New York is my eldest daughter's favourite place in the world. The city is always bustling, and when you get used to the constant sound of car horns tooting and emergency vehicle sirens going off somewhere nearby 24/7 hopefully you will fall in love with this city too.
As I started to write down what I know about NYC it became evident that it would be too laborsome for one blog but I feel like for those headed to NYC it is all relevant, so I am going to split NYC.
Tax
New York's State tax is: 4%
Time from airport to City Centre: There are 3 airports that you can fly into in New York
JFK- 50 minutes
La Guardia- 1 hour
Newark- 30-45 minutes
Transfers from airport:
The following transfer amounts are a guide to how much it should cost you for transfers. Make sure that you tip the driver on top of the fare.
JFK- city:$52 flat rate + tolls and possibly a rush surcharge of $4.50. On top of this rate, you would be expected to pay a tip. See blog on tipping
La Guardia- city: This is a metred fare and will cost between $40-$60 depending on where you are going to in Manhattan. The official NYC taxi and Limousine commission website states that there is no charge for extra passengers and bags.
Newark- city: This is a metred fare and will cost between $50-$70 depending on where you are going to in Manhattan. The official NYC taxi and Limousine commission website states that there is no charge for extra passengers and bags. Tolls are also added and a $17.50 Newark surcharge.
Transport:
There are 3 main forms of transport you will use around the city:
1.The world-famous yellow taxis.
Taxis are relatively easy to hail. Just stand on the curb or just on the very edge of the road and put your arm out. Make sure you only catch a yellow taxi. There are some taxis that are not legally licensed, but all yellow, labeled taxis are safe to ride in.
2. The subway
The subway is a great way to travel through NYC. You can get through the city a lot faster than up on the street level with traffic, one-way streets and lights.
Fare: $2.75 but with the new Metrocard system, it is $1 for each new card you get a fare on. I find the best value for our needs seems to be getting a Metro card at a Merchant
If you ride the subway and/or local buses:
If you buy a $9.91 Metro Card ($11 value) you get 4 rides.
If you buy a $19.82 Metro Card ($22 value) you get 8 rides.
If you buy a $39.64 Metro Card ($44 value) you get 16 rides.
If you buy a $9.91 Metro Card ($11 value) you get 4 rides.
If you buy a $19.82 Metro Card ($22 value) you get 8 rides.
If you buy a $39.64 Metro Card ($44 value) you get 16 rides.
Cheaper than at ticket machines and save $1 new card fee
To find out where the nearest Merchant is from your hotel, type your hotel address in here
The Travel Concierge tip:
-I always pre-plan my excursions by looking up the trip planner. This enables you to say where you are travelling from and to and gives you the correct subway route to take. It is found here
-Not sure which is the entrance to a subway station? Look for the green light.
3. Buses.
Buses are a safe way to travel during the day and at night as long as you are in popular areas.
Fare: $2.75. See above re Metro cards.
The Travel Concierge tip
· Children under 44 inches (111cm) are free on buses and the subway. They do not offer this information freely.
Baby Sitters Guild
Baby-sitting website here
Licensed & Bonded childcare
(212) 682 0227 M-Su 9-9
Streets in New York
It can be very confusing to look at a New York address and make sense of it.
E.g. the Empire State Building has the address 350 5th Ave. at 34th St.
It is easily explained by realizing that New York roads are in a big grid formation. The lines from top to bottom are Avenues and the lines going left to right are Streets. New York gives you the address based on which St. or Ave. the ‘front’ door is facing and then the nearest cross St./Ave.
So if we use The Empire State building again, it is on 5th Ave. at No. 350. 5th Ave. is a very long Ave., so to help you pinpoint it, they tell you the nearest cross street, which is 34th St.
If you find an address with no street no., that means it is on the corner of the two Sts./Aves.
E.g. 17th St. and 5th Ave. Is on the corner of those two points.
I know you are probably thinking that it is all really easy now, well while you are in that frame of mind, the streets are either west, (running from the left of the grid to the middle) or east (running from the middle of the grid to the right.). Take a quick look at the map of New York and you’ll understand.
I am dividing the attractions into the hand drawn map I have created. This is a very basic map that I take with me and give to people. You can print it off and then add places you go or want to go to make it more personal to your interests. Obviously, it is not to scale.
Uptown
Central Park
Where: Central Park is located at 59th -110th Sts
The carriage rides start and end from 59th St.
How to get there: Catch the subway to Columbus Circle and then walk towards 6th St. (Avenue of the Americas)
Cost: The park is free to enter.
The Travel Concierge Fact: Some famous films have been shot in Central Park including Elf, Enchanted, Men In Black 3, The Avengers, One Fine Day, When In Rome and Home Alone 2.
Bike Riding in Central Park: Bike riding in Central Park is so much fun. What isn't fun is trying to rent them.This can become a nightmare trying to get bikes as a number of groups will be standing at entrances to Central Park giving you amazing costs for bike rental. When you agree you then realise the pick up point is a long hike away and the rental time starts when you pick them up. The 2 that we have found are easiest and best are Central Park Bike Rental. They are at 117 W 58th St. Their website is here. They are only 1 block from the park.
