Where should it go? Looking for NYC vacation recommendations

[BingoBangoBongo]

When I first read your post, I’m thinking NYC can be pretty hot in August, and then I remembered I’m going to the city for three nights in late August and going to the US (Tennis) Open for a day. We’re casual tennis fans but did this about 6 years ago and had a great day there just buying grounds passes that get you into many of the courts, but not Arthur Ashe stadium. The first day is 8/28.

 

[ambere]

The Empire State Building is timed and on the City Pass. You might want to go near sunset when everyone is up and taking pictures. Give yourself time for the lines even if you pre-book the timed tickets. Same for the Chrysler building. The lines to the Met are insane unless you are a member and go a separate entrance. The Statue of Liberty will take all day and it is a lot of walking around the island. The line to the ferry is very long at the most popular times. Go early. Don't forget to walk through Central Park and maybe see an outdoor play. You could wait in line at TKTS at Times Square and score Broadway or off-Broadway shows for a discount. Very worth it.

We actually just went to the Met on Monday July 24 around 11 am, and there were no lines. Walked right in. There was a 10-minute or so line for tickets, but you don't have to wait in it. Just walk to the right, and there are a bunch of kiosks where you buy tickets w/ your credit card, no wait (take advantage of student, military and/or senior discounts, if applicable). Another tip: if you want to see the Van Gogh exhibit, there's no additional fee, but you need to scan a QR code, and you will get a specific time to enter, so do that as soon as you go in.

 

[lockewong]

We actually just went to the Met on Monday July 24 around 11 am, and there were no lines. Walked right in. There was a 10-minute or so line for tickets, but you don't have to wait in it. Just walk to the right, and there are a bunch of kiosks where you buy tickets w/ your credit card, no wait (take advantage of student, military and/or senior discounts, if applicable). Another tip: if you want to see the Van Gogh exhibit, there's no additional fee, but you need to scan a QR code, and you will get a specific time to enter, so do that as soon as you go in.

Good to know. We go in October and in May when it is cooler and both times saw lines.

 

[amycurl]

For the cost of two subway rides (so, less than $5 per person?) take the ferry out to Rockaway Beach; time it so that it is right around sunset. It is the *best* thing we've ever done in NYC. You'll get an amazing view of the sun setting behind the Statue of Liberty. There's usually an ice cream truck parked at the end of the ferry; you can hop out, grab ice cream, and then get right back on the ferry. (When we did it last summer, we met family for dinner first.) It was definitely a better experience than the Staten Island ferry, IMHO.

 

[paulderev]

prospect park in brooklyn is the best sight nyc has to offer imo. enter through grand army plaza and you can spend all day exploring that beautiful park and its surrounding neighborhoods.