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Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013
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Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="1">Share your great vacation ideas with others. You never know what wonderful vacation locales the conversations will whisk you away to &mdash; or which duds they'll help you avoid.</font>
This will be my first trip to NYC.&nbsp; I'm staying in a Midtown (Manhatten) hotel near the Theatre District/Times Square.&nbsp; If you've been to NYC I'd love to hear from you.&nbsp; What was your o
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Forums » Travel » Destinations » Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

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Forums  »  Travel  »  Destinations  »  Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

posted at April 6, 2013 3:55 PM EDT
Posts: 3
First: September 6, 2012
Last: April 6, 2013
This will be my first trip to NYC.  I'm staying in a Midtown (Manhatten) hotel near the Theatre District/Times Square.  If you've been to NYC I'd love to hear from you. 

What was your overall experience?

What restaurants/cafes serve "comfort food."  Not interested in fusion or things I can't pronounce.  Just good American food.

What sights do you recommend as "must see?"

Do you think Midtown is the safest place in NYC?  If not, then where?

Thanks in advance for your reply,
Cathy

Re: Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

posted at April 26, 2013 11:37 AM EDT
Posts: 1
First: April 26, 2013
Last: April 26, 2013
In Response to Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013:
This will be my first trip to NYC.  I'm staying in a Midtown (Manhatten) hotel near the Theatre District/Times Square.  If you've been to NYC I'd love to hear from you.  What was your overall experience? What restaurants/cafes serve "comfort food."  Not interested in fusion or things I can't pronounce.  Just good American food. What sights do you recommend as "must see?" Do you think Midtown is the safest place in NYC?  If not, then where? Thanks in advance for your reply, Cathy
Posted by cathylynn

Dear Cathlynn,
I'm originally from the Midwest but have lived in the Virgin Islands, Minnesota, Providence RI and now NYC for 23 years. Yes, I'm pretty old.
For approx the past 10 years NYC has been known to be the safest city of the 20 largest cities in the US.  There used to be dangerous areas but for the past 10 years it is amazing safe most anywhere/everywhere.  
Crimes: There are 3 main crimes: 
1.  Drug gangs fighting other gangs for their territory.  There is suppoed to be a gang close to my home, but after living here for 10 years I have never seen anything/anyone that seemed dangerous.  
2.  Bank Robberies are fairly common, but unless you hang-out in banks or OWN a bank - do not worry.
3.  Cell Phone's stolen out of your hand.  If you are walking anywhere in the city, especially alone, mindlessly talking on the phone and not paying attention to your surroundings, it could happen.  It has not happened to me nor to anyone I know, but it seems to be rather commonly reported.
Restaurants:  There are far too many restaurants in NYC to advise of a few goods ones, as there are dozens within walking distance from where-ever you are.  Ask anyone where-ever you are and they'll give you their advice.  NYC has some of the friendliest and most helpful people anywhere....you will be most pleasantly surprised.   Of course, if you see someone that seems to be in a big rush, let them go.....NYC moves fast! 
Things to see and do: "Top of the Rock" on 50th Street, The HIGHLINE Park, approx 1 block east of the west-side highway and goes from about 10th Street to 30th - it is a beautiful restored raised railroad that's amazing to experience, Lincoln Center Area at Broadway & 62nd - 68th Street, Times Square which is where you are staying.
I am actually a NYC historian and tour guide so I have much experience with all of these things and I have listed my clients most favorite.

Re: Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

posted at April 26, 2013 11:41 AM EDT
Posts: 1
First: April 26, 2013
Last: April 26, 2013
I don't know if it is safer.  NYC is a huge city with none of it really safe, but Midtown Manhattan is safer than many poorer districts.  Always use precaution when in any area in NYC. We stayed in midtown Manhattan in April.  The hotels are more expensive, but it saves on transportation costs because you can walk most anywhere and find an interesting spot to shop or browse.  Our overall experience was great!  Just watch the cartoon characters in Times Square.  They may look harmless but if you take a picture with them, plan on paying for it in cash on the spot.  It's better to avoid them altogether.  the Hard Rock Cafe is a great place to eat.  They have good down home food with nothing fancy, but the place is somewhere that you will want to experience.  The memorabilia of the past and present music industry is huge and really interesting.  There may be a long line waiting to eat, but the wait goes fast. 

