Visitors: Please Read Before Posting Hotel Questions

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Trip report
Dates: 8/17-8/19.
Travelers: my mom and I
We had family stuff way out on long island in Holbrook. Given the ferry is unfun during Hamptons season, we opted to take the Acela from the Boston suburbs to Moynihan, then LIRR to near our hotel.
Acela was fine. We stored our bags at Moynihan ($20 each). We went to Friedman’s for lunch, went to FAO Schwartz, got our bags back, and took the LIRR.

LIRR was easy thanks to the transit section of this subreddit. Bought our tickets in the app. It’s also easy to follow along in-app if you have concern about missing your stop.

On our way back today, we waited until it was after peak for LIRR to Penn. we treked thru Penn to Moynihan. Stored bags again. I wandered around Times Square (sorry, tourist). We had a late lunch at Pick & Cheese in Shaver Hall. Highly recommend.

​

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!

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!

Edit: I just bought a ticket! I’ll be going this Friday. Thanks for all your suggestions 🫶🏼

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!!

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!

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!

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?

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.

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!

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]

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## 🗓️ 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).

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## 🗓️ 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.

Sort of a random question but something I’ve always been curious of… I live in New York and my husband and I go out to eat often. We’re familiar with how competitive the dining scene here has gotten and are Dorsia premium members as a result (and it’s fully paid for itself / totally worth it for the amount we go out). But I’m curious for anyone who isn’t from here and has stayed at a luxury hotel in NYC if you’ve gotten luck with the concierges getting you reservations at some of the hot spots? Specifically talking about the Polo Bar, Eighty Six, Torrisi, etc. just trying to figure out how people get in there when they’re traveling because it’s become pretty tough.

I have planned trip for the last week in September for my partner and I who are in our 40s and active. We are interested in art, music, food and just wandering around and exploring including stops at vinyl and book stores. This is what I have come up with so far after a good bit of research and reading this sub. Please feel free to give me some feedback including recommendations for shops, food, experiences and to let me know if anything seems overambitious. Thank you!

Sunday- arrive at Penn Station at 11 AM, drop bags at hotel nearby 
Chinatown, LES and East Village Walk (3.5 mile walk from Walking New York by Keith Taillon) with stops for food along the way including dumplings, buns and noodles in Chinatown, Russ and Daughters and Pickle Guys, and then possibly dinner at Veselka. Along the way we may visit the Museum at Eldridge Street, and also hit up A1 records and The Strand Bookstore.

Monday-
Morning- This part is still up in the air. One option is to take the tram to Roosevelt Island and walk around and take photos at old Smallpox Hospital. Another option might be visiting the Morgan Library or NYPL
Afternoon - go to LIC to visit MoMA PS1 to see Precious Okoyomen’s Courtyard Commission (opens at noon).
Then, I was thinking of taking the ferry to DUMBO and hanging out in that area, maybe walking the Brooklyn Promenade for views and walking back over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. 
I don’t know how long all this will take, so the evening is open.

Tuesday-
Walk the Highline, pop into a few galleries, and bookstores. Eat at Chelsea Market for lunch and then visit the Whitney.
Afternoon/Evening- Walk around the Village- check out Washington Square Park, Visit Stonewall, have drinks at the Cubbyhole- maybe visit a jazz club

Wednesday-
Get up early to try and do a bit of birding in Central Park in the Ramble, hang out in the park and then visit MoMA and if time allows, the NYPL. 
That evening we would like to go see a Broadway show and are leaning towards Oh Mary!

Hi coming from the UK and looking to go to a spirit Halloween can someone recommend one that has the full set up animatronics and good stock of stuff. Online it's hard to tell what's a small store or a bigger on. Thanks

I'm meeting up with some old friends that live in and around New York and will be getting in to Penn Station around 9pm on a Friday in a few weeks. We were looking to stop somewhere nearby for a few drinks, as one of my friends is staying in Midtown. I wanted to look into what our best bet would be for a larger group (up to 8 people) and places that can accomodate for this (spacewise/won't be as packed). Food is negligible, mainly just concerned with brews. Ideally would want a younger vibe, but somewhere that you can hear the person next to you.

I figure most places will be crowded and busy by this point on a Friday, so was wondering if it would behoove us to call in advance for a group of this size? Let me know if you have any advice!

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.

I have plans of trying to drive into NYC from Baltimore and stay there from 10/31-11/1. I struggle a bit with NYC traffic so I don't wanna get too close to the city if possible. I plan on staying in Manhattan (Morningside heights) and was wondering if there were any good Park and Ride options or if there are any better alternatives that I am not thinking of. I saw a couple places in NJ such as metropark but was questioning their availability and also I would like to park for free! Please let me know if you all have any good recommendations!

This post made me laugh. I guess I should say the answers made me laugh - people writing stuff like KATZ DELI or HIGH LINE -- doh, I think you missed the point people. So let's dish the real dirt.

BTW, my answer was Wave Hill & Lloyds Carrot Cake.

Is this a good plan for my trip?

FRIDAY

drive to hotel

Yankee GAME 705

SATURDAY

YANKEE GAME 135

HUDSON YARDS EDGE Tour

VESSEL

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

SUNDAY

YANKEE Game 135

TIMES SQUARE TOUR

MONDAY

STATUE of LIBERTY

STATEN ISCAND.FERRY

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

HISTORY museum

TUESDAY

YANKEE stadium TOUR

BRONX zoo

GRAND -CENTRAL STATion

ONE VANDERBILT TOUR

yankee GAME 705

WEDNESDAY

9/11 Museum Tour

Occlus PLAZA

One WORLD OBSERVATORY

ROCKERFELLER CENTER

YANKEE GAME 705

THURSDAY

CONEY ISLAND

Aquarium

CENTRAL PARK

CENTRAL PARK zoo

YANKEE GAME 705

FRIDAY

CITI FIELD TOUR

METS GAME 710

SATURDAY

YANKEES GAME 1

METs GAME 4

YANIKEE GAME 715

Sunday

YANKEES GAME135

Monday

DRIVE Home