Playgrounds for kids: Whenever we have travelled to New York with children our first full day in town we head up to Central Park and let them play at Hecksher Park which is easily accessible from the 59th st entrances off Center Drive. They love to let off steam and this is one of those "feel like a local' moments. A map of Playgrounds in Central Park
The Travel Concierge Tip: In warmer weather dress your kids with swimming cossies underneath and bring a towel. They have water fountains to cool the children off and you KNOW your kids will want in on that!
Carriage Rides: The carriage ride prices are negotiable, but around $60 for a carriage to take you around a section of the park for about 20 minutes. You can just turn up on the day. They might be busy when you turn up, but we have always just walked up. You could always explore the park and come back.
Walking through Central Park: Below is a list of highlights through the park and where they are in relation to the streets along the edge of Central Park.
The Travel Concierge tip: The lamp posts throughout Central Park give directions. The first 2 numbers show the nearest cross street and the 2nd 2 numbers say how many lamp posts you are away from either 5th Avenue (east) or Central Park west (west) . e.g. E7803 is east near 78th street. It is 3 lamp posts from 5th Ave.
64th Street Traverse -The Carousel. It is located mid-park. The ride is $3. (cash only) April to October it operates 10-6. November to March it operates shorter hours. Also here is the Wollman Rink.
72nd St Traverse- Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, Hans Christian Andersen statue, Alice in Wonderland statue, Bow Bridge, Mother Goose statue, Balto statue, The Mall, Boathouse and row boats. Row boats are $15 per hour (cash only) with a $20 deposit.
The Travel Concierge tip: The Loeb Boathouse can be an expensive meal that not everyone can afford and with children, not an option. There is a takeaway section that has some really good choice meals. Pull up a patch of grass under the trees. You can chill while the kids run around you.
79th St Traverse- Belvedere Castle, Turtle Pond, The Shakespeare Gardens, Charles B Stover bench, Swedish Cottage
The Travel Concierge Fact: The Charles B Stover bench is similar to the Grand Central Station Whispering Wall. If a person sits on each end and one whispers into the corner it will acoustically travel clearly to the person on the other end.
81st St Traverse- Metro Museum, Obelisk
The Travel Concierge tip:
-While the suggested admission(donation) cost to get into the Met museum is $25A $17 seniors and $12 students, they will accept any amount you are ok to pay. If you are on an overseas trip costing you tens of thousands of $ and all you can afford to pay within your budget is $20 for your family, they will let you in.
-Make the most of your limited time in the MET and look at a map of the museum and prioritise what exhibits and gallery areas you want to see first. MET museum website
85th St Traverse- The Shuman Running Track and Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
Attractions above Central Park
New York Yankees Coliseum and Yankees Games
NY Yankees Coliseum is at the 161st Yankees Stadium Station.
If you are going for a game, my best advice would be to follow the Yankees fans! There is a constant stream of them for hours before a game. To find out how to get from where you are in NYC to the Yankees 161 St station look here.
If you are going just to look at the famous Coliseum or to dine at the Yankees Hard Rock Cafe, here are a few basic directions to get from the station to the Coliseum. The train line in this area is above ground and raised on a 'bridge' section. It runs directly next to the Coliseum. Come out of the station and get your bearings. The Coliseum is on the corner of River Rd. and 161st St. Opposite it is a McDonalds. Jump on Google street maps and type in 161st St. station and 'drag the yellow man there to the corner" once you see it you will see how easy it is to find.
This is an area where you don't necessarily want to look like you don't know where you are going. Look to know straight away which direction to head and you will be set. If travelling here outside of a Yankees game, I would suggest going during the day rather than at night.
Going to a Game
We went to a Yankees Vs Boston Red Socks at home.This was such a great time for our family. We went with friends that had a little girl who was 3 and we had an 11-year-old and 16-year-old girl as well as our adult son.We bought tickets (online) that were at the front of a section so that she could run back and forth between us without disturbing anyone else. The things that surprised me about the game...
1. The food outlets were amazing. Not your usual Australian chips/pie/hot dog. Yes, they did have hot dogs and 'fries' but they had a wide variety of different cuisines including chain restaurants.
2. The crowd entertainment- It was more like a tennis match than a football match. As soon as the pitcher is ready to pitch there is TOTAL silence. No one calls out, no chanting or horns being blown.
3. It was really fun!- We had been told by a LOT of people that we would probably just go for an hour or so then be bored and leave. It was the opposite. We stayed to the very end. We had people around us laughing and videoing us because we were up doing the YMCA and doing the Mexican wave and being typical Aussies.
We did make sure that as soon as the game was finishing (Yankees win) we got out to avoid the big crowds. The atmosphere on the way home was really fun.
The Travel Concierge Tip:
-Don't bring a video camera or you will be refused entry. On a previous trip, we turned up ready to just buy tickets on the day. As we lined up to go through security, they stopped us with our family video camera. They said we could walk a number of blocks away to rent a locker in a bowling alley...we declined. Apparently you can video to your hearts content on your phone, though.
