© Copyright 2004 by Ralph Freda TO DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS GUIDE CLICK HERE-----> NEW YORK CITY A TRAVEL GUIDE FOR OUT OF TOWNER’S   By: Ralph Freda  2nd edition – updated October 26, 2006   CONTENTS     INTRODUCTION GETTING AROUND DRIVING TAXI CAB SUBWAY BUSES FROM AND TO THE AIRPORT RUSH HOUR MIDTOWN  – 42ND STREET TO CENTRAL PARK 42ND STREET TIMES SQUARE BROADWAY THEATER DISTRICT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL ROCKEFELLER CENTER NBC STUDIOS ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL FIFTH AVENUE STORES F.A.O. SCHWARZ CENTRAL PARK -  HORSE & BUGGY RIDES SIDE STEPS TAVERN ON THE GREEN BROADWAY PLAY NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 34TH STREET AREA HERALD SQUARE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING MACY’S MADISON SQUARE GARDEN LOWER MANHATTAN BATTERY PARK GROUND ZERO – WORLD TRADE CENTER SITE STATUE OF LIBERTY ELLIS ISLAND CIRCLE LINE CRUISE STATEN ISLAND FERRY OTHER SITES AND CLOSING REMARKS SEEING NEW YORK WHILE STAYING IN NEW JERSEY ABOUT THE AUTHOR   LINKS TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAP OF NEW YORK ROCKEFELLER CENTER/RADIO CITY NBC STUDIOS TAVERN ON THE GREEN EMPIRE STATE BUILDING CIRCLE LINE CRUISES ATTRACTIONS AND AREAS OF INTEREST IN NEW YORK MIDTOWN HOTELS RESTAURANTS     NEW YORK CITY A TRAVEL GUIDE FOR OUT OF TOWNER’S   Introduction   New York City is an amazing place with so many sites to see and things to do that it’s not difficult for the occasional visitor to get swallowed up in the shear magnitude of the city and its attractions.  This doesn’t mean you should avoid making a trip to New York, it simply means you should be prepared before you go.  This guide is intended to help you make the most of a short visit and will point out some items of interest that may be helpful or off the beaten track for the occasional New York tourist.   If you’re in New York City during the Christmas season, which in my opinion runs from the day they light the Christmas tree in Rockefeller center (late November or early December) to New Years Day, this guide will help you focus on the things that make New York special at Christmas.    In the contents section you will find “Links to Additional Information”.  These links will give you more detail information about the things and places I talk about in this guide.  There is also a link for midtown hotels and another for restaurants.  I suggest you use the Internet Links above or get a guidebook of New York City from a local bookstore (“Triple A” if you’re a member) to supplement the information provided in this guide.  Frommers’ “The Unofficial Guide To New York City” would be a good guidebook choice.   Most of the information contained in this guide comes from my own personal experience and point of view, however, I used the Internet and Frommers’ guide extensively to update prices, schedules and other details.  At several points along the tour I provide additional information and/or advice that I feel may be interesting or helpful.  This information will be indented and in uppercase bold print to set it apart from the basic tour.   REMEMBER THAT NEW YORK CITY IS REALLY MADE UP OF THE FIVE BOROUGHS OF BROOKLYN, QUEENS, THE BRONX, STATEN ISLAND AND MANHATTAN.  HOWEVER, MOST PEOPLE REFER TO MANHATTAN AS “NEW YORK CITY” OR “THE CITY”.   NEW YORK STREETS CAN GET CONFUSING IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA, HOWEVER, IN MIDTOWN THE STREETS BASICALLY FORM A GRID; WITH THE AVENUES RUNNING NORTH AND SOUTH AND THE NUMBERED STREETS RUNNING EAST AND WEST.  BROADWAY IS THE EXCEPTION, RUNNING ON A DIAGONAL ACROSS SEVERAL AVENUES.   THE NORTH END OF THE CITY IS UPTOWN, THE SOUTH END IS DOWNTOWN AND THE MIDDLE IS MIDTOWN.  EAST OF 6TH AVENUE (ALSO CALLED THE AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS) IS THE EAST SIDE AND WEST OF 6TH AVENUE IS THE WEST SIDE.  YOU REMEMBER THE SONG “EAST SIDE WEST SIDE ALL AROUND THE TOWN…...”  THE BLOCKS RUNNING BETWEEN STREETS (NORTH/SOUTH) ARE SHORT WHILE THE BLOCKS RUNNING BETWEEN AVENUES (EAST/WEST) CAN BE AS MUCH AS FIVE TIMES LONGER.      The most convenient place to stay would be midtown Manhattan, preferably on the west side between 40th and 60th streets.  There are a good number of quality hotels in this midtown area and you will be within walking distance of many sights.  The downside is that rooms can get expensive in this area and many of these hotels may fill up early, especially during the Christmas season.  My recommendation is that you search the Internet for deals and book the room as early as you can.  An alternate to staying in midtown, would be to stay in New Jersey and make day trips to New York.  This option is discussed later in this guide.   New York is not a place you should go to “just to see”.  Try not to get caught up in the “sites” to the point where you miss the “experience”.  New York is as much about people as it is about places.  