Tips for 'holiday snaps' from New York (Manhattan)

snerkler

snerkler

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OK, so I'm off to New York next week (very excited) and whilst I've been 'gently reminded' it's not a photography holiday I'll obviously be taking some pics (taking my EM1 to save weight). So whilst there'll be mainly 'snap shots' rather than properly composed shots I would like to get the best that I can. I've been looking at taking pics from the Empire State and then the Rockefeller looking at the Empire State which means shooting south ish, which of course may mean towards the sun. Does anyone know if I go for opening (8am) whether the sun will be far enough east that I don't get a completely blown sky (I won't be taking filters). I might try and get for the sunset but I'd imagine it'll be crazy busy at this time.

These are the shots I'm hoping to get, are there any others that folk suggest?

Skyline from the Empire State, Rockefeller and One world Observatory
Flatiron
Brooklyn Bridge (on the Bridge and from Brooklyn Heights)
Manhattan Bridge from Brooklyn
Manhattan Island from Brooklyn
9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory
Statue of Liberty from the Ferry
Chrysler Building
Variety from Central Park including fountains etc
Grand Central Station
Little Italy and Chinatown.
 
Byker28i said:
So much to see, how long are you going for? Are the lights going to be up?
Christmas tree at the Rockafeller (Home Alone 2)
trump Tower
http://www.pbase.com/byker28i/new_york&page=all

See also this thread
https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/what-to-take-to-new-york.646366/#post-7718470
Click to expand...
Going for 5 nights. Lights are turned on the second day we're there so we're hoping to go to the turn on 'concert' at the Rockefeller, not sure whether you need tickets though.

Thanks for that link, looks like some good info on there (y)
 
Byker28i said:
It's really expensive for food and drink. 9$ a beer and then they expect 20% tip...
Get well off grid for some good, cheap food.

And yes you'd have to book tickets for rockafeller switch on (don't bother) go late or early and it's very quiet
https://www.newyorkcity.uk/christmas-season-in-new-york/
Click to expand...
Thanks again. We're not big drinkers so that's not an issue for us. We're quite happy getting food from kiosk type places too ;)
 
Byker28i said:
It's really expensive for food and drink. 9$ a beer and then they expect 20% tip...
Get well off grid for some good, cheap food.

And yes you'd have to book tickets for rockafeller switch on (don't bother) go late or early and it's very quiet
https://www.newyorkcity.uk/christmas-season-in-new-york/
Click to expand...
Holy cr@p just seen the price for the light turn on ceremony, £350 :eek: Will be giving that a miss ;) Can't you get to see it without tickets then, or are the tickets just to get the best view?
 
Statue of Liberty needs booking in advance for the viewing gallery bit in the torch, New York pass might be worth getting judging by your list.

My daughter went earlier this year and did most of those listed, no tripods allowed up the skyscrapers

How about Flushing Meadows and the old Worlds Fair remnants?
 
tijuana taxi said:
Statue of Liberty needs booking in advance for the viewing gallery bit in the torch, New York pass might be worth getting judging by your list.

My daughter went earlier this year and did most of those listed, no tripods allowed up the skyscrapers

How about Flushing Meadows and the old Worlds Fair remnants?
Click to expand...
We're not planning on going up the Statue of Liberty tbh so don't need to book. Looked into the different passes but we won't take advantage of all of the New York Pass or Sightseeing pass, they'll work out roughly $100 more (assuming we don't end up going to the Guggenheim and various other museums). I wasn't planning on taking a tripod per se, but probably a gorilla pod if I go up at night. Any idea if these are allowed?
 
Just returned today from new york. Here is what I did stayed in midtown just around the corner from flatiron. Day 1 walked down to world trade centre through Noho (spelling is correct) then through Soho into the financial district. At the very bottom took the Staten island ferry it's free but goes close to statue of liberty got off the ferry queued again came back just as it was getting dark so bottom of Manhattan look good from this aspect.

