r/visitingnyc

Hello!

We'll be coming to NYC the first week of September and staying at the Four Points Sheraton on West 40th Street, Hell's Kitchen

We will be driving to New Rochelle, NY to park and ride the train to the city. From google searches this is what I've got -

take the Metro-North train to Grand Central Terminal

from there, take 42nd Street Shuttle (S train) to Times Square

walk 2 blocks west and 1 block north to hotel

Is this correct? We've never been to a large city like this, so I am hoping for your input on the best way to get there. We're going to MSG for a couple of nights, which I believe is walking distance.

Thank you!

Hey all, I'm visiting NYC the first week of September and plan to check out both Edge and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt on separate days.

I’d love some advice on two things:

Discounts / Deals: Are there reliable promo codes, pass bundles (like CityPASS/Go City), or third-party sites that make tickets cheaper than buying directly?

Best Time Slots: Since I’m doing them on different days, I’d like to experience them at different times of day (e.g., daytime vs. golden hour/sunset vs. night). Which vibe fits which deck best, and what specific entry times would you recommend for early September?

Appreciate any tips!

Good morning!

I’m planning a trip with my 10 year old son. He’s been talking about visiting NYC since kindergarten, so I’m really excited to take him on this trip.

Monday - arrive at Penn Station around 3 pm. Walk to the hotel to drop our stuff (hotel is in Times Square), then we’ll do the shops there - Disney store, Hershey store, etc. We have a reservation at Serendipity 3 for dinner and (more importantly) dessert. Once we leave there we’ll make a little loop back to the hotel by seeing Radio City, FAO Schwartz, The Lego Store, and the Nintendo Store.

Tuesday - Ellen’s Stardust diner for breakfast. Then we’ll take the hop on, hop off bus. See the sites and get off at Broadway and Wall St. Walk around that area, look at the Statue of Liberty, The Battery, Seaglass Carousel. Then we’ll do lunch at Fraunces Tavern (he’s big into history and George Washington, etc). Walk up to the 9/11 memorial then hop on the bus to bring us back up towards Times Square. He isn’t interested in going to the top of any buildings or over to the Statue of Liberty, so I thought this is a good way for him to see these things without us spending too much time or effort getting there. Not sure how long this’ll all take, so maybe just dinner near the hotel and call it a day.

Wednesday - walk to the Intrepid Museum. We’ll stop at a diner for breakfast along the way. We’ll do that behind the scenes tour there. A friend told me this could definitely be an all day thing, so I’m pretty much planning on that. He’ll be completely in his element.

Thursday - breakfast somewhere. Then take a taxi up to the American Museum of Natural History. Seems like this could also be an all day thing, but if not, we’ll pop over to Central Park after. I’d like to see Belvedere Castle and then whatever else we might be able to get to in that area.

Like I said, he has no interest is going to the top of any building (fear of heights). I’m also not very comfortable with trying to navigate the subway. I definitely understand it’s a great experience and a great way to get around, but not sure it’s worth dealing with any anxiety surrounding this. For most restaurants I was just thinking we’d see what we come across. He has food allergies (sesame, shellfish, white fish), so that plays a big part in places that we can go. On that note, does anyone know of a sesame-free bagel place?

Thanks so much for your time 🙂

Edited to add: Thursday night we are going to see The Lion King.

The Lost Boys: A New Musical is running on Broadway at the Palace Theatre and it is incredible. I was having a tough time choosing a show that I considered "affordable" for my family of four. My wife and I love the theatre, but our daughters are wildly different. They're picky, and one of them is more "sporty"... MJ tix were expensive, and I didn't want to see a Disney show. The Lost Boys is a spectacle, and shocking on an audio/visual level. I didn't think a theatre production could be so adventurous and awe-inspiring. Such a great show - definitely a highlight of our trip. Everyone planning an NYC trip should check it out.

