Discover New York

[MarcVD]

Hi all, going to New York for 10 days (2 days of travel included) next month, any recommendations ? Not a pure trainfan trip, wife is coming along, but she's open to a few rail experiences. We already know we will join a tour of Grand Central terminal. I certainly want to see Penn Station as well. The metro (we will use it everyday, lodging near Queens Plaza) and the LIRR are also on my wishlist. How to best see that ? I'm also taking any non rail advise that might not be mentioned in the usual guidebooks.

TIA,
Marc.

 

[43096]

Hi all, going to New York for 10 days (2 days of travel included) next month, any recommendations ? Not a pure trainfan trip, wife is coming along, but she's open to a few rail experiences. We already know we will join a tour of Grand Central terminal. I certainly want to see Penn Station as well. The metro (we will use it everyday, lodging near Queens Plaza) and the LIRR are also on my wishlist. How to best see that ? I'm also taking any non rail advise that might not be mentioned in the usual guidebooks.

TIA,
Marc.

I'd recommend Metro-North's Hudson line out of Grand Central. The line follows the shore of the Hudson river for a considerable distance - sit on the left side of the train going north. As a bonus for the enthusiast, if you like diesel locos, the trains to Poughkeepsie are hauled by the excellent GE-built P32AC-DM locos.

 

[Track2012]

These GE locos are diesel/electric, running on the old NY Central's third rail from Croton-Harmon into the tunnel to Grand Central. In NYC days the switchover was in Croton-Harmon, but now the locos switch to diesel as soon after leaving the tunnel as possible. The New York, New Haven and Hartford RR also had diesel/electrics (FL9), but in their dotage the electric systems seldom worked, and the locos ran as diesels into Grand Central, which was against New York state law. The Long Island RR has similar locos running from Pennsylvania Station, the main difference is that LIRR's third rail is over-unning,and Metro North's is under-running.

 

[SuspectUsual]

Bit of non-rail advice. The Empire State Building is (or was when I was last there in 2017) pretty drab and dreary inside, and the views aren’t amazing. Not cheap either. We found the Top of the Rock in the Rockefeller Center was much better, as (a) you have views uptown over Central Park as well as cross and downtown and (b) you can get the more recognisable Empire State Building in your pictures

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

The LIRR now runs to Grand Central ( as well as Penn) with new low level platforms. You can do a short trip from GC out to Jamaica and back to Penn (or v.v.) for a quick taster.

 

[edwin_m]

Bit of non-rail advice. The Empire State Building is (or was when I was last there in 2017) pretty drab and dreary inside, and the views aren’t amazing. Not cheap either. We found the Top of the Rock in the Rockefeller Center was much better, as (a) you have views uptown over Central Park as well as cross and downtown and (b) you can get the more recognisable Empire State Building in your pictures

I got the advice from a native when I was there, which was back in 1985. Also the Empire State is taller than almost any other building so the views of buildings are mostly downwards, whereas the Rockefeller is lower so you get a better skyline.

I believe the new Moynihan Ticket Hall at Penn Station is pretty special, but doesn't require travel to visit it. From Penn, day trips to many Northeast Corridor cities are possible with enough time at destination to have a worthwhile look round. Otherwise the only reason to visit Penn Station itself is to convince yourself Birmingham New Street isn't that bad after all.

A boat tour round Manhattan is pretty good, you can see bits of rail infrastructure including the bridges where trains get out of the island northwards. Or you can get some of the views for free on the Staten Island Ferry. Although I notice the web search for it now brings up paid-for "Staten Island Ferry tours".

 

[duncanp]

Otherwise the only reason to visit Penn Station itself is to convince yourself Birmingham New Street isn't that bad after all.

When I was at Penn Station in May this year, there was a lot of construction going on, and some of the exits were closed.

I would consider a trip on the Staten Island Railway and also some of the commuter ferries that operate around New York harbour. The ferry from Wall Street to Rockaway gives some amazing views, and only costs $4.

New York NYC Ferry Routes & Schedules

Find all active and planned New York NYC Ferry routes and schedules here. Learn more & book your trip today!

www.ferry.nyc

 

[iphone76]

When I was last there I did a ride up to Poughkeepsie from Grand Central. Took about 2 hours sat on the left and there were some great river views. Was able to walk over the old railway bridge to a little village on the other side. (Walkway over the Hudson). Then walked back via the mid Hudson bridge. Had lunch in a little iroish pub opposite the station then jumped on the train back to NYC. A nice day upstate.

 

[Taunton]

We have covered this one before

New York - Day Trip Suggestions?

One option (don't know if it's actually viable) would be to see a New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium. It would depend on if they're playing at home when you go and if you can get tickets There is also the New York Mets. Located at subway 7; subwaystop: Mets - Willets Point Station. Also...

www.railforums.co.uk

The Subway museum is in Brooklyn, just across the East River from Manhattan, and if you are "allowed" just one train jaunt, that's what I would do. They have it seems one of every old car type, and being rail connected can occasionally get them out for a run.

