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After getting rinsed for a pint of Heineken last night for $10.50 last night (well I had 2 before realising) I fancy finding somewhere a little more realistic :hehe:
We're staying in Times Square and we were knackered getting here late so found somewhere close by.
Where are the non rip off areas? I expect all of Manhattan to be similar to be fair but there must be some places off the main drags for decent food and beer.
Cheers in advance.
Where the **** did you pay $10.50 for a pint?
Anywhere on 9th Avenue will be much cheaper. Are you with your family?
Come home its bonkers out there, recently came back and I felt so sorry for the folk with me who had saved up to go and struggled y enjoy the eating /drinking facilities due to cost ,plus the pressure and crazy tip values ,so ate in takeaways which are in the many and good quality, yes you can off piste but not everyone is comfortable with that .Quote:
Originally Posted by Arfur Europe
He should come home? He's only just arrived there FFS!Quote:
Originally Posted by life on mars
For a cheaper pint he needs to head for the ghetto areas where crack houses proliferate. Granted, he'll need to perform Phil Bennett-like sidesteps to evade muggers and hope the bullets whistle by.
When I visited there some years ago the only tip waiters had off of me was to get a better fecking job.
I found somewhere near the aircraft carrier selling beer (including Stella) for $4 a pint. Couldn'tfind it in Google street map earlier though.
If you do a a google search you can find the best happy hours. 169 Bar on East Broadway has happy hour from noon to 7pm. There are really good, cheap Chinese restaurants nearby too. Pianos on Ludlow Street has Happy hour from 2pm to 10pm.Quote:
Originally Posted by Arfur Europe
Was there Xmas time and anywhere near times sq is pricey.think I paid $16 for a pint in one of those themed restaurants in times sq( I was with my daughter lol )
Head further south towards little Italy, soho ,Greenwich village
I did and think you’ll pay around $7-8 if I remember correctly
Just go off the touristy track
The tipping used to do my head in
They expect a tip for everything
Bus rides
Cycle rides
horse and carriage rides
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Fuuuuck off
They actually give you three options on tipping on your receipt 12% 15% 18% I think it was
Cheeky ****ers
That’s why they’re OTT when they serve you and they always hound you when you’re trying to have a nice meal
Tho I love the place I won’t hurry back
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New York – Top Tips
SEE…
Empire State Building - Empire State Building Address: 350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118
Opening times: 0800hrs – 2300hrs
Allow 2 hrs for tour
Note, glass and/or bottles are not permitted in the building
Pre – purchase your tickets before travel to avoid queues on the day
Rockafeller Centre – West 49th Street & 5th Avenue, New York 10020
Opening times: Rockefeller Centre’s plazas are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck Hours; 0800hrs – midnight daily (last elevator goes up at 2330hrs)
Top of the Rock Observation Deck Entrance: 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
Great views of Central park and the Empire State Building – many consider it a better option than the Empire State. Tickets for the Top of the Rock Observation Deck are timed, which means that you won't find yourself waiting for hours to buy tickets or get up to the observation deck.
9/11 Memorial Museum - 26 Church St New York, 10007
Open Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm, Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
The museum is now open and tickets can be purchased in advance here.
Free Admission Tuesdays Admission is free for all visitors on Tuesday evenings from 5pm to 8pm. Last entry is at 7pm. A limited number of tickets are available for online reservation two weeks in advance of each Tuesday evening starting at 9am. Same day tickets are available at the ticket windows starting at 4 pm. For tickets please click here.
Statue of Liberty – Liberty State Park
Opening times: 0830hrs – 1800hrs
Allow 2-3 hrs for tour (5-6 if you are doing Ellis Island too)
Access is by ferry to Liberty Island.
Lines for the ferry to Liberty Island are longest on weekends in the summer, but even during the week the wait can be over an hour to get on the ferry. Plan to visit the Statue of Liberty mid-week if possible and catch the first ferry of the day to avoid unnecessary waiting. Remember sunblock and water in summer as there’s not much shade on the ferry.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum – New York Harbour
Opening times: 0930hrs – 1700hrs
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers visitors a fascinating look into the immigrant experience. Interactive exhibits, walking tours and movies reveal the hardships and challenges faced by immigrants passing through Ellis Island.
Island of Hope, Island of Tears - This 30 minute documentary film is a great introduction to the immigrant experience on Ellis Island. Free screenings run throughout the day.
Staten Island Ferry Crossing – New York Harbour
Another less expensive way of viewing Liberty is from the Staten Island ferry, or if you fancy splashing out consider a sailing trip, or maybe even a helicopter!
Grand Central Station – 87 East 42nd Street, New York. 10017
Opening times: 0530hrs – 0130hrs (Shops are open 8am to 9pm)
Below the tracks are levels of shopping and dining and Vanderbilt Hall is often host to visiting art exhibits and other events. The main concourse itself features an illustrated blue-green cathedral ceiling featuring views of the night-time sky. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a zodiac laser show.
The "whispering gallery" is located on the Grand Central Terminal dining concourse near the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Here, the acoustics of the low ceramic arches can cause a whisper to sound like a shout. To test it out, stand in opposite corners of the large arched entryway, face the corner and whisper.
Central Park
With 843 acres of land, Central Park offers a tremendous variety of things to do for visitors to New York City. From Central Park concerts and Shakespeare in the Park to carousel rides and bird watching, row a boat out on the lake, hire bikes. Visit Strawberry fields (memorial to John Lennon), or the New York Zoo. You may even see Madonna jogging as her apartment is across the road.
Metropolitan Museum of Art – 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10028
Open Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Friday & Saturday 9.30am – 9pm.
Closed Mondays.
