Enjoying The St. Patrick’s Day Parade | New York Limo

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade can be a daunting event for newcomers and those that don’t know much about it. Gotham’s New York Limo Service wants to share some insight onto the event and help anyone who may be uncertain have a great time at what is claimed to be the world’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Basics

Starting at 11:00 am, the parade will march up Fifth Avenue ending at 79th Street at around 4:00 pm. This is a bit different than years past when the parade would end at 86th street, but the intent is to save money on police overtime costs. Remember to wear green!

Transportation

Midtown has a few parking garages, yet on the day of such a large parade, public transportation is likely your best bet. You can ride the Metro in to Grand Central Station and walk to the parade route, you can rent a New York Limo to drive you around for the day or maybe take the LIRR if you are from Long Island. If you elect to use the subway system, check out Hopstop.com or the HopStop iPhone app to plan your route.

Location

Finding a good place to watch the parade from is important and for those who are not experienced in the matter, you may not know where the best places to watch are. Anywhere North of 66th Street and Fifth Avenue are a good bet to avoid crowds. The upper steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art offer a wonderful view. If you are looking for a good up close view of the marchers, the end of the parade at 79th is ideal.

Places To Eat

If you are looking for a place to eat after the parade there are a few great options for you to choose from. At 1490 Second Avenue you can find Doc Watson’s. This Irish pub is close to the parade route and is a great location to eat, drink, play pool or listen to live traditional Irish music on Sunday Nights. At 1071 Fifth Avenue at 88th Street you can find the Wright restaurant. This European restaurant offers modern food right new the Guggenheim Museum.

Tips

The best public bathrooms are in Bryant Park, only two blocks from the beginning of the parade, otherwise be observant of restaurants and hotels, especially if you are standing in more northern area.

Make sure to watch your children closely. The crowd will be dense with people and activity.

Bring food. New York City can be an expensive place to eat.  You can save money by bringing your own snacks.

Don’t drink alcohol or bring it with you.  Drinking in public is illegal at the parade.

By Frank McDonald