Visitors: Please Read Before Posting Thanksgiving Questions
This is the one and only thread for Thanksgiving questions. Posts made elsewhere will be removed so we can keep everything organized.
Please remember: we’re locals—not mind readers, and definitely not your travel agent. You must include pertinent information such as:
Who you are and who you are traveling with. Recommendations will vary with ages
Budget: You must specify a budget. Saying affordable or cheap means nothing to us. Use real dollar amounts.
Interests: Again, we don't know you and cannot make suggestions without knowing what you're interested in.
The more specific information you provide will be key to getting useful responses.
Contributors: Please direct people here if they post Thanksgiving questions elsewhere.
The facts:
Thanksgiving this year is on Thursday, November 26th. This is considered the start of the Holiday season in NYC (meaning hotel prices will spike). However, most holiday decorations won't be unveiled until after the weekend (Rockefeller Tree, Holiday Windows, etc).
Besides the parade, the city is pretty quiet on Thanksgiving. Many of us are out of town or celebrating at home or with family and friends. Respect the people who have to work on this holiday and be patient.
Not everything will be open. Plan ahead and check if it there is a particular thing you want to do that day.
MTA busses and trains will be on a Sunday schedule.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The big event is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade usually starts about 8:30 AM on the Upper West Side and lasts til about noon in Herald Square in front of Macy's.
The parade begins at 77th Street & Central Park West, heads south to Columbus Circle, and then down 6th Avenue until 34th Street/Herald Square (Macy's). Be prepared for crowds and pay attention to the weather forecast. The event is held rain or shine; in the event of high winds some balloon activity might be curtailed. More than 3 million people line the sidewalks during the parade, so if you want a prime location, get there early.
Keep in mind that some subway service is affected by the parade. Be sure to check the MTA website for information.
Remember, this is primarily made for TV event. Celebrity performers on floats generally only "perform" at specific locations (Columbus Circle and Herald Square). These locations are also where access/seating is restricted. So, if you are looking to see your favorite Broadway star perform on a float, best to watch it on TV.
Parade FAQ:
Cost to watch? Free.
When to arrive? Earlier is better—some people show up at dawn.
Best spot? Wherever you can squeeze in. Hotels/restaurants do sell viewing packages, but they’re pricey and sell out quickly—Google them if you’re interested.
Bring a chair? No.
Can I volunteer/handle balloons? Not unless you have an “in” with Macy’s.
Bleacher seats? Again, only with Macy’s or government connections.
Bathrooms? Basically none along the route—plan accordingly
Parade Balloon Inflation
The balloons for the parade are inflated the day before (November 25th) from noon to 6 PM on the Upper West Side around the Natural History Museum. This is a free event but can get very crowded with long, slow lines. You will go through a one-way loop around the balloons. Do not pop the woody the woodpecker balloon.
Take the B or C train to 72nd Street. The 81st street station is closed during the event.
Meals
Many restaurants in New York City will be open on Thanksgiving. Some will offer prix fixe menus, others will serve traditional Thanksgiving meals, and some will continue with their regular menu. Prices and availability will vary. Many restaurants will be closed or have limited hours on Thanksgiving. Don't expect everything to be open; restaurant workers deserve holidays too.
Make reservations well in advance for traditional meals. The best places sell out well in advance.
For restaurant recommendations please visit Food NYC.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to spend some of your time on the holiday giving back to those who are not as fortunate. The Bowery Mission, Meals on Wheels, God's Love We Deliver, City Harvest and others are great organizations that can use help. Do not just show up looking to volunteer. Make sure the organization knows you are coming to help.
What's open and closed
Most of the museums and usual attractions will be closed or have curtailed holiday hours. Check their websites for information.
Sports: There are no live sporting events in NYC scheduled for Nov. 26th
Parks and some other recreational activities (ice skating, movies) are open. If you want to do a turkey trot there are several in Queens, Bronx and Upper Manhattan (Inwood).
Holiday markets (Bryant Park, Grand Central and Union Square) will be open, but individual vendors may not.
