Secaucus to NYC

[AlabamaMan!!]

Anyone know the best way to get into the city from Secaucus? Going tomorrow until Friday, looking to check out the big apple for the first time.

Anyone got any suggestions on where to go/what to see/how to get there? Will have a rental car but prefer not to use it if possible.

Thanks

 

[jet-blast]

bus it...

When I head for the city I catch a bus in front of the Embassy Suites. bus #364 ??? Ask for a schedule from the check in desk. Buying a round trip ticket first saves you from having to find a kiosk on the Penn station side. It's a real easy way to get over there. Renting a car and having to park the thing is to much of a headache. Plus the bus fare is only $6 or so.
hope it helps.

 

[AlabamaMan!!]

Thanks.

Any good places to eat, things to do/see?

 

[ultrarunner]

Nyc?

Thanks.

Any good places to eat, things to do/see?

You're kidding, right?

Haven't gotten out of that country called Alabama in a while, huh?

But, if I recall, I think there are some large buildings there with observations decks...maybe one called the Empire State Building....

Lets see......uhhhh......

There is something called Times Square. Not sure if they have TV's in 'Bama, but if they do, and you've watched new years eve, it's the place where they drop the ball....

Man, I'm having WAY too much fun with this...

have fun....

 

[AlabamaMan!!]

Nope, just never had a chance to actually spend more than one night w/ early morning turn in NY. Hope I didnt put you out by asking for your opinion, but I was looking for what people thought were good things to do and what might be a waste of time.

Since you seem to be the master of NY overnights, what are some good places to eat without going broke?

 

[ultrarunner]

Hey man, just kidding...

Fun things are Times Square area. Tons of stuff happeing there. USS Aircraft Carrier Intrepid. Empire State Bldg Observation Deck.

The christmas tree is up in Rockafellar Center, so you can check that out. Also, maybe try to score some tickets to Letterman, etc...

If you're a runner, a couple hour jog through central park is always on my list. Greenwich village is also a very cool place and TONS of good eateries.

You'll have a blast.

 

[Vastly Underemp]

'Bama Man,

If you can afford it, you MUST have a pastrami sandwich at the Carnegie Deli. It'll cost you about $15, but it's big enough for 2 meals. The Letterman show studios are right around the corner and they often have last minute seats available if you're willing to stand in line (outside!) to wait. Tribeca and Soho are kind of artsy and people watching is often amazing there (lower Manhattan). As previously mentioned, Rockafeller Center is best this time of year, as are Macy's, FAO Schwartz, etc. Just don't take the Hansome Cab ride if Kramer is driving Rusty.....

And lest we forget, Strawberry Fields is in Central Park; if you're a John Lennon fan, your pilgrammage awaits.

 

[MASH4077]

Nyc

Definitely ride the transit into town. You really don't even need a rental car. I was up there last week. Went to the Fox News Studios and went to the DaySide show. Walked over to Trump Tower. Also found a hole in the wall restaurant and ate some pizza. It was very good. If you want some laughs, ride the Subway. Take it down to the Trade Center which is a very sobering experience to say the least. You also have the Statue of Liberty. There is so much to do there it would take you a month. Gotta eat a hot dog while you are there too. Head into town early. The day goes by fast!

Oh yes, and to all you yankees, we do have TVs here in Alabama. We use them to watch football on saturdays and sundays.

 

[2000flyer]

A few ways to get to NYC from Secaucus.

As previously mentioned, the bus in front of the Embassy Suites, that will take you to the main bus station about a block from Time Square. You could kill a day in that part of town easy. Theatre, stores, food, it's all there. Cab rid to lower Manhattan, last time I did it, was expensive. Take the subway or if it's a nice day, it's about an hour walk. Not much down there besides business district, but if you're interested in seeing Wall Street and such, it's worth it. Of course, right around the corner is the former WTC area.

If you get that far south, definitely hit Canal Street for bargain knock-offs (jewelry, sunglasses, electronics...not murder...more on that in a bit). Breitling, Rolex, etc for under $30. I bought a Breitling knock-off several years ago and it still works like a champ. One prick back at school chastised me for buying a piece of crap, yet I still fool Breitling dealers with it.

Last time I walked down there we came across a double homicide that happened within the last 15 minutes. At first I thought the cops were being total pricks they way they treated passer-bys, but then I watched some of those folks and thought the cops were showing great restraint not knocking the crap out of some of them.

2000Flyer

 

[2000flyer]

A few ways to get to NYC from Secaucus.

As previously mentioned, the bus in front of the Embassy Suites, that will take you to the main bus station about a block from Time Square. You could kill a day in that part of town easy. Theatre, stores, food, it's all there.

You can take the bus to Hobokin or Wehawkin (NJ) and take the ferry over. Last time I did it, it was $2 or so. Or you can do the limo. Expensive, IMO, but for private, comfortable transportation, it's the only way to travel and avoid public transit.

Cab ride to lower Manhattan, last time I did it, was expensive. Take the subway or if it's a nice day, it's about an hour walk. Not much down there besides business district, but if you're interested in seeing Wall Street and such, it's worth it. Of course, right around the corner is the former WTC area.

