NYC trip in May. Recommendations?

Yeah, don't ride the subway.

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We went to one during the last year of the old Yankee Stadium

The subway to the Yankee game was not that bad even though it passes through Harlem. I was comforted by the fact that half the people in there were wearing Yankees gear and it was obvious they were going to the game.

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We visited old Yankee Stadium the same year.

Funny story... we took the subway but missed the stop to YS. Turns out everyone else in our car were tourists so we were just blindly following each other. We didn't notice until the train passed a bunch of fans. My wife asked some gypsy looking old woman and she just looked at her sadly and said "girl, you on the wrong train."

Apparently we had to take the express to a certain point, then had to switch trains to get on the one that made the stop at YS. We were heading further north to who knows where. We had to switch trains at the next stop, and the same lady said you'd be alright just DO NOT get off the bridge when you switch trains

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The subway to the Yankee game was not that bad even though it passes through Harlem. I was comforted by the fact that half the people in there were wearing Yankees gear and it was obvious they were going to the game.

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I was speaking in general terms, not specific to the Yankee game. There's been an increase in crime on the subway lately.

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Yeah, don't ride the subway.

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Terrible advice. Anyone living in New York would tell you it’s the easiest way to get around. And given his limited time frame, taking the metro is the best bet.

See if Le Coucou has any reservations available. One of the best meals of my life.

Also, skip the street vendor food idea. It’s not good and there are too many good places to eat in NY to be wasting calories on that garbage.

I used the subway plenty the last time I was there. I do understand that crime is an issue, but come on. Hundreds of thousands of people use it every day.

I appreciate that you’re looking out for posters, particularly those not familiar with the city, because thats what this board is for . I suppose my argument is that “do not use the subway” is a bit extremist. Is there a risk? Of course. But you’re far more likely to have a quick drop off to your destination than being attacked.

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Every time I turn on the NYC news up here

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That is your first issue.

The train is fine, just be aware of your surroundings as you always should be. Use google maps and click the bus/train and it will give you exact stops and when you need to switch trains.

Trying to take a cab or Uber during prime traffic hours will take 2-3 times longer.

That is my attitude about the subway in New York. I take them regularly but I am always cognizant of my surroundings and keep my head on a swivel.

Others here will be better with standard tourist recommendations. Since it's your first time in the city, I doubt you'll go, but let me know if you're planning on Brooklyn. Dad and sister live there, so I've gotten to know it well (Williamsburg, specifically).

I don't spend too much time in Manhattan, but I have a couple cousins in West Village, so that's where I hang mostly. In the neighborhood, Blind Tiger is a great craft beer bar, LB is my favorite cocktail bar, Joseph Leonard is my favorite restaurant, and John's is my favorite pizza (think many agree). Speaking of pizza, I maintain the most-underrated slice in Manhattan is NY Pizza Suprema. It's on the SW side of MSG / Penn Station, so it's easy to miss, but I try going for a slice whenever I fly into EWR.

Regarding the Subway conversation, I'd approach it like any other big city - just be aware of your surroundings. Personally, I've never felt unsafe on the MTA, but I tend to stick to the Subway during daylight and prime dinner hours.