I plan to spend 4 or 5 days in New York in april. This will be my first time in your big country! If i start studying now, i will probably be able to say a few words in english, but until then, what do you think? where is the best place to stay? what are the best things to do? what are the worst things to do? Is it difficult to find french wines? Is it true that taxi drivers don't know the city at all?...any advice welcome

advice? go anywhere in the U.S. but New York! Just playin... Never been there myself... Raised in the outskirts of Chicago... when you come to a 'nice' city I'll help you out....

*now goes and hides from all the NewYorkers before they try to beat my ass.. Such a nice friendly city NewYork

C'est un autre monde. Tu risques la mort à chaque coin de rue. Les taxis ne respectent rien sauf leur compteur. C'est sale, ça pue et c'est bruyant. C'est vraiment une ville fantastique. Fascinante.

Where in New York are you going? Just to let everyone know, New York is NOT just Manhatten, New York City!

Other than the City, there are many beautiful places upstate from there and many wonderful wineries, which I'm sure would have some great wine for you to taste!

I would have to agree... Ive been to Upstate NewYork and Niagra. Theres some beautiful parts for sure... but New York New York... dont have any interest whatsoever.

Two words:

Howard Johnson's

hey thierry, New York is fantastic, i know nothing about what to do there, tho.

Hey you guys! I actually live here, thbeghin, so if you want some specific info, feel free to contact me by PM and I will help you. Off the top of my head:

Flying into Newark Liberty International airport, rather than JFK or LaCrapula, is usally a lot easier and less expensive. Newark is actually just as close to downtown Manhattan as JFK and LaGuardia, and travel time will be quicker.

Taxi drivers do know the city...but they will take you out of your way to maximize the fare...so if you have an accent, you must say "direct route, please" so they don't drive you all over hell.

There are lots of Frenchies over here--a friend of mine is a Frenchman, and he's taken me to all sorts of "authentic" French places in the city--so no, you won't have trouble finding French wine. But don't sleep on the New York City delicacies--for example, the Knish (pronounced "cuh-nish'). You can only get them in the five boroughs, as far as I know, and they are awesome! Potato and onion in a crispy crust, only one dollar, yum!

The dollar is extremely weak right now, so don't forget to bring money to take advantage of our crumbling economy!

Make sure you see Ground Zero, but don't be disrespectful while you're there--talking loudly, laughing, and spitting are all signs of bad taste.

As for learning some English, don't bother. No Americans know it, so why should you? Just practice the following phrases, and you'll be fine:
"Whatsammata, you?"
"Hey, buddy, I'm trying to cross the street here!"
"Forget about it."

You'll also want to replace the phrase, "May I please have" with "Lemme get."

Viva NYC!

If you are going to the city, just start in time square and start walking, There is great stuff on every corner.The Sheraton is nice and not too pricey. Almost every little store will have a map for you. Check out the sites, (Shopping, Empire state building, Time square, The site of the World Trade center, Liberty,etc.) Stay away from tourist traps, (hard rock cafe) There are tons of great restaurants, Museums, Galleries. Lots of great pubs, bars, cafe's etc. If you want Irish, Italian, jewish. Spanish,Greek, indian, Whatever, they have it. Go to China town and little Italy. You can never do it all. Go see a show. I usually just go and drink at all the little pubs. (bar hopping ;0) It is a fun place and safe but just like anything else in life, just use common sense. If someone offers you a deal that is too good to believe, don't believe it. If they are selling it on the street, it aint real. Good Luck and have fun. Be safe.

Why order French wine while in New York? I surely wouldn't want to try California's Napa wines while in France. Embrace the culture... explore new things! And yes... try the local food! Delicious! (Some of the pizza is to die for too!)

So the ten dollar Rollex i bought last week isn't real?

Reaity is such a subjective thing. It's real in that it exists and you can see it, right? It's real metal--probably.

Man did you get ripped off, they were on sale 3 for $25.00 last week.

So-Ho area was my favorite.
But I've only been there one time...last year just before Christmas.
Be prepared to WALK, and walk fast. Someone almost took my left arm off simply by walking SO fast past me!
Familiarize yourself with the subways. They're difficult but not impossible.

and take Queen La Tiff's suggestions...she's the BOMB!

Thanks everybody for the good advices (even Supakoma ! )
I was just kidding about the wine, i can live 5 days just drinking water!
Alex, tu me fais peur!
I think i will buy a guide, study it and maybe come back with a few more precise questions for Queen La Tiff and Lrossa.