A multitude of people of every ethnic and racial background…rich, poor, gay, straight; even the homeless play a part in making New York one of the most diverse and interesting cities in the world.    Another point to keep in mind, is that you don’t need to go to expensive places and eat at expensive restaurants to have a good time and to get good food in New York.  There are scores of small ethnic eating places with good food at fair prices.  In addition to the obvious, somewhat touristy, places in China Town and Little Italy there are local places scattered throughout the midtown area; you simply have to muster up the courage to try something different.  At some point you may want to get a hot dog, slice of pizza, hot pretzel or a cup of coffee and a bagel at a small shop or street vendor and enjoy the New York experience much like New Yorker’s do. BACK TO TOP   GETTING AROUND   This guide is basically about walking tours but there will be times when you have to travel a distance that is not practical to walk so you need to know how to get around.    DRIVING:   The last thing you want to do is bring a car into New York City.  Traffic is heavy and tricky to navigate and even though parking lots and garages are expensive they fill up fast and it’s often hard to find an open space.  Parking on the street is out of the question unless you’re from New York and know all the rules.  Parking in the wrong place at the wrong time can result in your car being towed away with the cost of the ticket and towing running into hundreds of dollars.   TAXI CAB:   Taking a cab is by far the preferred way to travel in New York City, especially if you have luggage or a lot of packages from shopping.   It may seem a bit expensive but you can get from one place to the other without knowing how to get there.  If you are at the airport or bus station you will usually be assigned a cab by a dispatcher at a taxi stand, from a hotel the doorman will hail you a cab (hand him a dollar or two for this service), and from the street you simply hold your arm up as high as you can and yell “taxi!”.  Keep in mind that it is almost impossible to get a cab in midtown Manhattan on a rainy day.   For short hops just get in the cab, tell the driver where you want to go and take what comes.  For longer trips (to and from the airport or midtown to downtown) it’s a good idea to ask what the fare will be before you get in the cab and make the trip.  You may be able to negotiate a fixed fare but even if an exact amount cannot be given an estimate will minimize any surprises at the end of the trip.  It is also a good idea to give your specific destination including street or address if known.  This gives the cab driver reason to believe you know where you are going and less opportunity to extend the route.    Contrary to popular belief, most cab drivers in New York are honest and helpful.  They will take you where you want to go the best way they know how and may even be able to give you information about the place you are going or other places of interest.  They may not speak the best English but if you grab a cab with a Medallion on the roof (the lighted sign) and a pictured driver’s license, meter and automatic receipt machine mounted on the dashboard you should be ok.   NEW YORK YELLOW CABS ARE LICENSED AND REGULATED BY THE “NEW YORK CITY TAXI AND LIMOUSINE COMMISSION” AND HAVE THE MEDALLION (ILLUMINATED LIGHT) ON THE ROOF.  YELLOW CABS CAN ONLY BE HAILED IN THE STREET OR DISPATCHED FROM A TAXI STAND, THEY CANNOT BE CALLED TO PICK YOU UP AT YOUR HOTEL OR OTHER LOCATION.  OTHER CAB COMPANIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS SERVICE.  ASK AT THE HOTEL, WHICH COMPANY YOU SHOULD CALL TO SCHEDULE A PICK-UP WHEN NEEDED.   The easiest way to have a problem with a cab is to use an independent private car or limo, also referred to as “Gypsy Cabs”.  These drivers may approach you to offer you a ride that will avoid the long wait at the taxi stand or at a better rate than the regular cab fare.  You may get a good deal or you may be surprised with some hidden cost at the end of the ride.  The problem is these drivers are not regulated by any commission or agency and you are on your own if you’re not happy with the service or price you get.  So bottom line is, stay with the clearly marked yellow or medallion cabs, cab services recommended by hotel personnel or limo companies that you call in advance.   SUB WAY:   It’s hard to believe that under all the buildings, streets and plazas of New York City is one of the largest subway systems in the world.  This maze of tunnels has almost 700 miles of track that effectively gets millions of people around the five Burroughs every day.  To a first time visitor the subway may seem a little overwhelming and it does takes some time and effort to study the route maps and stops; so I still recommend the taxi cab as my first choice of travel.    