Hi, I'm planning a NYC trip on sept the 6th for 7 nights, but I have one day with nothing in mind.

Sat (from 3pm)
Midtown tour (Rockefeller, NYPL, Times Sq, St Patrick) - half day

Sun
Gospel on Harlem + Harlem Visit + Lunch/Brunch - half day
Rest + Macy's + visit Empire State (late)

Mon
Central Park

Tue
Downtown tour + Statue Liberty + lunch chinatown - halfday
Wander Chinatown + Little Italy.

Wed
Soho shopping- half day
The Met

Thu
??

Fri
Brooklyn + Coney Island

Sat
Shopping + flight

This is the planning roughly.

Any place you were on your trip and was unplanned and said, wow I shoudn't have missed this! Or any advice in general?

Thanks.

Hi. is this your first trip to NYC? This is a great town for walking and biking. In Chinatown, have lunch or dinner at the Great New York Noodletown, 29 Bowery, corner of Bayard St. This is 1 block south of Canal St and the Manhattan Bridge. Little Italy barely exists anymore, having been swallowed up by Chinatown! For cappuccino and desserts, it's Cafe Dante, 79 MacDougal St in Greenwich Village, just below Bleecker St, one block east of 6th Avenue. You like to play or watch chess? Walk uptown from Cafe Dante 3 blocks to the southwest corner of Washington Sq Park and watch or play ($5 game?) the chess hustlers. Walk through the park to hear musicians and see the restored Arch. Maybe you'll meet some female NYU students (hey now!).

if you merely want photos of the Statue of Liberty, take the 25 minute Staten Island Ferry ride (FREE) from the south end of Manhattan (#1 or #4 train to Whitehall St/Battery Park). In Battery Park, see battered globe statue recovered from the World Trade Center site (near the #4 train entrance). Stay on the right side of the boat, with all the other tourists(!), then snap pics of Her. On the east side of Manhattan, take the Roosevelt Island Tram at the Queensborough Bridge, 2d Ave @ 59 St. For the price of 1 subway ride (currently still $2), you can get a 5 minute, 250 foot-high view of Manhattan over the East River! It runs from 6am to 2:30 am. Empire State also stays open past midnight. Rent a bike a ride up along the West Side Highway on the Hudson River Path, and even over the Brooklyn Bridge. Once in Brooklyn (nice segue), go to the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights. Take 2,3,4,5,N,R trains to downtown Brooklyn and walk west till you can't walk no more. Gasp at views of lower Manhattan, Governor's Island and even Staten Island.

New York City is the safest big city in America, but keep your wits about you, and be aware of where you are, and who is around you. Keep your money in your front pocket. When I travel, I keep my tourist map inside of a local newspaper!
Enjoy my city, and ask us more questions.

Take the D, F or Q train to the last stop in Brooklyn, Stillwell Avenue. At the corner of Stillwell and Surf Aves, you will see world famous Nathan's Hotdogs, where they have the world-famous hot dog eating contest on July 4. [This year an AMerican won! USA! USA! lol] This is old time Coney Island. take some pics because, one year from now, developers will have torn down most of what you will see. Ride the Cyclone (which will remain) at West 8 St, near the Aquarium, and also the Wonder Wheel (will be dismantled). Walk on the beach boardwalk along the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

John, that is more information that I had on my short visit to NYC. I'm copying it in preparation for my next visit (in 2009 or 2010)

glad i could help; i;m a Brooklyn boy! I find that many VT visitors dont know about the Roosevelt Island Tram. Chess lovers can also go to CIty Hall Park, off Chambers St and Broadway, during business hours to watch non-hustlers at the concrete chessboard-topped tables. City Hall Park also features a beautiful fountain surrounded by gas-lit lamps. From there, cross the street to walk over the historic Brooklyn Bridge!

Is the Wonder Wheel really going to be dismantled?!? How sad. So many memories, including some very scary rides on the blue/red cars. I can't go out there without missing the "good old days" -- my absolute favorite then was the parachute jump and the incredible Steeplechase park. (I know, I'm giving away my age!)

(I'm heading out to see my first Cyclones game tomorrow.)

