Tourist guide to NYC for the family reunion - an insiders guide

ELISE'S GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY

I live in Manhattan - this is my “insider guide to New York City.” This list will give you guidelines to make your trip easier and less expensive.

Transportation

One of the best deals for getting around is the one-day or one-week flat-rate MetroCard - ride as many subways and buses as you like during that fixed period of time. On the bus - you can use either a Metro Card or exact change – NO DOLLAR BILLS. On the subway, you must use a Metro Card. You can buy one at any subway station, either in the machine, or in a station booth. The price depends upon the type of card you buy; one ride is $2.50/adult; $1.25/senior, disabled or child. NYC transit information can be found at www.Taxis are expensive – and not worth it for most trips.

Avoid bringing your car into Manhattan: parking is very expensive; you don't need a car to get around

To/from the airport:

www.panynj.gov: public transportation from LaGuardia, Kennedy and Newark airports
www.dial7.com: I use this car service frequently. It's a fixed rate, and reliable. You can get a discount coupon/code at www.retailmenot.com - do this before you get here.

Typical rates from the airport to midtown Manhattan:
LaGuardia: $34
Kennedy: $48
Newark: $48
Additionally, you pay for tolls. During rush hours, the rates may be higher.

Subway to New York Hall of Science:
www.mta.info.com
Home page
On the upper, right hand side of the screen: Enter the “from” (example: Times Square) and “to” (New York Hall of Science”), check the “subway” box (DO NOT take the Port Authority bus). Exact train directions and length of time will be shown. Train directions are accurate. Time – good luck!

Broadway Show Tickets

TKTS Discount Booths - the arts in NYC at affordable prices. Broadway and Off Broadway musicals, plays, and dance productions on sale every day at 20% to 50% off regular prices. Discount Booth in NYC: in the heart of Times Square. Ticket availability and inventory can change quickly. Go to the booth early in the day. Plan ahead: www.ttf.org

Discounts

AARP and AAA - check your membership discount lists!

The discount book Entertainment.com is worth the $22.75 (January 2015 price), if you will be here for at least a week. The price usually goes down later in the year. www.entertainment.com - “thousands of 2-for-1 and up to 50% off discounts . Includes book, mobile and online coupons; exclusive savings on dining, local attractions, shopping and more”

Tours
Hop-on/Hop Off Bus: several tours you can take– uptown, downtown, Brooklyn, nighttime. I recommend the downtown tour - “ one of New York's best sightseeing values. Spend as much time as you wish to explore, or visit attractions before boarding the next bus to continue your tour. This is a great way to see NYC's landmarks at your own pace!”

Stops include Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown, Financial District, Battery Park (departure point for Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry), South Street Seaport, Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City, United Nations, 42nd Street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue.

Personal recommendation: www.gonytours.com . Reserve on-line, get a confirmation number, present to the ticket agent, and save on the purchase price.

Web sites of interest

www.nycandcompany.org (website on the Global Family Reunion site: lists hotels that offer discounts to cousins!
wwwnysci.org (NY Hall of Science page – reunion site – also shows hotels in the area)
wwwnyc.gov.com
wwwnewyorkpass.com: 200+ page guidebook to download
wwwtripadvisor.com

Genealogy researchers

NARA: (National Archives at NYC) - historically significant records of Federal agencies and courts in NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands dating from 1685 to the present. Researchers wishing to use textual records must schedule an appointment prior to visiting.
Visitors must show a Photo ID when entering the building. Admission is free. www.archives.gov

NY Public Library: www.nypl.org

Jewish Genealogical Society: www.jgsny.org (across the street from my apartment )

Restaurants

Use your AARP, AAA, and Entertainment Book (see above) discounts. You can spend a lot or a little - coffee shops are usually good deals.

Tip for a waiter/waitress: tip between 10 -15% on the amount before tax is added. I don't know if this only in NY – some restaurants automatically add the tip to the bill (they do this in many Chinatown restaurants). Double-check before leaving your tip.

Miscellaneous

Tax: the tax rate in NYC is 8.875 %.

Shopping: don't be tempted by people selling “designer watches, perfume and handbags.” They are all fakes. These people can spot a tourist a mile away!

Handbags: make sure yours is either snapped or zippered closed. Keep your wallet in the bottom of the bag. Don't let it hang loosely from your shoulder.

Bottled water/snacks: don't buy them from the newsstands on the street, small grocery stores, or 7-11 – too expensive! Go to a Duane Reade or CVS drugstore.