I know we have a few NYC people around here, so I might as well ask the experts ![]()
If I have an 8 hour layover in Newark coming up soon, what should I do? I've been to the city before, a few times although more than 10 years ago, but I think H has only spent 24 hours there. It will be midday on a weekday if that makes a difference.
Should we just stuff our faces with good food? Get blitzed before the next flight? Be tourists and visit the sights (possibly while blitzed)? We'll be coming off a 10 hour overnight flight and transferring to a 9 hour overnight flight, so I'm thinking we won't be up for anything that requires brain cells. Ugh, just typing out that schedule makes me tired!

Re: NYC layover advice (obviously npce)
pixy, that might be the right idea
I would assume the airport hotels have day rates.
MrDob, any lunch suggestions? We'll be in Spain, Italy, and France, eating ourselves silly, but there's no reason I can't begin that hedonism at a layover
Anything you can achieve through hard work, you could also just buy.
We just booked a cruise, so it will be a whirlwind of long days in port. The Italian ports are Naples, Rome, and Florence, I've been to all 3, but it's H's first European trip, so I'm excited to experience it with him, even if it will be rushed.
I love how much you loved Italy, MrsA.
Anything you can achieve through hard work, you could also just buy.
Alternatively, Jean George does a lovely (and reasonably affordable) prix fix lunch. Would a show be an option?
i'd be all about the sleep option... but if you want to hit the city - you can hop on the train at the airport which will take you to midtown. You can easily walk around brainless taking in the sights... get some food.. shop... and head back to the airport.
or you can hang out in the airport - get a mani/pedi (there is a little spa store)... eat... read... watch a movie on your iPad (if you have one)... that's probably what I'd do b/c i don't think i'd have energy to head into the city with all that flying.
I'm with you Lauren.
How about NJ shopping? The Secaucus outlets aren't far from Newark airport, right? Or head a bit north to the Paramus malls?
If you decide to come into Manhattan, we need a GTG!
Because I like to be on the safe side with these things, I'd give myself 5-6 hours in Manhattan so I don't miss my flight. That is more than enough time for a leisurely lunch and shopping. Anything else might require some brain cells lol.



<a href="http://www.thenest.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Home Dyeah- i am a freak about time when i'm flying - but i figured she was more easy going with it.... we could always have a NJ GTG luncheon at the airport!!!
a Jersy tour would require a car... or a friend with a car - do you trust any of us to drive you around?? LOL
Except for visiting Princeton in HS, I've never been to NJ longer than just driving through. Hmmm, what would I see on a quick day tour? Yes, goldie, I just internet strangers to drive me around. Just ask momi and zoe! I could do a gtg at the airport, too, if there's decent food outside of security.
I think I'll skip the shopping. Our bags will be packed and checked in, plus I have to save room for whatever I pick up on my trip! Besides, I'm not much of a shopper.
As far as time, I would be heading back during rush hour, so I'd give myself a decent window, but with being already checked in, I'm not terribly concerned about it.
Marie (and others), would you be able to make a midday gtg? I had assumed that wouldn't work out, so I didn't even ask.
Is the "reasonable" Jean Georges lunch the one that's 108pp? I'm down for a long leisurely lunch, but that's probably blowing the budget a little too early in the trip.
I think avoiding sleep would be good b/c it will help me sleep on the 2nd leg. It's sad that I don't think of an 8hr flight as all that long anymore.
I do not consider 108 bucks pp reasonable for lunch, so no--they used to have a $35 pp prix fix, which is a great deal, considering the venue. Maybe they stopped?
Depending on when this will be, I could do midday.