3 1/2 days, so would like to make the most of it, and do some really nice/special/amazing things if possible.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
geordieminx · 21/07/2009 17:00

These ell look great thnanks - starting to get excited now

OP posts:
newpup · 21/07/2009 17:16

We went last may for week and had a ball. We took the DDs so a different type of trip to yours but things I would do again with DH

Watched the sun go down over the city from the top of the Rockafeller centre - best ever!

Oysters in The Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station

Horse and Carriage ride around Grand Central Park and a ride on the Carousel!

We stayed at The Waldorf Astoria which was such an old world, romantic place to stay.

Have fun!

CowWatcher · 21/07/2009 17:18

I am so jealous. Haven't been since before DD born. Used to go reasonably regularly. Have a lovely time.

Original poster
geordieminx · 21/07/2009 17:20

Is the cocktail bar at Grand Central Station the Oyster bar or is it different? Is worth going if we dont like oysters?

Anywhere else for cocktails?

The Rainbow Room doesnt serve food anymore

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Hulababy · 21/07/2009 17:20

As Katz's said, we def recommend the Top of the Rck rather than going up the Empire State Building. That way you get great views of Central Park and you also get to see the Empire State Building, which is more impressive to look at than the Rockerfellar (which you see up the Empire).

The boat trip to Liberty and Ellis Islands are good.

We really enjoyed the hop on/off bus. We did it the first two days and got our bearings through it.

To do a show would be great I reckon.

stealthsquiggle · 21/07/2009 17:21

Other people have taken all mine - we used to go reasonably often pre-DC and have never been since.

Oysters in Grand Central are a must.

Hot Dogs from a street vendor likewise.

..and the Waldorf Astoria is indeed lovely (if old-fashioned) and surprisingly affordable.

Hulababy · 21/07/2009 17:22

Also, Grennwich Village in the evening is great. We only went once, as we had children with us, but it has a wonderful atmosphere.

stealthsquiggle · 21/07/2009 17:23

If you don't like Oysters eat NY cheesecake in Grand Central instead (different place, there are lots of eating options there!)

newpup · 21/07/2009 17:23

We went last may for week and had a ball. We took the DDs so a different type of trip to yours but things I would do again with DH

Watched the sun go down over the city from the top of the Rockafeller centre - best ever!

Oysters in The Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station

Horse and Carriage ride around Grand Central Park and a ride on the Carousel!

We stayed at The Waldorf Astoria which was such an old world, romantic place to stay.

Have fun!

newpup · 21/07/2009 17:24

Whoops sorry - got sidetracked and pressed post twice!

newpup · 21/07/2009 17:31

The Oyster Bar at Grand Central serves a range of fab fish dishes and the ceaser salad there is great!!

AttilaTheMeerkat · 21/07/2009 17:48

I would look into doing a tour by "Real New York Tours". Another recommendation is Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Centre). Empire State Building is well worth doing as well.

You can climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty now but the security checks are multiple and you would need to book in advance before you leave the UK.

Beast boat is fun.

Would not bother with Niagara Falls; that'll be an extremely long day. You'd be better off spending all your time in NYC.

(Would suggest you inform your credit and debit card companies in advance that you will be in NYC as they may stop your cards otherwise due to "unusual spending patterns". Do not forget to complete your ESTA online either).

Original poster
geordieminx · 21/07/2009 21:22

Attila - is this the right site for doing the ETSA thingy {{{{{{{{{{halfwit emoticon}}}}}}}

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PavlovtheForgetfulCat · 21/07/2009 21:24

You must drink a manhattan cocktail at the revolving restuarant or rockafella centre.

MintChocAddict · 21/07/2009 21:31

I had my honeymoon there too. Loved it!
I'd second Greenwich Village late afternoon/evening, particularly if you are child free on your visit.
Also Empire State just before dusk. Get to see the City in daylight and all twinkly when the sun goes down.
Oooh I'm jealous!
Have a great honeymoon and congrats on your wedding when it comes.

Original poster
geordieminx · 21/07/2009 21:39

We are staying down near trade centre site so close to soho/greenwich/china town... I think.... possibly... maybe

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Ewe · 21/07/2009 21:45

I always recommend the same two places on NY threads so here is the last one I contributed to!.

pombear · 21/07/2009 21:46

dim sum in china town for breakfast, followed by long walk, pretending you're a real New Yorker! Second the Oyster Bar. Unfortunately unless you're delaying holiday until November, you won't be able to skate on the ice rink at the Rockerfeller Centre and feel like you're in a movie!

Just walk everywhere!

pombear · 21/07/2009 21:48

Oooh, (sorry, second post in space of a minute but just remembered..)...the boat trip that goes right around the 'island' of Manhattan is fascinating - think it's called the Circle Line? - anyone? - but it gives you a really interesting view of all of New York, not just the fancy bits. I love NY!

Drayford · 22/07/2009 00:06

This www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/ is just the best place for Brunch! My best friend is a NYer and recommended this place to me for people & celeb watching and the best best vibe! You can't book for brunch, but turn up early - have a glass of champagne and relax waiting for a table. Follow this by a stroll in Central Park for the best lazy Sunday!!

Drayford · 22/07/2009 00:10

PS I agree with littlemissbossy - Ava lounge is vv good for a very late night drink!

newpup · 22/07/2009 07:30

Circle Line is the name of the boat company that do great trips around the 'island'. They do 2 or 4 hour trips I think.

The 2 hour was great saw the whole of Manhattan from the water and got our bearings before going off to explore.

Del Frescos is the most fabulous restaurant, think it is near the Rockerfellar Centre. A little pricey but ohh so good. Steak to die for!!

IsItMeOr · 22/07/2009 07:52

Ooh, lucky you. When we went we stayed in between Times Square and Central Park (cannot remember the names of anywhere - baby brain). But just wanted to express surprise at your previous problems finding decent places to eat - everywhere we ate was fab, mahoosive portions and good value compared to London. We loved going into diners at all times of day and night.

Personally I felt like I was in a movie pretty much all the time, but then I do did watch a lot of US films and TV

newpup · 22/07/2009 08:00

I know exactly what you mean Isitmeor! We found so many fab places to eat we ran out of time to eat in them all!

I drove DH crazy pointing out all the places that had featured in movies or tv shows.

Although I have to admit I did go a little OTT when I started pointing out the places in the Hudson that the CSI team had pulled bodies from!!

Hulababy · 22/07/2009 08:28

Isitme - totally agree with the whole feeling like you are in a movie bit; it is very much like that isn't it?