thaddeusknax

Hi all!

From dec 25th till jan 7th my girlfriend and I will be staying in NYC. We've booked places in Brooklyn for Christmas and NYE, and a place in Manhattan (SOHO) for the remaining days. We've both already been to NYC before and visited the obligatory tourist attractions. This time we want to try to get to know some of the different areas in Brooklyn and Manhattan, get a feel of their character and their history. Plus obviously we want to enjoy all the Christmas goodness and have a blast on NYE.

As for getting to know different neighborhoods; we like shopping, going to bars and restaurants (we love food), visiting museums or other cultural venues, playing some games at an arcade hall or bowling alley, watching a movie, staying indoors and get comfortable for a whole afternoon, going for a nice walk through the park, etc. We've already done some research and the possibilities seem almost endless in some cases... Which is a good thing of course, but some extra guidance would be great. I always love to hear locals tell about their favorite places in their part of town. Any recommendations for areas that have an authentic atmosphere and offer one or more of the above are welcome. As well as recommendations for things to do/see in general, or events that take place while we're there.

On to the holidays: what are the must-sees or must-dos for Christmas and NYE? For Christmas, we plan to visit Dyker Heights (is it worth it?), go ice skating at one of the rinks (can we borrow/rent ice skates somewhere?), visit the big trees, and we're still looking for a restaurant to have dinner on the 25th (preferably near Atlantic Av/Barclays Center in Brooklyn). For NYE we were looking into rooftop parties the other day, but found that a lot of them are quite expensive. Are there any cheap ones, and are they generally as good as they sound? For both Christmas and NYE we're not necessarily looking for anything too fancy. Dressing up is fine (in fact we enjoy it), and we're willing to go the extra mile money wise if it's really worth it, but we generally like to keep things in a reasonable price range (e.g. below 100$ for a dinner for two). Again, any recommendations are welcome!

I know lots of info on this can be found online (on this very website even), but I guess I just love to hear first hand stories from locals or people that have been to NYC

Other info: our main modes of transport will be the subway and walking. We are from The Netherlands. We are aware that it might get cold as sh*t. My gf is into photography, so suggestions for any particularly photogenic sites are appreciated as well.

Long story short: visiting Brooklyn/Manhattan from dec 25th - jan 7th with the gf, open for recommendations of any kind.

We are excited as hell and looking forward to your replies!

marvelousmouse

I think you might want to post your desired budget for the NYE party. I don’t think a party exists in the price range of my definition of cheap. NYE parties are expensive anyway, and the NYC ones that I looked into were all VERY expensive.

at the Botanical gardens, there is an absolutely amazing train show. Little NYC landmarks are built out of plant materials. Definitely recomended!

I didn’t end up going out to DH because of the temperature so I can’t help you there.

gardendiva

I just returned from NYC. I really enjoyed the walk along the High Line. It is approximately a 1.5 miles trail along what used to be railroad tracks. The photography opportunities are endless. I also enjoyed just wandering around Greenwich Village. I had never been there before. All kinds of shops and restaurants.

edjim

We went to Manhattan after Christmas last year and got out of town on New Year's Eve. We looked around at the holiday store windows, saw a holiday show at Radio City Music Hall, a Broadway show one evening, and in general tried to say indoors because it was amazingly cold that week (even got a dusting of snow). The merchants around Bryant Park ice rink were still open after Christmas but I think they weren't going to be open long. I'm pretty sure you could rent skates there.

5alive

Did you visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art on your last visit? If not, you really should go, it is fantastic. In addition, they are known for their large Christmas tree and historic era creche (Nativity scene).

Since you mention saving money, the Morgan Museum & Library is free on Friday nights from 7-9 pm. It was really nice museum, not nearly as large, with interesting temporary exhibits. You will need to check to see if what's on is of interest to you.

emsgram7

oh the store windows, rockerfella center, radio city (maybe catch a show), bryant park has a wonder kios area, fornelli's restaurant on baxter st near mulberry st & chinatown. look at all the glitter in the diamond exchange. just have a wonderful time

AJPeabody

Does your photographic friend go for postcard shots or instead favor street candids? If the latter, all of NYC is where to shoot. And, if you are lucky, there will be a snow storm (and everyone else will not be happy). Then take shots while it still is falling, then before footprints and plows, then further on until in a few days get slush spatter shots, Also, NYC has lots of glass, making for interesting reflection shots, especially if you use a polarizing filter the "wrong" way.

Your budget for a holiday meal is, unfortunately, tiny. Maybe a neighborhood bar or pub will have nothing special except locals celebrating with a burger and beer. That could be special.