Day 2 Rockafella centre buy on line before you leave the dusk times very heavily booked. The Xmas tree in front has scaffold around as of today as the tree is dressed. Radio city in 6th avenue was a great photo opportunity as was Macy's Xmas window display along with Cartier and Saks on 5th avenue. Times Square is cheesy but good for photos. Grand central is very good inside on 42nd with Chrysler building next door. Went retailing at jersey gardens outlet centre levi 501 £28 a bit of a steal in new jersey for one day which left without the time to go over to Brooklyn bridge. I generally walked every where to the extent my app informs me that 63 miles in 5 days. If you use the subway either by the weekly pass at $32 or pay as you go at $3 subway once you suss it out is easy.

I also walked the high line ex railway from Chelsea up to Hudson yards in the meatpacker district. Chelsea market inside was interesting. Central park is great when the sun is out still very autumnal colours. As to feel safe high security everywhere probably one the safest city's in the world at the moment. As to taxi prices $60 flat fare from JFK, we flew back from Newark either you pay $100 flat fare or run the meter our bill was $86 included toll fees. What gets you is 8.8% local tax and quite a few food outlets add 20% gratuity but street food ok and delis have plenty of choice. Chinatown was meh as was Korea town so I would say give them a miss. Sorry to ramble but jet lagged just trying to remember all what I did while I was there like you I had to tow the family line Enjoy you will be blown away oh pack some very warm clothing as the wind can cut like a knife especially when we did a cruise from pier 78 down the Hudson up to Williamsburg bridge the guy who commentaries is excellent worth the cost.
As to the kit I took canon 6D 16-35 and 24-105 which was my most used lens apart from the financial district when my 16-35 was better suited
Enjoy[emoji539][emoji539][emoji539]
 
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mazdaman said:
Just returned today from new york. Here is what I did stayed in midtown just around the corner from flatiron. Day 1 walked down to world trade centre through Noho (spelling is correct) then through Soho into the financial district. At the very bottom took the Staten island ferry it's free but goes close to statue of liberty got off the ferry queued again came back just as it was getting dark so bottom of Manhattan look good from this aspect.

Day 2 Rockafella centre buy on line before you leave the dusk times very heavily booked. The Xmas tree in front has scaffold around as of today as the tree is dressed. Radio city in 6th avenue was a great photo opportunity as was Macy's Xmas window display along with Cartier and Saks on 5th avenue. Times Square is cheesy but good for photos. Grand central is very good inside on 42nd with Chrysler building next door. Went retailing at jersey gardens outlet centre levi 501 £28 a bit of a steal in new jersey for one day which left without the time to go over to Brooklyn bridge. I generally walked every where to the extent my app informs me that 63 miles in 5 days. If you use the subway either by the weekly pass at $32 or pay as you go at $3 subway once you suss it out is easy.

I also walked the high line ex railway from Chelsea up to Hudson yards in the meatpacker district. Chelsea market inside was interesting. Central park is great when the sun is out still very autumnal colours. As to feel safe high security everywhere probably one the safest city's in the world at the moment. As to taxi prices $60 flat fare from JFK, we flew back from Newark either you pay $100 flat fare or run the meter our bill was $86 included toll fees. What gets you is 8.8% local tax and quite a few food outlets add 20% gratuity but street food ok and delis have plenty of choice. Chinatown was meh as was Korea town so I would say give them a miss. Sorry to ramble but jet lagged just trying to remember all what I did while I was there like you I had to tow the family line Enjoy you will be blown away oh pack some very warm clothing as the wind can cut like a knife especially when we did a cruise from pier 78 down the Hudson up to Williamsburg bridge the guy who commentaries is excellent worth the cost. Enjoy[emoji539][emoji539][emoji539]
Click to expand...
Great info thanks. We're staying in Midtown as well, if you draw a line from the Empire State to the Chrysler we're pretty much half way along that line. If we're lucky we'll either get a view of the Chrysler or the Empire State, fingers crossed. I wasn't going to book Top of the Rock until we're there as we're not sure what day we'll be going, i.e. we'd book the day before. Guess I need to rethink this? Is the 8.8% tax on everything? I'm sure I've read that in certain stores such as Bloomingdales you can get a ticket so you don't pay the tax, is this right?