However, walking down the stairs and experiencing the smells, sounds and crowds in this underground city under the city is definitely a New York experience that you may want to take.  If you travel the main lines between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. you should have no more problem with safety than you do on the streets during business hours.  I suggest a trip from Midtown or Central Park to Downtown or Battery Park.  Simply go underground at any of the street level stair entries in the area and ask for a map and guidance at one of the fare booths.  The trains also have conductors that can assist you with where and when to get on and off.  Keep in mind that if you travel during rush hour (7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on weekdays) things might move a little quickly and it may be more difficult to get attention and help.   BUSES:   Not recommended unless it is a slow traffic day on a weekend or it’s late at night and you can’t get a cab.  Like the subway you have to know what bus is going where so ask the driver when you get on if you are on the right bus for your destination.   GETTING FROM AND TO THE AIRPORT   The three major airports serving New York are LaGuardia, JFK and Newark.  I prefer and recommend Newark, it is better organized and less intimidating than JFK or LaGuardia.  The easiest way to get from Newark Airport to New York when you have luggage is a taxi or limo.  The travel time from Newark airport to midtown Manhattan will be about 35 to 50 minutes.   Taxis at Newark Airport are dispatched from a taxi stand.  When you tell the dispatcher you want to go to midtown Manhattan, he will hand you a slip of paper with an estimated fare; which presently is $30 to $38 depending on the exact location in Manhattan.  The total cost will be this fare, plus tolls ($4.00) plus tip (15%) or about $40 to $48.  If you have two or three people in your party, this may not be so bad.    There are also express buses that will take you from Newark Airport to the Port Authority bus terminal in midtown Manhattan for about $13 one way.  Olympia Airport Express provides service every 15 to 30 minutes.  You can then take a cab from the Port Authority to your hotel.  There is a taxi stand just outside the door of the port authority at the 42nd street ground level exit.   A limo (sedan not stretch) will take you from Newark Airport to midtown Manhattan for about the same price as a cab.  You can make arrangements before you leave home and have a limo driver waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.  This is a good option when you can schedule a firm pick up time before you leave and do not have to be spontaneous.   Ask when booking, what the fare will be and if you can use a credit card to pay for the ride.  Keep in mind that there may be waiting charges tacked on if the driver has to wait an excessive amount of time for your plane to land.   A limo would be a good option to get you from your hotel back to the airport also.  However, if you decide to take a cab you should know that New York cabs can’t pick you up at Newark Airport and New Jersey cabs can’t pick you up in New York, therefore, the return trip will be a bit more expensive.  The New York cab fare back to Newark Airport will run about $50 to $60 including the tip.   RUSH HOUR   Rush hour in New York is the period of time generally from 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, when 8 million people try to get from one place to another all at once.  In addition to the vehicle back ups and crowding most of us are familiar with at home, New York’s rush hour crowding extends to foot traffic on the streets and in the subways and can be quite an experience for someone from out of town.   If you happen to get caught up in this stampede of humanity, you may get to better understand one of the reasons New Yorker’s are viewed, by many outsiders, as non-caring rude people who won’t stop to give you the time of day.  It becomes evident quickly that the flow of this crowd depends on everyone moving together and that stopping to find out “the time of day” would be difficult and disruptive.  After going through this routine day after day and week after week, the people that make up this crowd become somewhat like a swarm of bees focused on their destination with little time for distraction.     So give these New Yorkers the benefit of the doubt.  Understand that they may be more “focused” than “rude”.  Trust that they will be understanding and helpful if you have a question or a need and don’t be afraid to stop and ask, just don’t do it during rush hour. BACK TO TOP  MIDTOWN (42ND STREET TO CENTRAL PARK)   Our tour begins at the Port Authority bus terminal located between 8th & 9th Avenues from 40th to 42nd Street.  If you take a bus from out of town it will most likely bring you to the Port Authority.  If you drive in through the Lincoln tunnel you will exit the tunnel at the Port Authority.  