Idea's for NYE in NYC

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Posted before about where to stay in NY and have booked my wife and I into the Ganesvoort Park Ave for the week over New Year's Eve.

Now originally plan was to do Time Sq but after few comments and abit of investigation now thinking maybe that's not the best idea.

Looked into the party at our hotel which is an option but just asking others on here for idea's of venues/places to go to see NYE in, mainly thinking food and/or entertainment both of us don't drink though, and also never been to the states so we are NY virgins

[Starbuck_413]

I would stay away from Times Square on NYE unless you know a police officer or someone who can escort you in/out of the barricades so you don't have to stand there all freakin night.

Last year on NYE my boyfriend and I stayed at the Loews Regency before it closed for renovations. Same part of the city. We did a low key night, nice dinner at a French restaurant called Match 65, then window shopping until the ball dropped, champagne toast, etc. It was fun to see all the completely way too drunk people literally falling over themselves on their way back from Times Square...and not be a part of it haha

Depends what you want to do and of course in NYC the most important question: What do you want to spend? Last year, our hotel/dinner/drinks ran into the $1,500 range for the evening.

Are you interested in a party? Or something romantic?

A couple months ago, we did a dinner cruise with Bateaux and it was a LOT of fun. One of the best ways to see the city. They are offering a dinner cruise on NYE with view of the fireworks. I got an e-mail about it from them, but pricey (as all things are here). The ship is totally glass-enclosed so you have a view all around. They take you all the way downtown for a view of the freedom towers, then under the Brooklyn/Manhattan bridges, then they take you super close to the statue of liberty. There's a deck outside that you can stand on if you choose. We spent most of the time out there...Great photographers on board to capture the moment without being obnoxious.

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Open to all ideas!

That cruise sound good anymore details?

Want it to be special/romantic as the trip is part of my surprise for her 30th birthday so want to make it a birthday to remember.

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Just found it here

http://reservations.entertainmentcru...utmk=178747940

The plat or diamond package look nice, but we always lose out on these type of affairs due to us both not drinking.

So far think that's the best idea of something nice and different.

[Starbuck_413]

We're also ~30-years-old and it was fun for us. I don't know what the crowd will be like on that night, but it was a fun romantic night. Neither of us are huge drinkers and don't like anything too crazy. We're not the club type.

Being from New York, we still look for interesting new ways to see the city and this was one of our favorite dates. Friends of ours went for their anniversary and had a great experience as well. Basically every seat in the boat is a good seat because you get great views. Also as I said, we spent most of the time out on the deck which always had gorgeous views. Bring a jacket if you go!!! Honestly, if we hadn't done Bateaux already we would probably be looking into it for NYE this year. Attaching a few pictures from our night.

Just a few other notes...While you're in town some great "New York" things to do...

Go to the Comedy Cellar in the village. It's a tiny comedy club, but they always have great lineups and I've always had a blast there. Reserve tix online and get there EARLY to get good seats. We were in the front row a couple times. There are also a lot of times I've been there when famous comedians have dropped in for a surprise set. I've been there when Aziz Ansari dropped in, some friends saw Chris Rock drop in there, etc...

Best View: Top of the Rock. By far. More organized and less crowded than Empire State Building. I always take people from out of town here.

Also, go downtown, LES (lower east side) go to Katz Deli. Get the pastrami. Trust me on this one.

I'm happy to try and point you in the direction of good restaurants/other things to do as well if you want.

[Starbuck_413]

I just did a quick web search. There are other yachts/boats/whatever that go out on NYE on the Hudson. Some may fit your needs better. I can only vouch for Bateaux. I guess the "pros" for that boat would be the panoramic views from inside (it will be cold). Also, it's a smaller ship and more expensive so not as likely to get crowded. Every foot is valuable real estate in NYC and bars/clubs tend to be packed to the max...so if you're like us you're willing to pay not to be bumped into every 5 seconds.

[tinger]

Not necessary for NYE.
Went to Fig & Olive last friday night on 13th street (meat packing district). I was prepared not to like the food mainly because of the atmosphere. I must be turning into an old fart, but who likes listening to loud house music while dining (DJ fri & sat nites)?
In any event, the food was excellent. The theme of course is figs & olives. They incorporated 1 or both elements into every dish we had. The lightly seared scallop appetizer was almost as tender as fresh scallop sashimi

[Starbuck_413]

Meat Packing district is ALL dining with DJs haha...Everywhere is a "see and be seen" type of place...Trendy to the point that it borders on being ridiculous. I remember meeting my friends at a club where everything was made out of recycled materials and table service was a giant punch bowl in the middle of your table. Yeah, I don't think so.

My favorite restaurant in Meatpacking is STK. They have a location in midtown also, but I like the the one downtown better.

If you're looking for a fun "night out" atmosphere that's intimate also (with good eats), go to Bubble Lounge in Tribeca, especially if you enjoy champagne. When you buy a bottle there, you can pay $50 extra and they teach you how to saber it open - with a full sized sword! So much fun! They give you the top of the bottle you sabered off also as a keepsake.