I look forward to seeing your pics, give me a heads up when you've posted them (y)
 
snerkler said:
We're not planning on going up the Statue of Liberty tbh so don't need to book. Looked into the different passes but we won't take advantage of all of the New York Pass or Sightseeing pass, they'll work out roughly $100 more (assuming we don't end up going to the Guggenheim and various other museums). I wasn't planning on taking a tripod per se, but probably a gorilla pod if I go up at night. Any idea if these are allowed?
Click to expand...

I believe it can be a bit hit and miss whether they allow things like a Gorillapod, think its down to the individuals doing the checks.
 
tijuana taxi said:
I believe it can be a bit hit and miss whether they allow things like a Gorillapod, think its down to the individuals doing the checks.
Click to expand...
Ok ta. Do they look after it for you then as I’m sure people must turn up with them?
 
I was there a month ago and we did most of what you are planning. I only took the EM5 ii, a couple of zooms and a polarizer. As @mazdaman says the Staten Island ferry is free and worthwhile for an hour or two round trip, it gets you close enough to the statue of Liberty. The thing that was a bit of a pain, although to be expected of any major city, was the busyness, there were crowds and queues everywhere, I had to work quite quickly and take advantage of anything to stand on to get clear shots of things.

PA276940 by TheWub, on Flickr

Grand central is worth a quick look
PA287069 by TheWub, on Flickr

Th 9/11 memorial is worth a visit but again busy and quite hard to photograph
PA277026 by TheWub, on Flickr
 
Definitely try and do Rockerfella at Sunset, to this day it still is the most jawdropping view I've ever seen in my entire life.

The Empire State Building I could give or take to be honest but the view from One world trade is good though, lots of different aspects of the city to shoot from up there!

Would definitely recommend the DUMBO area and the view of the Manhattan Bridge with the Empire State framed in the steel.
 
mazdaman said:
Chinatown was meh as was Korea town so I would say give them a miss.
Click to expand...

Depends, we had some amazing food in Korea Town. The footpath under Brooklyn Bridge etc is good for the views of the bridge.
If you go to the 911 memorial, walk along to OHaras Irish bar (120 Cedar St, New York, NY 10006, USA) and ask to see the memorial book. They are the firefighters bar, have a scrapbook of the events...

Harlem if you get up there have some fantastic soul food restaurants

I'd say do the tour of the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island although there are long queues for the security before the ferry.

We did Rockafella very early in the morning before most got up, 30 minute queue at most including buying the ticket.
 
Bloomingdale, Macy's etc. Worth seeing for the displays, boring department store inside.
 
sirch said:
I was there a month ago and we did most of what you are planning. I only took the EM5 ii, a couple of zooms and a polarizer. As @mazdaman says the Staten Island ferry is free and worthwhile for an hour or two round trip, it gets you close enough to the statue of Liberty. The thing that was a bit of a pain, although to be expected of any major city, was the busyness, there were crowds and queues everywhere, I had to work quite quickly and take advantage of anything to stand on to get clear shots of things.

