# NYC trip this weekend, need some advice **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 20, 2005, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486 "2005-03-20T23:42:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2005, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/1 "2005-03-20T23:42:33Z")
I’ll be spending Easter weekend in NYC with some friends and I could use some advice on what to bring, where to eat, and what to see. First off, the weather. Is there still snow around? I’ll bring my boots if I have to, but I’d prefer just my little running shoes. And in terms of temperature, what sort of jacket do I need? I’m thinking that my down jacket will be overkill, but a jean jacket is probably not enough. What are people wearing this week in New York? Just checking the temperature on [weather.com](http://weather.com) isn’t working for me - my brain can’t make the “X temperature = Y type of jacket” connection. I want to carry a backpack around all day because I don’t have a purse big enough to fit my camera, wallet, sweater, etc, easily. My mother thinks this is a BAD IDEA because a backpack is behind me and easy for all those New York muggers to get at. She suggests I carry my over-the-shoulder messenger bag instead. Is a backpack ok? Does it scream “tourist”? Also, we’re students on a tight budget, so we don’t want to blow all our money on restaurants. Our hotel has a kitchenette, but we’re probably going to be out wandering the city at mealtimes anyway. What’s the best way to stay decently fed on a small budget in New York, without relying completely on hotdog vendors? Lastly, it’ll be _Easter_ weekend. Up in Montreal, malls and stores close on Easter Sunday. Is it the same for New York? Do stores, museums, and tourist attractions stay open over the whole weekend? Just so I know what day to do all the shopping and what day to spend sightseeing. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_Prize](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d2c977/32.png) [@Sir\_Prize](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_Prize)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/2 "2005-03-21T00:49:57Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > First off, the weather. Is there still snow around? I’ll bring my boots if I have to, but I’d prefer just my little running shoes. And in terms of temperature, what sort of jacket do I need? I’m thinking that my down jacket will be overkill, but a jean jacket is probably not enough. What are people wearing this week in New York? Just checking the temperature on [weather.com](http://weather.com) isn’t working for me - my brain can’t make the “X temperature = Y type of jacket” connection. Figure that it will be a few degrees warmer than Montreal > [@](#): > > I want to carry a backpack around all day because I don’t have a purse big enough to fit my camera, wallet, sweater, etc, easily. My mother thinks this is a BAD IDEA because a backpack is behind me and easy for all those New York muggers to get at. She suggests I carry my over-the-shoulder messenger bag instead. Is a backpack ok? Yes, but keep your wallet in your pocket. > [@](#): > > Does it scream “tourist”? Yes. > [@](#): > > What’s the best way to stay decently fed on a small budget in New York, without relying completely on hotdog vendors? Pizza is always a good choice. There are plenty of innexpensive places to eat. The Subways sandwich chain seems to be all over. > [@](#): > > Lastly, it’ll be _Easter_ weekend. Do stores, museums, and tourist attractions stay open over the whole weekend? Yes. Plus you can go to the Easter parade in your Easter bonnet. (Fifth Ave in the 50’s) ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/3 "2005-03-21T16:03:06Z")
I just had a crew in from Montreal this weekend, and even though they’re all accountants, they still bitched and whined about going out to eat, even though I made a point of hitting very inexpensive restaurants. Let me put it this way-- it’s common for the missus and I to spend north of $40 each for dinner (and yes, that’s U.S. dollars. Everything is in U.S. dollars here…). We ate at places that were one-third to one-half that price, and they still kvetched tremendously. New York is an expensive city. You can check the weather [url=http://wabcweather.abclocal.go.com/wabcbin/WABC\_15DAY\_US.asp?metric=1&thiszip=10001]here\*. It’s even in metric for ya. This weekend people started abandoning their winter coats during the day in favour of heavy sweaters under spring jackets. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/4 "2005-03-21T16:14:08Z")
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a backpack. :rolleyes: It’s one of the most commonly used methods of crap-haulage there is. But do keep the wallet in your pocket. You won’t need a down jacket or boots, but bring something warm. A lightweight winter jacket will be fine. The cheapest places to get something to eat, aside from fast food joints, is people selling stuff from carts, which I affectionally call “street meat.” There is of course the famous New York hot dog, but my favorite street meat is the guys who sell halal chicken and rice with vegetables and a variety of tasty sauces. Yummy. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/5 "2005-03-21T16:27:53Z")
If you’re carrying expensive stuff, I’d go with the messenger bag. My wife uses a backpack all the time going back and forth to work, but the expensive stuff like the ipod and wallet get inside coat pockets. A heavy spring coat is fine, it is above freezing, there is no snow, bring walking shoes/sneakers. Pizza is good for cheap eats. Near Times Square, you can go to the Edison Hotel Cafe, 46th st between 7th and 8th. That’s fairly cheap diner-style fare. Chinatown is also good for a cheap place to eat. All the restaurants around town have menus with prices in the front window, as your walking around, look at these and make note of any cheap places, so you can go back when you’re hungry. I just confirmed that the Met is open on Easter Sunday. That’s a great spot for poor students, $7 _suggested_ admission for students, and more stuff than you can shake a stick at. ---