My wife and I are going to New York in December. She really wants to see the filming locations from 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'. What do you recommend seeing, what should we know, and what should we watch out for? We are from Poland, and it will be my wife’s first time in the United States.

EDIT: thank you for all pages. What about safety there, I don't mind myself but I want this trip to be perfect for my wife, I know already about scammers and some pickpocketing. Is there anything else we should be aware of?

I bought tickets for the Crown months ago for me and a friend but they made me give the full name of my friend on the ticket. However it looks like they may not be able to come anymore and once purchased u cannot edit the ticket. Do they actually require ID or is it just like in the sign up? I would like to bring someone else instead of just going by myself but the tickets are booked out for months again.

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Hello everyone,

I am an NYC resident and I have a vacation booked where my flight leaves JFK at 6:00 am. So to be on the safe side, I would want to be at JFK by 4 am latest. I don't want to take an Uber at 3 am ( safety ... I'm a female). I was planning on getting to JFK the night before and sleeping at one of the terminals. My flight leaves out of terminal 5, but I hear this closes for the night. So my plan is to stay on the pre-security side of international terminal 4 (which I believe is open all night) until 3 am and then then take the shuttle to terminal 5 at 3:30.

How does this plan sound? Any better ideas or watchouts. Much appreciated!

Hey NYC, need some advice on what to choose. I'm arriving at laguardia tomorrow and need to travel to Bayshore.

Whats the best option to do so. Uber is showing around 140 dollars would taxi be cheaper or expensive compared to this? Is there some other service that's cheaper?

I want to save time so transit it out of the question.

Edit: after reading all your replies, I've decided to uber/lyft to a LIRR station and then uber/lyft once I get off. Look like this saves time and money.

Thanks everyone :D

hi! i’m sure this has been asked before but i’ll still give it a shot lol my friend and i are going to nyc for three days next month. we’re seeing harry styles the day we arrive (wed.) thurs is free all day and then we see him again fri night and leave sat morning.

i’m still looking into hotels and airbnbs bc there’s so many options to weigh and factors that go into it. i was wondering if you all could help make my life a little easier in the meantime. since its just two of us, what transportation makes the most sense in the city? walking, taxi, uber, subway?

i’m making an itinerary but we’re not too picky! we have a to-do list but i’d like some non-touristy places as well. the general vibe is honestly just chick flick, modern carrie bradshaw, pastel maximalism if that helps. thank you in advance <3

places we wanna visit!
anita’s gelato
new york or nowhere
lego store
mure + grand
something soft photobooth
a shop of things
museum of ice cream
glossier
murray’s bagels

Greetings! I’m going on a short trip to NYC and was wondering if you’ve ever been to a Yankees game, like Yankees vs. Toronto. Would you say it’s worth going for someone who doesn’t know much about baseball? I’m not a fan, but I think it would be a cool experience. I’d have to choose between the game, a museum, or something else, so I’d really appreciate your advice in advance!

Can any New Yorkers please critique my itinerary please?

Day 1 August 23rd

See Times Square at night

Walk in Bryant Park

Empire State Building

Day 2 August 24th

Brooklyn Bridge

Grand Central Terminal

St. Patrick Cathedral

Rockefeller Center

Top of the Rock

Day 3 August 25th

Hudson Yards

Chelsea Market

Stroll thorough Greenwich Village

Day 4 (Museum Day & Central Park) August 26th

Walk thorough Central Park

The Met

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

Studio Harlem Museum

Museum of Natural History

Day 5 August 27th

Shop and walk around SoHo

Day 6 August 28th

Statue of Liberty tour

9/11 Memorial

Day 7 August 29th

Arrive at my friends wedding in Long Island City at 6:00 pm

Day 8 August 30th

Leave NYC and go back home

I arrive in NYC on August 23 at LGA airport at 2:30 pm and I check in at my hotel at 3:00 pm in Manhattan at Pods Times Square. My friends wedding starts 6:00 pm if anyone has any suggestions on what I can do before the wedding I'm all ears. I look forward to visiting your beautiful city for the first time!

