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I know this isn't a forum for tourists but the 1000's of threads and posts I've read have been more useful in the planning of my vacation to NYC than any guide book or travel website, so thanks to everyone. Here's what I have planned.
1. I'm basing myself in an apartment on Ave C in the East Village (Alphabet City)
2. I'm planning to visit the following sites; The Guggenheim Museum, The Cloisters, MoMA, Metropolitam Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum the Lower East Side Tenement Museum.
3. The following Manhattan neighborhoods; Lower East Side, Little Italy, Chinatown, Hell's Kitchen, Harlem, Greenwich Village as well as Midtown etc when I visit museums etc.
4. The following landmarks; Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Times Square, Central Park, Flatiron Building.
5. Coney Island
6. Little Italy, Bronx Zoo and Botanical gardens (Bronx)
The MTA NYC transit trip planner has also been invaluable as has Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation Episode titled 'Disappearing Manhattan'.
I know I've missed a lot, can anyone see any obviously glaring omissions???
Have I missed the unmissable? Night time activity suggestions are very welcome.
I know Ground Zero isn't listed but I'll be there to commemorate on 9/11/11.
Thanks to all the good residents of NYC who have been so helpful with your threads and posts. I can't wait to enjoy your city.
I should've added a special thanks to a couple of people whose opinions have been particularly influential; bluedog2, SobroGuy, SeventhFloor, tpk-nyc, 1nevets, Bronxguyanese, mrmondaynight and supermario.
It has been quite an insight to read of your passion for and knowledge of your city.
Staten Island Ferry - you'll get a great view of our magnificent harbor and it's FREE! Just allocate 60-90 minutes for the round trip and waiting time.
Ellis Island when you go to the statue. Fabulous place, but you'll need half a day at least to do both places.
And remember to bring an extra photo disk for your camera. You can get great shots just walking down a street - crowds of people, interesting sections of architecture, odd people, etc. I ALWAYS carry a camera with me!
Wow I got a shout-out! If you are going to the Botanical Gardens and Bronx Zoo, you have to at least stop at the new Yankee Stadium for pics! I would also walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, it is not only historic and scenic, but it's become the thing to do.
Don't know what time frame your visit will be for, but if you're planning on visiting the Statue of Liberty itself, make your reservations early. If they're available, I highly recommend the crown access. You get to climb all the way up inside of the statue into the crown and look out through the little windows atop her head. It's quite a view and a real special experience.
ESB is also better if you book ahead. At least it saves you the wait on the ticket line. However, there is no getting around the multiple lines and the elevator relay you've got to endure to get to the observation deck on 86. I believe you have to switch twice, and on each transfer floor, you get on yet another line.
Since you're doing Museum Mile, take a look at the Whitney to see if there's anything that interests you. It's not that far out of the way from 5th where the Met and the Guggenheim are.
If you're going in warm weather, I'd recommend doing Coney Island at night (though not too late, as it's a bit of a haul from Manhattan). If you're a roller coaster fan, here's a small secret: the Cyclone actually rides a little faster when it's raining. Not pouring rain, but after the tracks get a little wet. You could also catch a Brooklyn Cyclones game during the baseball season.
I know this isn't a forum for tourists but the 1000's of threads and posts I've read have been more useful in the planning of my vacation to NYC than any guide book or travel website, so thanks to everyone. Here's what I have planned.
1. I'm basing myself in an apartment on Ave C in the East Village (Alphabet City)
2. I'm planning to visit the following sites; The Guggenheim Museum, The Cloisters, MoMA, Metropolitam Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum the Lower East Side Tenement Museum.
3. The following Manhattan neighborhoods; Lower East Side, Little Italy, Chinatown, Hell's Kitchen, Harlem, Greenwich Village as well as Midtown etc when I visit museums etc.
4. The following landmarks; Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Times Square, Central Park, Flatiron Building.
5. Coney Island
6. Little Italy, Bronx Zoo and Botanical gardens (Bronx)
The MTA NYC transit trip planner has also been invaluable as has Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation Episode titled 'Disappearing Manhattan'.
I know I've missed a lot, can anyone see any obviously glaring omissions???
Have I missed the unmissable? Night time activity suggestions are very welcome.
I know Ground Zero isn't listed but I'll be there to commemorate on 9/11/11.
Thanks to all the good residents of NYC who have been so helpful with your threads and posts. I can't wait to enjoy your city.
Wheres QUeens in all of this unless your reserving Queens solely for the aiport?
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