- Want to experience the feel of a game but can't get to one? When we couldn't go in, we went to the Hard Rock cafe that is part of the Coliseum (on the outside) and watched the game on the many screens. There is an area that fans at the game can enter into the HRC, so every time they did we hear the action coming in live. It was a good alternative.
Levaine Bakery
164 W 74th St.
Famous for: World famous cookies. Go for a walk through Central Park to the bakery and this will justify you trying 2! Their website and menu are here.
Dakota Apartment
1 W72nd St.
Famous for: being the home of John Lennon and Yoko and the place where John Lennon was murdered by Mark Chapman at the 72nd St. entrance. Look out for the gas lamps at the entrances. The Dakota apartments are located walking distance from Strawberry fields.
The Travel Concierge fact: If you look in through the gates you will see it is a very large area. This was to allow the original residents (built in 1884) access to bring their horse and carriages right through the entrance.
The Travel Concierge tip: When travelling around looking at apartments, a great way to see how big one person's apartment might be within a building is to look at the window coverings. When you start doing that you can clearly see where one apartment starts and ends. Lives of the rich and famous!
NY Yankees Coliseum is at the 161st Yankees Stadium Station.
If you are going for a game, my best advice would be to follow the Yankees fans! There is a constant stream of them for hours before a game. To find out how to get from where you are in NYC to the Yankees 161 St station look here.
If you are going just to look at the famous Coliseum or to dine at the Yankees Hard Rock Cafe, here are a few basic directions to get from the station to the Coliseum. The train line in this area is above ground and raised on a 'bridge' section. It runs directly next to the Coliseum. Come out of the station and get your bearings. The Coliseum is on the corner of River Rd. and 161st St. Opposite it is a McDonalds. Jump on Google street maps and type in 161st St. station and 'drag the yellow man there to the corner" once you see it you will see how easy it is to find.
This is an area where you don't necessarily want to look like you don't know where you are going. Look to know straight away which direction to head and you will be set. If travelling here outside of a Yankees game, I would suggest going during the day rather than at night.
Going to a Game
We went to a Yankees Vs Boston Red Socks at home.This was such a great time for our family. We went with friends that had a little girl who was 3 and we had an 11-year-old and 16-year-old girl as well as our adult son.We bought tickets (online) that were at the front of a section so that she could run back and forth between us without disturbing anyone else. The things that surprised me about the game...
1. The food outlets were amazing. Not your usual Australian chips/pie/hot dog. Yes, they did have hot dogs and 'fries' but they had a wide variety of different cuisines including chain restaurants.
2. The crowd entertainment- It was more like a tennis match than a football match. As soon as the pitcher is ready to pitch there is TOTAL silence. No one calls out, no chanting or horns being blown.
3. It was really fun!- We had been told by a LOT of people that we would probably just go for an hour or so then be bored and leave. It was the opposite. We stayed to the very end. We had people around us laughing and videoing us because we were up doing the YMCA and doing the Mexican wave and being typical Aussies.
We did make sure that as soon as the game was finishing (Yankees win) we got out to avoid the big crowds. The atmosphere on the way home was really fun.
The Travel Concierge Tip:
-Don't bring a video camera or you will be refused entry. On a previous trip, we turned up ready to just buy tickets on the day. As we lined up to go through security, they stopped us with our family video camera. They said we could walk a number of blocks away to rent a locker in a bowling alley...we declined. Apparently you can video to your hearts content on your phone, though.
- Want to experience the feel of a game but can't get to one? When we couldn't go in, we went to the Hard Rock cafe that is part of the Coliseum (on the outside) and watched the game on the many screens. There is an area that fans at the game can enter into the HRC, so every time they did we hear the action coming in live. It was a good alternative.
Levaine Bakery
164 W 74th St.
Famous for: World famous cookies. Go for a walk through Central Park to the bakery and this will justify you trying 2! Their website and menu are here.
Dakota Apartment
1 W72nd St.
Famous for: being the home of John Lennon and Yoko and the place where John Lennon was murdered by Mark Chapman at the 72nd St. entrance. Look out for the gas lamps at the entrances. The Dakota apartments are located walking distance from Strawberry fields.
The Travel Concierge fact: If you look in through the gates you will see it is a very large area. This was to allow the original residents (built in 1884) access to bring their horse and carriages right through the entrance.
The Travel Concierge tip: When travelling around looking at apartments, a great way to see how big one person's apartment might be within a building is to look at the window coverings. When you start doing that you can clearly see where one apartment starts and ends. Lives of the rich and famous!
Serendipity Cafe 3
225 E 60th St btwn. 2nd and 3rd Ave
Famous for: Frozen Hot Chocolate, for being in the film also named "Serendipity".
If you are coming to NYC you must watch Serendipity which features this restaurant in it. A celebrity favourite. Be aware there is a minimum order for a table. Serendipity 3 Menu
Roosevelt Island Tramway
2nd Ave. and 59/ 60th
Famous for: The film "King Kong."
