topic Re: What' to do in Manhatten? in Community Chat

What' to do in Manhatten?

shoekitty — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 05:25:57 GMT

My granddaughters and I are going to New York first week of December. Our hotel will be the Dominick. It is near Soho, and Manhatten I think. We are excited as we havent ever been to New York.. Anyone who has been there, or lives near there we could sure use some suggestions on things to do! I have some questions as well....

Is it far to go to Statue of Liberty? Or

Central Park

any good museums near by?

thank you!

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

ILTH — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 06:05:12 GMT

@shoekitty wrote:
My granddaughters and I are going to New York first week of December. Our hotel will be the Dominick. It is near Soho, and Manhatten I think. We are excited as we havent ever been to New York.. Anyone who has been there, or lives near there we could sure use some suggestions on things to do! I have some questions as well....

Is it far to go to Statue of Liberty? Or
Central Park
any good museums near by?

thank you!

SoHo is in Manhattan. It's the neighborhood on the South side of Houston Street to Canal (Chinatown). North side is the Village.

You're around 3 miles from Central Park.

You're at the southern end of the numbered streets -- just below 1st Street. Central Park is 59th Street.

20 North/South blocks = 1 mile

Each crosstown block is equal to approximately 3 N/S blocks

Get a MetroCard if you're not a walker. You can take buses or the train anywhere. There are cabs, Uber, Via.

Go to the museum websites to see what exhibits are going on while you're here (if you can only do 1 or 2, MoMA and/or Met):

MoMA is reopening this month (53rd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues).

Whitney (closer to you - Gansevoort)

Rubin (closer to you - West 17th Street)

Metropolitan Museum (82nd Street & 5th Ave)

Museum of Natural History (79th Street & CPW)

MoMA is not far from Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Saks, Cartier, etc., Plaza Hotel, Central Park (Central Park Zoo), Radio City, City Center, Carnegie Hall.

Balthazar Restaurant is on Spring Street. Google it.

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

shoekitty — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 06:11:37 GMT

@ILTH

Thank you for you generous response!! Thank you! I am printing your suggestions, and going down the list. I am a little disabled in the walking far dept, but it seems easy to get around by cab. I am ver interested in Moma, too

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

ILTH — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 21:22:14 GMT

@shoekitty

https://www.nycgo.com

Native NYer. I'll be happy to answer any questions if I can.

ETA

Ed Sullivan Theater isn't far from MoMA. You can try for tickets for Colbert, if that interests you.

Metropolitan Museum is fantastic.

Cabs take credit cards. You don't need cash. If you get a jerk who claims his machine isn't working, say you don't have cash and won't pay. His CC machine will, miraculously, suddenly, work.😃

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

dancing 522queen — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 04:58:32 GMT

HI,

ILTH GAVE YOU GREAT THINGS TO SEE WITH DIRECTIONS.

**** IMPORTANT - MAKE RESERVATIONS AND OR BUY YOUR SHOW TICKETS BEFORE COMING TO NEW YORK. EVERYTHING SELLS OUT DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN NEW YORK, EVEN RESTAURANTS YOU MAY WANT TO GO TO, AND CALL AHEAD FOR HOURS AND PRICES...*****

CALL THE PLAZA HOTEL TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR TEA AT THE PALM COURT. 768 5TH AVE. IT IS PRICEY BUT WORTH IT, SHE WILL LOVE THE EXPERIENCE... YOU SHOULD CALL BEFORE COMING TO NEW YORK...

MAKE SURE TO GET TICKETS TO RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL - CHRISTMAS SHOW THEY HAVE SEVERAL SHOWS A DAY. YOU WILL LOVE IT... IT'S ON

6TH AVE. BETWEEN 50TH STREET AND 51ST. STREET.

CAN TAKE THE TRAIN THERE TAKE THE B, D, F, AND M WILL TAKE

YOU TO - 47TH - 50TH STREET ROCKEFELLER CENTER TRAIN STATION.

IF YOU TAKE A CAB MAKE SURE THEY DON'T. RIP YOU OFF, THEY ALL HAVE METERS...

ALSO WALK DOWN THE BLOCK TOWARDS 5TH AVE, TO THE ROCKEFELLER

ICE SKATING RINK WHERE THE CHRISTMAS TREE IS YOU WON'T, WANT TO MISS IT! THE NBC BUILDING IS RIGHT THERE 30 ROCKEFELLER CENTER.

JUST FOLLOW THE CROWD - THEY ALL WILL BE GOING TO THE TREE...

SAKS FIFTH AVE. IS RIGHT ACROSS FROM THE RINK YOU CAN SEE THE

HOLIDAY WINDOWS ON 5TH AVE.

ST. PATRICKS CATHEDRAL ALSO ON 5TH AVE. SAME SIDE OF THE STREET WITH SAKS FIFTH AVE. JUST CROSS THE STREET.

