Go see a Broadway play-the half price ticket booth is in the middle of Times Square. Eat at Bubba Gump's overlooking Times Square. Go to Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, not at all overrated in my book. There is a Madam Touso's Wax Museum just off Times Square. Check out Central Park for sure, but have some sort of plan-it is HUGE. Go to the Top of the Empire State Building for the great view. Take a tour of Madison Square Garden. Eat a hot dog from a stree vendor. Fantastic place, lots to do, enjoy.

I have to agree that ESPN zone is very expensive. We got lucky because we brought our kids in just as some office party was letting out. Several people just handed their game cards over to my kids.

 

Rockefeller center was a bit disappointing......so much smaller than it looks on TV. However, it is something you want to see, especially this time of year.

 

There is a boat ride around the Statue of Liberty which we enjoyed. The Statue itself was not open to the public. I understand it is now, and I would liked to have gone there.

 

Worst thing we did was go to the top of the Empire State Building. Just when you thought you were close, you went up a floor for another loooong line....they are better at hiding long lines than Disney World.

 

Loved walking through Central Park.

Have to visit ground zero, very sobering experience.

We walked and walked and walked. Little Italy was my favorite place for food.

 

Loved walking down Times Square. There is a Toys R Us there that has a ferris wheel inside of it. If you have kids, they would love to see that.

 

I have to agree with Formerkywrestler, bring good walking shoes, warm clothes, and explore on your own. Locals will always tell you the best place to eat.

 

Good luck and have fun.

When my family went, we took a trip to Ellis Island. It was very cool and was especially interesting to my family since there were some relatives who were briefly there. It's cool because you get to take a trip on a Ferry. You also see the Statue of Liberty. We didn't go up into the Statue, as they were doing some type of construction when we were there.

 

Here's a link where you can search to see if any of your relatives were there.

 

http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passSearch.asp

 

I agree that the ESPN Zone's are overrated. Too pricy.

I've been to New York 2 times, and right to the edge once more (went to a Giants game but did not go into NYC).

 

The first time I went was in school and we did a lot of fun things. Most I can't remember exactly, but I do know that we went to the World Trade Center. This was obviously before 9/11.

 

We also went and saw the Statue of Liberty, saw STOMP and di dmany other things. It was a ton of fun.

 

The second time I went was with a couple of friends. We went to a Giants game, and then walked around Time Square and went to The Comic Strip Live. This was fun as well.

 

Like someone else said, bring good walking shoes!

I am from Brooklyn, I have obviously been there.....let me know what you are thinking about, and your timeline, and I can give you some cool options.

ESPN Zone? Thanks but I'm looking for NY eats - like the hot dog vendor someone mentioned.

When my family went, we took a trip to Ellis Island. It was very cool and was especially interesting to my family since there were some relatives who were briefly there. It's cool because you get to take a trip on a Ferry. You also see the Statue of Liberty. We didn't go up into the Statue, as they were doing some type of construction when we were there.

 

Here's a link where you can search to see if any of your relatives were there.

 

http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passSearch.asp

 

I agree that the ESPN Zone's are overrated. Too pricy.

 

Agreed.

I was there in 1997. Toured Manhattan.

Visited the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Time Square, Chinatown, among other sites.

Our tour bus drove us past many other places such as the UN and the World Trade Center, but we didn't stop to take a look at those.

Times Square area is good place to stay. The Hilton Garden Suites is a good hotel. Many others in the area. Good central location.

 

Numerous resturants in walking distance of Times Square area. Ask concierge about recommendations. If you give them type and price range they can usually direct you well. Be sure to specify price range as dining in NY can range from inexpensive to very expensive.

 

Places to go:

Lower Manhatten:

Statue of Liberty

Battery Park

Wall Street

 

Elsewhere:

Rockefeller square (Christmas tree should be up)

5th Avenue for shopping

Empire State building

Yankee Stadium

USS Intrepid

Broadway shows

 

Getting around:

No subway from LGA - use shuttles or cab or limo.

Cabs are everywhere. Ask bellman at hotel for one and he will flag one.

I've been a couple of times around Christimas for shopping. Fun to walk down Fifth avenue and window shop. Stop into the Plaza for lunch. Tavern on the Green is nice to see, but taxi's will not pick you up at the Green. You will need to walk thru the park to get a cab. If you stay close on Fifth Avenue you can walk from Central Park to Rockefeller Center. Really a fun place at Holliday time.

 

Tavern on the Green is great for a Holiday dinner. Did that about three years ago for my birthday. Take a buggy ride through Central Park. A lot of shows were filmed in the park. Rockfeller Plaza great place to watch the skaters on the ice rink as you enjoy adult beverages. Neat place to walk through as well. If you are lucky, you may be able to pick up some show tickets...

 

Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty ferry is a must. Walk through Chinatown for some great prices for Mrs. Clyde and then walk back to Little Italy for some great Italian food. For some late night fun... go to Times Square and just watch the people. In the AM go back to Rockefeller Center and watch some of the News programs. Most do some bradcasting spots outside with the people. After that, you will be ready to come home to Kentucky!

Do not miss John's Pizzeria in the Theatre District. Featured as a "Top Ten" in the U.S.A. pizza place on the travel channel. Link: http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/index2.htm

 

Other cool places: Ruby Foo's (very New York) and the original Nathan's at Coney Island (believe it or not, the best clam chowder anywhere).

If you're into flea markets China town is a must.

I really enjoyed the time I went about five years ago. We walked everywhere, it seemed.

Clyde......If your headed up when I am you can watch Kentucky vs UCONN like me and wifes family are doing. Tough ticket to get, but were pretty excited about seeing the Cats play in Madison Square Garden that Wednesday Night.

Honestly out of all the things to do in NYC I liked Central Park, riding the subway and the YankeesS tadium tour. I would rather go to DC and view the museums, NYC is just too big and too expensive for me.