PA276940 by TheWub, on Flickr

Grand central is worth a quick look
PA287069 by TheWub, on Flickr

Th 9/11 memorial is worth a visit but again busy and quite hard to photograph
PA277026 by TheWub, on Flickr
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. I'm prepared for it being mega busy tbh with it being Christmas. How much it'll get on my nerves we'll have to wait and see ;)

Byker28i said:
Oh and this might help. A few of the places we had logged to go.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@40.7...m1!4b1!4m2!6m1!1s1RawD2jswmKMk2D06awkr2otK7Wo

Map a map on google maps, take it off line and it's on your phone :)
Click to expand...
Thanks for this, and the rest of the advice (and to everyone else (y))
 
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Get down under the bridges for the iconic cityscapes, gets busy with photographers all searching for the perfect light. But definitely a must do as has already been mentioned Rockefeller at sunset, we spent 2 hours up there!

https://flickr.com/photos/126781248@N03/sets/72157663959336531

Some of my average shots from there to help give you an idea ‍♂️
 
Spiderdudeuk said:
Get down under the bridges for the iconic cityscapes, gets busy with photographers all searching for the perfect light. But definitely a must do as has already been mentioned Rockefeller at sunset, we spent 2 hours up there!

https://flickr.com/photos/126781248@N03/sets/72157663959336531

Some of my average shots from there to help give you an idea ‍♂️
Click to expand...
We went for new year, missed the snow which was everywhere else in the state except for Manhattan...
 
Spiderdudeuk said:
Get down under the bridges for the iconic cityscapes, gets busy with photographers all searching for the perfect light. But definitely a must do as has already been mentioned Rockefeller at sunset, we spent 2 hours up there!

https://flickr.com/photos/126781248@N03/sets/72157663959336531

Some of my average shots from there to help give you an idea ‍♂️
Click to expand...
Thanks, some great pics making me giddy about going next week. Was this taken from the Statue of Liberty ferry or did you take the Staten Island one as well? The reason I ask is that when I looked at the route that the SOL ferry took it didn't seem to pass in front of the statue like this shot was taken from.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ossett-town-afc/24809399176/in/album-72157663959336531/

Which Cathedral is this?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ossett-town-afc/24207478094/in/album-72157663959336531/

Bet it was great with the snow (y)
 
We passed that close on the trip to the statue of Liberty

St Patricks, 51st and Maddison. We stayed at the Hilton on 51st so walked past it a lot. Close to Rockefeller
Check out the foyers under the businesses. Some have decent cafes/coffee shops.
 
We did NYC and Washington DC last year - had a blast
https://www.flickr.com/gp/amcuk/cv851M

We also went for a couple of days in 2011 - only took a compact
View from the TotR
https://flic.kr/p/akCxyn

In 2011 we did the Top of the Rock, in 2012 we did the Empire State. If I'm honest I'd do one or the other but not both especially as you're doing the WTC.
It takes a while to get through the queues and security, they're all expensive.

ESB gives you an unobstructed view from midtown down to the financial district, the Rockerfella building isn't much to look at from the ESB.
If you do the ESB then flash the cash and pay the extra to go to the very top - it's glassed in but much quieter than the main viewing gallery.

TotR gives you a view of the ESB and Central Park and it's easier to move around outside to take pictures but it will undoubtably be baltic in November!
To me the ESB is better photographed from below - you get good views as you walk to and from Macy's

Think hard about prebooking the tickets at a specific time - we had prepaid tickets but not times. The first time we wanted to do the TotR it was raining, the top was completely in cloud and it would have been a complete waste of money.


If you want to do Brooklyn Bridge then I'd go on the subway to Brooklyn then walk to the pier with the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory/Water Street - there's a decent pizza place under the bridge on Water St.
There were a number of wedding photo sessions taking place there when we were there in August, may be not in November?
Take your under the bridge shots and move around to get the Manhattan Bridge. Then walk back over the Brooklyn bridge towards Manhattan - Brooklyn isn't as interesting to walk towards.
Again I'd expect this to be very chilly - don't walk in the cycle lane as they won't slow down!


If you're staying in Midtown I'd recommend Ellen's Stardust Diner - the staff are all musical actors and sing through the meal - no more expensive than anywhere else and a lot of fun.


We took a taxi from Penn station to our hotel in Midtown in 2011 and it was as horrible and expensive as you'd expect. I wouldn't and didn't do it twice.

