Wow! First visit for all of us. We were there 4 days and according to DS’s iphone we walked 7 to 11 miles each day. What an amazing city, I’m still feeling a bit overwhelmed, as we all are. We did tons!
My highlights:
I got reservations to The Polo Bar. Got there and tons of people standing outside. VP Joe Biden inside so tons of secret service men checking us all out. Went inside…you can only get into the bar and restaurant with reservations, it was swanky with all these beautiful people. It was what I imagined a NY hot spot would be like. Secret service discreet but everywhere. We were at the bar for about 30 minutes, the the Veep comes upstairs to leave. He is shaking a few hands do I put mine out and he took it…smiled and asked how my evening was. I was dumbstruck just grinned ear to ear and said something lame like, fine thank you. He left and DH and I just starred at each other, laughed, toasted, ordered another drink…omg can you believe this? So, 10 minutes later Barbara Walters is leaving and comes shuffling by in front of us. She didn’t look or speak to anyone…she’s really aged now. Man…I nailed this evening. So glad we came early for drinks!! I had texted the kids to hurry up, but they didn’t make it in time for all the VP secret service excitement. They would have had a fun story to tell their friends…oh well. Restaurant was gorgeous, food good…just a highlight.
Book of Mormon had me laughing more than I have in years. The $106 for 3 drinks and a soda didn’t though! But, you just roll with it. Great evening.
World Trade Center memorial was very moving and we just stood at both for about 45 minutes talking about that hortible day. I cried a little, it’s just so moving. I couldn’t believe the people taking pictures in front of it SMILING. It’s a beautiful, respectful, peaceful memorial. Very well done. I’m glad we didn’t do the museum. We were sad enough for awhile with just that. I was surprised his moved the kids were, too…as they were too young to remember.
I’m was surprised at how big it was and spread out. I loved Greenwich Village and the Washington Square area, would love to spend time there rather than just walking through.
One coup is we can now do the subway…what a savior that is.
I could go on and on, but I’m tired and need to hit the sack. We lucked out with the weather!
The WTC museum is worth it. For years I avoided that area (I grew up in the city, and was in DC on 9/11) but finally went there with my family. It’s tastefully done and very respectful.
Its a basic truth that in New York, you can only enjoy yourself if you suspend your normal view of what constitutes reasonable with respect to price. If you’re only there for a few days, bring plenty of money and don’t try to penny pinch. I detracts from your enjoyment.
Sounds like you had a great time. Congratulations on doing it right.
I am heading to NYC tomorrow AM. Living 4 1/2 hours away and having a D who went to school there and now lives there is great for me as I love NYC. D and I are seeing Hamilton tomorrow night.
Next trip up I need to make a reservation at the Polo Bar
@dadx…we do just enjoy our time. I just was shocked at that…went back for a second round, too. LOL! We actually came in less than I thought. We didn’t spend that much on shopping, we just didn’t have time.
@ Harvestmoon…I only ate 30% of my meal. We didn’t sit down to eat until 9:30, eating after 10. I was hungry but not a huge appetite. The guys all finished theirs, though.
You can’t call The Polo Bar sooner than 30 days out. They start taking reservations atv10:00 am. I kept calling on repeat for 30 minutes. The general public normally gets a reservation up to 5:45 or after 9:00. I took the 9:30, but go sit in the bar beforehand. It was packed! They must leave the prime times for the powerful, who’s who and celebrities. Oh…and dress up…I mean get that sexy dress or outfit with your coolest shoes…you will NOT be overdressed!! You know that dress or outfit you see where you say…where would I ever wear that? Now you have a place!
Have fun Fallgirl! I can’t wait to see Hamilton when it starts making the rounds. Let us know how it is.
@carachel2 …we stayed at Hampton Inn North Times Square. It’s at 51st and 8th Ave…nice location. I needed a place with 2 queen beds. It also offers free breakfast which was nice. I went down by myself each morning as I’m an early riser. The Hilton Garden Inn is just a block south, which would be nice too.
There are many things to do each day that are absolutely free. Maybe we could start a list of things that are low priced or free in NYC for those visiting?
The online magazine Time Out NY has a list of free things to do each day;
Staten Island Ferry is a free way to see the Statue of Liberty. It doesn't stop at the island, but you sail past it in both directions
Governors Island (ferry terminal is next to the terminal for the Staten Island Ferry) will open to the public soon. The ferry is pretty cheap and there are historic forts, parks with hammocks, art.
Subways are the cheapest and fastest way around. If you travel one way on subway and the return by bus, within two hours, the ride will be free because you have the transfer.
Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is fun and beautiful. The bridge has great history. Stay on the right as bikes use it for commuting.
The high line.
In addition to Shakespeare in the Park (free but you wait in line for tickets) there are many other plays and musical events during the summer that are free. Check the NY City park listings for free events that day. They take place all over the city, including free movies outdoors in the park, at the piers along the Hudson
Free kayaking in the Hudson during the summer. You will get wet! At about 72nd Street on the water; or there's groupon tickets for cheap night kayaking.
Lincoln Center has a month of free and cheap events outdoors during the summer, including dancing (to watch and to do), activities for children, and other arts performances
Many museums are Pay What You Wish. You can pay as little as a dollar. These include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters, the natural history museum (general admission, for the special shows you have to pay more). Other museums have hours each week when you can enter for free. You can google for a list.
Of course to my mind the best part of the City are the people. Getting out of Times Square (which is populated by tourists looking at other tourists) and into Central Park and other neighborhoods (Chinatown Manhattan or Flushing, Jackson Heights, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, the Village), it's easier to get a glimpse of the people.
One thing I’m glad I saw, even from the Taxi going to the airport was Park Ave. on the upper east side. I wish we had more time to stroll up there. That is exactly one of those iconic streets I have had in my minds eye!
Not free but low cost - taking a row boat out on the 74th St. lake in Central Park. You rent the rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse and it is $15 per hour for a 4 seater. I lived in NYC for many years and I still did that a few times every summer.
Lot’s of my friends that still live in the city do “Manhattan by Sail.” 2 hour sailboat ride around lower manhattan that departs from Battery Park City promenade. They do the “statue sail” during the week (monday - thursday) when the cost is only $39 and it is much less crowded. I think you can find promotional codes that will bring that cost down.
Alexander Hamilton’s house up in Harlem is free and the park service does a great tour of it. Also many neighborhoods have little street fairs going on especially in the spring and summer.
