Went last year, had a fantastic time, can't wait to go again, loved everything about NYC

Fights ? We travelled Virgin Atlantic with just hand luggage and treated ourselves to Premium Economy seats, both flights were excellent, check in at Heathrow was easy but at JFK on the way back waited over an hour to get through security (just not enough staff by the look of it) got through just in time for the gate opening so no time for last minute shopping.
Transfers ? Yellow Cab into Times Square cost $58 + tip, on the way back we got the Air Train which was easy at $7.50 each
Hotel ? We stayed at the DoubleTree Suites right in the middle of Times Square on the 28th floor city view, cannot fault the hotel for comfort, cleanliness, and friendliness of the staff. It?s location is the real winner, you?re only a street away from the crowds
Getting around ? We only used the subway twice, we just walked everywhere! It?s so easy and we felt safe at all times in all areas (we were not out after midnight) We found all locals friendly and happy to help with directions etc. although the map we had was superb (from the DK Eyewitness guide book)
Eating- All budgets catered for, every meal, snack, drink, ice-cream etc. was excellent and reasonably priced
This is briefly what we got up to: -
Day 1
Arrive PM, Walk around Times Square, Central Station, United Nations, Daily News & Chrysler buildings. Supper at Westway Diner
Day 2
Subway Downtown, Breakfast in a Chinese Deli, 9/11 Memorial visit, Ferry to Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty visit, walk under Brooklyn Bridge into China Town then into Little Italy for a Pizza at Puglia Restaurant, walk back to Times Square along Broadway (we covered quite a few miles this day!)
Day 3
Walk to Expo for marathon registration, walk the High Line, lunch at The Park Restaurant, walk back to Times Square via Flatiron area, visit Rockefeller area in the evening. Obama was in town!
Day 4
Breakfast at Westway Diner, Empire State Building, Central Library, lunch in Bryant Park, Maceys area etc. Mice & Men in the evening at the theatre, met James Franco & Chris O?Dowd, hot chocolate and pastry at Majestic Deli on the way home
Day 5
New York Road Runners Half Marathon in Central Park Fantastic Lunch at Jazz Standard including excellent teenage Jazz band, Knicks v Bulls at MSG in the evening, supper at ShakeShack
Day 6
TOTR in the morning, Full Circle Line Cruise in the afternoon, back to TOTR for the evening visit, finally found Marlin Monroe Subway grating disappointed no plaque even if filmed in a studio,
Day 7 (rain!)
Breakfast at Fluffys, Visit Museum of Natural History (with the rest of New York!) Central Park walkabout, 5th Avenue, Westway Diner for last supper..
Day 8
Breakfast at Carnegie Deli, bit of shopping then on the Skytrain for JFK
So a great time had by all, no need for galleries and museums as the weather was good apart from drizzle on day 7, we picked a good week.
We all had a fantastic time and would love to come back, if not lucky enough the view of Manhattan from Ellis Island will last in the memory for many years!

Posted By: BSE Canary on January 27th 2015 at 12:56:31

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