What Are the "Must See" Destinations in New York City?

Hi B.,

Let me just say you are going to be overwhelmed in NYC especially if you havent been to such a big city before, I myself am a city girl from LA and love NYC. I would not recommend seeing a broadway show on such a short trip unless you really want to, if you do then see the Phantom of the Opera, this is Broadways longest and most famous show. You should also plan to visit Central Park which is HUGE. There you can visit Belvedere Castle, and Strawberry Fields which is a lovely garden in honor of John Lennon (the name is after the orphanage he grew up in).
You should also try to at least visit the lobby of the Plaza which just reopened after closing down for more than 2 years for an extensive renovation, this hotel is all about New York,it is fantastic and grand. If you are a fan of sex and the city I recommend the Sex and the City tour its about 40 bucks and you get to go to the bar where they filmed all the Adan and Steve shots and have a cosmo. Also they take you to her house (carrie's) and you can take photos, but you can go there without the tour as well, just email me and I can give you directions. Now for meals, the 21 club is a legend and a must, if you do their pre theatre menu and reserve through open table you get a free cocktail and a three course meal for about 50 bucks per person if I remember correctly. This place is so charming. Also you cant go wrong with Tavern on the Green in Central Park I love the romantic feel of the place.
I also recomend trying grays papaya for hot dogs which is a NYC staple.
There is also a TAO in new york and its the place to see all New Yorkers, its huge and packed to the max so this might or might not be your thing, loud music and kind of a bar/restaurant feel but the place is quite an experience and the food excelent. Apart from that I dont want to give you more recommendations due to your short visit but enjoy and dont forget to take a picture in times square! Let me know if I can answer any questions, I have been to NYC a handful of times and cant wait to go back this year. My last visit was Oct of 2006.
When you go to ground zero visit the tribute 911 visitor center, right across the street, this is very emotional. more info at http://www.tributenyc.org

HI B., just got back from a trip to Nyc and I would suggest to have a plan. Time will go by faster than I can tell you and everything is spread out so if you dont know where you are going you will spend the whole day frustrated and lost. There is a chase and starbucks on every corner so dont try to use those as land marks. haha Figure the subway out it really isnt that scary and it will save you a ton of time and money. Ground zero has huge fences around it and you really cant see much so you probally will only spend an hour just looking at the new plans they have and of course the church across the street.( be prepared it is still very emotional) the Statue of liberty and ellis island are one trip and you could do that after you leave wtc its on your way to the ferry. (statue of liberty was amazing and the view of nyc is incredible) Time square is amazing and you have to see it at day and night time. I have been all over the world and NYC is so unique. china town, fashion street, little Italy are all a very unique experience with fun shopping. NyC is probally the only trip I always loose weight from all the walking. pack comfortable shoes cute but comfortable. Carmens is a great Italian family resturanunt with reasonable prices. something for the kids do FAO swartz, and central park. Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By World Trade Center you mean Ground Zero, right?

I think you definitely should also try to see Times Square! Central Park is a good suggestion too, esp the Zoo. I think that is a lot to pack into the short time you have. I doubt you'd really have time to do a Broadway show as well, or really enjoy it if you did.

Ride in a yellow cab, eat in SoHo or Tribeca, eat a hotdog from a cart, eat pizza..... :)

I do love the City.

hi...definitely go see a broadway show...there are sooooo many to choose from. Radio City Music Hall is very cool. Go to SOHO area. Little Italy has the BEST italian food restaurants!China Town has great chinese food, of course. Ground Zero is neat to experience. Time Square and Central Park a must! 5th Avenue is neat to see b/c that is where all the high dollar stores are...Trump Tower is neat to go in. Anyway, there are soooo many fun and neat things to do there...Have fun! N.Y. is amazing!

Hi! I am going to NYC Monday for Business. I am lucky enough to be staying a nice hotel in Midtown and will be four blocks from Central Park. I decided not to do all the touristy things - because so many others will be. I do plan to absorb as much as I can for the week I am there.

I made a list of things, researched the costs on the web and narrowed it down. One thing I know I am doing is a NY Harbor Boat trip around the Statue of Liberty. It's 75 mintues and shows you the skylines and has an audio tour as well. I did this in San Fransico and loved it - so I am excited about doing this in NY. The cool thing is that I also get to do the subway to the Pier and back (knocking out two birds w/one stone).

I think that since you are going to be there for such a short time, make the most of it and don't try to over do it. You want to walk away with a great experience and not a exhausting one.

Have fun!

M.

If you are taking the kids with you you HAVE to go to Dylan's Candy Bar and FAO Schwartz.