**Author:** ![Rufus\_Xavier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eada6e/32.png) [@Rufus\_Xavier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rufus_Xavier)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/6 "2005-03-21T16:38:48Z")
[http://www.artiesdeli.com/](http://www.artiesdeli.com/) Artie’s New York deli on Broadway and 83rd has delicious food and is not too pricey. Check out the online menu, linked above. If I lived in NYC, I would eat there once or twice a week, easily. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/7 "2005-03-21T23:28:26Z")
> [@Sir Prize](#): > > …There are plenty of innexpensive places to eat. The Subways sandwich chain seems to be all over… AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! There’s a special secret ring of Hell waiting for those who come to New York City and eat in chain restaurants. Invest a few bucks in a copy of Nosh King Jim Leff’s magnificent foodie [guidebook](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0897322797/qid=1111448771/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-5192141-3731149?v=glance&s=books), or spend an hour digging through his website, [chowhound.com](http://chowhound.com). ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/8 "2005-03-21T23:34:19Z")
I’d just add that the Staten Island Ferry is the best deal in NYC, $0. As far as the backpack thing, you’ll be fine, that’s really overrated. Just be aware of who is within 15 feet of you, and try to act like you know where you’re going, even if you don’t. This advice is applicable to everywhere, NY included. ---
**Author:** ![Peyton\_Farquhar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Peyton\_Farquhar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peyton_Farquhar)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2005, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/9 "2005-03-22T02:07:46Z")
> [@World Eater](#): > > I’d just add that the Staten Island Ferry is the best deal in NYC, $0. Yes, depending on who is piloting. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2005, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/10 "2005-03-22T03:11:58Z")
> [@Barbarian](#): > > I just had a crew in from Montreal this weekend, and even though they’re all accountants, they still bitched and whined about going out to eat, even though I made a point of hitting very inexpensive restaurants. > > Let me put it this way-- it’s common for the missus and I to spend north of $40 each for dinner (and yes, that’s U.S. dollars. Everything is in U.S. dollars here…). We ate at places that were one-third to one-half that price, and they still kvetched tremendously. New York is an expensive city. Wow, I’m sorry you got a bad bunch of Montrealers. I know that New York can be expensive (and of course it’s in US dollars…it’s the _ **US** _, what else would it be??), which is why I was hoping to get some different ideas and some names of good delis. I like the out-of-the-way places, and there is \*no way \* I’m going to NYC to eat Big Macs. Thank you everyone, for the great suggestions, and for help with my wardrobe! And **Cheesesteak** , thanks for confirming the Met is open! It’s on everyone’s must-see list so we’ll be going for sure. This trip will be so much fun! ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2005, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/11 "2005-03-22T03:21:07Z")
I would highly recommend [menupages.com](http://menupages.com). It has basically all the menus (including prices) for damn near every restaurant in New York. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2005, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/12 "2005-03-22T13:08:33Z")
You think we’re kidding when we say “New York never sleeps”? Something is open all the time. Right now, we’re having temps around 30-50 degrees F. Think cool spring days and cold spring nights. ---
**Author:** ![anu-la1979](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/47e85d/32.png) [@anu-la1979](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anu-la1979)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2005, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/13 "2005-03-22T14:49:39Z")
When I go to NY I always eat my cheap meals at these convenience stores that will have a chinese buffet like right in the middle of the store where you pay for the food by the pound. It’s not the BEST stuff but it’s tasty and there’s something rather oddly cool about it. And it’s not just chinese, either, they have other random things. I suggest little ethnic delis as well. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2005, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/14 "2005-03-22T15:28:58Z")
Some of the grocery stores have prepared food and even seating areas. Or if the weather is nice enough grab some food and have a picnic. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2005, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-trip-this-weekend-need-some-advice/295486/15 "2005-03-22T15:49:34Z")
One thing about NYC is that eating can be anywhere from nsanely expensive to outrageously cheap. Some cheap going-out options… Ollie’s Noodle Shop – a local chain of Chinese places. They are sprinkled all over – there’s one near Times Sq, one near Columbia University, one near Union Square, etc. (look up the name on Yahoo and you’ll find various locations) Quite tasty, under $10/person, with leftovers for tomorrow. (Don’t be shy asking for a carry-out box for any leftovers you have – its not at all unusual) East 6th street – there are a large number of seemingly identical Indian restaurants on this street around 2nd Ave. Take your pick, they are mostly all very inexpensive. See an example with menu here: > **[使い勝手のよい家庭用脱毛アイテムの調査 | 自宅でムダ毛ケアできる便利なアイテムを紹介します。](https://www.panna2.com/)** > > 自宅でムダ毛ケアできる便利なアイテムを紹介します。 If you’re going to spend the whole day out doing museum stuff I would go to the grocery store for some supplies and toss a few sandwiches in that backpack of yours. The neighborhoods around the Met, Guggenheim, MoMA etc are very posh with few budget-friendly alternatives in easy walking distance. last thought on backpacks. A perfectly ordinary thing to carry! But many people carry them on 1 shoulder, especially in the subway, as this allows you to swing it round in front of you for a little extra protection when the train is crowded.