@SuraGotMadHops started a similar thread last fall, tons of great suggestions along with a few I've chimed in One thing I highly suggest for first timers, skip Empire State Building and go to One World Observatory instead, hell even Top of the Rock at Rockefeller. Places that are never suggested is Jane's Carousel, Gantry Plaza State Park, Grand Central Terminal, and Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Hudson Yards just opened when I went in April for Wrestlemania but didn't have time to go, but looks badass http://bbs.clutchfans.net/index.php?threads/travel-new-york-city-recommendations.301528/
Witness. I put together an EPIC NYC trip from the recs I received from @Dave2000 and the others on that thread.
That's cool. My wife and I did both Empire State Building and Top of the Rock. Why choose between them? And, to tell the truth, I don't have a favorite between the two. We didn't make it to One World, nor to MOMA, more's the pity. I guess that'll be next trip. We stayed a few days across the East (estuary) River in Queens and took the 7 into Manhattan every day. That line runs deep under the river and into Grand Central, where we drank a lot of Joe Coffee and ate in the restaurants. So many parks in NYC, including Liberty Island (we were lucky and got a sunny day when we went).
Pay the extra money for the VIP/pre-purchased pass, or whatever it is called, for the One World observatory. It keeps you from waiting in line. Check out the sail boat trips around the Statue of Liberty. It doesn't take long and it's something you can do at sunset and have a mini-happy hour before dinner.
Thank you ALL for this info. This is just another reason why I love this site. I'm diving into @SuraGotMadHops thread over lunch today. Now I just need to find a place to get some herb!
Congrats! Here's a few rec's on my grub list: **1. SMORGASBURG; Take the train to Brooklyn here on Saturday or Sunday (10-6) - https://www.smorgasburg.com/ -Russ & Daughter (Bagel/lox & cream cheese + nyc kosher food) https://www.yelp.com/biz/russ-and-daughters-new-york -Joe's Pizza (New York slice) - solid, no frills https://www.yelp.com/biz/joes-pizza-new-york-7 -Eataly (a building with all the markets/food vendors) - right across the OG Shake Shack at Madison Park https://www.yelp.com/biz/eataly-new-york -Joe's Shanghai (soup dumplings & fried rice)- cash only https://www.yelp.com/biz/joes-shanghai-new-york-2 -Los Tacos No.1 (if you're at Chelsea Market) https://www.yelp.com/biz/los-tacos-no-1-new-york?osq=los+tacos -THE OG HALAL GUYS STAND on W 53rd/6th (for the post drink/late night munchies) https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-halal-guys-new-york-2
Great stuff, my friend. Thank you. Los Tacos and Russ & Daughters is on our list, but you've definitely given me some new stuff to check out. Thanks!
How do you guys recommend traveling around? In my younger days, used to take the subway and buses. We have an infant now, so what would be the best way? Uber? I will never step foot in a NYC taxi...ever.
Katz for the reuben sandwiches, so good. Chinatown is recommended by many but if you cross the street into Little Italy you find authentic Italian desserts and coffee. And yes, I do mean authentic; I used to live over there.
If you don't mind taking the infant on the subway, that's the most efficient way to go. Carry plenty of hand sanitizer. The My Transit app will give you step by step directions as to how to get from place to place. I think Google does it also, but I preferred the app.
Also, make sure to wear your Astros gear.Totally safe in NYC for Houston fans atm. ...although if your wife looks like this, you're probably safe: Spoiler
We've done Uber which has been fine. Problem is that traffic is so bad you're just sitting around a lot. If you do decide on the subway make sure and buy a multi day metro pass.
I second Joe's Shanghai. Just don't be an idiot like me and burn the **** out of your mouth sticking the whole dumpling in lol. The place is located like in a back alley.