Spending 5 days in New York, including NYE - What to wear?

[coolshoes]

Originally Posted by acecow

I'm there mostly as a tourist... I'll try to walk as much as possible, probably take the train, maybe a cab from time to time. I plan on going to the Opera, the MET, MOMA, etc. Check out some restaurants and cafes. Haven't really planned beyond that. I think if I layer a sweater, a sport coat and a long overcoat, I'll be fine. I'm more worried about the shoes, as I have no winter shoes. Will I be able to survive in average leather soles? Thanks!
Get yourself a pair of Wolverine 1000 mile boots. They aren't too expensive and are amazing for walking around and bad weather. Incredibly comfortable! You can wear 'em back home in good weather as well.

 

[acecow]

Originally Posted by Captain Winky

Zara had some really great knee-length wool overcoats (in the LA store) recently for under $200. They have a quilted lining (probably a generic version of thinsulate) and the detailing was such that they could be worn either with a suit or jeans.

As little love as the brand gets, something like this might do you well:

http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/ca...c-100/f-10002+70016+4294967141/t-MEN'S|BOOTS#

They aren't the greatest looking, but are waterproof and again, may be dressed up or down depending.

Thanks! I'll check out Zara. I have a pair of suede brown boots from Donald J. Pliner that I never wear here. They might do the job.

 

[acecow]

Originally Posted by coolshoes

Get yourself a pair of Wolverine 1000 mile boots. They aren't too expensive and are amazing for walking around and bad weather. Incredibly comfortable! You can wear 'em back home in good weather as well.

Thanks! But I don't want to spend $300+ on shoes that don't match my style.

 

[Patek]

Here are some sugested tourist looks for visiting NYC. You may want to wear a parka over which ever look you choose:

 

[acecow]

#3 looks very Russian to me. I'll go with that! Thanks.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by Patek

Here are some sugested tourist looks for visiting NYC. You may want to wear a parka over which ever look you choose:

They're missing the requisite hiking gear. And to think--Europeans find American tourists obnoxious.

 

[BGW1980]

I just returned from NY back to LA. I found a hat/gloves/scarf/long underwear to be the best means of keeping warm without adding excessive bulk in packing. I would not wear suede if you intend on walking at all, as rain is a real possibility, the streets in Manhattan are invariably cruddy, and the city is so packed that you will have your shoes stepped on once or twice.

Have fun.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Yeah, I think it is funny how all tourists have these giant backpacks and all of these supplies with them as if they are touring the Sahara and not the most convenient city in the world.

 

[acecow]

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

Yeah, I think it is funny how all tourists have these giant backpacks and all of these supplies with them as if they are touring the Sahara and not the most convenient city in the world.

With a subway system so poorly laid out I doubt NY would be among the most convenient cities in the world.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by acecow

With a subway system so poorly laid out I doubt NY would be among the most convenient cities in the world.

It's only poor laid out if you live on the Upper East Side.

 

[acecow]

For reference, this is how an easy-to-use and accessible subway layout looks like:

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by acecow

For reference, this is how an easy-to-use and accessible subway layout looks like:

The fact that the map is better laid-out and easier to read doesn't make the underlying rail system more effective or convenient. It never ceases to astound me how fast I can get around Manhattan by subway. In the mornings, I never have to wait more than 3 minutes for a train. Once on, it take all of seven minutes to go down forty blocks--four to five minutes if I catch the express.

 

[acecow]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

The fact that the map is better laid-out and easier to read doesn't make the underlying rail system more effective or convenient. It never ceases to astound me how fast I can get around Manhattan by subway. In the mornings, I never have to wait more than 3 minutes for a train. Once on, it take all of seven minutes to go down forty blocks--four to five minutes if I catch the express.

I've stayed in Manhattan before (not in winter though) and I have to say, the subway system was very ineffective. While the trains were fast, many times I had to take long detours to get from one line to another just to end up close to where I started. Some parts suffer from not enough interconnects between different lines, forcing you to take long subway trips to get from point A to point B, which are located very close to each other on the map. I guess, sometimes it's better to take the bus.

By the way, guys. Here's another question. Can I buy the 7-day pass online before coming to NY? I'm flying to JFK, so I'll have to take that $7 train to get to the city.

 

[Taxler]

Originally Posted by acecow

I've stayed in Manhattan before (not in winter though) and I have to say, the subway system was very ineffective. While the trains were fast, many times I had to take long detours to get from one line to another just to end up close to where I started. Some parts suffer from not enough interconnects between different lines, forcing you to take long subway trips to get from point A to point B, which are located very close to each other on the map. I guess, sometimes it's better to take the bus.

By the way, guys. Here's another question. Can I buy the 7-day pass online before coming to NY? I'm flying to JFK, so I'll have to take that $7 train to get to the city.

Don't think the 7 day pass works for the Air Train; You need a pay-per-fair card.

 

[83glt]

Originally Posted by acecow

For reference, this is how an easy-to-use and accessible subway layout looks like:
It's kind of ridiculous to compare the subway of a different city whose layout and geography is completely different from NYC. It's marsupialed actually.

Originally Posted by mafoofan

The fact that the map is better laid-out and easier to read doesn't make the underlying rail system more effective or convenient. It never ceases to astound me how fast I can get around Manhattan by subway. In the mornings, I never have to wait more than 3 minutes for a train. Once on, it take all of seven minutes to go down forty blocks--four to five minutes if I catch the express.
+1 NYC's subway system is super easy and fast and efficient once you figure it out. Not every line is equal, but most are above average. Express trains get you all over quickly. Granted, there are some spots that are under or badly served. But it's NYC for Christ's sake, walk 2 or 3 blocks and jump on a different line.

Originally Posted by acecow

I've stayed in Manhattan before (not in winter though) and I have to say, the subway system was very ineffective. While the trains were fast, many times I had to take long detours to get from one line to another just to end up close to where I started. Some parts suffer from not enough interconnects between different lines, forcing you to take long subway trips to get from point A to point B, which are located very close to each other on the map. I guess, sometimes it's better to take the bus. By the way, guys. Here's another question. Can I buy the 7-day pass online before coming to NY? I'm flying to JFK, so I'll have to take that $7 train to get to the city.
Uber fail. No one need ride the bus in NYC unless you're over 65 or need to go more than 5 but less than 15 blocks in foul weather. There are cheap buses that bring you to the city center from the airports. Much less than cabs, and I think most rates are reasonable. Did I just advocate a bus? Let's call it a shuttle then. Regarding your original question, I guess it comes down to a balancing act. You don't want to bring so much winter clothes with you that it'll be hard to pack and/or bring stuff back with you. On the other hand, it can get very very cold around the end of December. Especially if you're going to be out at night and it it's windy. You're going to want more than just a sport coat for sure. I think a warm scarf and definitely a warm hat will help, gloves also. For shoes it shouldn't matter much unless it's wet or snowing, in which case you could purchase them here as others have suggested. In sum I think you need to be ready for some cold ass temperatures, whether you bring appropriate clothes with you or buy them here will be your options.