The Subway bookshop etc is inside Grand Central, and if you do the tour there (although it's as easy to just walk round and look) you should spot it.

A ride out from Penn Station to Jamaica (above) on the LIRR gives a good view of the substantial Sunnyside yards, used by several of the main line operators.

Best subway trip is to Coney Island, end of several lines, choose one which runs on the old Elevated viaducts. There is an enormous Subway depot and works in the last couple of stations before the terminus as the lines converge, surely the largest in the world. There are still quite a number of Elevateds on the Subway in the inner suburbs. At Coney Island have a traditional hot dog and beer ("dog and suds"), walk on the beach, ride the classic roller-coaster.

The Staten Island ferry is a far better ride than the Statue of Liberty, gives a close view of it anyway, and avoids the tedious queues on Liberty Island.

The most comprehensive site about the Subway is this one:

nycsubway.org

 

[67thave]

I'd recommend Metro-North's Hudson line out of Grand Central. The line follows the shore of the Hudson river for a considerable distance - sit on the left side of the train going north. As a bonus for the enthusiast, if you like diesel locos, the trains to Poughkeepsie are hauled by the excellent GE-built P32AC-DM locos

Unless you want to walk the bridge at Poughkeepsie, I would only travel as far as Beacon on the Hudson Line. The scenery from Beacon to Poughkeepsie isn't particularly spectacular and Beacon is a much more pleasant town than Poughkeepsie.

Best subway trip is to Coney Island, end of several lines, choose one which runs on the old Elevated viaducts. There is an enormous Subway depot and works in the last couple of stations before the terminus as the lines converge, surely the largest in the world. There are still quite a number of Elevateds on the Subway in the inner suburbs. At Coney Island have a traditional hot dog and beer ("dog and suds"), walk on the beach, ride the classic roller-coaster.

If you're doing a loop via Coney Island, I would recommend using the Brighton line (services B and Q) in one direction. It is one of the most unique lines in New York City - it has bidirectional aboveground express service (but only on weekdays!) and runs underground, in trenches, and along embankments and elevated viaducts. Note that if you use the express that you will need to transfer to the local at Brighton Beach in order to continue down to Coney Island.

 

[12LDA28C]

Bit of non-rail advice. The Empire State Building is (or was when I was last there in 2017) pretty drab and dreary inside, and the views aren’t amazing. Not cheap either. We found the Top of the Rock in the Rockefeller Center was much better, as (a) you have views uptown over Central Park as well as cross and downtown and (b) you can get the more recognisable Empire State Building in your pictures

This is good advice. Last time I was at Top Of The Rock the weather was breezy and dull and I had the place to myself, great views (see photo). I'd also highly recommend walking the 'High Line' (tenuous rail-related theme) and doing the Staten Island ferry just because it's fun and free. Take the Subway to Coney Island to go to the beach, walk on the boardwalk and see the funfair.

 

[Beebman]

A trip over the Hell Gate Bridge is very enjoyable and recommended but to do that you need to take an Amtrak Northeast Regional train from Penn Station to New Rochelle (although you can return from there on the MTA New Haven Line to Grand Central).

 

[SandsofEss]

Some great recommendations here already. I second the High Line and the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty.

Take an NYC ferry up the East River. $4 per person for a great view of the bridges, the changing waterfront neighbourhoods, Brooklyn naval yard etc. Your fare also entitles you to ride on the connecting buses run by the ferry company in from the waterside to central midtown and Central Park.

For observation decks, I personally prefer Summit One Vanderbilt. It only opened a couple of years ago, but has fantastic views of all of Manhattan, and a really engaging interactive 'artwork' aspects to it too. The view from the gents loo must be one of the finest in the city too.

You might like the Roosevelt Island Tram as an interesting way to get around.

Otherwise I'm a big advocate for just walking around. There's no better way to get a sense for the different neighbourhoods, and to experience the 'canyons' effect of the streets, than on foot.

Enjoy!

EDIT - do look up 'Old City Hall' subway station too. A beautiful art deco abandoned station. The museum sometimes runs tours, though there are other unofficial ways to see the platforms as they're on a running line. I don't know about the legality of the latter though...

 

[SuspectUsual]

If you do the High Line (good but not great imo) then also do Chelsea Market, loads of good food options

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Aug 2023 ==

The Staten Island ferry is a far better ride than the Statue of Liberty, gives a close view of it anyway, and avoids the tedious queues on Liberty Island.

Liberty Island is worth doing but only if you can get one of the tickets that allows you to climb up the inside of the statue to the viewing platform behind the statue's tiara. When we went they were booked up months in advance though

 

[Taunton]

I think Liberty Island, like a game at Yankee Stadium, is probably something absolutely on the list for someone from Idaho making their one trip of a lifetime to these USA icons, especially if their great-grandparents immigrated through adjacent Ellis Island. For someone visiting from the UK, however, they don't have the same fascination.

