See Times Square especially at night. Folk expect a tip of around 15%, service is normally very good, although watch out for them adding it to your bill automatically.
Macy’s department store is a must if you want to shop. Cheap designer gear. Head to the Cust Serv Desk with your passport for a 15% discount card (you’ll pay a few dollars for it, but well worth it if spending a lot).
+1 for walking, take a comfy pair of trainers. Although Midtown (Times Square) to the financial district (Wall Street / Staten Island Ferry) is a long long way. On the return leg, I got fed up at China Town & got a taxi back 😆
If heading up the Empire State Building, go around noon. I headed up at 9am with everyone else in Manhattan, ended up in a queue for over an hour. Came down around 12 & the queue was empty. Don’t waste your money on the 102nd floor, stick with the more popular 86th floor (the one in the movies).
In the finance district you could head to Ground Zero, if so you must check out St Pauls Cathedral beside it…very moving experience. You could get the Staten Island Ferry return journey which takes you past the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island…it also costs nowt. Wall Street is also down there, but all you’ll get is pictures of armed NYPD cops & some nice buildings. Unfortunately, you’re no longer allowed into the stock exchange (or wasn’t when I was there in 2007).
Eating out is one of the best bits (I was real chubby then). The portions are huge, generally no need to order side dishes. +1 for Carnegie Deli – great for b/fast. My most memorobale place was the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station http://www.oysterbarny.com/ It’s fine dining at one end & filled with tourists & commuters at the other. They do a daily menu, and there is no need to book a table if you’re just sitting in at the benches. The seafood is fantastic. It also gives you a reason to explore that wonderful iconic place.
I can’t wait to go back and don’t understand the haters. You don’t go there for piece & quiet….it’s hussle & bussle….it’s like a permanent rush hour, even at 2 in the morning. Enjoy!