NYC: Quick & dirty day trip ideas for my Asian relatives visiting:

Status
Not open for further replies.

Zeze

Lifer
Mar 4, 2011
11,395
1,187
126
The Target: My parents & 2 aunts will be visiting NYC for a very short trip in early October during weekdays. My folks speak conversational English, but my aunts will be speaking near zero as they're visiting from Asia.

Duration: They arrive NYC from Boston likely around late morning. They'll only spend about 4-5 hours tops before heading to NJ to meet up with us for dinner after our work. Then next day, they want a quick visit in Manhattan again- 3-4 hours tops.

Objective:
DAY 1: The aunts are from Asia- and given this extremely limited time, it's in the best interest to only do iconic & touristy things. I'm thinking Greyline Bus tours + Top of the Rock and call it a day. Do lunch somewhere.

DAY 2: They want to hit up Statue of Liberty & eat and leave. I haven't been to the statue and I'm guessing it's likely very overrated vs time spent waiting.

Questions:
1. Getting around is likely best using Uber for this party of 4. But cheapest place to park for the day?

2. What's a good meal in NYC without too much waiting. I'm thinking pizza.

3. For DAY 1 what do you think? I keep reading bad reviews regarding the bus. Any alternatives bus lines? Or do something else entirely?

4. Same for DAY 2, just a walking tour of WTC + Wall St + Brooklyn Bridge instead should be better?
 

Ns1

No Lifer
Jun 17, 2001
55,419
1,599
126
are they tourbus chinese or S65 chinese? It matters.
 

Mayne

Diamond Member
Apr 13, 2014
8,838
1,373
126
I say get them drunk as hell. Then hop in a car and go for a booze cruise.
 

cabri

Diamond Member
Nov 3, 2012
3,616
1
81
I have visited Liberty twice, once in early 20s and second in 40s.

Enjoyed both times. Maybe because neither had crowds.

Unless the visitors are into finance, why Wall St.
 
Last edited:

CraKaJaX

Lifer
Dec 26, 2004
11,905
148
101
1 - Can't help you. Parking blows.
2 - Pizza definitely. You may also hop into a bakery for cheesecake, cannoli, cappuccino, etc if they like sweets (little Italy)
3 - I've never done the bus thing. You could walk around central park, see the empire state building, etc...? Not much to see, but that's 'New York' for tourists - they all know those places. Maybe even take them to Times Square if you feel up to that. If i was coming from Asia, I'd definitely want to see TS.
4 - If you take them to the bridge, go to Grimaldis underneath the bridge on the Brooklyn side for pizza.
 

CraKaJaX

Lifer
Dec 26, 2004
11,905
148
101
Also, as for the statue.... My gf's family just came and visited a month or so ago (all from Florida, first time in NY). I can tell you that if you only have 3 hours, don't even bother especially if it's afternoon. We had booked a 9am boat and it was already pretty crowded. I suppose in October it might not be too bad, but I wouldn't waste your time going out to it. Snap a couple pictures from Manhattan and keep moving. The boat ride itself is 30 minutes at LEAST since the boat stops twice - liberty and Ellis Island.
 
Last edited:

Svnla

Lifer
Nov 10, 2003
17,986
1,388
126
I did do a trip in NYC with friends from Asia a couple years ago and they wanted to see, keep in mind that they are in their 20s and 30s, not old folks.

1. Time Square, especially at night
2. Apple Store in NYC/Central Park
3. Wall Street/Financial District
4. Liberty status
5. Fifth Avenue stores

and then eat at Korea Town, then visit the NBC/Rockefeller Center.

Those in Asia just want to see the famous places in NYC and take pictures to show their friends in Asia that they are "cool" and "been there, done that".
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.