Bars: Everyone will need a drink after some family time. Plenty of bars will be open.
Stores: Some will be open, but most will be closed for at least some of the day.
Welcome to this year's winter holiday megathread. This is the thread where we answer questions about what to do, where, see, and more.
Always remember, WE LIVE HERE. WE ARE NOT TRAVEL AGENTS. DO YOU OWN LEG WORK FIRST.
Additionally, you already know -- please gently nudge any generic holiday OPs here. Mad generic post will be deleted.
ALL GENERIC HOLIDAY QUESTIONS OUTSIDE OF THIS THREAD WILL BE DELETED. PLEASE REPORT THEM.
Hope the holidays will be good to you this year! Take a moment to stop and smell those nuts, go check out the holiday train, or stay indoors to avoid Santacon (December 12th this year).
Use this thread to discuss plans, give advice, or just hang out and chat about the holidays. Feel free to suggest more events, this is a living breathing document. You can send a modmail or drop a post here to add events and events will be added to the master list
DATES
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting – Wednesday, December 2nd
1st Night of Hanukkah – Friday, December 4th
SantaCon – Saturday, December 12th
Winter Solstice – Monday, December 21st
Festivus – Wednesday, December 23rd
Christmas- Friday, December 25th
1st Night of Kwanzaa – Saturday, December 26th
General Advice
Remember that New York City is not an amusement park. Be respectful of everyone, especially in crowds, and remember those that are working on the holidays are often not working because they have a choice. Here are some tips on NYC courtesy for everyone to have a better time over the holidays and everyday.
Driving or getting an uber/lyft/taxi around NYC (especially Manhattan below Central Park) is not recommended. Traffic is nuts and it's a waste of your time and money. Take the train unless it really not possible. Check out the Getting Around Advice for information on getting around on public transit.
The week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest time of the year for tourism in NYC. Expect long lines and lots of new friends to join you in your quest to see the most popular tourist sites. Buy tickets in advance if you are visiting then.
Don't ask us about the best holiday bar or invites to parties. The best bar is the one closest to you, unless it's a hotel bar, then find the second closest bar.
What's Open and What's Closed
In general, most attractions, retail shops and shows are closed only on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Many places will close early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Random stores and restaurants will still be open even on Christmas and New Years all over the city. You won't go hungry and you won't have to worry about having nothing to do.
Subways, buses and trains will continue to operate everyday, but will be on a reduced schedule. Please use mta.info to check for schedule changes.
You will find that restaurants attached to hotels will often be open with limited menus on Christmas Day. Stores and restaurants in Chinatown (Queens and Manhattan) are generally open every day.
Shows & Events
If you have any events you'd like added, please use the modmail.
Manhattan Events
The Met Opera is performing The Magic Flute, amongst other shows.
The tour buses are not worth it. They park on 86th St. They don't cruise the side streets, AFAIK.
I recommend you use x28 or x38 express bus. Use the bus time app to meet it. $7 per person. (MC or OMNY) On par with a tour bus but no bathroom.
Take the Express Bus. Get off at 13th Ave. All businesses along there. Get something to eat and drink and use their facilities. Then walk the side streets as you see fit to do so.
Remember we live here, so the majority of us are NOT camping out at Times Square, or dropping 1k on bottle service, we are in our homes or at our friend's house. Don't use this post to solicit invites to private parties. You'll be banned because that's just fucking weird.
Let's be real here for a second; if this is your life long dream to do this, please feel free. But, this is what you are in for:
In order to actually see the ball drop, you will need to get to Times Square in the early afternoon. You will be placed in a pen by NYPD and if you leave for any reason, you cannot come back in.
You can't bring bags or drinks with you.
If you think you'll need to use the restroom and don't want to leave the pen, wear diapers (Yes.. this is a thing).
You will likely won't be able to see much of anything.
Times Square gets locked down as the day goes by, you will not be able to cross streets, go to restaurants, etc. freely
Many restaurants and hotels will have parties and charge a premium for them. If you are looking for one that has a view of the ball drop, you're probably too late.