In 2016 we fly into JFK and took the rail link direct from the terminal - you pay at the other end - then transferred to the Subway for the rest of the journey. Quick, cheap and easy
We bought MTA cards and topped them up at the first interchange - we would have done MUCH better to buy a 7 day pass as we used the subway a fair bit. Given the time of year I would recommend it even more.

I explained this to many, many foreign tourists who were stumped by the machines not taking their cards :)
"When a credit card is used at an MVM, the MVM will ask you to enter your zip code for verification.
However, if your credit card account has a billing address outside of the United States, you are not subject to the zip code verification requirement.
Instead, type in “99999” when prompted for a zip code.
This will indicate to the MVM that an international credit card is being used, and the regular transaction authorization process will still take place."
http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mvms/index.htm

We used the City Pass C3 which definitely saved us money on what we did.
https://www.citypass.com/new-york-comparison

The Met museum was brilliant and worth every penny.
The Guggenheim was expensive and to be honest I wish we'd walked in, take pictures for nothing in the reception area and then gone on.
Central Park is ridiculously big - we managed to get turned around and lost - twice in two visits!

in 2016 we had decent and not viciously expensive meals in Hell's Kitchen. In 2011 we got robbed by the stupidly expensive steak place in Grand Central Station and another place on 5th Avenue. There is good food - trip advisor is your friend!

Shopping tips -
Bloomingdales and Macy's both give a sizeable discount to foreign tourists - go to the Guest services/Concierge with your passport.
https://www.visitmacysusa.com/visitor-savings-pass

Century 21 - there's one near the WTC. A massive cross over between something like Debenhams here and TK Max. My other half cheerfully spent several hours in here, buying discounted designer clothes.
Watch out as there is no sales tax under $110 but it's 9% after that. For some reason the USA don't like to show you a tax inclusive price so check before you choose!
http://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/service/2389/sales-tax

Have fun - we loved it.
 
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snerkler said:
I've been 'gently reminded' it's not a photography holiday I'll obviously be taking some pics (taking my EM1 to save weight). So whilst there'll be mainly 'snap shots' rather than properly composed shots I would like to get the best that I can.
Click to expand...

I don't honestly believe that's an either or scenario. I don't think I've ever stopped for more than one minute specifically to take a photo in NYC (and usually far less), you've just got to keep your eye out as you move and know how to navigate your camera quickly. I also specifically look out for flat, firm surfaces in the evening to plonk my travel support (i.e. Gorillapod or Manfrotto Pixi). I can normally dial in settings, plonk it down, shoot an 8 second exposure or whatever and a few seconds of brisk walking I'm back with the family.

Most of these are obvious, but...

- Walk over Brooklyn Bridge late afternoon to take in the sunset, have a little wander around Brooklyn Bridge Park looking back towards Manhattan, then walk back over in darkness.

NYC 2013: Sunset by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

- If you only pick one observation tower, forget the romanticism of going up the Empire State Building and do Top of The Rock instead. It's quieter, more spacious and easier to shoot from (flat walls).

Went on Holiday... by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

- The High Line is a lovely walk full of interesting views, art and architecture

NYC 2013: The High Line by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

- Head down to Battery Park early and be there to pretty much buy the first tickets to Liberty Island and you'll be done by lunchtime. Head down mid-morning and you can probably say goodbye to most of your day. I really wouldn't bother going up to the crown, particularly not with any sort of photography in mind.

15/02/09: Statue of Liberty by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

- Radio City Hall / Rockefeller is like a magnet for seemingly every single person in Manhattan at Christmas, it's scarily busy at times. Either head down as soon as it's getting dark or first thing in the AM (we went down at 7am once and were the only people at the tree, lovely moment)

New York 2011 - Radio City by Chris Harrison, on Flickr
 
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AMcUK said:
We did NYC and Washington DC last year - had a blast
https://www.flickr.com/gp/amcuk/cv851M

We also went for a couple of days in 2011 - only took a compact
View from the TotR
https://flic.kr/p/akCxyn

In 2011 we did the Top of the Rock, in 2012 we did the Empire State. If I'm honest I'd do one or the other but not both especially as you're doing the WTC.
It takes a while to get through the queues and security, they're all expensive.