MOMA IS ON 53RD STREET BETWEEN 5TH AND 6TH AVE.

IF YOU ARE TAKING A TRAIN THERE, E AND M TRAINS STOP THERE.

THERE ARE ALSO BUSES THAT RUN THERE.

THE DOMERICK HOTEL, WHICH IS A BEAUTIFUL HOTEL WITH HUDSON RIVER VIEWS, YOU WILL LOVE SPRING ST. TOO. THE TRAIN IS ONE BLOCK

FROM YOUR HOTEL, YOU HAVE THE E AND C TRAIN LINES THERE. SO YOU HAVE THE E TRAIN LINE THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO MOST PLACES, JUST BE AWARE WHICH DIRECTION YOU NEED, UP TOWN OR DOWN TOWN.

TO THE MID TOWN AREA YOU WOULD GO UP TOWN FROM THE DOMERICK.

YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE A CAB IN THE EVENING, WOULD BE EASIER

TO GET BACK TO YOUR HOTEL FROM MIDTOWN AREA.

MOST TRAIN STATIONS HAVE ESCALATORS TO MAKE IT EASIER

FOR YOU TO GO UP AND DOWN FROM THE TRAINS...

YOU WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH METAL DETECTORS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT THE CHURCH AND ALSO MUSEUMS. THEY MOSTLY LOOK THROUGH YOUR BAGS, SOME PLACES DO NOT ALLOW BACK PACKS, JUST BE AWARE AND ASK QUESTIONS AT YOUR HOTEL

CONCIERGE SERVICES DESK.

MAKE SURE TO GO TO THE BROADWAY THEATRE DISTRICT AND SEE A SHOW WITH YOUR GRANDDAUGHTERS. BROADWAY AND TIMES SQUARE,

DEPENDING ON THE THEATRE IT STRETCHES FROM WEST 42ND. ST. TO WEST 47TH STREET AND 50TH STREET TOO.

ALL THE ABOVE IS CONSIDERED MID-TOWN MANHATTAN..

WHERE MOST OF EVERYTHING TO DO.

MAKE SURE TO TAKE YOUR GRANDDAUGHTERS TO

FAO SCHWARTZ - CHECK THE ADDRESS THEY HAVE MOVED

I THINK THEY ARE AT - 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA

THERE IS USUALLY A BIG BEAR OUTSIDE...

BE SAFE AND WATCH YOUR BAGS AND CREDIT CARDS AND WHERE YOU USE THEM, IT'S VERY BUSY DURING THE HOLIDAYS IN THE CITY...

A LOT OF LARGE CROWDS SO KEEP THINGS AND YOUR GRANDDAUGHTERS

CLOSE. HAVE FUN.

TO SEE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

YOU HAVE TO GET TO BATTERY PARK TO GET THE LIBERTY FERRY,

YOU BUY TICKETS THERE.

LOOK IT UP OR ASK YOUR HOTEL THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE, YOU MAY

HAVE TO TAKE MORE THEN ONE TRAIN AND ALSO THE WINTER HOURS...

I HOPE THIS HELPS.. IT DOESN'T. MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE, ALL OF YOU WILL ENJOY ALL THE ABOVE MENTIONED, NEW YORK IS MY HOME BORN AND RAISED AND I ENJOY IT ALL THE TIME. GREAT MEMORIES GROWING UP AND I STILL DO....

ENJOY..... MANHATTAN IS BEAUTIFUL DURING THE HOLIDAYS..

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

Cats3000 — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 10:13:08 GMT

FIRST, you learn how to spell it: MANHATTAN.

Then you just drink the city in, in large gulps.

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

jackthebear — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 10:16:02 GMT

Nbc and Rock center tours and or Top of the Rock, well worth taking.

NBC is the studio tour, and Rock Center is a tour of the wonderful Art Deco building and art deco sites.

well worth it, I think you can book ahead

Eataly fun place to go

911 site

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

Janey2 — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 13:20:38 GMT

Don’t forget to see at least one Broadway show. Get tickets now. You can get discount tickets at various websites.

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

Abrowneyegirl — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 13:26:55 GMT

We go to the city a lot and never have a lack of things to do or see. We always see a show.

Fair warning!!!! Since you are going in Dec I would buy all the tickets you need or want in advance online. You do not want to waste precious time waiting in lines.

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

jackthebear — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 13:57:16 GMT

if the weather is good

the High Line is worth checking out

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

I am still oxox — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 13:59:31 GMT

I have lived in Brooklyn, and the Bronx and now in the Northern burbs

If you are going to be in NY after Dec 4 the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be light, I would not advise going to the Tree Lighting itself since it is a mad house and you might be standing in the same spot for several hours

Macy's Herald Square is a fun place to shop and get into the holiday Spirit.

