Posted by:
NYCGal
(
)
Date: April 19, 2017 12:04PM
Living in Manhattan, I fly in and out of NYC regularly to and from SLC where I have family. I used to always use Newark, but I find JFK more convenient now with the Air Train monorail connecting to LIRR.
Get the Air Train monorail to Jamaica Station (easy and regular service every 5-10 minutes). At Jamaica, get the Long Island Railroad train to Penn Station. You can then go anywhere from Penn Station. This is convenient and seamless in my experience.
I prefer JFK because I find flights are usually somewhat cheaper into and out of JFK than Newark.
As for what to see and do, you've had lots of good suggestions. I like Rockefeller Center. Top of the Rock is very nice and, at least in my experience, less crowded than the Empire State Building. While at Rock Center, buy a Teuscher Chocolate or two -- ridiculously pricey but the Champagne Truffles are the best in the world (flown in from Switzerland).
I work downtown, so if you're interested in 9/11, it's worth seeing the memorial, the museum, etc. One can now go up to the view at the top of the new One World Trade Center as well. For an historical place to eat downtown, go to Fraunces Tavern -- restaurant and museum. It's where Washington bade farewell to his troops at the end of the Revolutionary War.
Of course, Broadway is great fun, but many shows are pricey. However, you can go to the TDF ticket counter in Times Square and get 1/2 price tickets to some shows. Even better is to go downtown to the TDF office there. Check online, but I think it's still at the Seaport. Much less crowded than the Times Square one and same or better show selection.
Check on Broadwaybox . com for off-Broadway shows -- they can be entertaining and are less expensive.
There are always great things going on at Lincoln Center and last minutes tickets are often available -- especially if you just need one ticket.
As maizyday says, dining is always wonderful in NYC. My dad used to say he could never get a bad meal in New York. And, no one will look twice if you dine alone -- lots of people do it. They often choose to sit at the bar. Seek out neighborhood restaurants for good food at more reasonable prices than the big name restaurants.
If you like Lydia Bastianich on PBS, you may enjoy her restaurant, Becco, on Restaurant Row. They offer three unlimited pastas (you get all three) each evening for a set price. Reservations required as it's always crowded.
Gramercy Tavern is a classic NYC eatery in the Flatiron District. Dinner is very expensive. Lunch is more reasonable and they offer a soup/sandwich special each weekday. Sitting at the bar in the tavern area is delightful and other solo diners at the bar are often pleased to chat. No reservations accepted. We like to show up around 2:30 pm after the crowds have gone.
I also think Ellen's Stardust Diner in Times Square is fun for singing waiters and burgers.
Visit one of the Eataly stores for tons of neat (but of course) pricey foods/items imported from Italy. Also, while downtown visit Le District for great foods/items from France.
The JPMorgan Library and Museum is small, not crowded and often has interesting exhibits. I think the Cloisters is fascinating and well worth a visit if you have time.
Just a few suggestions. I hope you ignore the naysayers and enjoy one of the world's great cities.