Times Warner Building
10 Columbus Circle
Famous for: Beyonce living here, famous NYC icon
Section 52nd St to 59th St (Central Park)
Find my hand drawn map here
The Plaza Hotel
768 5th Ave. (and Central Park S)
Famous for: "Home Alone 2", "Eloise" children's books and film series, The Palm Court high tea.
I will complete a blog on the Palm Court high tea and update here when it is done.
Carnegie Hall
881 7th Ave. between 56th and 57th St.
Famous for: world famous concerts, featuring in the original "Annie" film.
Russian Tea Room
150 W 57th St
Famous for: high tea
Tiffany and Co.
727 5th Ave.
Famous for: their jewellery and 'that' famous scene in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's"
Trump Tower
725 5th Ave.
Famous for: Owned by Donald Trump,the atrium in the foyer with a 60ft waterfall.
Donnel Library
20 W 53rd St (off 5th Avenue)
Famous for: the exhibit in the upstairs children's section of the public library where the original Pooh Bear and Friends are. These were owned by AA Milne's son. Be sure to sign the guestbook and look further around the corner to see other famous memorabilia.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-The gift store on the ground floor sells postcard souvenirs of the display that will most probably be a whole lot better than your photos.
-These make great gifts for teachers and Pooh Bear fans back home.
Carnegie Deli
854 7th Ave
Famous for: Celebrity dining, Carnegie Deli Reubens, Carnegie Deli NY Cheesecake.
Be aware there is a sharing fee of $3 for sandwiches. Worth paying, one person would struggle to finish these mammoth sandwiches. Menu here
FAO Schwarz toy store- The iconic Flagship store closed its doors on July 15th, 2015. There are rumours they may move to another location. I will update if I hear anything. This store will be sadly missed!
Patzeria Family + Friends
311 W 48th St. (between 8th and 8th St.)
Famous for: This is my vote for the BEST pizza in NYC and beyond. Great family style meals. Don't order the large pizza. Small is double the size of an Australian Large Pizza. Enjoy!
Fire House Engine 54 Ladder 4
782 8th Ave. at W48th St.
Famous for: the bronze plaque on the wall and on the Firehouse door there is a remembrance to the firefighters lost during the efforts of 9/11.
Find my hand drawn map of this section here.
FAO Schwarz toy store- The iconic Flagship store closed its doors on July 15th, 2015. There are rumours they may move to another location. I will update if I hear anything. This store will be sadly missed!
45th St to 51st St Dining and Shops
Phantom of Broadway
1657 Broadway at W51st St.
This is one of many gift shops in NY but I have always found it to be well stocked and near where I stay.
Ellen's Stardust Cafe
1650 Broadway at 51st St.
Famous for: the subway car entrance and the singing waitresses that frequently end up in roles on Broadway. It is a 50's style diner. It is a real blast to eat food while you are listening to awesome singers. Be aware they will expect an entertainment tip but it is so worth it!
Ellen's Stardust Cafe website is here
Majestic Deli
200 W 50th St. (off 7th Ave.)
Famous for: Amazing sandwiches and salads.
Magnolia Bakery:
1240 Avenue of the Americas (near 49th ST. )
Famous for: These are the famous cupcakes from the NYC favourite women of Sex in The City. The brownies are pretty amazing too according to my daughter...I can't see my way past the cupcakes so can't guarantee this! HA
Food Emporium
810 8th Ave. at 49th St.
Open 7am - Midnight
This is a great grocery store to get all your food needs. They also have pre-made meals you can buy on the street level. Downstairs is a grocery store. Food Emporium has a number of locations around NYC.
The Travel Concierge Tip: This location is down a block from Broadway. We have shopped here late at night, but it is very quiet down this end, so for safety sake stick in groups or maybe shop during the day
Playwright Tavern Restaurant
202 W49th St. Between Broadway and 7th Ave.
Famous for: Irish-American cuisine. Check out their menu here.
NY Yankees Clubhouse Team Shop
745 7th Ave. (at 49th St.)
Famous for: official NY Yankees merchandise. This is the place to get your official NY Yankees merchandise. If you are going to a Yankees game, need a present for someone or just want to be like the locals, go straight here. We always find their items great quality that last for ages in comparison to no name replicas. There are a number of these stores throughout NYC. I will mention them in each section.
Food Emporium
810 8th Ave. at 49th St.
Open 7am - Midnight
This is a great grocery store to get all your food needs. They also have pre-made meals you can buy on the street level. Downstairs is a grocery store. Food Emporium has a number of locations around NYC.
The Travel Concierge Tip: This location is down a block from Broadway. We have shopped here late at night, but it is very quiet down this end, so for safety sake stick in groups or maybe shop during the day
Playwright Tavern Restaurant
202 W49th St. Between Broadway and 7th Ave.
Famous for: Irish-American cuisine. Check out their menu here.
American Girl
609 5th Ave. at 49th St.
Famous for: amazing dolls that look like your child. They also have dolls from different decades and historical periods. If you have an avid doll collector in your house, you must visit here! Have your cash handy.