ESB gives you an unobstructed view from midtown down to the financial district, the Rockerfella building isn't much to look at from the ESB.
If you do the ESB then flash the cash and pay the extra to go to the very top - it's glassed in but much quieter than the main viewing gallery.

TotR gives you a view of the ESB and Central Park and it's easier to move around outside to take pictures but it will undoubtably be baltic in November!
To me the ESB is better photographed from below - you get good views as you walk to and from Macy's

Think hard about prebooking the tickets at a specific time - we had prepaid tickets but not times. The first time we wanted to do the TotR it was raining, the top was completely in cloud and it would have been a complete waste of money.


If you want to do Brooklyn Bridge then I'd go on the subway to Brooklyn then walk to the pier with the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory/Water Street - there's a decent pizza place under the bridge on Water St.
There were a number of wedding photo sessions taking place there when we were there in August, may be not in November?
Take your under the bridge shots and move around to get the Manhattan Bridge. Then walk back over the Brooklyn bridge towards Manhattan - Brooklyn isn't as interesting to walk towards.
Again I'd expect this to be very chilly - don't walk in the cycle lane as they won't slow down!


If you're staying in Midtown I'd recommend Ellen's Stardust Diner - the staff are all musical actors and sing through the meal - no more expensive than anywhere else and a lot of fun.


We took a taxi from Penn station to our hotel in Midtown in 2011 and it was as horrible and expensive as you'd expect. I wouldn't and didn't do it twice.

In 2016 we fly into JFK and took the rail link direct from the terminal - you pay at the other end - then transferred to the Subway for the rest of the journey. Quick, cheap and easy
We bought MTA cards and topped them up at the first interchange - we would have done MUCH better to buy a 7 day pass as we used the subway a fair bit. Given the time of year I would recommend it even more.

I explained this to many, many foreign tourists who were stumped by the machines not taking their cards :)
"When a credit card is used at an MVM, the MVM will ask you to enter your zip code for verification.
However, if your credit card account has a billing address outside of the United States, you are not subject to the zip code verification requirement.
Instead, type in “99999” when prompted for a zip code.
This will indicate to the MVM that an international credit card is being used, and the regular transaction authorization process will still take place."
http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mvms/index.htm

We used the City Pass C3 which definitely saved us money on what we did.
https://www.citypass.com/new-york-comparison

The Met museum was brilliant and worth every penny.
The Guggenheim was expensive and to be honest I wish we'd walked in, take pictures for nothing in the reception area and then gone on.
Central Park is ridiculously big - we managed to get turned around and lost - twice in two visits!

in 2016 we had decent and not viciously expensive meals in Hell's Kitchen. In 2011 we got robbed by the stupidly expensive steak place in Grand Central Station and another place on 5th Avenue. There is good food - trip advisor is your friend!

Shopping tips -
Bloomingdales and Macy's both give a sizeable discount to foreign tourists - go to the Guest services/Concierge with your passport.
https://www.visitmacysusa.com/visitor-savings-pass

Century 21 - there's one near the WTC. A massive cross over between something like Debenhams here and TK Max. My other half cheerfully spent several hours in here, buying discounted designer clothes.
Watch out as there is no sales tax under $110 but it's 9% after that. For some reason the USA don't like to show you a tax inclusive price so check before you choose!
http://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/service/2389/sales-tax

Have fun - we loved it.
Click to expand...
Cheers Andy, really appreciate all the info. I know it's a bit silly to do all the skyscrapers but I may never go back so want to make sure I've done them all ;) We're already planning on going to Ellen's Stardust Diner, did you have to pre-book? I didn't realise you could go into the reception area of the Guggenheim for free so thanks for that (y).