If you stay at a hotel in Manhattan you can pick up the tour at any point but I suggest you go to the Port Authority and travel the full route.   If you get to the correct Port Authority location you will be on 42nd Street and 8th Avenue.  Walk east down 42nd Street toward 7th Avenue.   THIS SINGLE LONG BLOCK BETWEEN 8TH AVENUE AND 7TH AVENUE IN THE HEART OF MIDTOWN MANHATTAN HAS GONE THROUGH MANY TRANSITIONS OVER THE YEARS.  FOR A GOOD MANY YEARS IN THE 70’S AND 80’S THE STREET WAS TAKEN OVER WITH PORNOGRAPHY AND PROSTITUTION TO A POINT WHERE A DECENT PERSON WOULD HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME WALKING DOWN THE STREET WITH THEIR FAMILY.  THE CITY FINALLY DECIDED THAT IT WOULD RE-CLAIM ONE OF ITS PRIME LOCATIONS AND ATTRACTIONS AND MADE A CONCERTED EFFORT OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS TO CLEAN UP THE STREET.  THIS LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORT WAS SUCCESSFUL AND RESULTED IN THE RETURN OF MERCHANTS AND SHOWS INCLUDING THE RE-OPENING OF THE NEW AMSTERDAM THEATER BY THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY THAT PREMIERED THE STAGE VERSION OF WALT DISNEY’S “LION KING” IN JUNE OF 1997.     As you walk this long block from 8th Avenue to 7th Avenue you will see Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, The New Amsterdam Theater, which is currently showing the play “Mary Poppins”, and a whole variety of novelty shops, fast food and sit down restaurants and more.  Hopefully you will find a street vendor selling roasted chestnuts.  Yes they really sell chestnuts roasting on an open fire right in the streets of New York and even if you don’t like chestnuts, the smell and the smoke on a cold December day can help give you the feeling of Christmas.  In any event you are in the heart of the city.  Look around….see the sights…..see the people.    THIS STRETCH OF 42ND STREET BETWEEN 8TH  & 7TH AVENUES CAN BE A FUN PLACE TO FIND NOVELTIES AND OUT OF THE ORDINARY ITEMS, HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD BE CAREFUL BUYING ANY EXPENSIVE OR BRAND NAME ITEMS SUCH AS A ROLEX WATCH AT A REAL GOOD PRICE.  CHANCES ARE GOOD THAT IT’S A FAKE OR DAMAGED IN SOME WAY.  THE SHEAR NUMBER OF TOURISTS THAT COME TO NEW YORK MAKES IT A FEEDING GROUND FOR CON ARTIST AND CROOKS.  SOME ARE ON THE STREETS AND SOME ARE IN THE STORES.  SOME MAY EVEN TELL YOU THE ITEM IS “HOT” (STOLEN) JUST TO MAKE THE LOW PRICE SEEM REASONABLE.   BE CAREFUL AND DON’T GET TAKEN BY TOO GOOD A DEAL.      After walking one long block, you will be at the corner of 7th Avenue and 42nd Street.  Turn left (north) and you will immediately walk into Times Square, which is where 7th Avenue meets Broadway and forms a triangle – not a square.   As you walk into Times Square and look back, you will see the triangular shaped building that the famous New Years Eve ball sits atop as it descends on New Years Eve.  This is “One Times Square” and used to be the New York Times building (appropriate for a place named Times Square) but now I’m not sure who owns the building or what it’s called.   DURING WORLD WAR II HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WOULD GATHER AROUND THE TIMES BUILDING EVERY DAY TO GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE LIGHTED MOVING HEADLINES THAT TRAVELED AROUND THE BUILDING.  AT THE END OF THE WAR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CELEBRATED IN TIMES SQUARE AS THE HEADLINES ANNOUNCED VICTORY IN EUROPE (VE DAY) AND 3 MONTHS LATER VICTORY OVER JAPAN (VJ DAY).   There’s a good deal to see in Times Square in the way of stores, clubs and places to eat.  There’s even a place to get discount show tickets and a place to enlist in the military.  If you come across a kosher deli and you like pastrami or corned beef, you may want to stop and get the best sandwich you ever had.   If you stay to the left and walk up town you will see some of the Broadway theaters in the “Theater District” which is off to the left (west) side of Broadway from 44th to 53rd Streets.  To walk all the way to Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall you want to turn right (east) at 50th Street, cross back over 7th Avenue and walk to 6th Avenue “The Avenue Of The Americas”.  Radio City Music Hall is at the corner of 6th Avenue and 50th Streets.   NOTE:   6TH AVENUE WAS RE-NAMED “THE AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS” A WHILE BACK, BUT MOST PEOPLE STILL REFER TO IT AS 6TH AVENUE.   5TH AVENUE IS THE SHOPPING STREET ALSO REFERRED TO AS “WINDOWS ON THE WORLD”.   SACKS, TIFFANY’S, AND OTHER FINE STORES ARE ON OR NEAR 5TH AVENUE.     RADIO CITY/ROCKEFELLER CENTER AREA   ·         RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL – CHRISTMAS SHOW   Radio City Music Hall was built in 1932 and was completely restored in 1999.  It is a magnificent auditorium with old world architecture and décor.  It is the nation’s largest indoor theater and home of the world famous Rockettes dance team.  