Travel Concierge Tip: You can book to have a meal with your child and they have doll carriers that hook your doll onto the table. If you don't have a doll, you can borrow one for the meal.
I will do a separate blog on dining at American Girl and update here when it is done.
I will do a separate blog on dining at American Girl and update here when it is done.
NY Yankees Clubhouse Team Shop
745 7th Ave. (at 49th St.)
Famous for: official NY Yankees merchandise. This is the place to get your official NY Yankees merchandise. If you are going to a Yankees game, need a present for someone or just want to be like the locals, go straight here. We always find their items great quality that last for ages in comparison to no name replicas. There are a number of these stores throughout NYC. I will mention them in each section.
M+M World
1600 Broadway at 48th St.
Famous for: The large M+M light in Times Square. I know 2 girls (might be my daughters) who were staying in one of the penthouses of the residential apartments at 1600 Broadway who went down to the M+ M store late at night in their P.J's. Could not believe people's reaction seeing them. Classic!
Hershey
1593 Broadway at 48th St (opp. M+M)
Famous for: The large 'Kisses' chocolates out front on the roof. Oh and Hershey chocolate.Patzeria Family + Friends
311 W 48th St. (between 8th and 8th St.)
Famous for: This is my vote for the BEST pizza in NYC and beyond. Great family style meals. Don't order the large pizza. Small is double the size of an Australian Large Pizza. Enjoy!
Fire House Engine 54 Ladder 4
782 8th Ave. at W48th St.
Famous for: the bronze plaque on the wall and on the Firehouse door there is a remembrance to the firefighters lost during the efforts of 9/11.
World Of Disney
1540 Broadway (between 46th and 47th St.)
Famous for: levels of Disney goodness
Olive Garden Restaurant
2 Times Square (near 47th and Broadway)
Famous for: reasonably priced Italian cuisine. Go early and ask for a table with an awesome view of Times Square. Menu is here
Roxy Deli
1565 Broadway (near 47th)
Famous for: Canoli...need I say more! They are a deli, but I just love the cannoli. Their menu is here
Restaurant Row
W46th St. West of 8th Ave.
Famous for: A number of awesome 'hole in the wall restaurants'
Barnes and Noble
555 5th Ave. near 46th St.
Famous for: great books in a relaxed store. We have spent many hours in a Barnes and Noble store over the years reading, browsing and chilling with a cuppa from the cafe.
The Travel Concierge tip: You can get Teacher's discount (if you are one) I just organised a letter from my Principal to state that I was approved to buy books for my school as an educator. I recently had a fellow teacher try it and wasn't successful but give it a go. Worth a try.
Planet Hollywood
1540 Broadway (entrance used to be on Broadway, now on W45th)
Famous for: Movie Memorabilia, music, and simple food. Menu is here
Carmine's
200 W 44th St. between 7th and 8th Ave.
Famous for: their family style food. Here you don't order for each person, you order for your table and all share. The waiters are great at helping you work out how much and what to order. Their yummy menu is here.
Carmine's
200 W 44th St. between 7th and 8th Ave.
Famous for: their family style food. Here you don't order for each person, you order for your table and all share. The waiters are great at helping you work out how much and what to order. Their yummy menu is here.
Toys R Us- and its famous 60 ft Ferris wheel closed its doors at the end of 2015.
45th St to 51st St. Attractions
The Rockefeller Centre
What: A square of buildings with the famous outdoor ice-rink at its centre. The ice-rink
operates from October through to April. For the rest of the year, it is an open-air café.
Look out for the beautiful gold statue above the rink. At Christmas time, there is an
enormous live Christmas tree erected as well as beautiful see through angels.
Where: 47th -52nd Sts at 5th and 6th Ave.
How to get there: Catch the subway to 47-50 Sts. Rockefeller Centre.
Cost: FREE
Top of The Rock Observatory
What: An observation deck that gives panoramic views of the NY skyline from W 49th Street perspective.
Where: The entrance is on 50th St between 5th and 6th St.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-We always look at when sunset is and go up about 30- 1 hr before sunset and stay up there during and after sunset to get a fantastic view and an amazing variety of photos.
-Compare the price on the official website and then google "Discount code for Top of The Rock" I have bought tickets for half price doing this.
How to get there: Catch the subway to 47-50 Sts. Rockefeller Centre.
Cost: For current prices go here
The Travel Concierge tip:
-We always look at when sunset is and go up about 30- 1 hr before sunset and stay up there during and after sunset to get a fantastic view and an amazing variety of photos.
-Compare the price on the official website and then google "Discount code for Top of The Rock" I have bought tickets for half price doing this.
Radio City Music Hall
What: The famous home of The Rockettes. You can visit the store out the front and buy Rockettes merchandise. You can also go on a tour behind the scenes of this great Art Deco theatre and meet a Rockette.
Where: 1260 6th Ave. at 49th St.
How to get there: It is an easy walk from The Rockefeller Centre (above). Just get onto 6th Ave. and walk to 49th St. you can’t miss it.