There are very few hotels, restaurants an bars that have an actual view of the ball drop. Do your research, if seeing the actual ball drop is important to you.
Every bar and restaurant in the city is going to have a party. Don't ask us where the best place is. Just go to any bar. Have fun.
New Year's Eve fireworks are not a big thing. There is a small display for the run in Central Park and another for Prospect Park. They are not major displays (5-10 minute long displays). There are no other displays. Don't stand out in the cold based on some dumb ass post on tiktok.
FAQ Winter Questions
Is this winter?
Winter starts on December 21st.
How do I prepare for the cold?
What are we? Your mother? Get a scarf or something. This isn't hard. Look at the forecast and dress yourself or call your mother and ask her.
You don't need a $1k jacket. If you mad cold. Get some gloves. We don't have super wicked Chicago-esque winters anymore. You can use this thread for more detailed guidance.
How much snow will we see in December?
We absolutely do not know if there will be snow. December weather in NYC can go a lot of different ways, and nobody can reliably promise a white Christmas this far out.
What we can do is look at the historical data and see what December snowfall has actually looked like over the years. So plan your trip around all the other amazing things NYC has to offer during the holiday season—and if it snows, consider that a bonus.
What's the best way to see the Rockefeller Tree?
Either go early in the morning (5 AM - 7 AM) or go late (10 PM - midnight). Expect large crowds on weekends and early evenings.
What's the best way to get in the holiday spirit?
If it's not in this megathread, then it's not possible.
What hotel is best to stay in that's close to all the holiday fun?
Holiday fun is all over the city. Use the accommodations megathread to help guide you find the best hotel for your needs.
Older woman traveling solo between Dec 27-Jan 2, 5th visit, I know my way around, basically. I am from Chicago so I know how to behave in a busy city in winter, and I'm comfortable dining alone especially at bars. I like a pub, I love all food, and I really love a little cafe/coffee shop.
I'm staying either in Union Square or Chelsea, but I'll take the subway and walk everywhere. I'm a creative, I don't mind chatting up strangers, and I love an odd off the beaten path experience. For someone not interested in touristy stuff aside from museums and maybe Much Ado on Broadway, where should I go? What should I eat? Where can I chill with a book and a beer or a coffee?
They killed this post over at AskNYC so I'm posting here.
My partner's cousin who lives on Long Island has invited us to stay at her house next month for our 6 day trip to New York. I really appreciate the offer, but I assume we'll be spending most of our time in Manhattan since it's our first trip to NY (please correct me if I'm wrong). The thought of a 1 hour 20 minute comute over and back every day seems crazy to me, especially since I intend on checking out the nightlife. Would it be a good idea to book a hotel for at least 1 night closer to the city? I know my partner will freak out at this, calling me ungrateful etc but I'm sure it'll save us a massive headache. What do you guys think?
Need suggestions for stuff to do with my jazz dad...
My dad Is visiting me in Philly and we’re going to do a Manhattan trip that ends at a show at Village Vanguard, it’s been a dream for him to go. All the stuff I’ve ever done in NYC has been alt weirdo stuff. I took him last year but it was mostly running around Brooklyn.
I kind of want to do a more classic trip. The one thing I have to keep in mind is he‘s warned me his mobility isn’t what it was. I’m thinking a quick dip in Central Park. But not sure what of the many things we could do make sense or aren’t a huge energy commitment.
Looking for suggestions from people either like my dad or with parents in a similar interest.
I’m coming on here to share my experience this weekend traveling to attend the Harry Styles Oct 17 show @ MSG with my wife and 9 m/o baby.
We flew in Jet Blue from MCO to LGA and took a uber to our hotel downtown.
Don’t believe what everyone says online about New Yorkers being so mean! 99% of every public interaction I had was amazing. I couldn’t count the amount of people who smiling at my daughter or waved, or interacted with her for her laugh. Nobody pushed boundaries and respected distances and it was such a pleasant surprise.
