1st Trip to NYC - tentative plans

So this summer we are wanting to stop in NYC as part of a larger vacation. Right now we are planning to stay 3 nites, 6/29 - 7/1.

We are 5 of us travelling, my wife %26amp; I and our 3 kids ages 6 to 10. We want plans that are somewhat relaxed and also we%26#39;re not rich and into spending tons of money on trendy dining or ';shopping';--we more want to just observe landmarks.

Some of these sights might be Statue of Liberty, ESB and/or Top of Rock, Museum (Natural History?), and possibly a show if there is one suitable/affordable.

My main concern never having been into the city before is getting around. We will be driving in and have been recommended Affina 50 (E 50th). Would that hotel be a good home base for us, or are there better areas? Don%26#39;t know yet if the place has parking for us but we%26#39;ll need that. Looking at Google Maps, Rockerfeller center and museums appear within walking distance, but i%26#39;m not sure if the neighborhoods there are conducive to family strolls--should we plan on subways or taxis for even these nearby locations?

Any other advise for what we are looking for greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Walt

1st Trip to NYC - tentative plans

I don%26#39;t know anything about car parking or hotels really,all i can say once you car is parked leave it there for you stay. The best way to get around is on foot, and by subways, taxis, and buses.

For the Statue of Liberty, do you want to go to the actual Island, and Ellis Island or just view it from a distance. As if you want to visit the island that will most likely take a full day, with security and everything,otherwise you can just take the FREE staten island ferry, which would only take you about an hour. This ferry just goes across the river between Manhatan and Staten Island (the community were people live). It%26#39;s not intended as a tourist attraction, but as a way for people to commute to work, but works out well for tourists too.

So, that would either be one day, or an hour depending, what you choose. If your just do the ferry, you could then explore more of Downtown Manhattan, see Wall St, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, and maybe explore some of the nearby Neighborhoods, such as Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown.

Then another day could be based around Midtown, so ESB, Macys, ToTR, Grand Central Station, Times Square, NY Public Library, 5th Ave etc..

Then day 3, could be Central Park, a museum, and the a broadway show.

1st Trip to NYC - tentative plans

The streets of Manhattan are very safe for family strolls. You will be looking at 25-30 minutes stroll between Rockefeller Center and AMNH.

...just don%26#39;t walk 5 abreast.

This will definitely be a great vacation. First time in NYC is an experience for all ages! Since you are a family of 5, Hotel Giraffe, located on 26th and Park Avenue, serves Complimentary European style breakfast daily in their lobby. They also have two bedroom suites, which would be ideal for the entire family. The hotel is centrally located and is just a subway ride away from all sights you are interested in visiting.

HappyFamily1912d- Please be sure to read reviews of other posters trips to NYC! They will be a great help to you as far as planning goes!

Good Luck and Most Importantly-HAVE FUN!

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