[SA320]

Hi All,

I've booked a surprise trip away for me and my girlfriend to NYC mid November for 6 days. I've used the search funtion and have seen a number of posts which have given me a good idea on where to start.

Apart from the usual attractions (Statue of Liberty, Empire state etc) can any of you advise on some cool places to visit? (If it helps, we're both 29 yrs old!) I'd like to visit urban places.. really want to go to Brooklyn and queens perhaps?! Would love to see the not so extravagant places also!

It's our first time and we're staying in upper west Manhattan (W 103rd Street). Any recommended Itinerary's would be much appreciate!

We absolutely love our food (doesn't have to be extravagant and high priced) and aren't ones for extravagant shopping.. so would love if anyone can advise on cool places to visit for food (homely places that specialise in things), bars, sights and just lovely little spots.

Would love to visit man vs food kind of places!

Also, I see a lot of people have mentioned to book things in advace from here, would many of you advise that?

Thanks in advance!

[Russbmw]

You need to go to Virgil's real BBQ, just off Times Square.

Carnegie Deli is also *interesting* for lunch.

Best way to see the Statue of Liberty (IMO) is by taking a trip over to Stratten Island on the (free) ferry.

The only thing I'd say might be worth booking in advance is going to ground zero.

Take warm clothes, it's bloody cold in November.

[xenon]

Greenwich Village and Mulberry St. (Little Italy) are good places at night. Mulberry Street must have about fifty Italian Restaurants on it but half-way along is a huge Italian Cafe / Pizzeria and the food there is great and cheap. Can't remember the name but it's all red & white and you can't miss it.

Not sure why you'd want to go to Brooklyn / Queens - that's like taking a day out to Doncaster.

[SA320]

Hi Guys

Many thanks for your advice. Will defo go to little Italy and after having seen many comments we'll def be taking the staten island ferry to view the Statue of Liberty.

I was thinking it may be worth breaking down the boroughs into different days?

Day 1 - Manhattan & Brooklyn
Day 2 - Bronx & Queens
Day 3 - Brooklyn
Day 4 - Staten Island

[xenon]

Half a morning for Manhattan? I'm still unsure why you'd want to go to Brooklyn, The Bronx or Queens though. The bus tour reaches The Bronx but not Queens or Brooklyn.

Coney Island is worth a trip (you can get there on the Subway) but it probably won't be much fun in November.

[SA320]

Originally Posted by xenon

I'm still unsure why you'd want to go to Brooklyn, The Bronx or Queens though. The bus tour reaches The Bronx but not Queens or Brooklyn.
.

I just fancy a visit.. seen them in the films and would like to get a whole feel for the culture!

[Russbmw]

TBH I think you'll struggle to fit all that in.

You can spend the best part of a day alone wandering to and around Central Park.

Must admit, on the 2 ocassions I've been, I've never felt the urge to go to Queens/Bronx.

[Russbmw]

Just noticed you said 6 days originally?

[SA320]

Yup 6 days - a day to walk around in case we're feeling sheepish after a night out!

[Russbmw]

There's a great little sports bar just down the road from the Flat Iron building - not that many places to just go for a beer in Times Square, oddly.

There's also a cocktail bar near there, called (cunningly) the Flat Iron Lounge. Total darkness in there - I had to use my phone to read the menu until my eyes adjusted! All about the atmosphere....apparently. Cocktails were good though, if a little pricey.

[bungleaio]

For transport just use the subway, It was $25 for a 7 day use as much as you want ticket.

What ever you do you'll be wanting to go back asap to see more. I went in march 2012 and I can't wait to go again.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaur..._New_York.html

Roast beef double dip sandwiches are amazing.

There is a man v food clip about this place too. Well worth the trip.

I also had an awesome time in Joyces tavern in Ettingville, Staten Island.

http://www.joycestavern.com/Welcome_...es_Tavern.html

[bungleaio]

How could I forget

http://katzsdelicatessen.com/

You MUST go there, it's confusing as hell about how to order etc but it's all part of the experience. I had a pastrami omelette for breakfast. I didn't eat for another 8 hours, it was huge!

[K888888]

The Boil in Manhattan

[gadgetfreak]

I spent 3 weeks there in July to the point I was sick of eating out!

Top food places which spring to mind are:-

Virgils BBQ -Times Sq
Capital Grill Steakhouse - Times Sq
Ruth's Chris Steak House - Somewhere around 7th & 50th
Laut - Union Sq
Most places in Korea Town
Cafe Mogador - williamsburg, Brooklyn <--- Amazing chicken tagine

[ronmeister]

Grimaldi's Pizza in Brooklyn is a must.

Good little diner on Broadway in the 80s - Cafe Viand - cheap, good and has a little of everything.

Best way to see the Empire State Bldg is from the Top of the Rock - Rockefeller Center (lines at ESB are stupid).

My .02

Have fun.

[Mike.]

Spumoni Gardens in BK (for pizza) and if you really want to see a show, Bleeker street in Manhattan is a freakin cirus at night

[SA320]

Wow - thanks for the replies guys - looks like I'm going to be poppin in to all of these places!

[Russbmw]

You also get a really good view of Central Park from the top of the Rockafella Centre.

[adamroutley]

ALWAYS wanted to go to NY but never had the opportunity! After reading all these posts, it has definitely got me wanting to go even more! What kind of price are people paying for like a 6 day trip like the OP?

[SA320]

It cost me just under £600 each for flights (direct with virgin) + hotel. Not bad to be honest.

So here's what I've got so far:

Attractions:

Central Park
Statue of Liberty– via Staten island free ferry
Empire state building (at night)
Times Square
Rockerfeller centre - Top of the Rock Observation Deck early evening/night to get best views)
Walking across Brooklyn Bridge
New York Public Library
Wall Street

Food:

Spumoni Gardens in BK
Virgils BBQ (just checked out the menu!!)
Levain Bakery (famous bakery right near where we're staying)
Greenwich village
Little italy
Grimaldi's Pizza

Any other recommendations?!

[Russbmw]

Buddakan - probably the nicest Chinese meal I've had bar none. Again, not exactly wallet friendly, but no doubt your missus would be very impressed with you!

[Josh1a1h]

I am hungry now