The Travel Concierge tip: You can get $3 off the Stage Door tour if you have a AAA card.
The Travel Concierge tip: You can get $3 off the Stage Door tour if you have a AAA card.
I will do a separate blog on the tour and update here when I do.
Gray Line New York
777 8th Ave. (between 47th and 48th St)
777 8th Ave. (between 47th and 48th St)
Famous for: Double decker red bus tours. There are other bus tours but I just trust the Gray Line name and usually end up going on tours with them in any new city I visit to get a great all round glimpse of the city while relaxing in a seat. They have 3 main tours that I think are good.
Uptown Loop- The details of where this tour goes and cost are found here.
Downtown Loop- The details of where this tour goes and cost are found here
Night Tour- The details of where this tour goes and costs are found here
If you haven't been to New York before, jump on the bus and if time permits in your itinerary, at least do the Uptown full loop. This will get you to most of the main attractions Uptown. You can then stay on and go around again to jump on and off at the attractions you really want to see first hand.
Gray Line also sell a number of other attraction passes and combo passes.
The Travel Concierge tip:
- Look at the combo passes if you want to do more than one tour.
- Even if it is the middle of summer, take jackets and possibly even a blanket for children when doing the night tour if you are on the top deck. It can get really windy up there.
-If your child falls asleep on the bus, just stay on and enjoy the scenery and tour guide and let them have a solid sleep.
Uptown Loop- The details of where this tour goes and cost are found here.
Downtown Loop- The details of where this tour goes and cost are found here
Night Tour- The details of where this tour goes and costs are found here
If you haven't been to New York before, jump on the bus and if time permits in your itinerary, at least do the Uptown full loop. This will get you to most of the main attractions Uptown. You can then stay on and go around again to jump on and off at the attractions you really want to see first hand.
Gray Line also sell a number of other attraction passes and combo passes.
The Travel Concierge tip:
- Look at the combo passes if you want to do more than one tour.
- Even if it is the middle of summer, take jackets and possibly even a blanket for children when doing the night tour if you are on the top deck. It can get really windy up there.
-If your child falls asleep on the bus, just stay on and enjoy the scenery and tour guide and let them have a solid sleep.
Times Square
What: The Theatre district of New York. It is well worth visiting at daytime and nighttime. At nighttime, the huge billboards light up the area. It looks fantastic. Be prepared for crowds. New York locals tend to treat Times Square like the plague- except on New Year's Eve, so you are bustling shoulder to shoulder with tourists 24/7.
Where: Broadway-Seventh Ave.
How to get there: Catch the subway to 42nd St. (Broadway) Times Square station
Cost: FREE
Times Square and children/ a stroller
New york is very crowded, and people are happy to bustle together down streets shoulder to shoulder. Times Square is even busier. Over the years, I have pushed children in a stroller and had them as children walking next to me. It is very crowded, so just be confident and pre-think where you are headed to be on that side. You cannot just spur of the moment decide to go left or right, as the crowd will be too hard to maneuver in. I stick to the shop side and turn quick. It is manageable, don't stress about it, just think about where you are going. I always trained my children from as young as 2y.o. to hold my hand and not let go. If you have a child that is likely to see something and bolt to it, consider having something to secure yourself to them, even if it is one of those child harnesses. My children always knew that they had to be holding one of our hands at all times and stick to us.
TKTS- Times Square Flagship Store.
(there are other locations at South St. Seaport and in Brooklyn.)
Times Square and children/ a stroller
New york is very crowded, and people are happy to bustle together down streets shoulder to shoulder. Times Square is even busier. Over the years, I have pushed children in a stroller and had them as children walking next to me. It is very crowded, so just be confident and pre-think where you are headed to be on that side. You cannot just spur of the moment decide to go left or right, as the crowd will be too hard to maneuver in. I stick to the shop side and turn quick. It is manageable, don't stress about it, just think about where you are going. I always trained my children from as young as 2y.o. to hold my hand and not let go. If you have a child that is likely to see something and bolt to it, consider having something to secure yourself to them, even if it is one of those child harnesses. My children always knew that they had to be holding one of our hands at all times and stick to us.
TKTS- Times Square Flagship Store.
(there are other locations at South St. Seaport and in Brooklyn.)
What: You can line up at the TKTS booth for same-day theatre tickets at 20-50% off. There is a maximum of 6 tickets per person. Matinee performance tickets go on sale from 10a.m.-2p.m
Evening performances go on sale from 3p.m.-8p.m (From 2pm Tuesday) In the past, you had to keep walking up to gauge what was available that day. Now you can either look online or get the TKTS app. The Live feed via the website is found here.
Where: At Duffy Square in Times Square at 47th St. and Broadway under and behind the red staircase/seating area.
How to get there: Catch the subway to 42nd St. (Broadway) Times Square Station.
The Travel Concierge tip:
- If you are going to be seeing more than 1 show while in New York, keep your TKTS ticket stub and if you go back within 7 days, you can go straight to the Fastpass ticket window (1) and avoid the long lines.
