New York top tips

[libby1980]

I am off to NY in a few weeks, have never been before. We will be there for 4 nights, including my birthday. Can anyone suggest the best things to visit (especially anything unusual), and any good ideas for something special to do on my birthday? Thanks

[redcrx]

depends what sort of thing you like.

I went with an Ex a few years back and on his birthday Id arranged a music walking tour which took in many places of interest and even though i wasnt into that kind of music (the ramones etc) i found it really enjoyable.

Can find a link maybe if you want.

[dannydingbat]

Grand Central Station - you've seen it in all the movies and just being there is great.

Ground Zero
Empire State Building

(I was only there for a day and this is all I wanted to see!)

[redcrx]

http://www.redhairedqueer.co.uk/writing/new_yo rk.html

[scubadiver]

Do a tour, if you want to find out a bit more about the place. We did a free one with a Big Apple Greeter- who is basically a local volunteer who walks you through an area of NY an gives you an insider's view.
We also did one with Marvelous Manhatten Tours- they use a small 20 seater bus (although there were only 9 on the tour) and took us through Manhatten , stopping for lunch at Katz' Deli, which is where THAT scene in "When Harry Met Sally" was filmed. Around $100 each, for about 7 hours, but we felt it was value for money.
Also we didn't bother waiting in the long queus to go up Empire State Building- we went to the "Top of the Rock" instead. Only opened last year, so not many people are aware of it yet, just as high as the ESB, no queues and an uncrowded viewing platform- plus you get to see the ESB- I'd recommend going up just before sunset and watching the lights go on.

[EverClean]

Statue of Liberty is a must, Empire State Building cannot be replaced (I've been to NYC 10 times and ESB every time), Ground Zero isn't interesting in itself but there is an eeriness about it, Times Square at night, see a game at Yankee stadium, visit Madison Square Garden, shop at Macy's, eat at Peasant in Little Italy or Pongal at Murray Hill. Just be there and live New York. The best city in the World.

[chazza]

Go to the little chapel opposite Ground Zero, its almost like a museum. We found it fascinating and spent ages in it

[Kim A]

i went to NY for a significant birthday and we went to the Met, to the Opera. We did skating in Central Park, at the Wolman Rink, got food from Macy's basement and had a picnic in the park, had Friday night cocktails and nachos at the bar at the Windows on the World, went to Empire State building (go early, and yes, it is worth it f you do, less queues), walk as much as you can - we went right down Manhattan from E86th Street to the Piers on the river. It's a great city and I'm very envious of you! oh, and Dean and Delucca is worth a visit, especially if you are self-catering, like we were -- gourmet food to die for, but at a price, plus Century 21 for shopping at bargain prices and Bloomingdales for maxing the credit cards!

[sense4all]

A lunch here is a wee diversion.

http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/