For many years the theater would show first run movies together with a stage show for the price of one admission.  I saw the movie epic “Ben Hur” with a live stage show, featuring the Rockettes, for a total cost of $1.85 a few years back.  Now the theater doesn’t show movies any more and is dedicated to stage shows and concerts at significantly higher prices.   The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a great stage show in this huge theater with moving stages, live animals, and full concert orchestra. Tickets range in price from $40 to $85 and should be purchased far in advance of your trip.  An afternoon show (2:30 p.m.) after lunch at Rockefeller center would be my choice.    ·         ROCKEFELLER CENTER ICE SKATING RINK AND CHRISTMAS TREE   Down the street from Radio City Music Hall is a wide-open plaza with an ice skating rink recessed below street level and a giant Christmas tree in December.  The big gold statue is Prometheus and the flags of all nations of “The United Nations” are flown around the plaza.  This is the heart of Rockefeller center.    There are a number of stores selling everything from French books to Swiss chocolates and souvenirs of the city.   Down at the ice level there are some overpriced but nicely decorated restaurants.  One even has a ginger bread house big enough to walk in, although they ask that you don’t.  You may want to have lunch here just to say you did.   If you decide you would like to skate at the rink, the cost in December for a one and one-half hour session is $17.50 plus the cost of rental skates at $8.50.  Use the link in the contents section to get more information about the Christmass tree lighting, ice skating, eating, shoping and more.    ·         NBC STUDIOS   On 49th street between 5th and 6th Avenues (across from the “Today” Studio) are the NBC Studios. Since 1933, NBC pages have conducted tours of the NBC Studios.  Some of these NBC pages have become famous including: Ted Koppel, Regis Philbin, Steve Allen, Kate Jackson, Michael Eisner and Dave Garroway.    If you feel this is something you would like to do, use the link in the contents section for additional information.    ·         ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL   Just across the street from Rockefeller Center on 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest catholic cathedral in the country and home to the archbishop of New York.  With a look much like a fairy tale castle this cathedral was built in the 1880’s and is busy with spires, arches and stained glass.  It has a huge organ with nearly 8,000 pipes.   If you visit in the late morning or mid-afternoon you can avoid interrupting services.  If services are in progress when you visit you can still quietly walk through the back of the church.  This is a beautiful cathedral worth seeing.     ·         FIFTH AVENUE STORES- “WINDOWS ON THE WORLD”   Start at the corner of 49th Street and head north toward Central Park and you will see Sack’s Fifth Avenue, Tiffany’s, Christian Dior and other notable stores.  You can check a map for exact locations of specific stores or simply walk up the avenue and see a variety of stores with well decorated and often animated window displays for the Christmas season.   ·         F.A.O. SCHWARZ TOY STORE   World’s greatest toy store for some unusual stuff, especially at Christmas, F.A.O. Schwarz is located on 5th Avenue at 58th Street.  When you enter the store you are greeted by a 3-story clock tower singing “welcome to our world of toys”.  The first floor features FAO’s famous stuffed animals, some selling for thousands of dollars.  Don’t be surprised if there is a line to get in.   ·         SOUTH END OF CENTRAL PARK – HORSE & BUGGY RIDES   If you make it to 59th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, you’re at the south end of Central Park.  Horse & Buggy or “Hansom Cab” rides through Central Park start here.  These buggy rides operate year round and when it’s cold they give you a blanket to keep you warm.  Rides are approximately $34 for a 20-minute ride and $75 for a 45-50 minute ride through Central Park.  Longer rides are negotiable.  Prices may vary, so be sure to ask prior to boarding the carriage.  Up to 4 people can occupy one carriage.   If you’re not interested in a buggy ride, you can walk in the park and forget you’re in the city.  Novelty here is having a park of this magnitude (843 acres) right in the middle of New York City.  There are several lakes, a zoo, horseback riding, bicycle and jogging paths and lots of grass where they have free concerts in the summer.  Simon and Garfunkel drew over 500,000 people to Central Park when they had their reunion on the great lawn in 1981.            BACK TO TOP    SIDE STEPS   TAVERN ON THE GREEN   Tavern on the Green is a landmark restaurant with six outrageously decorated dinning rooms, and several gardens located in Central Park at west 67th Street.  You will find a link in the contents section that will give you details of the tavern along with menus and other information.   