<p>Hey all…I am taking DD back to Boston tomorrow and we wish to visit our niece in NYC on the way. She will be working on 35th street and we would like to meet for lunch. Looking for the wisest approach to landing up on 35th street between 5th and 6th ave. Would like to keep parking expenses to a minimum. Taking subway is fine if we can find a safe spot to park the LOADED car.</p>
<p>I would bite the bullet and park the car in a parking garage close by. I guess that’s not the helpful reply you were looking for.</p>
<p>thx mythmom- what kind of cash will we be putting up for that? I think it may be the easiest. Will traffic be a straight up mess “as seen on t.v.” ?</p>
<p>Find a garage that doesn’t have valet parking so you have control of your key at all times. Expect to spend the 30-50 bucks for safe parking, better than getting your stuff jacked.</p>
<p>OK- thx batllo. Is traffic always mayhem or might there be a better time to shoot for arriving?</p>
<p>try this for research</p>
<p>[PrimoSpot</a> - Find Free On Street Parking and Garages In Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NYC, and Queens. Compare Hourly, Daily, and Monthly Garage Rates.](<a href=“http://www.primospot.com/]PrimoSpot”>http://www.primospot.com/)</p>
<p>as a native NYerker, I would try to get there early and find a spot on the street near a place with outdoor cafe</p>
<p>imho street spots are safer than garage during day</p>
<p>Good idea too, though as a Long Islander we have parked, and parked and parked and done well with garages.</p>
<p>If you choose on street, meters are sometimes present.</p>
<p>Traffic in the city should be fine depending on where you’re coming from. Fifth is sometimes extra congested.</p>
<p>Does your niece just have lunch hour? Is that why this location is chosen? That’s a hard neighborhood for parking.</p>
<p>do the street spots have meters?? (Clearly never been to NYC)</p>
<p>Carefully read all the posted parking sign restrictions, ignorance will get you towed/fined. May I suggest picking her up in front of her building and then hunting for a cafe/parking? She is more familiar with the lay of the land and you can visit as you drive.</p>
<p>She actually works at a restaraunt and is pulling a double tomorrow! So we plan to go there for lunch:)</p>
<p>See if neice can ask owner/boss. Many small business owners drive in (especially with bad hours)</p>
<p>As you go west from 5 to 6 (also known as Avenue of the Americas) to 7, parking on street and garage will get cheaper and easier.</p>
<p>Most meters near me are smart meters – this is scarier if you dont know where you can park – you have to walk to corner put money in meter machine and put split on dash. DONT think just becuase there is a meter machine you can park. Many spots are commercial vehichloes only during weekdays. Some spots are old fashioned meter machines.</p>
<p>Weekend is better than weekday. If you see street parking, grab it. Cover your stuff with blankets and sheets if possible. Still you take a risk. Gotta love NYC!</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone. I will let you know how this one turns out ;)</p>
<p>Should I have visions of my van being jacked like the American tourists in “Slumdog”?</p>
<p>No. I don’t think you need to worry about that. Not unless it’s filled with illicit subtances, illegal workers or false passports.</p>
<p>Just joking. I don’t think it’s a concerned. FWIW: The only think I have ever had stolen from my car in NY was a half done needlepoint that meant a lot to me. Sadly, I haven’t done any needlepoint since then.</p>
<p>Obviously if you have a trunk that is best. Do not let anyone see you get stuff out of trunk. Pull over, get stuff out, then drive to parking. If you have a valet key have it to give to garage, if you can not find self parking. Under no circumstance give keys with house key on ring to valet. I dont care if you live in Alaska.</p>
<p>OK- that is really sad! I am thinkin we will drive around the area till a spot on the street opens up.</p>