-
I’ll be in New York this week, including over Thanksgiving. (Departing on BA to LHR on Friday morning)
Most attractions are going to be closed, so I plan to visit those on the days before. But the Staten Island ferry is operating, I can walk the High Line, etc.
Is it worth trying to see the Parade? Or is that just going to be a lot of crowds. Any other suggestions for stuff that is open on Thanksgiving day would be appreciated.
The Subway is operating. I assume Ubers etc are not a problem?
I plan an Uber about 0500 from Lower East Side to JFK for 0805 BA to LHR.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
@Rich_A – Around 5 years since I visited NY at Christmas as a stop over to the Caribbean, not at thanksgiving though, we were lucky enough to have a heavy snowfall before our arrival.
Staten Island was ok, but I would not visit again, you have Central Park as a option, there are various performances in the park, if you like shopping there’s a few outlets, my favourite is Woodbury common, around an hour coach ride from the main bus terminus.
just so you know, there is a standard fixed yellow cab fare to manhattan from the airport, not sure how this compares with uber. You can view the license plate cams at Times Square before you go to check the weather.
https://www.earthcam.com/cams/newyork/timessquare/?cam=tsrobo1
I am also flying out of LHR with BA on Friday morning, so we may cross paths without knowing! Safe flight.
If you are going to get the SI ferry to SI then see if the NYC Ferry is running back to Manhatten on Thursday. It makes a stop near the WTC and then up the West Side to around 34th street. Fare is $ 4.50
Much closer views of the Statue of Liberty than the SI Ferry
If open then Governors Island is also an option – like the High Line and Little Island (near the southen entry/exit to the Highline) – created from scratch. Though being in the middle of the bay it might be a bit chilly!
Worth installing Lyft and the yellow cab apps and comparing prices across them. The Macy’s parade is quite mind numbing after a while, best consumed in passing on tv. I found last year quieter than previous years, possibly due to changes since pre-covid as to who lives in Manhattan. Most restaurants will be open as normal, though if you’re dining solo may be easier to do take out and eat in your hotel to avoid set menu prices. Around 8pm Manhattan starts to fill up again as people get ready for doorbuster deals from 9pm – an additional extra discount on top of Black Friday prices. I think Macy’s opens around 9pm Thursday and stays open through to 10pm Friday.
Worth installing Lyft and the yellow cab apps and comparing prices across them. The Macy’s parade is quite mind numbing after a while, best consumed in passing on tv. I found last year quieter than previous years, possibly due to changes since pre-covid as to who lives in Manhattan. Most restaurants will be open as normal, though if you’re dining solo may be easier to do take out and eat in your hotel to avoid set menu prices. Around 8pm Manhattan starts to fill up again as people get ready for doorbuster deals from 9pm – an additional extra discount on top of Black Friday prices. I think Macy’s opens around 9pm Thursday and stays open through to 10pm Friday.
Edit: Macy’s not opening at all Thursday, but at 6am Friday.
If you are going to get the SI ferry to SI then see if the NYC Ferry is running back to Manhatten on Thursday. It makes a stop near the WTC and then up the West Side to around 34th street. Fare is $ 4.50
Absolutely endorse this if the weather is good. We did Midtown to St George, then back on the Staten Island Ferry. The NYC Ferry up the East River is also good value for some amazing views of Brooklyn and Manhattan too.
Another good walk is from Dumbo, through Brooklyn Bridge Park, Squibb Park and then along Brooklyn Heights. Some great views of Lower Manhattan and plenty of seats too. Couple of subway stops near the bottom end of the Heights, along with plenty of cafes.
I agree, I think the parade is better to watch on TV. It’s too chaotic and crowded for my taste.
Museums etc may be open on thanksgiving day, double check them.
Unless it is your first time, I’d say spend more time in Brooklyn. Dumbo was mentioned, I can add Williamsburg. It is easy to get around them using the NYC ferry. Get the app.
Thanks all. Sounds like skipping the parade and concentrating on the ferry both get votes.
And glad to know restaurants etc will be open
I would avoid the Highline even though it’s a great experience but it’ll be so rammed you’ll hardly be able to move.
Brooklyn bridge ditto.
Use the ferry or the subway, Dumbo is good for views etc.Thanks for the tips.
Thanksgiving Day turned out to be a bit of a washout, so all my outdoor activities + the ferry rides were ditched. I visited the only two sites I could find open: The National Museum of the American Indian, and the Friends Experience!
Weather cleared by late afternoon, and there was plenty going on entertainment wise in the Village in the evening.
Uber was available within 2 minutes at 5am on Friday. $78 to JFK, with the option of a shared ride for $60. Only 25 minutes journey.
A shared ride? What hapoens if both parties are carrying ample luggage?
A shared ride? What hapoens if both parties are carrying ample luggage?
I did wonder that. I assume you agree to a luggage limit, like you do a person limit.
I would hope that Uber have a way of handling it if the other party brings too much stuff.
–
The one and only time I’ve ever used Uber pool, the other couple looked at me like I was an alien and how dare I share their ride 🤷🏼♂️
I feel obliged to post that a similar length Uber journey from MEX to our hotel the other day was £9 😮
One of our cases did have to be strapped into the front seat, however!
..Whereas my elderly uncle was charged 2 pounds in Oxford to go 800m by bus.
That would make a trip to NYC…GBP 22,000! One way. In economy...Whereas my elderly uncle was charged 2 pounds in Oxford to go 800m by bus.
That would make a trip to NYC…GBP 22,000! One way. In economy.Does he not have a concessionary bus pass?
..Whereas my elderly uncle was charged 2 pounds in Oxford to go 800m by bus.
That would make a trip to NYC…GBP 22,000! One way. In economy.Does he not have a concessionary bus pass?
Not from the UK, sadly (in this case!, and no others accepted!
Ah yes. No concession for visitors
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