Perhaps one of the most iconic restaurants in NYC is Le Cirque. Super pricey, but it's definitely a culinary landmark. Invented Creme Brulee, etc...I took a cooking class in their kitchen a couple weeks ago. Such a fun spot as far as fine dining goes.

[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by Starbuck_413

I would stay away from Times Square on NYE unless you know a police officer or someone who can escort you in/out of the barricades so you don't have to stand there all freakin night.

Last year on NYE my boyfriend and I stayed at the Loews Regency before it closed for renovations. Same part of the city. We did a low key night, nice dinner at a French restaurant called Match 65, then window shopping until the ball dropped, champagne toast, etc. It was fun to see all the completely way too drunk people literally falling over themselves on their way back from Times Square...and not be a part of it haha

Depends what you want to do and of course in NYC the most important question: What do you want to spend? Last year, our hotel/dinner/drinks ran into the $1,500 range for the evening.

Are you interested in a party? Or something romantic?

A couple months ago, we did a dinner cruise with Bateaux and it was a LOT of fun. One of the best ways to see the city. They are offering a dinner cruise on NYE with view of the fireworks. I got an e-mail about it from them, but pricey (as all things are here). The ship is totally glass-enclosed so you have a view all around. They take you all the way downtown for a view of the freedom towers, then under the Brooklyn/Manhattan bridges, then they take you super close to the statue of liberty. There's a deck outside that you can stand on if you choose. We spent most of the time out there...Great photographers on board to capture the moment without being obnoxious.

I did the Bateaux dinner cruise several years ago with a large group from work (just a regular night, not a holiday.

I expected lousy food and watered down drinks, and was very pleasantly surprised. Food was very good, and they had a nice wine selection. I had only been to NYC a few times before, and it was a GREAT way to see the city from the waterside.

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by Starbuck_413

Perhaps one of the most iconic restaurants in NYC is Le Cirque. Super pricey, but it's definitely a culinary landmark. Invented Creme Brulee, etc...I took a cooking class in their kitchen a couple weeks ago. Such a fun spot as far as fine dining goes.

Earliest mention of Crème Brûlée is in 1691, so I don't think a NYC restaurant invented it.

[Starbuck_413]

Originally Posted by bayerische

Earliest mention of Crème Brûlée is in 1691, so I don't think a NYC restaurant invented it.

You're correct. I guess a more accurate way is to say Le Cirque made creme brulee famous. The restaurant still has a very interesting and fun history, regardless.

[tinger]

Lincoln Center is a must visit.

Clock is above the ticket windows. Very cheap looking :(

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Starbuck_413

I just did a quick web search. There are other yachts/boats/whatever that go out on NYE on the Hudson. Some may fit your needs better. I can only vouch for Bateaux. I guess the "pros" for that boat would be the panoramic views from inside (it will be cold). Also, it's a smaller ship and more expensive so not as likely to get crowded. Every foot is valuable real estate in NYC and bars/clubs tend to be packed to the max...so if you're like us you're willing to pay not to be bumped into every 5 seconds.

Based on your great advice I have exchanged a few emails in regards to booking us on the Bateaux, I'm currently on the fence mainly due to cost! And thinking over the cost/options of the Bateaux Vs The Spirit of New York.

[Starbuck_413]

Excellent!! I'm so happy to be able to help :) I really think this is such a great choice for someone to see the city! Please let me know if you need any other suggestions while you're in town!

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Decided on The Spirt of New York so that NYE sorted

As for New York how is it over NYE? Do places close etc or is everything open?

[Starbuck_413]

The phrase "the city that never sleeps" is true

You can do pretty much anything you want 24/7 in the city.

As far as New Years' Day...I'm pretty sure mostly everything should be open...I just never worry about anything being closed in New York haha. If you plan on going to brunch that day make a reservation if at all possible. Actually, always make a reservation if at all possible haha!

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Well we made it back home sat morning just gone ok..

Flight before and after got cancelled due to the snow, oh and with the -15 or something temperatures the engine didn't want to start it did after a but of defrosting, the bad weather actually the wind did help and made us back in a great time of 5 hours rather then the scheduled 7.5.

But what a great 6 days in NYC, from a pastrami on rye at Katz's deli to a naughty Shake shack burger and onto a lovely steak at Benjamin's, yes food was high on my list lol, people we met were all great mind you cabbies were kind of odd.

Thanks to all the members on here for the great advice got most the must do's ticked off, unfortunately didn't come back with a watch go a couple spring bar sets if that kind of counts ha ha

On a side note it's a wonder I got let in !

After about 20 hours without sleep as I come into US customs and have my passport checked the officer asks me the nature of our visit ! Well I kid you not my response was 'just looking' don't know we're that came from guess I meant sight seeing and then to make matters worse when he asked were I was from I just froze ! My wife had to apologise for my lack of ability to hold a conversation lol

[mtrunner]

Glad you made it back Sam. Traveling in and out of the City last week was a nightmare. Luckily you made it home. I am glad to hear you had a nice trip!