-If you are seeing a play (not a musical or dance/ singing show) there is a separate Play window, to again avoid long lines.
5th Avenue.
Here is a list of the many designer stores along 5th Ave. and where they sit along 5th Ave.
Bergdorf Goodman- Between 57th and 58th St.
Bvlgari- near 57th St.
Louis Vuitton- Cnr 57th St.
Tiffany and Co.- Between 57th and 56th St.
Henri Bendel- Between 57th and 56th St.
Giorgio Armani- Cnr. 56th St.
Dolce and Gabbana- Between 56th St and 55th St.
Polo Ralph Lauren- Between 56th St and 55th St.
Valentino- Between 55th St and 54th St.
Gucci- Cnr. 54th St.
Tommy Hilfiger- Between 54th St.
Ermenegilder Zegna- Between 53rd St. and 52nd St.
Versace- Between 52nd St. and 51st St.
Prada -Between 50th St. and 49th St.
Louis Vuitton- Cnr. 49th St.
Ted Baker- Cnr. 48th St.
Salvatore & Co. - 48th St. and 47th St.
Barneys- Between 47th St. and 46th St.
If you are lucky enough to be in NYC at Christmas time and want to see the famous Christmas windows, this list is a great start. Also, add Saks 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th St. Don't forget Macy's Herald Square at 34th St. I am going Christmas 2016 so will post my experience.
38th St to 44th St. Dining and Shops
Find my hand drawn map of this section here
Birdland Jazz
315 W 44th St. (near 8th Ave.)
Famous for: being named after Charlie Parker "Bird" and the topic of the self-titled Manhattan Transfer song "Birdland," this Jazz dinner club has a great history of the 'Whose Who' of Jazz musicians performing here. The club is not at its original location but the walls are lined with pictures of past and present performers. If you love Jazz, this is the place for you. This is an all age venue, but probably not suited to young children. Depending on the artist performing the cost ranges between $20-$50 pp. The minimum food/ drink spend is $10p.p. The website with the history of Birdland, schedule and dinner menu is found here.
The Travel Concierge tip: Birdland frequently has 2 shows a night, so if you are taking children or need an early night check the schedule for times.
The Travel Concierge tip: Birdland frequently has 2 shows a night, so if you are taking children or need an early night check the schedule for times.
Junior'sRestaurant
1515 Broadway (near 44th St.)
Famous for: NY Cheesecake and Brooklyn style diner setting. Junior's is right amongst Broadway shows, so be sure to get in before the shows come out or you will be in a long line. Even if you are in a long line, it is worth it for the cheesecake alone. They have other outlets in New York at Grand Central Station and Brooklyn. In Manhattan, my favourite is the Times Square location. The menu is here. The breakfast menu is here.
The Travel Concierge tip: If you want to try the cheesecake or one of the other famous bakery items, you don't have to dine in. You can go into their bakery next door to the restaurant. Bakery menu is here
Georgetown Cupcakes at the DC Cupcake Cafe
226 W 44th St. (near 7th Ave.)
Georgetown Cupcakes at the DC Cupcakes cafe is located in the Discovery Museum in Times Square.This location is opened daily from 11-7. They do not have the full selection but try to have at least their best selling and a selection of seasonal. Their full cupcake selection is available in their SOHO store. The menu of cupcakes can be found here.
Famous for: The TV show DC Cupcakes.
The Travel Concierge Opinion: I think these are the top 5 cupcakes I have tasted worldwide. Taste them and decide for yourself!
Shake Shack
691 8th Ave. (at 44th St.)
Famous for: their burgers, shakes and frozen custard in many rotating flavours. They featured in the film Something Borrowed. Honestly...it is just a fast food outlet, but it is clearly the place to be as the crowds will attest to. Here is the menu. That link also has the custard calendar at the bottom. Enjoy!
The Travel Concierge fact: The actual Shake Shack shown in the film Something Borrowed is found on the southeast corner of Maddison Square Park near Maddison Ave. and E23rd St.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
1501 Broadway ( between W44th and W43rd St.)
Famous for : the film Forrest Gump. I love the ordering process here. You have a sign on your table that is double sided and says either "Run Forrest Run" which tells your server you are all ok. On the flip side is written "Stop Forrest Stop" and that tells your server you need assistance/ are ready to order. The food is a mixture of seafood and the usual fare. It can be found here.
NY Yankees Clubhouse Team Shop
1501 Broadway ( between W44th and W43rd St.) Right next to Hard Rock Cafe.
Famous for: official NY Yankees merchandise. This is the place to get your official NY Yankees merchandise. If you are going to a Yankees game, need a present for someone or just want to be like the locals, go straight here. We always find their items great quality that last for ages in comparison to no name replicas. There are a number of these stores throughout NYC. I will mention them in each section.
Hard Rock Cafe
1501 Broadway ( between W44th and W43rd St.)
Famous for: the music memorabilia donated by Musicians. It is a cafe menu, and most locations have a city special. The menu is here. Hard Rock Cafe have live entertainment. The schedule can be found here
The Travel Concierge tip: Show your AAA card here at the restaurant and gift shop for 10% discount on everything except alcohol.