 

[SuspectUsual]

I think Liberty Island, like a game at Yankee Stadium, is probably something absolutely on the list for someone from Idaho making their one trip of a lifetime to these USA icons, especially if their great-grandparents immigrated through the Island. For someone visiting from the UK, however, they don't have the same fascination.

A baseball match is a brilliant thing to do! Never mind not understanding it, its great for people watching. And as long as its a midweek game and not against the Red Sox, you can get cheap tickets

 

[Shinkansenfan]

You might like the Roosevelt Island Tram as an interesting way to get around.

Otherwise I'm a big advocate for just walking around. There's no better way to get a sense for the different neighbourhoods, and to experience the 'canyons' effect of the streets, than on foot.

Enjoy!
.
EDIT - do look up 'Old City Hall' subway station too. A beautiful art deco abandoned station. The museum sometimes runs tours, though there are other unofficial ways to see the platforms as they're on a running line. I don't know about the legality of the latter though..

You will need a MetroCard to pay your fare on the Roosevelt Island tram. The OMNY contactless card and contactless credit card and mobile phone payment system has not been installed yet. It is coming. [Yes, I know Tokyo has had Suica and PASMO for years; London the Oyster.]

That's said, you can transfer for free from either local or express bus or subway to the RI tram, which means one can travel via the RI tram one way and return by subway or go further into Queens by bus. Transferring from RI tram to the express bus will require paying an express bus step up charge which is the fare difference between the local and express bus fare.

To see the old City Hall Station (the original terminus of the first subway line in NYC), simply ride a southbound 6 train. Stay on board at the last stop which is Brooklyn Bridge Station.

If there are announcements stating that all passengers must exit, pay no mind. The next stop on the train will be the northbound platform of the same station and will take you through the old City Hall loop. This is considered revenue trackage and open to the public. Although you may come across staff who don't think the public should know this bit of information.

 

[nlogax]

The Subway museum is in Brooklyn, just across the East River from Manhattan, and if you are "allowed" just one train jaunt, that's what I would do. They have it seems one of every old car type, and being rail connected can occasionally get them out for a run.

+1 for this. I've been there a few times and it's always a worthwhile and fascinating visit, especially down on the platform level.

 

[BahrainLad]

I would say (as a sometime resident and regular visitor for the last 20 years) that the best observation deck I’ve been to is The Edge at Hudson Yards. So much space and a great view of all parts of Manhattan. Prebooking is essential and it gets busy around sunset so those timeslots will go first. But it’s worth it and you can even get a glass of fizz once at the top included in your ticket.

 

[Taunton]

Views of Manhattan are all around. We went once (on the PATH) to the bar over on the Jersey shore which Frank Sinatra used to frequent. Coming out, looking pretty close, there was the Empire State, actually across the Hudson but looking just like it was part of the same city.

I've always liked the Empire State, they have retained its classic 1930s Streamline Moderne architectural decoration throughout, and it is notably high compared to everything else. That's the thing about New York City - so many different things to have different opinions on.

Our US office is in Albany NY, the state capital of New York State, about 150 miles north (3 hours by Amtrak), and they always say, when going back down there, that they are going "to Manhattan", which seems the expression for the rest of the State to overcome the multiple 'New Yorks'. The Albany-based Amtrak conductors say the same.

 

[nlogax]

I would say (as a sometime resident and regular visitor for the last 20 years) that the best observation deck I’ve been to is The Edge at Hudson Yards.

Views of Manhattan are all around. We went once to the bar over on the Jersey shore which Frank Sinatra used to frequent. Coming out, looking pretty close, there was the Empire State, actually across the Hudson but looking just like it was part of the same city.

There are a fair few rooftop bars on the west side a few blocks south of Hudson Yards where you can down an (admittedly expensive) beer or glass of something without having to spend even more money on admission.

An evening on the riverfront at Hoboken or Jersey City can be really chilled out and two thirds the cost of the equivalent evening across the river.

 

[MarcVD]

Someone I know visited New York some years ago and told me that 6 days would largely be enough... now I have the impression that our 10 days over there will be nowhere near sufficient. Will have to write down all what we want to do and establish priorities. Thank you for all the suggestions.

 

[Bald Rick]

I believe the new Moynihan Ticket Hall at Penn Station is pretty special, but doesn't require travel to visit it. From Penn, day trips to many Northeast Corridor cities are possible with enough time at destination to have a worthwhile look round. Otherwise the only reason to visit Penn Station itself is to convince yourself Birmingham New Street isn't that bad after all.

The main Penn station is like the old New Street, just even more dingy and cramped, but with added sweat.

However the Moynihan Hall, (where Amtrak passengers arrive / depart) is like the new New Street concourse, but bigger and with considerably fewer passengers.