Rose C. is a reader of NYWhatToDo.com from Johannesburg, South Africa. This is her review of the recent trip she made to New York City with her husband Tim.
The New York Pass
Our trip to NY was great. Websites like this really helped!
We bought a 7-day New York Pass and this was a great way to see the city – although good to try and plan what you want to see and do ahead of time!
Of course we did all the highlights! Will highlight the unexpected ones!
What I Saw in New York City
The first was a tour of Rockerfeller Centre. It was informative, interesting and professional. Learnt a lot about the art decor and art in and around the building. Very interesting.
A trip to the top of the rock – well worth it. Totally professional and easy!
Long lines in New York City
We had planned to miss Madame Tussaud totally – thinking it corny – then fitted it in in a 30 minute widow! What great fun! Plan for an hour.
If you want to reduce your time in queues (and there are plenty!!!!), leave the backpack at home and take a small slip bag / man bag for the camera and maps. At the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), it took us more than 30 minutes to check in the backpack. Most museums will require that backpacks are checked in.
Buying the $29 MetroCard is an excellent way to get around New York quickly – the Subway is superb! Once we figured the routes out – moving about was cheap , quick and easy. Get a metro map!!!
Observations About the City
New Yorkers are crazy about coupons and discounts – but they work! I do not think a New Yorker pays full price for anything.
So find the coupons and the discount sites! Also find out the days when the entry is free for the various museums.
What I Didn’t Like About NYC
Worst decision in NY – by far the New York Sky Ride at the Empire State Building. As we were on the NY Pass – we did not pay the outrageous $41 for this 15 minute inane shake in a chair.
I would not pay a cent and would not go even if admission is given free of charge – as I would like to use my time elsewhere!
Circle Line Cruise in NYC
We also had a totally disappointing 90-minute circle cruise! I had done this 14 years ago – and found it interesting and informative. I insisted my husband and I do it again. Others recommended it as well.
Whilst the sites were the same, the guide provided little to no interesting information, presenting it in a flippant manner. Seriously annoying! Do not know how to ensure booking a ride with a good guide!
Finally, where ever you go, there are add on options – photos, DVDs etc. that can be purchased with each experience, seriously denting the pocket.
The Bottomline
New York city is a great place for a fantastic holiday!
Tips from this Review
Here are the things that you can gather from this review:
- Get a New York Pass – it is a great way to see New York city
- You can reduce your time in queues by leaving the backpack at home and instead taking a small bag for the camera and maps
- Buy a $29 MetroCard – it is an excellent way to travel within New York since the Subway has an excellent network and very good frequency
- Find out coupons go to the various discount websites
- Find out the days when the entry is free for the various museums in NYC
Write Your Own Review
Have you been to New York City recently? Why not write a review of your trip at NYWhatToDo.com?
Write a Review of Your New York City Visit
I live in the New York City area, and I write on the blog from that perspective. If you write from a tourist’s angle, your fellow readers would get to learn a lot from your experiences!
If you want to include your / your family’s / city’s pictures, it would be awesome! If you are not sure about writing, just pictures with captions are fine too.
As I said, your fellow readers would get to learn from your NYC experience, and you get an opportunity to publish on an established New York blog! I would be happy to link back to you blog or Facebook or twitter account if you wish.
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