Visiting NYC for the first time where to go ! (New York: renting, hotel)

[Winterrage]

Greetings everyone,

I'm going this weekend for the first time in New York City, we will stay at the Hilton Newark Airport hotel.

There's a lot of things I'm trying to figure out. We're going to travel by car from Montreal (Canada) to the hotel.

We're going to New York everyday and i'm wondering if it's a good idea to explore the city with my car (using a GPS). Like, how's the traffic, parking, etc. ...

Also, I've heard many "urbans legends" (I hope..) about car hijacking when waiting at a red light and even if I think they aren't true they sorta scare me is car hijacking a reality or a myth

We haven't really planified where to go except that we're gonna:
- Hang out on Time Square
- Central Park Zoo
- Wax Museum
- Ripley's Believe it or not
- Little Italy

Is there some "MUST SEE" spot that you could recommand

Thanks everyone

[Viralmd]

If it's not too late, you might want to get a hotel IN the city, because it's a pain to get here from EWK.

And DO leave your car home. The money you save by staying in Newark'll be eaten up by parking in Manhattan...

There's TONS to do - it all depends on what you enjoy.

[gdowler]

I agree with ViralMD...Don't bring your car....not because of hijacking (hahaha...never heard that myth very interesting). You should not be scared. Don't drive in the city though, you understand? It is not fun, stressfull, your family will hate you. Okay, all your destination plans sound like tourist traps to me. Get a good book, and map and explore the real nyc. I guess if you have never been to times square you have to go...I avoid it at all costs. But if you do go, go at night. Ripleys museum..ehh..i could think of a lot better things to do with my money, wax museum ehh, C.P.zoo -that is cool...but you probably have better zoos where you are from...it is very small, and will be crammed this weekend. The park is very nice to stroll through. It is amazing. Try rowboating in C.P. It is lovely. I guess everyone has their own tastes......if you have always dreamed of going to the wax mueum can't deny you of that...

[Songbird42]

Museum of Art, Empire State Building, Chinatown, Battery Park Circle Line boatride up the Hudson, Macy's, St. Patricks, Radio City Music Hall

There are so many great things to do in NY.......get a tourist book at Barnes and Noble or online I'm sure that I just hit the tip of the iceburg on places to see and yes, leave the car home, the money to park is outrageous. Enjoy NY
its a great city.

[Winterrage]

Thanks everyone for the reply

Gonna update my destination tonight with my girlfriend and when we'll be back I'll post a summary of what we do and how the trip went

[Lillietta]

Just being in Manhattan and walking around is the best sightseeing you can do. And as was said, DO NOT BRING A CAR. It will detract from your enjoyment of the city. Costs a fortune to park in a garage.

[drishane]

BEST guide book is Dorling Kindersleys TOP 10 - it cuts out all the crap and just shows you the highlights - BUT I STILL NEED ADVICE RE where to leav ethe darn car Im renting in Chicago and returning to Chicago a month later - THERE MUST BE A WAY!!!!!!!