First time to New York City (Newark, Hope: how much, hotels, neighborhood)
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I plan on visiting New York for the first time. I will be flying into Newark and staying there as I cannot afford a hotel in Manhattan. What is the best mode of transportation for going to Manhattan? Once there, can I take the subway anywhere I would like to go? Empire State Building, Times Square, etc?
Yes, you can take the subway anywhere in Manhattan.
Where exactly are you staying in Newark? Some NJ hotels offer a free shuttle service to Manhattan. Otherwise, you can take a NJ Transit train from Newark's Penn Station into Manhattan.
Prior to going on your trip look online for a subway map. Find out a handful of places you want to go and which subway station they are near. The subway system can be very confusing for many so the more familiar you're with it prior to visiting the better off you'll be.
You can buy a 7 day pass for 29 dollars I think? Depending on how much you use the subway it might be beneficial to get that. I think each fare is 2.50.
My advice on paying the 29 dollars. If you think you're going to ride the train 10 times or more then go ahead and just get the unlimited pass. You may not use 29 dollars worth but the time you'll save having to get a new pass each time will be worth a few bucks. The machines can be busy depending on what station you're at and sometimes you'll miss the train because of having to get a new pass. Plus, the less you take money out of your wallet/pocket the better IMO.
Prior to going on your trip look online for a subway map. Find out a handful of places you want to go and which subway station they are near. The subway system can be very confusing for many so the more familiar you're with it prior to visiting the better off you'll be.
You can buy a 7 day pass for 29 dollars I think? Depending on how much you use the subway it might be beneficial to get that. I think each fare is 2.50.
My advice on paying the 29 dollars. If you think you're going to ride the train 10 times or more then go ahead and just get the unlimited pass. You may not use 29 dollars worth but the time you'll save having to get a new pass each time will be worth a few bucks. The machines can be busy depending on what station you're at and sometimes you'll miss the train because of having to get a new pass. Plus, the less you take money out of your wallet/pocket the better IMO.
It is $29.00 and very useful to get around. The subways are fast and major attractions have stops right near them. Also, Many of the machines do not work, Or may take money and give nothing but a reciept with a number to call in which they mail you a refund. I am still waiting for my refund.. that I lost returning from my 2010 return from Las Vegas at the Port Authority no less! I was left with $50 for the next 4 days because it cost me double due to buying another card. Try to go to a live person if you can, Please.
Hopefully your hotel is on a bus line that connects to PATH, which you can take from a few points in Newark to downtown Manhattan. However, it's no given that the bus or your walk from the hotel won't be sketchy.
I strongly recommend going to airbnb.com and search rooms to stay in while you're there. You should be able to find a nice room in a place in Manhattan for $80 or less per night. Finding a decent room for even $50 a night is doable, especially if you include Brooklyn in your search. It will give you MUCH better options than staying in a hotel in Newark, which I guess even there will run you at least $80 a night.
Okay, so I take it Newark is NOT a good place to stay. Everything I've checked in Manhattan is upwards of $200 to $250 a night. I have only 2 full days to sightsee. Will this be enough time to see Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Station? I'm not a shopper and basically just want to sightsee. Thanks to everyone for your input.
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