BROADWAY PLAY & SARDI’S RESTAURANT   If you decide to see a play, I recommend a Wednesday or Saturday matinee (about 2 p.m.), followed by dinner at Sardi’s restaurant with 6 or 7 p.m. reservations.  Sardi’s is an old time celebrity stopping place and tourist attraction located in the heart of New York’s theater district at 234 west 44th Street.   With everything else there is to do, you might want to see a play at night (usually 8 p.m. show time) leaving the daylight hours for other site seeing adventures.  In this case you can try Sardi’s for a late lunch or early dinner before the play or a late dinner after the play or skip Sardi’s and get a hot dog or slice of pizza on the way to the play.   NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY   This may seem like a strange attraction but if you’re in midtown Manhattan and you have some extra time, this library is worth seeing.  Located on 5th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, this majestic building, flanked by the two famous marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, has been the heart of the New York library system for more than a century.  At the time it was built, in 1902, the library was the largest marble structure in the United States.  In addition to rotating exhibits, beautiful murals, a gift shop and its exquisite interior, the real jewel of the library remains the vast main reading room with its massive oak tables.   BACK TO TOP    34TH STREET AREA   If you walk down 42nd Street to 7th Avenue and turn right (south) you will be heading to 34th Street and the Herald Square area, which is also in walking distance from the Port Authority but in the opposite direction from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.    ·         HERALD SQUARE   There is an old song written by George M. Cohan with the lyrics “Give my regards to Broadway, remember me to Herald Square.  Tell all the guys on 42nd Street that I will soon be there……..”  Herald Square is south of Times Square and is formed by the intersection of Broadway, 6th Avenue and 34th Street.  Like Times Square it was named for the newspaper that once was located here (the New York Herald).  Herald Square is a retail hub with its most notable attraction being Macy’s.   ·         EMPIRE STATE BUILDING   The Empire State Building is located at 350 5th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets.  You will find a good deal of visitor information and history of the building via the link in the contents section including an explanation of the different colored lights used to illuminate the top of the Empire State Building on various occasions.  These lights will be red and green for the Christmas season.     Note:  my first writing of this guide was made before 9/11/2001.  I left the following the way I first wrote it for memory sake.   You can go to the observation deck at the top of the Empire State Building or you can go higher up at the World Trade Center.  I prefer the Empire State Building.  It’s much more romantic (remember “Sleepless in Seattle”).  The World Trade Center or “Twin Towers” is located further down town in the Wall Street area.     The Empire State Building is an old goliath with charm and history.  The World Trade Center is definitely taller.  You can eat at the restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center called "The Top of the World” and actually look down at the Empire State Building.  Just keep in mind that the prices here are in direct relation to the height of the building.      ·         MACY’S   Opened in 1857 by R. H. Macy, the Macy’s store in New York is the world’s largest department store, a registered New York landmark, ending point of the famous Thanksgiving Day parade and where the real Santa Clause can be found at Christmas (remember “Miracle on 34th Street”).    Located at 151 w. 34th Street, the store has one million square feet of retail space – that’s one solid city block of stuff.  You can ride the old-fashioned wooden escalator to the sixth floor to browse the stock of luxury linens or head to the basement-level for foods, baked goods, fancy condiments and more.   ·         MADISON SQUARE GARDEN   Madison Square Garden is currently located at 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets.  There were three Madison Square Garden arenas prior to the opening of this latest one in 1968.   The original arena was built in 1879 at Madison Square on Madison Avenue at 26th Street, thus the name.   BACK TO TOP   LOWER MANHATTAN – DOWNTOWN   If you don’t spend too much time in the 34th Street area, you can take a train or cab to lower Manhattan to complete the day.  It’s a bit too far to walk and the streets start to get confusing as you head downtown.  Once downtown you are within reach of the following sites.   ·         BATTERY PARK (THE BATTERY)   Ever hear the song “New York, New York, it’s a hell of a town, the Bronx is up and the Battery’s down”?  