Nyc Hols

[geo99]

Hi one and all,

First off, I've been reading the posts on the site for a while now and it's a crackin place.

I'm a first time poster so please be gentle! haha

My girlfriend and I are travelling to NYC for a 4 day holiday form the UK on the 14th of Feb.

I’ve a few questions that I hope you can help me with to help make my stay all the more better.

First off, we’re staying at the Millennium Hilton which I believe is on Church Street in the financial area. Can any one recommend any decent restaurants in the area?

Next up, Taxis!!! I don’t want to get ripped off so is there a general rate or flat rate for travelling around Manhattan? Say from my hotel to Central park???

Shopping??? The big question which I’m sure many of you are sick of answering! Haha I don’t really want side walk stuff – Beads, jewellery that sort. Just the usual, Jeans shirts shoes boots? But where????

I heard (correct me if I’m wrong here) Convent gardens is the spot to go for shopping but how do you get there????

I also want to do a bit of the touristy thing, you know, the Statue of Liberty. How do I go about booking that? I would mind any other suggestions.

Once more thank you for reading and hopefully answering my silly questions.

Cheers

Geo99

[brianac]

TAXI FARES. Plus all other NYC Taxi information.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/taxicab_rate.shtml


Use the subway. All fares are $2.00.

[brianac]

NYC TOURS.

Water Tours. Statue of Liberty etc.

Bus Tours.

Helicopter Tours.

http://www.allnewyorktours.com/

[Laura KC]

Hi Geo99! Have a lovely time in New York. We live down in the financial center, not far from your hotel. Unfortunately, I haven't found a very romantic restaurant in the area yet, so if you find one let me know! ;)

The South Street Seaport is a 10-15 minute walk east of your hotel, and there are good restaurants and shops there. Also, Century 21 is a discount department store next to your hotel that people seem to love (although I don't quite see the allure).

At night, you should walk south to Battery Park for a lovely view of the statue of liberty at night, then you can walk back up the promenade along the Hudson River to the marina at the World Financial Center (which unfortunately won't have any boats really, but is just west of your hotel).

Taxicabs are metered so you won't get ripped off. Make sure to tip; I would say at least 10% if not 15%. Your hotel to Central Park will be about $20 with tip, maybe a dollar or two less. But the subway is very handy from downtown so I would think about using that while you're here. You can purchase subway cards in the station and your hotel should be able to give you a subway map.

Have a wonderful trip and a happy Valentine's Day!

[BrooklynRider]

First off, we’re staying at the Millennium Hilton which I believe is on Church Street in the financial area. Can any one recommend any decent restaurants in the area?

You looking for cheap eats or just good restaurants?


Next up, Taxis!!! I don’t want to get ripped off so is there a general rate or flat rate for travelling around Manhattan? Say from my hotel to Central park???

We have metered cabs here, so you'll be able to see exactly how much it is. The meter is lit in red and it is on the dashboard. Evening fares add an extra 50 cents. A good part of the cab fleet also accept credit cards now and have GPS to see where you are and where you are headed. Tip 10% if the driver was good.


Shopping??? The big question which I’m sure many of you are sick of answering! Haha I don’t really want side walk stuff – Beads, jewellery that sort. Just the usual, Jeans shirts shoes boots? But where????

Century 21 is right across the street from your hotel. They have a wide selection top notch clothes at bargain prices. If you LIKE to shop, this is very fun. It can get crazy there. The shoe department is one of the best with great brands.


I heard (correct me if I’m wrong here) Convent gardens is the spot to go for shopping but how do you get there????

Not sure what you're talking about here. Fifth Ave north of 42nd is decent shopping as is 57th Streeteast of Fifth. Madison north of 57th is a healthy strip as well. Ultimately, you'll probably find the shopping scene in SOHO most fun. Head up to Broadway and Spring Street. Shop everywhere.


I also want to do a bit of the touristy thing, you know, the Statue of Liberty. How do I go about booking that? I would mind any other suggestions.

If you are going to the Statue of Liberty (recommended), get there early. Buy tickets on this site:

http://www.statueoflibertyferry.com/sol_ellis.html

Skip going to the top of the Empire State Building and go to Top of The Rock. Here you can pick your time and tickets are timed. There's no lines as there are at Empire State Building, plus you'll get great photos of the Empire State Building.

http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/splash.aspx

If you can only do ONE touristy thing, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. If you can walk in the day, great. If you can do it once at day and once at night, you won't regret the two very different views.

[BrooklynRider]

For great seafood, go to "FRESH" on Reade Street in Tribeca. Your concierge can direct you (it's a very short walk from your hotel.) http://www.freshrestaurantnyc.com/

For something a bit more historic, go to Delmonico's. The placed is steeped in NYC history and culinary history. http://www.delmonicosny.com/dels.asp

[geo99]

Whoooaaa

Guys, some fantastic feedback. Thank you very much!

I suppose the fact that we're only there for 4/5 days we'll want to cram in as much as possible but it's always good to hear it from the people in the know (thats you guys) so again thank you all for your advice and feedback!!!

PS - I've been hearing about Woodbury Common for shopping! Any info?

[Alonzo-ny]

It sounds like whoever is giving you shopping advice thinks you are going to London.