billyray911

iTrader: (4)

The other half is laying a few hints,so am doing a bit of research for next year...
Has anyone been over there for a short break over christmas and if so-any pitfalls,recommendations etc etc.
Cheers in advance

hodgy0_2

yes -- and as everyone knows New York is like walking around a film set

and at xmas if you get a snowy cold one --- it's like being in a remake of Trading Places

Shopping heaven -- my only advice is that the shops super heat themselves; you end up having to continually take off all your outer clothes as soon as you step inside anywhere
then put them all back on again to go outside -- so wear appropiate clothing

but because of the road grid system very easy to find your way around

new yorkers easily know you is a tourist are coz they are always looking up as they walk down the street

billythekid

Been twice at that time of year, once for xmas day week, the second time for the week after xmas but left just before NYE.

Xmas day in NYC is very odd... almost empty in the morning - got a bit busier in the afternoon but still almost no traffic compared to normal. I have a photo of me standing on Times Square with no traffic on the streets..

It can be mad mad busy. However, the tourist attractions seemed fairly quiet. The first time we went we did the usual - Ellis, SoL, CP, ESB etc etc. There are lots and lots of things to see - if thats your bag.

Its quite a big place, so it can take a long time to get around. I would budget on taxis at this time of year - its going to be cold... but not like the UK cold... when its 0c or -2c there it feels like -15c... trust me, I have been out playing in -15 to -20c before... without serious clothing or lots of beer you wont make it more than 4 or 5 blocks before you cant feel your feet... unless you are a Scot, in which case shorts and T shirt will be fine...

So after a couple of days walking in the freezing cold we just took cabs everywhere. Not cheap, but warm (ish) and dry (ish).

Inside the main tourist areas its fairly safe - there will be LOADS of police around, but watch out for pick pockets. Use caution inside the 100 blocks, a lot of people say its safe on the whole island but I saw quite a bit of dealing and other stuff beyond the 100s...

Shops wise, most of them are located in one area - Midtown. Which I think is 14th upto 52nd. Although I am sure someone from NYC will correct me.

Prices are about the same as the UK, so the exchange rate will dictate how much items cost. There are certain things which are a lot cheaper than the UK - my mrs always buys lots of makeup in the US..

Get yourself a decent guide book - the ring bound AA one is good.

The drivers are crazy - esp cabs - when it comes to crossing the road. They will drive over you if they have too... so watch out.

Good luck..

billythekid

Oh forgot to say, a lot of the nice places to eat can book up way in advance.. although its not been a good year for NY in terms of the downturn (tm). So its worth ringing or e-mailing to make a reservation a week or so ahead.

We eneded up eating in the same place as 2 major A listers on Xmas day... they took my booking as I have the same name (apparently) as some US DJ person, we rocked up and they let us in, we sat down and the manager came over saying "there is some mistake" bla bla bla... he asked my name.. I told him... he was like Ahhhhh.... ok...... well we thought you were someone else.

He had a quiet word with us explaining they were expecting a certain someone and his certain g/f to arrive shortly and if we kept away from them they would let us stay - to which I was going to tell him to **** off, they can stay away from me! - but I thought it would be quite cool to sit back and watch them eat dinner.... which they did, with about 7 bodyguards watching them... and us and the entire place watching, and about 20 paps outside!!!

Only in NYC!!!

hodgy0_2

yes I forgot about that -- we took a long walk along the river, then back through the WTC and Wall St and it was absolutley empty

Hysteria1983

I am hoping to go at Christmas in a few years (to get wed) been engaged a whopping 6 years and still not made an honest woman of me!

I don't know where to start with the wedding bit though. I know you have to get a marriage licence x amount of hours before the big day, but as for that, I have no idea.

Would love to know of a great place to stay near some nice views and landmarks though. I would love to stay at the Hilton and wake up to a snow covered central park!

I just need to get that money tree in the garden growing £50 notes!

yoza

Just for you.

what would scooby do

Once when I was there in the winter some bloke got killed by ice falling from a building

Oh and a horse got electrocuted due to a live manhole cover !!

yoza

[QUOTE= Oh and a horse got electrocuted due to a live manhole cover !![/QUOTE]


On a brighter note.......

Aaron1978

iTrader: (12)

The only pitfall is going for a short break IMO, it's still amazing and well worth it but there is so much to see. I went mid December and all we could do is look at things and say remember that film as Hodgy said it is like a film set.

I can't wait to go back but 2 weeks next time, oh and i concur that cab drivers are crazy *******

Aaron

what would scooby do

what would scooby do

Found it - **** me 10 years ago!!

Carriage Horse Is Electrocuted on Street - The New York Times

Jamie

Mike Spall, a spokesman for Jackie,Said burgers are on me.

billyray911

iTrader: (4)

Thats great,thanks for the info.I'll be prepping nice and early and i normally consult trip advisor for places to stay,et al.
Any more info and recommendations (mid range hotels etc) are all welcome.Already thinking of expanding the short break idea,to do it some justice

Hysteria1983

Aww thanks.

yoza

Always a pleasure, now go and harvest your tree.

Gav

We went about three years ago and i cant wait to go back, it's an amazing place. We stayed at the Continental which was very central, only a short walk to Central Park, Times Square etc...

Who was this couple the BillytheKid? Jay-z n Beyonce??

billythekid

Correct.

Hysteria1983

Any idea for some good fertilizer? lol.