If you get that far south, definitely hit Canal Street for bargain knock-offs (jewelry, sunglasses, electronics...not murder...more on that in a bit). Breitling, Rolex, etc for under $30. I bought a Breitling knock-off several years ago and it still works like a champ. One prick back at school chastised me for buying a piece of crap, yet I still fool Breitling dealers with it.

Last time I walked down there we came across a double homicide that happened within the last 15 minutes. At first I thought the cops were being total pricks they way they treated passer-bys, but then I watched some of those folks and thought the cops were showing great restraint not knocking the crap out of some of them.

2000Flyer

 

[G100driver]

Like 2000 said about Canal, great at this time of year. Also, while you are down that direction, go to Mulberry steet and north. Walk up about 4 block to Angelo's. At this time of year Christmas is a big thing in Little Italy. Marching band's are roving the street's and coming into resturants and make quite a scene. Really festive ... and great food.

 

[AlabamaMan!!]

Thanks for all of the info......guess I'd better get my a$$ up early. And I'll be damned, its a clear day here and I forgot to bring my camera. Thanks for the ideas, quite a few things I didnt even think of.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Go see the Conan O'Brien show. Conan is awesome.

 

[AlabamaMan!!]

I just tried to get tickets to Conan.....booked solid until the middle of February. Gonna try Letterman tomorrow morning.

 

[onthebeach]

Best bargain in New York

Take a Circle Line boat tour around Manhattan. You will see most of the sights while sitting in comfort drinking the beverage of your choice from the concession on board. The boats are old converted landing craft and seat a couple of hundred people. Starts from the West Side 42nd Street Pier (if memory serves) and takes about four hours. The guys narrating seem to know every fact about NYC from the time dinosaurs ruled until the present day. Amazing and very informative. Just remember to dress warmly.

As for Central Park, a hansom ride is the way to see it. Double dittos on the dress warmly part.

If you want a warm indoor activity, the American Museum of Natural History is tops.

As far as food, to each his own, but a fine Italian meal in Little Italy is not to be missed.

 

[TXGold]

I would get on the Green Line Subway once you get to Penn Station, and take it south to Spring Street. There is great shopping and Restraunts there. You might want to do all the typical stuff, but if not I would go to Soho, and get drunk and try to get laid. West Broadway and Grand street there is a restraunt called Lucky Strike that has good Chiantis and Pinos and a great salad, great DJ and some grade a NY ass. Also forgot the streets but check out Gonzales Gonzales. Great mexican restraunt and great margaritas.

About that bus at Harmon Meadows, don't forget it stops running around midnight for 4 hours. If you miss the bus go north one block and west one block. Look for a couple of white Van's parked. These are shuttle van's that will get you to over by Secaucas and then you can take a cab to your hotel. I always take the bus into town when I am in NYC. Biggest waste of free time is being in Harmon Meadows Secaucus for a few nights and not going into the city.

Take Care,
TXGold

 

[AlabamaMan!!]

Debating whether to go into city tonight for a few libations and such......but I'm on my own (other guy has family here in jersey). what time do the bars close in the city?

 

[AcroChik]

Libations & Such

Speaking as a native:

If you want to see how we natives quaff overpriced martinis, try Olives at the W Hotel in Union Square. Virtually no tourists even though it's a hotel lounge. Definite celebrity spotting (high level, not soap actresses). It's luxe, chic and loads of fun. Dress for success. Best drink, espresso martini. Link for location: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1299

Never, and I mean never-ever, take a taxi. Walk, take the subway and take busses. NYC public transit runs 24/7/365, is fast, cheap and safe (no kidding). Its also filthy enough to have some character. Buy the one-day unlimited MetroCard. Works on subways and busses. NYC's the best walking city in the world. Don't be afraid to wear out some shoe leather.

Don't believe a single word the tour guides tell you on the Circle Line or various bus tours. They're making all that rubbish up. Great way to see the city, however.

Macy's during holiday spending fever is TFR'd. There's nothing there you can't get cheaper and easier at WalMart. In any event, it looks run down and cheesy. Want to gawk? Sak's Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.

Real Shopping Bargains? Euro-imports at bargain prices? CENTURY 21! Right near the WTC site. Great place for you guys to pick up the totally unexpected gift for your girl at dimes on the dollar (they have extensive menswear departments as well). I buy most of my clothes here.

FAO Schwartz is simply BRILLIANT; you'll feel six yers old again - see the world through eyes filled with wonder.

Anyone's who's tired of the usual tourist ripoff scene in NYC (Times Square, etc), should feel free to IM me for something a bit different from the usual guidebook fodder. I haven't been to Times Square in..., I forget how long.

EDIT: What time do bars close? Way past your bedtime. Try Pravda on Lafayette Street (near Prince Street) in SoHo. No sign, little red light by the stairs leading underground to a Moscow subway station. Tasty snacks. Lafayette runs north and south; the bar is on the east side of the street.

 

[Bjetset2]

Nyc

Stay in Weehawken on the river at the Sheraton. The FBOs will take you there and you just ride the ferry across the Hudson. Much better/easier than a bus ride. Boat ride and nice city views on the way. It will drop you at Port Imperial near the aircraft carrier.

Have fun!!!

 

[AlabamaMan!!]

Thanks.........good time. I appreciate all your help.