Coming up to NYC Saturday for a concert at MSG, and I’m looking for some ideas of an optimal itinerary. I arrive at Port Authority around 730ish and I’d like to be in the MSG area around 6pm.

I’d ideally like to do the Highline park, explore the Chelsea market, visit the Harry Potter store, and get a good view of the skyline. Also, food/cocktail ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks!!

Hi all,

Thank you fo much for the sub. I have read and took in a lot of inspiration so I hope this is not a crazy itinerary deserving of the unrealistic medal.

I booked a surprise trip from my partner who turns 50 in June. We will be travelling Saturday 29th May (landing at JFK around 12pm) until Wednesday 2nd (leaving at 7pm).

We are both fairly active and easily walk 10k + when we potter about in London. We are used to taking public transports but it seems like taxi is the best way to get from the airport to town?

I have used ai to figure out timings.

## 🗓️ Saturday, May 29: Arrival, Easy Pizza, & Times Square

* 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Check-in at Romer Hell's Kitchen and unpacking.

* 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Short walk around the corner to Joe's Pizza (Broadway location) for an iconic walk-up slice.

* 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 🛌 Hotel Rest Time (2-hour block to sleep off flight fatigue).

* 7:00 PM onward | Evening walk through Times Square to see the neon billboards glowing at night, followed by a relaxed dinner along Hell's Kitchen's 9th Avenue. [1]

------------------------------

## 🗓️ Sunday, May 30: Grand Central, MoMA, & Sunday Night Harbor Cruise

* 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Transit: 25-minute walk or 10-minute subway ride to Grand Central.

* 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Exploration of Grand Central Terminal (Starry ceiling & Whispering Gallery).

* 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Transit: 15-minute walk to MoMA.

* 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Tour of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) galleries.

* 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Transit: Walk to Times Square station; take the 7 Train to Queens (approx. 45 minutes door-to-door).

* 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Yankees vs. Mets Subway Series Game at Citi Field (Includes ballpark lunch).

* 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM | Transit: 7 Train back to Midtown (approx. 45 minutes).

* 5:15 PM – 7:15 PM | 🛌 Hotel Rest Time (2-hour transition break).

* 7:15 PM – 7:30 PM | Transit: 15-minute walk or quick taxi west to Pier 83.

* 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise (2-hour Sunday night cruise to see the illuminated Statue of Liberty and city skyline).

------------------------------

## 🗓️ Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day): 9/11 Memorial & Greenwich Village Depth

* 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Transit: C or E subway train downtown to the World Trade Center (approx. 25 minutes).

* 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Visit to the 9/11 Memorial Pools and the architectural Oculus hub.

* 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Transit: Walk north into the heart of Greenwich Village (approx. 20 minutes).

* 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Extended Greenwich Village Stay: Sit-down neighborhood lunch, café hopping, browsing local boutiques, and viewing the Friends Apartment Exterior (Bedford & Grove St).

* 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Transit: Subway back uptown to the hotel (approx. 20 minutes).

* 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 🛌 Hotel Rest Time (2-hour energy recharge).

* 6:00 PM – 6:20 PM | Transit: 20-minute walk or quick subway ride down to 34th Street.

* 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Empire State Building Observation Deck experience during prime golden hour/sunset.

* 8:30 PM onward | Dinner in Midtown South or back near the hotel. [2]

------------------------------

## 🗓️ Tuesday, June 1: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, & Broadway Finale

* 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Transit: 15-minute walk to the southern edge of Central Park for rental pick-up.

* 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | E-Bike or E-Scooter tour of Central Park (Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Wollman Rink).

* 12:00 PM – 12:40 PM | Transit: Take the F Train subway from Midtown straight into Brooklyn (approx. 35 minutes).

* 12:40 PM – 2:30 PM | Exploration of DUMBO, snapping the iconic Washington Street bridge photo, and grabbing lunch.