Why was the Taxi so expensive from Penn station, I thought that was already in Midtown? I doubt we'll use Taxis once on Manhattan tbh (just from JFK), we're planning on walking and using a combo of the hop n'off bus and the subway.
 
ukaskew said:
I don't honestly believe that's an either or scenario. I don't think I've ever stopped for more than one minute specifically to take a photo in NYC (and usually far less), you've just got to keep your eye out as you move and know how to navigate your camera quickly. I also specifically look out for flat, firm surfaces in the evening to plonk my travel support (i.e. Gorillapod or Manfrotto Pixi). I can normally dial in settings, plonk it down, shoot an 8 second exposure or whatever and a few seconds of brisk walking I'm back with the family.

Most of these are obvious, but...

- Walk over Brooklyn Bridge late afternoon to take in the sunset, have a little wander around Brooklyn Bridge Park looking back towards Manhattan, then walk back over in darkness.

NYC 2013: Sunset by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

- If you only pick one observation tower, forget the romanticism of going up the Empire State Building and do Top of The Rock instead. It's quieter, more spacious and easier to shoot from (flat walls).

Went on Holiday... by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

- The High Line is a lovely walk full of interesting views, art and architecture

NYC 2013: The High Line by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

- Head down to Battery Park early and be there to pretty much buy the first tickets to Liberty Island and you'll be done by lunchtime. Head down mid-morning and you can probably say goodbye to most of your day. I really wouldn't bother going up to the crown, particularly not with any sort of photography in mind.

15/02/09: Statue of Liberty by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

- Radio City Hall / Rockefeller is like a magnet for seemingly every single person in Manhattan at Christmas, it's scarily busy at times. Either head down as soon as it's getting dark or first thing in the AM (we went down at 7am once and were the only people at the tree, lovely moment)

New York 2011 - Radio City by Chris Harrison, on Flickr
Click to expand...
Thanks, more great info and pics to boot. Did you have any trouble taking your gorrilapod up the buildings?
 
AMcUK said:
In 2016 we fly into JFK and took the rail link direct from the terminal - you pay at the other end - then transferred to the Subway for the rest of the journey. Quick, cheap and easy
.
Click to expand...

There's a flat rate for Taxis from JFK to the city $53? which for four of us was brilliant, and you get to see lots ont he way.
It was $56 getting the hotel service back - in a huge Lincoln Continental Limo :)
 
snerkler said:
Thanks, more great info and pics to boot. Did you have any trouble taking your gorrilapod up the buildings?
Click to expand...

Nope, been up probably 8 or 9 times with one and never had any issues, although most of my shots have actually been from placing the camera directly on the walls.
 
snerkler said:
Thanks, some great pics making me giddy about going next week. Was this taken from the Statue of Liberty ferry or did you take the Staten Island one as well? The reason I ask is that when I looked at the route that the SOL ferry took it didn't seem to pass in front of the statue like this shot was taken from.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ossett-town-afc/24809399176/in/album-72157663959336531/

Which Cathedral is this?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ossett-town-afc/24207478094/in/album-72157663959336531/

Bet it was great with the snow (y)
Click to expand...

Thanks, the snow was fantastic... But we were up all night waiting to see if we were flying as it was the day of the “storm of the century”. Our son flew day before and got diverted to Boston, we were the first UK flight into JFK after

Advantage was NYC was virtually deserted, well as much as it can be.

Byker28i below is correct the SOL ferry took us all the way round and it’s again as said St Patrick’s, you can’t miss it if you head to Rockefeller.

Have a brilliant time there.
 
I have a lot more images but didn't upload to Flickr account but only a few selections below. NYC is a photogenic city, I have to give them that! I never thought I would enjoy as much but yes I did!! Here are a few must do when you are there.