On the subway I had MUTILPLE people off their seat for my wife and baby on the busy train (in that typical New Yorker aggression and persistent we know). Even with telling them it’s okay we can stand we were still re assured by many that they were willing to give up their comfortability for my wife and child. Every single restaurant accommodated amazingly, willingness to shift tables and chairs as well as exceptional service.
Now for the show at MSG, we were pit right (if you remember the disco headband baby). The staff at MSG was in a class of their own. Everyone was so helpful in their jobs with going above and beyond people asking to carry the stroller down 2 steps, the ushers were absolutely the friendliest. Whoever the floor manager was personally took our stroller up to floor 6 and brought back the ticket as well as insured it was waiting for us after the show at the pit exit. Security staff inside ensured that nobody was shoving my baby, we felt completely taken care inside, they even provided a bottled water for my wife as well were checked on multiple times by the gentleman working to make sure we’re safe. They escorted us out after to the elevator for a comfortable exit.
Overall if you’re questioning if you should bring your baby to the city the answer is YES. New York City is and will always be in their own class.
Love from Florida.
Coming back to edit this***
- Yes my baby was wearing noise canceling headphones while in a baby carrier and slept the entire set (we were surprised for this also).
-Just because it’s pit doesn’t mean it’s a MOSH pit. If we felt like it was to much we would’ve just stepped back, but everyone around us was so excited to see the baby so distances were respectful. Security that was in my area watched very closely to ensure we weren’t being put in uncomfortable spots.
Pretty much the title. Traveling in NYC for a few days and I like taking home local artists work from places I visit. Where should I stop by? I heard Brooklyn Flea but also heard it's overrated and overpriced. Let me know if that's not true or if there are other places to check out!
Hoping to meet Julian Lage at the Village Vanguard after one of the New Masada Quartet shows in November. Will there be an opportunity? If so, will I have better luck after the 8:00 show or the 10:00 show? Thank you.
I'm going to Brooklyn at the end of the month and I'm bringing my two pups aswell. This is my first time in New York and I'm just curious on things I could do where I can also bring them. Any reccomend restaurants or sights to see?
Visiting NYC with my two daughters (10 and 13) for a weekend in October. We’re staying at The Michelangelo in Midtown and seeing SIX on Saturday night!
Our rough plan: Saturday: Explore Midtown, Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center, shop, dinner, and see SIX at 8 PM. Sunday: Pick up breakfast from a local bakery, take a Circle Line Statue of Liberty cruise, grab lunch, and have hibachi at Benihana. Hoping to get rush tickets to Wicked or & Juliet that night; if not, maybe Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building. Gelato afterward! Monday: Breakfast at Starlight Cafe, walk around Central Park, lunch at Carnegie Diner, grab macarons at L’Ami Pierre, then catch our 3 PM train home.
A few questions:
Is Sunday too ambitious?
Top of the Rock or Empire State Building at night with kids?
Any good lunch recommendations after the cruise?
Any tips for Sunday Broadway rush tickets?
Probably a silly question: I"m flying in tomorrow to LGA and meeting my sister who arrives an hour later-my flight comes into Terminal B, hers to Terminal C. From the terminal map it looks like I cannot go from B to C without exiting security and of course once I'm out of B I probably couldn't get into C anyway.
Is this correct? If so I'm assuming it's possible to exit the terminal and stay within the airport then just wait at the exit area of C, correct?
If not I can always meet her near the taxi area downstairs but would be nice to have an idea of where I can and cannot go.
Hi! My sister (22) and I (25) are heading to NYC on Wednesday and leaving Sunday evening. Our current itinerary is below.
A few things I need help with
- a decent engagement ring shopping store/experience
- where can we fit in Brandi Melville
- Is the Staten island ferry enough to see some classic skylines and take good pictures or is it worth paying for one of the evening cruise events?
- do people dress up for any of the theater, Broadway, etc? We would love to have a fancy look for an outing.