Gasca, are your Midtown and Downtown tours official ones or just something that you plan to do yourself? The reason I ask is that timing can be quite important to get the best experience. For instance, if you visit Rockefeller Centre about one hour before sunset you can go to the Top of the Rock and enjoy the city (and Central Park) laid out before you in the daylight and then watch the magical transformation as day becomes night and a million lights twinkle in every building! Also, it is generally accepted that it is best to get the first ferry of the day to Liberty Island if you don't want to stand in a queue for hours!
I would always second any plan which includes walking through some of Brooklyn's wonderfully preserved backstreets like Willow where you can admire the beautiful brownstones then turn right at the end down Pierrepont or Montague and keep walking until you have that breathtaking view of the financial district from the Promenade. If you can organise the timing again, try and hit Brooklyn Bridge again at sunset for spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty in one direction and midtown bathed in a honey glow in the other!
I see you're going to the Met but how about the Natural History museum or the Cloisters for a view of some incredibly beautiful tapestries and religious artefacts rescued from various European churches and monasteries.

yes, 10028. I'm not sure if it will wind up in some Vegas casino! The Carousel had been dismantled, 3 or 4 years ago, and purchased by the NYC Parks Dept. I'm not sure if they've moved it to Prospect or Flushing Meadows Park. The Cyclone stays, as does the Parachute Jump. remember the 70's, when, on every July 4, a Puerto Rican "separatist" would climb the jump and hang a PR flag? Nathan's will stay, altho they will literally build some kind of hotel over it. Better come to Coney Island this summer to play your pinball and air hockey, because this is your last chance.

now, seriously, why does someone pay to take a ferry trip to Liberty Island? i live in NYC, so I must admit my ignorance. Is it so important to enter the Statue, even if only at its base? I went there as a child, and i recall it was Not Exciting.

If you go chinatown for lunch, you can consider this restaurant too.
Joe's Ginger at 9 Pell St, New York, NY & another one just down the block at 25 Pell ST, New York , NY.
Their shanghai steam buns with soup inside is out of this world & they are the best in NYC. They also have the Original restaurant in Queens Flushing (one stop from Shea Stadium). The best thing is the restaurant is not expensive & casual.
If you are interested, you can check the pictures under my travel tips.

WOW!!!there is some amazing info here!!..im going on monday for 10 days ..i shall also be using the advice here....i heart new yorkers!!!

How about the museums in NYC ?

oic ....You already mentioned. There are a lot more than those 2 big museums to visit !

Have you considered visiting some of the museums there? There are many and can be researched on the internet to find the ones of interest to you.

For your open day, consider going to the city's two other great art museums, the Frick and the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). Two other interesting museums (if you like history) are the Museum of the City of New York and the New York Historical Society.

A coupl eof other thoughts:

1. A half day is not enough for the Met. It is huge (as big as the Louvre) and you can easily spend an entire day there. Or, you can fill a day by combining a visit to the Met with a visit to the Frick, since they are only about 10 blocks apart from each other (1 km).

2. An easier way to view the Statue of Liberty ( if you don't want to fight the crowds to go inside of it) is to take the public ferry to Staten Island and back. It passes right by the Statue of Liberty (but does not dock there) and Ellis Island and gives you a great view of the southern end of Manhattan. If you do take the Statue of Liberty ferry, make sure to also spend time at Ellis Island, which gives you a good overview of the immigration process in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when many of our ancestors came to the USA.

3. Be careful in Harlem. It is much safer than it was 10 years ago, but still has a lot of crime.

4. If you like sports, consider going to a baseball game. The stadiums for both the New York Yankees and New York Mets are reachable by subway. Check the schedules when you get to NY to see which team is in town while you are there.

5. At night, get out and see some music or go see a play or musical. New York has a ton of live rock and jazz music every night. Buy a copy of Time Out New York for a listing of which performers are playing where each night. Time Out New York also has listings for museum and gallery exhibitions, as well as plays and musicals.

For your open day, consider going to the city's two other great art museums, the Frick and the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). Two other interesting museums (if you like history) are the Museum of the City of New York and the New York Historical Society.

A coupl eof other thoughts:

1. A half day is not enough for the Met. It is huge (as big as the Louvre) and you can easily spend an entire day there. Or, you can fill a day by combining a visit to the Met with a visit to the Frick, since they are only about 10 blocks apart from each other (1 km).

2. An easier way to view the Statue of Liberty ( if you don't want to fight the crowds to go inside of it) is to take the public ferry to Staten Island and back. It passes right by the Statue of Liberty (but does not dock there) and Ellis Island and gives you a great view of the southern end of Manhattan. If you do take the Statue of Liberty ferry, make sure to also spend time at Ellis Island, which gives you a good overview of the immigration process in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when many of our ancestors came to the USA.