You can cover these 3 famous area within a night easily.
Brooklyn Bridge - this is from Jane's Carousel view.
Brooklyn Bridge by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Dumbo Brooklyn - well popular place, go either early morning or at night (which I did and no one there)
After blizzard at Brooklyn. by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Brooklyn Bridge Park - 20 mins walk from Dumbo Brooklyn
Brooklyn Park by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Do it over day time.
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge - self explanatory
Brooklyn Bridge by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Exploring around Long Island get me this.
Queensboro Bridge - it's kind of ghetto area so be aware of your surroundings if you decided to venture there.
Queensboro Bridge by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Instead of going up the buildings and standing with the people, I'd pay a little more to be up in the sky.
Lower Manhattan by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Central Park by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Brooklyn Bridge by Robin Lee, on Flickr
 
robinsslee said:
I have a lot more images but didn't upload to Flickr account but only a few selections below. NYC is a photogenic city, I have to give them that! I never thought I would enjoy as much but yes I did!! Here are a few must do when you are there.

You can cover these 3 famous area within a night easily.
Brooklyn Bridge - this is from Jane's Carousel view.
Brooklyn Bridge by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Dumbo Brooklyn - well popular place, go either early morning or at night (which I did and no one there)
After blizzard at Brooklyn. by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Brooklyn Bridge Park - 20 mins walk from Dumbo Brooklyn
Brooklyn Park by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Do it over day time.
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge - self explanatory
Brooklyn Bridge by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Exploring around Long Island get me this.
Queensboro Bridge - it's kind of ghetto area so be aware of your surroundings if you decided to venture there.
Queensboro Bridge by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Instead of going up the buildings and standing with the people, I'd pay a little more to be up in the sky.
Lower Manhattan by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Central Park by Robin Lee, on Flickr

Brooklyn Bridge by Robin Lee, on Flickr
Click to expand...
Thanks, really nice images. Not sure I'll get to do the Brooklyn night pics tbh, but you never know. I'm up for a helicopter ride but my wife's too scared ;)
 
cracking shots
how much each for a helicopter tour ??
 
I love the top of the Rockefeller building. If you can spare the time, it's worth getting up there an hour or so before sunset and staying until it's dark. The transition from full daylight to dusk to night over New York is magical. They have enclosed areas and open terraces, so you won't freeze but can take your shots unobstructed. Plenty of other favourite spots have already been mentioned. For the Guggenheim, check what the main exhibitions are before you go - unlike the other major galleries and museums they don't have a great deal of space to show much of the permanent collection, so the current exhibitions are the main things you'll see apart from the building itself. Nobody has mentioned MoMA yet, so I will - for me one of the best things in the city, together with the enormous and spectacular Met museum. The Met is free, by the way, though the whole thing is set up to make it look like the $25 'suggested' admission isn't optional - pay whatever you think is fair and they won't bat an eyelid, or if you're happy to pay the full amount an online ticket or pass should at least help you avoid the queues. MoMA is free on Friday evenings, but there tend to be very long queues and big crowds, so paying to visit at a quieter time could well be worth it. I like the International Center of Photography ( https://www.icp.org/ ) but haven't visited the new location yet - they usually have high quality exhibitions. If you're tempted to pick up any new gear, or just fancy browsing, the huge B&H Shop is worth spending a bit of time in, and it's centrally located near Penn Station and the flagship Macy's. When you're at Grand Central Terminal, pop over the street to the Chrysler building and check out the Art Deco lobby, which you are free to enter. In the same area it's worth a look inside the beautiful NY Public Library. Spend a bit of time in the quieter areas away from the skyscrapers - I stayed in the East Village last time, which has a pretty chilled out feel to it with lots of arty graffiti, empty lots transforned into community gardens, and great places for a decent coffee. It might be interesting to take the train to the beach and see Coney Island out of season, too.
 
Visit the High Line.
 
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