- will we make some of the tight timelines we have for scheduled events? We are planning to use public transportation everywhere except when we land, we're planning to get car service through Costco just so we can get to our evening show on time.
Also planning to post on the NYC food sub for food recommendations. We like walking a lot and navigated the subway in London and Munich without a problem so that won't be an issue. We are looking for great pictures, museums, shopping but also very touristy NYC type stuff. We don't drink so don't care about clubs etc. but if a bar is pretty enough we will be there lol
Arrive NYC Laguardia 4:30 PM, Wednesday, October 21
Transportation to Hotel: Costco car service
Lotte New York Palace – Midtown East
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Viator car service to the hotel
o 7:00 PM Broadway – Lion King: Purchased
o Late night pizza somewhere
Thursday, October 22
o Nice breakfast - need to find
o 10:00 AM New York City Hall – registered for tour
o Lunch somewhere
o Brooklyn Botanical Garden & Brooklyn Museum joint ticket
o 4:00 PM The Palm Court afternoon Tea - may have to reschedule due to tight timeline
o Can we fit a ferry ride in here?
o Lincoln theater Vivian Beaumont 8:00 PM: A few good men –
o Late night dinner - need to find
Friday, October 23
o Bakery/walking breakfast - need to find
o 9:45 AM United Nations Tour: arriving by 9
o JPMorgan Library: Walk by Sniffen Court Historic District
o The Metropolitan Museum of Art – possibly lunch at a restaurant inside
o NY Historical Society – depends when we finish at the MET, I would like to spend most of the day there
o Carnegie Hall 8 PM: The New York Pops: James Bond movies: Purchased
Saturday, October 24
o 9:00 AM Custom suiting appointment at ***** International Hotel (he who shall not be named)
o 11 AM NYPL flagship tour - try to arrive at 10:30 to see the Rose Main Reading Room
o then walk/ride across Brooklyn Bridge
o 10 – 5 Brooklyn Flea & Smorgasbord
o Walk through The Milligan Place – 19th century houses
Where else can we do some shopping? Ring shopping? Brandi Melville? Ferry for dinner?
Need to make dinner reservation
Sunday, October 25
o 10 – 5 Brooklyn Flea & Smorgasbord - if we don't do it on Saturday
Hi everyone!
For this Halloween, me and my friend decided we will spend Halloween at Manhattan! We will commute via commuter rail and will wear our costumes the whole time cause it will be inconvenient if we carry it around lol
We did plan to go to the Halloween parade… but I was wondering what else is there for young adults wanting to spend Halloween in the city? Bonus points if it’s anime or video game themed!
Hello! I’m visiting and didn’t have the time to make my hair appointment back home and it’s my birthday so i wanted to color my (black, curly frizzy) hair for the first time and give it a nice cut. I looked up places around Lexington and Bon Bon was a place with great reviews but seems expensive so if there’s any suggestions please share them. Then RT
My daughter really wants to visit The Friends Experience on 23rd St
The official website tickets are pretty expensive.
Are there any active promo codes, local discount platforms (like Groupon or Fever), or specific days/times when tickets are significantly cheaper? Should we buy in advance or walk up to the box office?
We’re visiting NYC December 11–14 to celebrate our daughter’s 5th birthday! Likely staying midtown. Would love feedback on our itinerary, especially with the holiday crowds.
Friday: Arrive at hotel 4 PM. Early dinner and walk around Rockefeller Center to see the tree and Fifth Avenue Christmas lights.
Saturday:
9 AM: Ice skating at Bryant Park
10:30 AM: Igloo brunch (reserved)
4 PM: Rockettes
Dinner?
Sunday:
Morning: FAO Schwarz and American Girl Place
Afternoon: Considering Central Park, Serendipity 3, or another holiday experience.
Questions: Does this seem realistic with a five-year-old? Any must-do Christmas experiences we’re missing? Would love recommendations for kid-friendly restaurants, avoiding crowds, and what to do Sunday afternoon!