Over 2 million works of art from around the world and throughout history are housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an iconic art museum that is well worth a visit.
Admission cost: $20 Adult / $10 Student (need ID)
The High Line – 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10028
Open Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Friday & Saturday 9.30am – 9pm.
Closed Mondays.
The High Line is a public park built on an historic rail line elevated above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues.
Open daily from 7am to 11pm and admission is free and highly recommended, with a stop at Chelsea Market for lunch.
Click here for more details.
Radio City Music Hall - 1260 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020
Since opening in 1932, Radio City Music Hall has been well known for its beautiful art deco architecture, and the 'Stage Door Tour' offers visitors a chance to explore this beautiful building accompanied by a knowledgeable, enthusiastic tour guide. Fully renovated in 1999, the Radio City Music Hall was restored to its original glory from floor to ceiling, with new carpeting featuring the original designs to restored gold leaf ceilings.
TKTS Stand, Times Square - West 42nd Street &7th Avenue & Broadway
(Beneath the red steps in Father Duffy Square on Broadway and 47th Street)
This is where you can purchase discounted Broadway show tickets for same-day performances (up to 50% off the full ticket price). Available shows are posted on marquees outside the ticket booth. The Broadway shows available at the TKTS booths change from hour to hour and there are often tickets released immediately before shows open at 8pm.
Other places to wander… 5th Avenue to take in the vibe, visit the Village (try a Jazz Club in the evening – the Blue Note is the most famous), visit the streets of Broadway in the evening and while away hours with a wander through Central Park.
EAT…
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
1650 Broadway / 51st Street
www.ellensstardustdiner.com
A popular diner where the waiting staff sing show tunes from the table tops. Food is basic fare – burgers and chicken – but the entertainment factor is lots of fun.
The Shake Shack
Madison Square Gardens
www.shakeshack.com/location/madison-square-park
Sample the best burger in town and take lunch in the park. 100% all natural Angus beefburgers or a split and griddled flat-top dog. Expect a queue as it’s popular with the locals too.
The Original Carmine’s
2450 Broadway
http://www.carminesnyc.com/locations...west-side-nyc/
Reasonable, delicious and located just off Times Square.
Mandarin Oriental
Opposite central park and starts on the 37th floor with amazing views of Manhattan. This is the spot to celebrate a very special occasion. If the budget doesn’t reach a full dinner, head there for a drink to take in those fabulous views.
Parker Meridien
http://www.parkermeridien.com/eat4.php Another contender for best burger joint!
The View, Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway
http://www.theviewnyc.com/
New York’s only revolving rooftop restaurant. Dine, or have a drink and nibbles and enjoy more great views over the city.
Balthazar
80 Spring Street, Soho
http://www.balthazarny.com/
A great spot for a lazy weekend brunch (served until 4pm)
Fish Restaurant
280 Bleecker Street, West Village
http://www.fishrestaurantnyc.com/
A lovely little oyster place where half a dozen freshly shucked oysters or clams, with a beer or wine will set you back a mere $8.
SHOP…
** 10% discount at Macy’s & Bloomingdales **
On production of your foreign passport (or copy of it) you will get a 10% discount off purchases at Macy's & Bloomingdales (excluding electronics & perfumes). Head to the ‘customer services desk’ to obtain the discount card which you present when making purchases.
Bloomingdale's 1000 Third Avenue New York (at 59th street), NY 10022 This Eastside art-deco landmark has been serving sophisticated New York shoppers since 1886. One of the city's earliest high-end department stores, Bloomingdale's has since evolved into a more democratic institution where mid-priced products and designers share ample retail turf Macys 151 West 34th street between Broadway & 7th avenue The world's largest department store and a registered New York City landmark opened its doors in 1902. Macy's is more a shopping empire than mere retailer. Nine floors of merchandise, from beauty products and men's fashion to dinnerware and designer slip dresses. One million square feet of retail space – that's one solid city block! Ride the old-fashioned wooden escalator to the sixth floor to browse the growing stock of luxury linens.
Lord & Taylor
424 5th Ave, New York (between 38th & 39th Street W)
Lord & Taylor prides itself on offering real clothes for real people. The store publishes sale catalogues weekly, with deals on everything from seasonal looks and outerwear to personal essentials like cosmetics and intimates. Popular brands for men, women and kids, like DKNY and Ralph Lauren, in addition to the store's own labels: Identity and Kate Hill for women; and Thomas for men.
Canal Street
Head to the centre of China Town if designer copies are your thing. Be prepared to haggle!
Century 21
Financial District (NY)
22 Cortland Street – Opposite Ground Zero
Department store offering clothing, shoes and homeware at bargain prices. Designer labels with 25%-75% reduced price tags.
Burlington Coat Factory
23rd Street and Sixth Avenue
Not just coats as the name may suggest, fashions too along with a small shoe department. It’s never very busy and looks old fashioned from the outside but there are some great bargains to be found.
Victoria’s Secret
901 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10001 (Opposite Macy’s)
There are several of these shops in New York and they sell lingerie for both adults and teenagers, as well as pyjamas and toiletries and lovely gift bags with toiletries if you’re looking for a gift.
Unfortunately as we were the walking dead at this point we found the nearest 'familiar' place, Fridays!!Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCBlue
Thanks for all the replies here but we found that by simply walking 10 mins away from Times Square we found very reasonable Turkish and Italian restaurants.
Were going to a gig in Brooklyn tonight so will get a cab ro Battery Park then use the hop on hop off bus on the Brooklyn route.
Get a cab back then after the gig.
Been loving it so far, apart from the regular interruptions from the street hawkers around Times Square.
Done loads in just a couple of days. Been hot but not stifling.