* 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | Walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian path back into Manhattan.

* 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM | Transit: Subway ride back uptown to the hotel (approx. 25 minutes).

* 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM | 🛌 Hotel Rest Time (2-hour rest before the big final night out).

* 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM | Pre-theatre dinner along Hell's Kitchen's famous 9th Avenue.

* 6:45 PM – 7:00 PM | Transit: 15-minute walk to the theatre.

* 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Attendance at the Broadway Show.

* 10:00 PM – 11:30 PM | Transit: 10-minute walk to Barcelona Bar for movie-themed celebratory shots. [3]

------------------------------

## 🗓️ Wednesday, June 2: Farewell NYC

* 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Walk to Ess-a-Bagel for a classic New York warm bagel with cream cheese.

* 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Final look around the Theater District and souvenir shopping.

* 11:00 AM | Check-out from Romer Hell's Kitchen and transit to the airport.

Hello! Looking for blow out/hot tools style recommendation in Times Square Area visit next month. Might even spring for. Scot if there’s someone I need to have an experience with to get styled with. Bonus if makeup services are also available. Thank you!

I am comparing booking direct and using Priceline for a five night stay in Manhattan. Direct the hotel charges things like NY City and State taxes, and property fee and tax on the fee etc.. and a few other small things that add up to quite a bit. Priceline seems to just be charging the property fee and tax on it, no NY City and State. However, it could be built in? Priceline is pretty clear that total is the final total (I have to pay the property fee and tax when I show up). What's the catch?

Has anyone done the Today Show plaza recently? What time do you recommend getting there? Any other tips for visiting the Today Show?

Hello everyone! Me and my wife are going to pass NYE in a rooftop bar in NYC and we are down to 4 options which are

1. 230 fifth
2. Magic Hour
3. Elsie
4. Rt60

We are kind of undecided on which one to pick, to give an overview we value a good view the most, and as for the ambiance we would like not too formal but not too full party mode either. Any recommendation would help, thanks in advance!

So I'm staying in NYC in September then going on a cruise from cape liberty for a week then back to cape liberty. My flight leaves the day after my cruise, that leaves me an extra day. Need to be at JFK around 5pm the next day. I'm thinking to rent a car, and drive to the jfk area from cape liberty, go to the American shops like target, Walmart and maybe head to Long Island. Now idk if that's a stupid idea, I've looked up driving in the U.S and apparently it's a bit chaotic particularly NJ and NY. For reference I'm from the uk. Any tips or ideas on what to do would be appreciated. But I do like the idea of going to Walmart or similar and stocking up on American goods. Bear in mind we will have our luggage so having a car would make things easier, it just depends on how hard driving is.

TLDR: what are things to do in midtown, as a local, that make you think there’s no place like New York?Idk why I’m asking cause we’ll probly get stuck doing all the touristy shit, but what’s good to do in midtown on a monday afternoon/evening, we’ll have to make an obligatory stop in Times Square, but I’m looking for a locals perspective after not having been to manhattan in a number of years and perusing list after list of “the top 1000000 things to do in NYC”. We’ll have to eventually get to MSG for a concert but pretty empty schedule between probly 3-7pm. I dont even know that I’m looking for places to go…I mean my 5yo is excited to ride the subway, even like a “scenic” over the bridge and back ride…so like all suggestions welcome.
Maybe some context would help…coming from outside Philly and into town for a concert my older daughters are going to see and making a day out of it, bringing our 5yo son as I mentioned. Plan to ferry over into midtown, go to the park zoo and then meander. It’s hard to put what I’m asking into words I guess. My son is the only one who’s never been, so I guess I just want convey some of the magic of the city to him, so that all the walking he’s gonna do will be worth it lol…idk the city was always a magical place when I was a kid.

Hi! Can anyone recommend a good spot to catch comedy shows on Mondays? I'll be visiting at the end of the month for a depressing situation and would love to lift my spirits that night with a good laugh.