The “Battery” referred to is Battery Park, a 21 acre public park located down at the southern tip of Manhattan.  From Battery Park you can look out at New York harbor and on a clear day you can see the Statue of Liberty, the New Jersey shore line and the Atlantic Ocean off in the distance.   Ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from Battery Park.   FIVE MONTHS AFTER BEING DAMAGED IN THE 9/11 ATTACKS, FRITZ KOENIG’S “THE SPHERE”, WHICH ONCE STOOD OUTSIDE THE WORLD TRADE CENTER A FEW BLOCKS AWAY, WAS REINSTALLED AT EISENHOWER MALL IN THE NORTHERN SECTION OF THE PARK.  ALONG WITH AN ETERNAL FLAME, IT SERVES TO MEMORIALIZE THE VICTIMS OF 9/11.   ·         GROUND ZERO – WORLD TRADE CENTER SITE   The former World Trade Center Twin Towers area now know as “Ground Zero” is roughly rectangular in shape and bounded by Barclay Street on the north, Church Street on the east, Albany Street on the south and West Street on the west.  For much of the early recovery period, this area was off-limits to everyone except recovery workers.  The perimeter of the area is now open to the public and a tribute center located at 120 Liberty Street, directly across from Ground Zero, gives tours around the perimeter.     ·         STATUE OF LIBERTY   Ferries for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from Battery Park every 20 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  One round trip ticket costs $11.50 and includes visits to both locations.  Due to security regulations after 9/11, visitors are no longer allowed inside the statue itself.  You will see the statue up close and be allowed to walk out onto the statue’s observation deck to see the views of New York City and the harbor.    I FEEL THE STATUE OF LIBERTY IS BEST SEEN FROM A BOAT AS YOU PASS THE ISLAND.  GOING TO THE STATUE CAN BE A LONG AND TIRING EXPERIENCE CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT MAKE THIS TRIP.  A RIDE ON THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY OR A CIRCLE LINE CRUISE THAT PASSES THE STATUE WOULD BE MY RECOMMENDATION (SEE CIRCLE LINE CRUISE BELOW)     ·         ELLIS ISLAND   From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island was the largest port of entry and inspection point of immigrants to the United States. Ellis Island is a great place to explore American immigration history and trace family roots.  Ferry service to the island is included in the Statue of Liberty fare.   ·         CIRCLE LINE CRUISE   Circle Line Cruises offer a variety of ways to see the Statue of Liberty and other sites along the river.  Brunch, lunch and dinner cruises sailing during the daytime, twilight and nighttime hours are some of the options.  Prices and duration of cruises vary and should be checked at the time of your trip.   I recommend the Battery Park Harbor cruise or the 1.5 hour New York Harbor cruise which currently costs $26.95 per person.  This cruise sails year round on a daily basis and will offer beautiful views of: the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, United Nations, Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.   A more ambitious trip would be a 3-hour full island tour that goes around the entire island of Manhattan into the East River.  This cruise sails daily except Christmas Day and New Years Day at a cost of $35.95 per person.   For complete information, schedules and pricing on all the Circle Line Cruises go to www.circleline.com or call 888-880-9108.   ·         STATEN ISLAND FERRY   This old-fashioned traditional ferry service runs between Manhattan and Staten Island.   The trip takes about 25 minutes each way and offers good views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan.  You do have to get off and re-board for the return trip.  These are good-sized ferries capable of carrying up to 6,000 passengers and 40 cars.  Refreshments are available on board.   Up until the mid seventies the fare was five cents and was considered the best buy in town.  The fare was raised to 50 cents for a number of years but now it’s free which makes it even a better buy.  Definitely take this ride if you’re looking for something relaxing to do on a mild day with clear skies.    No vehicles are currently allowed on the ferry until further notice.  Parking is available at the terminal at a cost of $6.00 per day.  The ferry leaves Manhattan from Whitehall Terminal located at 1 Whitehall Street at South Street.   BACK TO TOP    OTHER SITES AND CLOSING REMARKS   There are many sites you may not get to see on a short trip that I did not cover in detail in this guide.  China Town, Little Italy, Soho, the Diamond District on Canal Street, Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park, The United Nations, The Museum of Natural History, and others.  Use the link to “Areas and Neighborhoods of Interest in New York City” in the contents section, to get the locations of these other sites   I suggest you don’t try to see too much on a short trip to New York.  