New York trip

My wife I are going to 2 Broadway shows and to see David Lettermen. We are there for 4 1/2 days. Any suggestions to give us a true "flavour" of New York travel.

We are staying at the Grand Hyatt New York and expect to do a lot of walking around. How close are we to such places as Central Park, MOMA, Rockefeller Centre, Times Square? One last question - subway or taxi - if we aren't close to some of the above places.

Get as far away from Time Square as you can and take the subway if you really want to see the best of NYC. The Village and SoHo are great for just walking around. Chinatown is a world unto itself and has cheap eats. Grand Central Station and the main Public Library are two fantastic buildings with a real rush hour vibe. The museums such as MoMA and the Met as fantastic.

But for a feel of NYC, in my opinion, head to the Lower East Side, Upper West Side and Upper East Side and stroll around. My number one favorite place to take out of town visitors is to rent a rowboat in Central Park. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, eat pizza, have a pastrami sandwich at Katz's, take a cab ride up Park Avenue, sit in Bryant park during lunch hour, hit Union square Park, Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street ( take a picture with the Bull on Broadway), go to Washington Square Park, take a picture of the Flat Iron Building, haggle with a street vendor over a pocketbook, get a hot dog with mustard, then get back on the plane and go back home. get as far away from Time Square as you can and take the subway if you really want to see the best of NYC.

It's really good to visit New York with kids. Some of New York City's best attractions and landmarks are free to visit. With the expense of hotels, restaurants and more, visiting some free attractions and landmarks will help you make the most of your New York City travel budget.