Re: Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

posted at April 26, 2013 11:55 AM EDT
Posts: 1
First: April 26, 2013
Last: April 26, 2013
In Response to Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013:
This will be my first trip to NYC.  I'm staying in a Midtown (Manhatten) hotel near the Theatre District/Times Square.  If you've been to NYC I'd love to hear from you.  What was your overall experience? What restaurants/cafes serve "comfort food."  Not interested in fusion or things I can't pronounce.  Just good American food. What sights do you recommend as "must see?" Do you think Midtown is the safest place in NYC?  If not, then where? Thanks in advance for your reply, Cathy
Posted by cathylynn


I have lived in Greenwich Village for 50 years.  raised my children here.  Walk as much as you can.  You will see everything as you walk.  But start your first day by taking one of the bus guided tours of the city.  Do it early the first morning.  It will mentions lots of sights so that even if you do not get back to them to enjoy them slowly you will have seen it.  These tours are well worth the money.  You get the layout of the city
Walk thru central Park
Visit Grand Central Station and take the free guided tour (check schedule on Internet) or free self guided tour
Visit the apple store in Grand central station.
Also on 42nd street is the main branch of the public library--they have great free tours also
Ellis Island and Stature of Library--don't bother wasting time climbing the statue, walk around outside and take a tour of Ellis Island.

Walk the Highline in the West village.
Splurge and get tickets for book of Morman but also go to the TKTS booth in Times square for cheap tickets--but don't waste your time if the line is hours long:  Splurge/treat yourself!!

Dont eat at chains:  red lobster, etc.  There are nice reasonsably priced restaurants on 8th and 9th ave in the forties and fifties.  Most have menus outside; be a little adventurous!  How different can chicken or steak be??

Finally walk on crowded streets; don't try toavoid people.  It's always safer if people are around you.  Look at your map ahead of time; plan your next stop. don't stop in the middle of everything like a lost scared person.  New Yorkers will be helpful (even when we don't know the right answer we hate not to try!)

NY is not the mall; dress a little nicer.  Shorts (unless you're a model or jogging in the park) are never appropriate in midtown.  Kakhis and izod type shirt (do you need a tee shirt that tells what beer you drink???) women slacks/shirt.  Think of the pictures!  comfortable shoes are a must.  Never hang your your purse on the back of your chair in a restaurant; it should rest between your legs or on your lap.

Have fun; there is no place better than NYC to enjoy life and living; it is never boring!!

Re: Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

posted at April 26, 2013 12:44 PM EDT
Posts: 21644
First: February 27, 2008
Last: May 1, 2013
In Response to Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013:
This will be my first trip to NYC.  I'm staying in a Midtown (Manhatten) hotel near the Theatre District/Times Square.  If you've been to NYC I'd love to hear from you.  What was your overall experience? What restaurants/cafes serve "comfort food."  Not interested in fusion or things I can't pronounce.  Just good American food. What sights do you recommend as "must see?" Do you think Midtown is the safest place in NYC?  If not, then where? Thanks in advance for your reply, Cathy
Posted by cathylynn


You are going to a great city.. I hope you have a wonderful trip!!
Midtown is safe..  traffic night and day and as safe as anywhere you can go.  Dont flash your cash, and take normal precautions and you will be fine. 
You are staying in a very central location:  Make sure you see Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue, St. Patrick's,  (you might take a hop on and hop off bus trip around the city.. the tickets are sold right in that area) The Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Grand Central Station, Macy's, Herald Square and those are just right in that area, don't forget the famous theaters in the area,..  and then depending on your time, you can see the further areas.  Not sure about comfort food.. but there are restaurants everywhere...  enjoy!!!