The midtown area of New York during the Christmas season should be a fun experience with plenty to do and I would be certain to spend enough time here even if I did nothing else.  Stop to experience the chestnuts roasting on an open fire and the people dressed like Eskimos.  They can be surprisingly friendly this time of year, and many….like you....will be from out of town.   BACK TO TOP   SEEING NEW YORK WHILE STAYING IN NEW JERSEY   As I stated earlier, the most convenient place to stay when visiting Manhattan is the midtown area.  However, if you can’t get the room you want at a price you can afford, you may want to consider staying across the Hudson River in New Jersey before deciding not to go at all.  There are Hilton, Marriott, Ramada and other good quality hotels in the East Rutherford area, not far from Giants Stadium and the Lincoln Tunnel.  These hotels are not cheap but they usually have better availability and pricing than the midtown hotels.   Busses go into New York on a regular basis from the Park Ride lot at the Vince Lombardi Rest Area, located on the New Jersey Turnpike, to the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street.  Most of the quality hotels in the area will run shuttle service to the Park Ride or you can drive there if you have a car.  The trip into New York takes about 30 minutes and because the busses have dedicated lanes through the Lincoln Tunnel they will do better than a cab or car during rush hour.   The biggest downside to not staying in the midtown area is not being able to stop by your hotel to drop off packages or to just take a short break during the day.  If you don’t see this as a problem, making day trips to New York from New Jersey may be an option for you.   Having a car and staying in New Jersey offers a variety of other options such as: visiting the Statue of Liberty from the New Jersey side (Liberty Park), which is quicker and easier than form New York, driving to the Jersey Shore and Atlantic City, visiting the water front city of Hoboken to see the skyline of New York (something you can’t see when you're in New York).   BACK TO TOP   ABOUT THE AUTHOR   I’m not a writer, publisher, travel professional or food critic.  I have never written a book or travel guide.  So what am I doing writing this guide and why should you spend the time reading it?  My credentials for writing this guide rest with my first hand experiences growing up in the New York area and the time I spent on the streets of Manhattan that gave me the understanding and appreciation for what this city has to offer to the people that visit.   I was born on June 28, 1945 at St Mary’s Hospital in Hoboken, New Jersey.  Hoboken is located on the Hudson River across from and to the west of midtown Manhattan.  With the Holland Tunnel located directly south of the city and the Lincoln Tunnel directly north, Hoboken, is ideally situated for a short commute into the heart of New York City.    My mother was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.  She never had a driver’s license and never drove a car but her knowledge of the New York and New Jersey public transportation systems was second to none.  Buses, trains and ferries would carry us to places in and around Hoboken and through the five Burroughs of New York City.     I remember many days when my mother and I would travel through the Lincoln Tunnel on the #63 bus to the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal.  I would take my mother’s hand as we walked down 42nd Street and through Times Square on our way to Radio City Music Hall where, for just a few dollars, we would see a first run major motion picture and a live stage show featuring the world famous Rockettes dance team.  Repeated visits to Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, The New York Museum of Natural History, Central Park, Coney Island, and walks down 5th Avenue, rides on the Staten Island Ferry and even visits to my grandparents grave site in Brooklyn, would all contribute to my early knowledge of and appreciation for New York City.   As I got older, it was not uncommon for a group of friends to shell out 25 cents each to get on the bus and go to New York to kill some time.  It may be hard to believe, with the price of things today, but when I was growing up there were a good number of things to do in New York that were inexpensive or free.  We could go to a television game show like “Beat the Clock” or “The Price is Right” absolutely free, watch as they taped maybe two or three shows, get some door prizes and then watch the shows on TV several weeks later.  We could ride the Staten Island Ferry for 5 cents a trip.  We would stay on the ferry and go back and forth several times and as long as we weren’t causing any trouble they would usually let us stay on.   One night we went to Central Park to listen to one of the free open-air concerts they would have throughout the summer.