BB King's Blues Club and Grill
237 W42nd St. (between 7th. and 8th Ave.).
Famous for: the legend BB King. The BB King's all over America are renowned for their live entertainment in small venues. The menu is soul food and de-licious.The menu is here. The entertainment schedule is here.The Sunday Gospel Brunch is awesome. Details are here.
NY Yankees Clubhouse Team Shop
245 W 42nd St. (between 7th and 8th Ave.)
Famous for: official NY Yankees merchandise. This is the place to get your official NY Yankees merchandise. If you are going to a Yankees game, need a present for someone or just want to be like the locals, go straight here. We always find their items great quality that last for ages in comparison to no name replicas. There are a number of these stores throughout NYC. I will mention them in each section.
The Travel Concierge tip: This store is not as nice as the previous 2 locations mentioned in this section)
Carlo's Bakery
625 8th Ave. (between W42nd and W41st St.)
Famous for: the TV show Cake Boss starring Buddy Valastro. Come in and sample one of their famous cakes. Their original store is in Hoboken, which you can get to from NYC, however, this location is a lot easier to get to, so unless you are desperate to go to the original store, go here. The opening hours and other details about this store are found here.
The Travel Concierge tip: You can order online and pick your order up in store. By doing this, if you type in extra10 at checkout you can 10% off your order. (This was available at the time of typing.) If you find this no longer works, please let me know. Here is the link to ordering online.
38th St to 44th St. Attractions
The Discovery MuseumWhat: This museum is famous for its travelling and permanent museums. For a list of the current exhibitions and admission cost look here.
Where: 226 W 44th St. (between 7th and 8th Ave.)
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
What: The World-Famous Wax Museum housing famous celebrities past and present, forever embodied in a perfect wax replica.
Where: 234 W 42nd St.
The Travel Concierge tip: You can get a discount at both on tickets and at the gift store when you show your AAA card.
The Chrysler Building
What: The Chrysler building is, in my opinion, a work of art. It's art deco look and tribute to Chrysler within its architecture of windows and gargoyles is breathtaking. I actually have a large framed picture of it and the Empire State Building in my formal loungeroom...or as my family likes to tease me about - "The Gallery."
When the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building were in construction, there was a rivalry between the owners and architects of each building to be the tallest building in the World. The Empire State Building thought they had come out literally 'on top' until at the very last minute a spire was secretly brought out which tipped the Chrysler Building as the tallest building in the World. (which was held for less than a year) You cannot go up into the Chrysler Building, but as you travel around NYC, look out for this gorgeous building both during the day and at night.
Where: 405 Lexington Ave. (Btw. E42nd and E43rd St.)
How to get there: The nearest Metro is 42nd St. Bryant Park Station. You then need to walk South East for approx 10 minutes.
Bryant Park
What:A park in the middle of the city with cafes, kiosks, grassy areas to picnic and let the kids run around. In winter, there is a rink here. There is also a carousel 'Le Carrousel' and the cost is $3 per ride. Details of hours are here. There is a really great map to Bryant park found here. There are some fun activities that you can sit back and watch or partake in such as chess and backgammon. Bryant park has a number of activities planned throughout the year. My favourites are the movie in the park and the Christmas Markets- which I am going to experience first hand this Christmas. The calendar of activities in Bryant Park can be found here.
Where: The block of Ave of The Americas (6th), W42nd St., 5th Ave. and W41st St.
How to get there: Catch the subway to 42nd St - Bryant Park Station.
The Travel Concierge tip: There is free wifi available in Bryant Park.
NY Public Library
What: While you are at Bryant Park, or if you do the Gray Line tour, look out for the 2 proud lions guarding the entrance of the NY Public Library. They have had a number of names over the years, however in the 1930's Mayor La Guardia named them Patience and Fortitude. He said these were the qualities New Yorkers would need to get them through the Depression. I am a sucker for bookshops and libraries. Even if you are not, take a stroll out the front to see these iconic New York statues.
Where: 5th Ave at 42nd St.
The Travel Concierge fact: The lion on the South of the main steps is Patience, the lion on the North of the steps is Fortitude.
Grand Central Station
What: Although it is a train station, it is also so much more. There are shops, restaurants, tours and scheduled activities. The station directory map is here. If you would like to go on a tour, or do a self-guided tour, the list of where the tour hilites is here.
Where: 89 E 42nd St.
How to get there: Catch the subway straight to Grand Central station. It is a major hub.
The Travel Concierge tip:
-The Whispering wall is a hidden gem of Grand Central Station. It is located on the dining concourse near the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. If you and another person stand on opposite side of the arch and face the arch, not each other, you can whisper to the wall and the sound follows the arch and the sound can be clearly heard by the other person. Many marriage proposals happen here, but it is also a fun activity for children.
-You cannot store luggage here, so if you are arriving or departing from Grand Central station you will need to take your luggage with you or make other arrangements.
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