Re: Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

posted at April 26, 2013 1:05 PM EDT
Posts: 8
First: May 29, 2009
Last: April 26, 2013
In Response to Re: Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013:
I am surprised that the favorites were not mentioned...The Empire state building (go to the top..a great view and now particularly a view of the new World Trade Center. Also the Chyrsler building..the murals inside are great. If you are going to be there awhile Chinatown and little Italy are a must. For a treat ,and if you have time, ride the wooden escalators in Macys :). If you want to splurge a dinner at the Pen and Pencil (45th street)  or Palm Too..hopefully they are both still there (I worked in NYC for 20 years but retired in 2004 so who knows). The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station is great too. As someone here said there are so many places to eat it is not hard to find something you like.\\
As far as crime is concerned..I never had a problem and I worked late many a night. For women I do not advise a shoulder bag..I always wore a small purse around my waist (usually covered.out of sight out of mind). I even do that when I shop here in PA. Men should never put their wallets in their back pants pocket..an inside pocket of a jacket is best if possible.
Most of alll walk and enjoy the city..it is the greatest city in the world and the people are great

Re: Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

posted at April 26, 2013 1:24 PM EDT
Posts: 18
First: October 5, 2011
Last: April 30, 2013
My advice is to stay home.

Great Places to visit in Manhatten - you won't find in many guide books

posted at April 26, 2013 4:29 PM EDT
Posts: 1
First: April 26, 2013
Last: April 26, 2013
I grew up in New York City.  I suggest a leisurely walk on Madison Avenue between 90  Street and 45 Street.  You will find quaint, interesting shops specializing in products from various corners of the world, counties of Ireland, provinces of France,Swedish towns etc. etc.  You will span the Globe each with specialized products and food.  You don't have to buy anything, but look and be tempted.  I have never seen this in any guide book, but I visit and walk every chance I get when I visit.  I also suggect walking thru Greenwich Village.  To me it is awesome to visit Broad and Wall Streets and then walk one block to Broadway to see Trinity Church cemetery.  Alexander Hamilton, Gallatin. Fulton are there surrounded by the hustle and tall buildings of the Financial District of the World. A 25cents trip on the Staten Island Ferry From the Battery at the bottom of Manhattan will take you right thru the magnificent harbor to Staten Island(actually part of the City) and Back.  You can walk to the Battery from Wall Street and Trinity  south on Broadway.  Good luck and enjoy.  ogee

Re: Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

posted at April 26, 2013 10:29 PM EDT
Posts: 1
First: April 26, 2013
Last: April 26, 2013
Take the ferry around Mahatten Island and definitely the city bus tours.  Even the street food and the convenience store restaurants are good for breakfast, lunch or snack.  Check Central Park and the train station.  I agree with previous recommendations.  Walk a lot. 

Re: Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013

posted at April 27, 2013 10:29 AM EDT
Posts: 1
First: April 27, 2013
Last: April 27, 2013

Great place to visit.  We lived there for 2 and 1/2 years and loved it.  Safe with normal precautions...out walking late at night alone etc.  No one mentioned the Brooklyn Bridge, walking on the Hudson, MOMA...I recommend taking the Staton Island Ferry free over and back from Battery Park for a great view of the Statue of Liberty (sunset) on the west side of the ferry for the best view).  I don't know what you like to do...but I enjoyed going to plays (go for the lottery for cheap tickets, best day Wednesday matinees, check online to see which theatres are offering the lotteries), riding the subway or bus is the best way to get around when you get tired.  I liked buses because I could see everything that way.If you have time check out what is playing at the local music clubs...I wish I had done more of that. 
Comfort food - for a  great burger go to the Burger Joint at le Parker Meridian, Rosa Mexicana across from Lincoln Center (eat outside), Amys Bread on 9th (great for sandwiches), Le Pain Quotidien, Virgils BBQ (near times square), The Nook on 9th for dinner (make reservations, very small and bring your own wine), Gabriels on 60th across from Oriental Hotel, and in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle; Buchon Bakery, one of Thomas Kellers (California "French Laundry fame) restaurants.  I could go on and on; NYC is wonderful.  Have fun!  **my favorites in bold

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Forums » Travel » Destinations » Going to NYC May 1-8, 2013