http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20827
Go early (or book online) and go to The Top of the Rock, the viewing area on the roof of the building, which is reached by high-speed but not frightening lifts. At the top you'll have a panoramic view of all of New York and as far as the Atlantic Ocean in clear weather.

It's not quite as high as the Empire State Building but that's included in the view from the Rock, so no problem. There is a charge for entry but it's well worth it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20827 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20030 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20030 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19815 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19815 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19816 www.bigapplegreeter.org, preferably a month before your trip. State the neighbourhood you'd like to explore (if no preference, leave it to the Greeter to decide) and fill in some details about your interests, etc. They'll match you up with someone of similar interests and in the area you have chosen, and then contact you with details of your greeter. This is great because the party will only consist of you and any of your group (up to a max of 6) - you won't be with another group of strangers. Your Greeter will show you how to use public transport and will accommodate any wishes you have - for example, to see famous landmarks, art, shops, etc etc. Best of all it's FREE....and uniquely personal. How much would you have to pay for a personal travel guide anywhere else in the world? These guys are sincere, friendly and enthusiastic, and genuinely keen to show you their city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19816 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19809
It's one of those cities that on your first visit can be pretty daunting, so I thought I'd pop together a couple of tips that can help you on your first visit.

Leaving or Departing the City
JFK is normally my airport of choice but there's really not much in it. The easiest way into the city is to jump in a yellow cab, it costs a $45 flat rate, plus tips and tolls. Upon making your way to the taxi line you'll be offered all sorts of bus and limo services, ignore them, it's only the cabs that are properly licenced for this. You can of course also book your own car, I do this for the return back to the airport using Dial 7 who charge a decent rate and use fairly new sedans.

Accommodation
New York has so many hotels, so find one that's close to where you're going to be based. I normally use The London, which is well located on West 54th street, not far from the park and Times Square. It's a lovely new hotel with one of the best concierges in town. It's also home to Gordon Ramsey's restaurant, which is perfect for that dinner on expenses... But if you're paying yourself, go at lunch time, same food, half the price. Yum yum.

Foodies
You could write a book on the places to eat in New York… in fact, hundreds of books are already out there, but for my money the top places for a business lunch or dinner are: Gordon Ramsey at The London, The River Café in Brooklyn, Prune for Brunch in The East Village and The Spotted Pig in the West Village. The Spotted Pig is probably the best Gastro Pub in New York, and a perfect places for fans of meat! The River Café has a simple but beautiful menu and offers incredible views over the river to downtown NYC… ask for a window table. Gordon Ramsey I've mentioned above and Prune is a delightful little local place that does THE best brunch in the city in my view... Complete with a huge menu of Bloody Marys. Get there early though or be prepared to wait an hour or so. Just down the road from Prune is Katz Deli which is always rammed and a classic NY food experience - give it a go.

Off Time
If you're not too busy then why not pick up a jogging map from your hotel concierge and take a run round the park to stay in shape. I also love going to the Top Of The Rock at the Rockefeller Building, giving you stunning views of the city and especially usefully in getting to know it in your head if you’re a first time visitor. You can see where everything is and get a rough idea of distances. 5th Avenue is probably your best place for shopping with plenty of places to visit, including the maddening Abercrombie and Fitch which will give you a headache. But you can get your stuff much cheaper from there than in the UK. Department store-wise I find Bloomingdales always serves me best. Don't forget to go shopping in the village as well, Spring Street has some classic locations where you can find the most random of things. If you get a chance to see a Broadway show, rock up to the TKTS half price booth in Times Square and get into a show on the cheap. Spring Awakening seems to be one of the best shows on at the moment. And if you're there on a Friday you can pop into many of the big museums for free, MoMA being a great one to kill a few hours in.

The best thing about New York is that there is always something new, and it's the one place I've never got bored in despite many trips. So make the most of it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19809 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16799 www.topoftherocknyc.com.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16799 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13335 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13335 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13327
To skip the queues go to the Staten Island ferry terminal and head to the back of the boat. You'll get exactly the same view of the Lady, without having to queue up. I think its a better view and quicker.

Check out my NYC guide here:
www.alib.co.uk/guides/index.htm]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13327 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5737 Plus you get a good sighting of the Empire State.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5737 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4626 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4626 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4235
Each bus is open top and comes with a tour guide, who is usually true New Yorker and has plenty of information on the places you pass through, as well as plenty of recommendations for restaurants, shops, cafes etc.

The night tour is not to be missed as you go across to Brooklyn shore and get a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan. Be warned that it gets very chilly sitting up top at night, no matter how hot it has been during the day, so take a sweater.

The buses stop at all the major points of interest and run from 8am until 6pm, with the night tour starting around the same time until about 9pm.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4235 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2797
It leaves from pier 83, which is right next to the air and space display and concorde so all in all great value plus you don't get the disappointment of finding out after the security etc to get to the Statue of Liberty that you can now only go up the base not the actual statue.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2797