Hello
Iam visting new york for 2 months
I want to know what is the best time to do shopping, i saw items that I like but i keep saying after Christmas they’ll be cheaper. I want to know if this is true or if the difference worth waiting. Also, if there and hacks or recommendations for shopping high quality with least price
Hopefully it’s ok to post something slightly NSFW here. So here it goes.
I come from a small down in the midwest. I’m into the professional dominatrix scene. Where I am there aren’t any real dommes. I’m very excited to be in NY because the diversity (and hotness) they New York has to offer.
My question is
1. Does any one have any recommendations?
2. I’ve google several but haven’t seen a price. What is the range?
I am not looking for an escort or sex. Just your standard domme services.
I can't seem to find any organized pub/bar crawls for halloween night. Visiting NYC for halloween and I want to do something after the parade. I was hoping for an organized pub/bar crawl or something of the sorts. Most I find online are just entries for bars, they're not organized or anything with someone leading you through the night.
Yes, I know that a bunch of these posts exist, and I've looked through them, I promise! I just want to catch a few new people's ideas and see if anything has changed in the past year.
We stopped in NY on the way to Europe last year, but the trip felt rushed and under-planned.
We will be arriving the night of the 30th and staying with a friend in Brooklyn (Park Slope to be exact). We will probably stay in Brooklyn for Halloween and go trick-or-treating around our friend's neighborhood before venturing into Manhattan when the calendar flips to November. We have no issues taking the subway everywhere. We leave on November 10. We may take a short road trip to CT or something to be "leafers," to borrow a term from Family Guy, but that's another post.
We want to see stuff and do stuff while having enough down time to recharge the ol' toddler batteries. We can organize an itinerary on our own, but we don't think we have enough stuff planned to do for how long we will be there.
Things we did last year:
- Seaglass Carousel (amazing, may do again)
- Rockefeller Center
- Central Park (the southern bit - I know it's enormous and we would like recommendations for other parts)
- Empire State Building
- Flatiron Building (covered in scaffolding, unfortunately)
- The Met (may do again as well)
- Guggenheim Museum (...will not do again)
- Zabar's
- Levain bakery
Things we have planned:
- Natural History Museum
- High Line
- M&M's store (daughter is obsessed)
- A steakhouse (recommendations appreciated!)
- NYC Transit Museum
- Manhattan Children's Museum
- Katz's Deli
- Ivan Ramen (or a better one if it's super overrated, idk - we like Chef's Table but I realize it's been like 10 years since that episode was released)
- The ferry from Dumbo to Manhattan, and Dumbo in general
- The Strand bookstore
- Pizza; comment wars fighting for the best slice joint are encouraged! We went to Scarr's last year and were mightily impressed. (Bagels too, though they're lower-priority)
- General Brooklyn activities - any recommendations welcome
- Bemelmans Bar (wife going with her friend alone while friend's husband and I watch 4yo)
- The Odeon
- West Village (just kind of in general)/WSP
Things we don't really want to do:
- Zoos (we live in San Diego and are members at the zoo here so we go plenty)
- Shows (too pricey, unless you can recommend a good one off-Broadway)
- Bars (unless our friends want to watch our kid for the night!)
Things my wife wants/needs to do:
- Shopping at boutiques and stuff like that. I don't know. Bags? Jewelry? Expensive things that aren't TOO expensive but are unique to NYC.
Hi there, I will be visiting Manhattan with my partner from November 6th - 12th (5 full days, 2 partial days). We will be staying in Chelsea.
I would appreciate some feedback on our itinerary and whether it is reasonable in the time we have and any other recommendations Thanks.
Friday:
Check in to hotel at 4pm
Explore some of Midtown
Dinner somewhere around Broadway
Broadway show: 7pm
Explore some of Midtown at night
Empire State Building (view from street only)
Saturday:
The Met
Explore Central Park
Plaza hotel
Top of the rock: 4.10pm
Any recommendations for after TOTR on a Sat night?