Walk Fifth Ave

Go the Bryant Park and the main Branch of the NY Library

Take the Ferry to Liberty Island or Ellis Island

Visit Ground Zero and the WTC memorial

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

chrystaltree — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 14:04:37 GMT

@Cats3000 wrote:
FIRST, you learn how to spell it: MANHATTAN.

Then you just drink the city in, in large gulps.

Now that you've opened that door.....LOL That's probably why she didn't get any results when she Googled "things to do in Manhatten".

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

jackthebear — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 14:39:42 GMT

@I am still oxox wrote:
I have lived in Brooklyn, and the Bronx and now in the Northern burbs

If you are going to be in NY after Dec 4 the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be light, I would not advise going to the Tree Lighting itself since it is a mad house and you might be standing in the same spot for several hours
Macy's Herald Square is a fun place to shop and get into the holiday Spirit.

Walk Fifth Ave

Go the Bryant Park and the main Branch of the NY Library

Take the Ferry to Liberty Island or Ellis Island

Visit Ground Zero and the WTC memorial

yes do not go to the tree lighting,

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

jackthebear — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 14:40:52 GMT

there is or were Holiday Markets at Grand Central and the Columbus Circle end of Central Park, just fun to walk around

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

mspatmac — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 14:48:30 GMT

@shoekitty wrote:
My granddaughters and I are going to New York first week of December. Our hotel will be the Dominick. It is near Soho, and Manhatten I think. We are excited as we havent ever been to New York.. Anyone who has been there, or lives near there we could sure use some suggestions on things to do! I have some questions as well....

Is it far to go to Statue of Liberty? Or
Central Park
any good museums near by?

thank you!

You have been given wonderful suggestion so I just want to say have a wonderful trip. There is nothing like the city during the holidays, it's magical. Make a list of all the suggestions and with your grands plan your days according to your interests. HAVE FUN

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

Bhvbum — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 17:02:12 GMT

my husband and I thru the years have always taken a half-day tour often by “Gray Line tours“ to get a look at the whole city. It’s the smartest thing we ever did because there’s absolutely no way we would have been able to see all we did just on our own. Something to consider, gray line has great city tours for every big city in the world.

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

patbz — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 17:16:58 GMT

@shoekitty : I used the hop on hop off last time I was in NYC. We took no taxis/Ubers but did take one subway.

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

patbz — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 17:23:25 GMT

@shoekitty : We took the ferry to Ellis Island (very interesting museum and tour) but did not go up the Statue of Liberty this trip (I went up to torch in the sixties). Basically, I don't go up into any building or monument anymore (especially during school breaks the lines are horrendous and sometimes take several hours).

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

ILTH — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 17:51:37 GMT

@shoekitty

I don't know how long you'll be here, but, if you want to go out at night, I'd recommend 1 B'way play, 1 concert at Carnegie Hall, 1 event at Lincoln Center.
carnegiehall.org
lincolncenter.org

If your granddaughters skate, Bryant Park (behind the main library -- which is gorgeous), Wollman Rink in Central Park and Rockefeller Center.
nycgovparks.org

As for the tree-lighting, it's a once in a lifetime deal if you don't live here. If you can stand, why not? If not, you can let your granddaughters watch (depending on how old they are that they can be alone -- it's not dangerous unless they're little) and you can go for hot chocolate or coffee while they're watching).

If you need a break:
Serendipity 3 for frozen hot chocolate or dessert.
Lady Mendl's Tea Salon (Victorian) or Alice's Tea Cup (fun) for afternoon tea.

They, each, have websites.

Midtown is not where everything is. It's just very concentrated if you don't want to run around and, honestly, where most of the touristy stuff is. Chelsea has lots of galleries, Upper West Side has museums and Lincoln Center, Upper East Side has museums, there's SoHo, TriBeCa, the Village, etc. Restaurants are everywhere.

Re: What' to do in Manhatten?

FancyPhillyshopper — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 19:16:58 GMT

I LOVE NEW YORK during the holiday season!

Yes, it is crazy crowded but that is what makes it so FUN!

However, it is definitely a walking experience-- and I mean BLOCKS and BLOCKS.

There is also just too much to see and do, so try to prioritize your interests.

Not sure of your granddaughters ages, but---

I do highly recommend the Rockettes show at Radio City Music Hall-- a great New York City tradition!

Many first timers like taking the horse carriage ride in Central Park (a bit pricey but relaxing).

You have to see Times Square and all the lights, as well as the store windows along 5th Avenue.

The Spirit of New York ship sails near the Statue of Liberty and provides lunch, brunch, dinner.

The Met is my favorite museum (the Egyptian temple! The Cloisters!), but all muesums require several hours to tour.

Have a wonderful, exciting visit!