Having just spent 4 days
in New Orleans, I know a short-term trip in a totally unfamiliar city
(especially one was complicated as NYC) can be daunting, because there is so
much to see, and it's hard to A: Decide what to prioritize and B: figure out
how to get everywhere quickly, when public transportation is the only way of getting around that makes sense (yes, you can take taxis/ Uber if you have the $, but for longer distances or crosstown during daytime, cars can take forever. Even rich people take the subway when in a rush!).
Therefore, below are
some of my hints on what might make a short visit easier and help you hit the
highlights without having a panic attack!
1: Tour Bus: Grayline Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tours: $49 for a 48 hour pass. Take the Downtown Tour
first, and then the Uptown Tour if you have time (the Uptown tour includes a
stop at Central Park and the Met Museum, but also goes to Harlem, which you can
really skip on a short trip). SKIP the Brooklyn tour or any of the other
tours. And forget the"perk" of the night tours or the admission to
the 2 museums (City of NY and Historical Society) --because these aren't museums
you will want to spend time on during a quick visit (THE museum to visit is the
Metropolitan Museum on Fifth Avenue and 81st, if you have only a few days). It
is just a good way to see the city in a few hours so you can decide where you
might want to return--and you can say "Hey I went there" without
actually having to stop there. For example, Times Square is basically a huge
tourist trap-- annoying, crowded, and unnecessary unless you are going to a
show. But--of course you still will want to see it, because the iconic views of
the lights and billboards are like nothing else. Just make sure you know not to
pose with a costumed character, who will insist on a tip (and you may get
punched if you don't give one), and be aware of the Times Square "Desnudas"--half-naked
painted ladies who are not exactly women or kid-friendly.
2: Museums: If you go to
one museum--go to the Metropolitan Museum on Fifth and 82nd (accessible through Hop ON Hop Off, taxi,
or # 4, 5 or 6 subway if you get off at 86th and walk west from Lexington to
Fifth). IF the Roof Terrace is one (generally one only spring to late fall), go
up for the view of Central Park. It is spectacular, and the views overlooking
the whole of the Park make for a not-to-be missed photo-op. Highlights to focus
on: Take in the Impressionist section on the second floor, filled with
magnificent VanGoghs, Monets, etc; and also on the 2nd floor, the Rembrandt
section along with other European classics. On the first floor, the Roman/
Greek wing is lovely. And there is always a special exhibit or two that is a
must-see, usually on the second floor. It's impossible to take everything in,
so you really need to pick and choose. The American Wing is a nice place to
visit briefly.
You may also prefer to
go to the Museum
of Modern Art (MOMA) on 54th between 5th and 6th, but you
must get tickets before or you will be waiting in line a very long time. This
is a vexing museum to visit and hard to get around --but they have a stellar
Impressionist and Modern Art collection (iconic Pollocks, Van Goghs, Picassos).
Go directly to that section, and skip the rest if you have limited time.
3: Statue of
Liberty: If you want to visit the actual island you will lose almost a
whole day and be very frustrated if you have other things to do. You're not
missing a lot by not going to the actual island. See my other posts on the Statue of Liberty with
ideas on other ways to view it without having to actually go to the island.
4: Broadway Shows at
Times Square, or Off-Broadway: Go to Playbill.com to see what is currently
showing and find links to tickets. You'll hear people recommend the half-price
day -of TKTS booths to get cheaper tickets-- but it can be a long wait, and if
you have limited time, you're better off buying tickets beforehand. Also
take time beforehand to see what is playing; you may get into a play with some
famous actors that is Off-Broadway, (click here for Playbill link to Off Broadway shows),
where tickets are more available and cheaper.
5: Ballet (NYCB, or
ABT), Met Opera, and assorted musical events at Lincoln Center: If you are more into ballet or opera, the
magnificent New York City Ballet and Metropolitan Opera, both with
world famous performers, have events generally from Sept- end of May, with
breaks in between. The American Ballet Theater steps in from about May -
July. Go to www.lincolncenter.org to see what events
are going on. It's really an experience to go at least once to these venues.
And at least for the NYCB, you can get $30 tickets if you buy tickets along the
side on the 3rd or 4th rings. Look for tickets-by-price, and get some along the
side on the upper rings. There will be a bit of a partial view, but they are
excellent seats for excellent prices.
6: Times Square: Most every New Yorker hates Times
Square--but it is still hard to not suggest a visit there even if brief. If you
are not going to a show just go briefly for the photo op.Be aware there is a
surfeit of costumed characters (eg Elmo or Spiderman) soliciting tips
aggressively for the "favor" of getting a photo of them. Steer clear.
There are also topless women working for tips there who are "covered"
nominally with body paint. Despite the city's best efforts they are still able
to operate as "performance artists" so just be aware if you are
sensitive to this sort of thing ( as I am), to steer clear of the large
pedestrian median in the middle of Times Square. Still you are safe here; it is
just very crowded.
7: Central Park: Central Park is a wonderful place to
visit. Stay below 79th Street or so. It is ALL safe, generally, as long as you
are around people. But the main tourist sights are at 72nd Street and below.
Take a carriage ride (which you can get at 59th Street), or rent bikes at one
of the CITI BIKE locations (download the app which shows you all the locations.
The bikes are $12 for 45 minutes but your credit card is charged about $100 for
each bike as a placeholder until you return the bike. If you want a bike for
longer you can rent one from a corner on 59th and Central Park West at the
entrance to the park near the subway entrance across from Trump tower. For
a real New York experience without the expense or time of a full meal, have
drinks at Tavern on the Green inside the park at
around 65th and Central Park West. Very festive and a real New York
experience.
8: Greenwich Village: If you want a feel for the quainter, older Manhattan have dinner in Greenwich Village and walk around. Take the # 1, 2 or 3 to 14th Street and walk down to around 4th Street and that area. Or take the #1 to Christopher Street. Get a map--it is VERY hard to navigate around the Village (I still get lost!) and there is lots to see--but much of it is hidden. This is where a tour guide comes in handy, as there are so many cute places to go. There are a ton of wonderful restaurants (see below post--Po and Home are just a few of many).
9: Other things to do on
a short visit: Here is a link to a prior post of some ideas of things to do
when you are in the city that I provided to my niece and her
husband when they were in Manhattan in 2013.