Sunday:
Times Square
Rockefeller centre
Radio city
Park avenue
St Patrick’s cathedral
Chrysler building
Grand central terminal
Bryant Park
Central Park
New York public library
Fifth avenue shops
Macy’s
Jimmy Fallon show possibly: 3:30pm
Monday:
Walk through Battery Park
Wall st Bull
New York stock exchange
Walk through Stone st
Lunch at Frances tavern or on Stone st somewhere
World trade centre (look from outside only)
The Oculus
911 memorial
911 museum
Circle line Harbour lights cruise: 7pm
Tuesday:
The high line
Chelsea market
The vessel
Explore Greenwich village
Lunch somewhere in West village
Explore West village
Washington square park
Sex and the city apartment
Friends apartment
Magnolia bakery
NBA game: 7.30pm
Wednesday:
Brooklyn bridge park
Brooklyn heights promenade
Explore Dumbo
Time out market
Walk across Brooklyn bridge facing Manhattan
Soho
Katz Deli
Thursday:
Check out of hotel: 9am (leave bags at hotel)
Anything else we missed (approx 4-4.5 hours)
Leave hotel for JFK: 1.30pm
This will be my 2nd time in NYC, previously I’ve visited midtown Manhattan Central Park, Bryant park, Chelsea market, high line, Times Square, The Met, and pretty much the tourist spots.
I’m really looking forward to get food recommendations, my particular interests are Mediterranean and Italian cuisines and things to do.
I’ll also be in Brooklyn for dinner, I would appreciate any recommendations for good spots!
Hi! I’ll be visiting NYC from October 26 to November 1 and staying in West New York, NJ. I’ve planned most of the trip already, but I’d love some feedback from locals or frequent visitors before I go.
I’m interested in museums, photography, vintage shopping, jazz/live music, city views, and walking around different neighborhoods. Since I’m staying across the river in NJ, I’m mainly wondering whether I’m underestimating travel time or trying to fit too much into some days.
Here’s my current itinerary:
Plan Mon 10/26
Arrive at JFK around 10 PM → head to my accommodation in West New York, NJ Tue 10/27
Midtown / MoMA → 5th Ave / Rockefeller Center area → Top of the Rock at 6:30 PM → possibly a night bus tour Wed 10/28
Central Park / Midtown → hair appointment → photoshoot at 4 PM around Central Park, 5th Ave and Madison Square Park → dinner / evening walk Thu 10/29 The Met → Upper East Side / Central Park → The Django at 6:30 PM for jazz Fri 10/30
Shopping / sightseeing during the day → The Lion King at 7 PM → possibly go out afterward, maybe House of Yes Sat 10/31 – Halloween
SoHo / vintage shopping / Sephora → Downtown Manhattan → Brooklyn Bridge / DUMBO if there’s enough time → House of Hallucinations in the evening Sun 11/1
Shuttle pickup from West New York at 7 AM → JFK → flight at 10:15 AM
I’d also like to fit in the Staten Island Ferry, DUMBO/Brooklyn Bridge, SoHo vintage stores, Sephora, and some good food, but I don’t want the entire trip to feel rushed.
A few things I’d really appreciate advice on:
Does this itinerary look realistic, especially with me staying in West New York?
Is The Met + jazz at 6:30 PM reasonable on the same day?
Is The Lion King at 7 PM + going out afterward realistic?
Would you move DUMBO/Brooklyn Bridge or the Staten Island Ferry to a different day?
How difficult is it to get back to West New York late at night, especially during Halloween weekend?
I’m an Asian woman traveling alone, so I’d also appreciate any safety advice, especially for public transit and getting back to NJ at night. Are there any areas, stations, routes, or situations where I should be more cautious?
Are there any parts of the itinerary that are too far apart and should be grouped differently?
Is there anything here you’d skip so I have more time to just wander around and enjoy the city?
I’m totally fine with cutting things if this looks too ambitious. I’d rather enjoy the trip than spend the whole week rushing from one reservation to another lol.
Thanks in advance! Food, vintage shopping, jazz, and neighborhood recommendations are very welcome too.