3. Be careful in Harlem. It is much safer than it was 10 years ago, but still has a lot of crime.

4. If you like sports, consider going to a baseball game. The stadiums for both the New York Yankees and New York Mets are reachable by subway. Check the schedules when you get to NY to see which team is in town while you are there.

5. At night, get out and see some music or go see a play or musical. New York has a ton of live rock and jazz music every night. Buy a copy of Time Out New York for a listing of which performers are playing where each night. Time Out New York also has listings for museum and gallery exhibitions, as well as plays and musicals.

John asks "now, seriously, why does someone pay to take a ferry trip to Liberty Island?"
Well, I've been 3 times in all. The first time I was able to climb up to the crown, the second time just to do the tour of the museum and stand on top of the pedestal and the third time just to visit the island. For me, visiting Liberty Island is one of those things that you have to do at least once in your life. Yes, the security is completely over the top (you experience less on a transatlantic flight!) but there is something magical about getting that close to Lady Liberty and, if the weather is good, the views back to Manhattan are stunning. If you're a photographer, it really is the only way to get the best shots of the statue and her surroundings. Of course, it is also the only way to get to Ellis Island as well.
Having said all of that, it's only my personal opinion!

mikelisaanna - Which is the truth about Harlem? Which parts or streets can be dangerous?
I read that the neighbourhood is becoming safer but no recommendations are told like
"better don't go up 150th st".. I will go to gospel to 103 Morningside Ave. and a route
based mainly on Lenox Ave....

And music yes, we'll go to Village Vanguard!

footstool - No, it's my second trip, but first for my girlfriend. I had the feeling last time that
spent the full 7 days going to the typical attractions and museums and missed some other
things..

Thanks for your general advices..I copy them to have in mind.

Maidstone_Nic - I didn't know that there were any "official" Midtown tours..
I will follow some walk routes on the guide (Lonely Planet),
but even though there's no route around midtown on that guide.
Downtown tour is the one on the guide.
About Top of The Rock it is said to be even better than going top
of Empire State, but well, we'll see...I'll follow your timing recommendations..

VZ-Pam - Thanks for your chinatown recommendations.

glennbust - Yes, there are other world class museums as well...maybe we try MoMA or Museum of Natural
history...

If you're doing a Sunday morning gospel service and sticking to the main avenues and 125th street (the main street) you will probably survive, but be very aware of who is around you at all times. Do NOT go there at night unless with a large group tour and be careful about wandering off onto side streets during the day, especially around public housing projects. Harlem is safer than it used to be, but is still a neighborhood that many New Yorkers avoid. Personally, we would not recommend that our family members walk around Harlem when they visit New York City. There are too many other interesting things to see and do in much safer neighborhoods within Manhattan and Brooklyn.

You should check to make sure Coney Island amusements will be open on Friday. After Labor Day, limited opening.

For your day off, try a guided tour: Big Onion Walking Tours are great (my visitors and I enjoy them immensely because of the history) also Municipal Arts Society has some good tours.

You might come to the Bronx!! Bronx Zoo is fabulous and free on Wednesday, so maybe switch up your schedule. Just opened an new exhbit on Madagascar and gorilla's are always fun - interact with you. Lunch in Belmot at Full Moon Pizza is a must (Arthur and 188th) or more substantial food all along Arthur.

Hi Maidstone. My point was, "if you were only seeking pictures," why pay to go Liberty Island? Certainly there are many people who want more than just pics of The Torchbearer. Every visitor has his own likes and dislikes. As for me (and me alone!) I like to stay away from the touristy, Hawaiian shirt scene!

Hi John
I think the "problem" with New York City is there are just so many places that are seen as "must dos" and are. consequently, "touristy, Hawaiian shirt scenes". Like you there are certain places I would avoid - you couldn't get me back to Times Square even with a cattle prod for instance - but I just think think the SOL is so quintessentially iconic that, if you only do it once, you have to break out the Jimmy Buffett tee shirt and get yourself down to Battery Park so that you can stand in line, be entertained by that wonderful West Indian troubadour who makes up songs on the spot about where you live and then strip virtually naked whilst they check you out for dangerous substances before boarding the boat and feeling your pulse race as you get closer to Miss Liberty. Stand inside the statue and read that wonderful sonnet by Emma Lazarus and then tell me you don't get a lump in your throat!

Hi

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Hi

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