Who has NOT heard about New York, or New York City (NYC) as some like to call it?
There are those in favor and those that simply don’t enjoy big city life. They blocked their minds to the idea of visiting NYC.
I was kind of in the middle, not sure what to expect as I was heading towards the Big Apple. My expectations were that of a concrete jungle, cold and structured, and people with no time to spare. And what a surprise I got! A pleasant one, for that. In the heart of NYC I found that most New Yorkers are accommodating and friendly and the vibe was electric!
Sure, it’s a matter of concrete everywhere but you stumble upon so many other beauties between it all. It’s difficult not to gaze up all the time as the skyscrapers are super tall and almost squashed in to get their glorious spot in their jungle.
On our first night, we got into the city by about 22h00, and there was no sign of it going to sleep by the time we left around 01h30. The city truly does not go to sleep. So, when you go, make sure you have a healthy appetite for the Big Apple. You will need it!
Let’s see what you should put on your list of things-to-do-and-see. I’ll also give you the links to buy your tickets, so you are fully prepared.
This is New York City’s greatest contender for providing the best city views. The Edge Observation Deck, on the 100th floor, is New York City’s tallest outdoor observation platform. In addition to that accolade, it is also the tallest outdoor observation platform in the entire Western Hemisphere!
From here you’ll see the Empire State Building, Central Park, and The Statue of Liberty – to name a few.
Such an iconic statue can only be first on your list. There are many ways of seeing the statue. For example, a boat cruise.
NYC is proof that not everything, that is worth doing, must have a price to it. You’ll be surprised that you can indeed see the Statue of Liberty via a free ferry! Namely, The Staten Island Ferry. The duration of the trip is about 25 minutes. Besides the Statue of Liberty, you will also enjoy views from NYC Harbor, the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance, lower Manhattan, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Governors Island (a National Monument), and some of Wall Street’s famous skyscrapers. Rush hour is exactly that, a rush to get good seats. So go early!
And here’s another tip. If you’re concerned about transport to and from the ferry, buy a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus ticket. One of the stops is right at the ferry! I’m a big advocate for the bus because of its convenience.
Having an idea beforehand of the different sights to see and the various routes goes a long way to enjoying your holiday. Private Message (PM) your name and e-mail address to us, via Facebook, to get your copy.
Get Your CopyA big advantage of the bus is that it actually can serve as your itinerary to see New York. You don’t have to plan a thing. Just go with the wind and enjoy NYC. I highly recommend it.
Harry Potter fans will not be disappointed when they walk into the world of Harry Potter at 935 Broadway.
Experience the wizarding world of Harry potter like never before.
This is where the city’s history began, in Downtown Manhattan. You’re in for breathtaking views and an absolutely lovely perennial garden. It’s famously being maintained by amongst others, volunteers from city residents! There are bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and beautiful lawns to enjoy. And then the park has the SeaGlass Carousel. A magical ocean-themed carousel for kiddies.
In Midtown Manhattan lies Times Square, a tourist hotspot.
Evenings are easily sorted because going to a Broadway play is simply a must while you’re here. The Broadway Theater District has plenty of variety. The best I can do is to provide you with the Get Your Guide link so you can click and search for a Broadway show that is running at the time of your being in New York. Seeing a live Broadway show sure is a bucket list item. In fact, there are so many, you’ll find it hard to decide on just one!
So this is not the tallest building in NYC, but it sure is one of the most dramatic-looking buildings in the city. Its been famously photographed by many photographers because of the triangular steel-framed architectural design. Once named the Fuller Building, it has 22 levels and 285 feet / 87 meters tall. Go to 175 Fith Avenue to snap the building. Alternatively, the city sightseeing bus also stops here.
By now, I believe, you have the feel for New York City. A lot of walking, that’s for sure.
However, there is help in the form of either a taxi, underground transport, or pedicabs. Getting a pedicab at Times Square is a good time to do so. Most of them are quite savvy around the city and have a lot of information to share about the attractions they pass by. So it’s like a little guided tour of a completely different nature. Another unforgettable experience!
If you decide not to take guide tours, but do your own thing make sure you do it economically. You will save big on the Explorer Pass!
At 443 meters high this iconic building is easy to spot and a “must-see”. Especially since it’s officially one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Yes, another bucket list item!
One of the niceties of a holiday is being snapped in front of something world-famous. Hence my recommendations in the gallery below. In general, these are the most outstanding ones.
Particularly the charging bull. The intense bronze sculpture was created with the Black Monday stock market crash of 1987 in mind, symbolizing Wall Street and the Financial District.
It will take you about two hours to walk around the park. By the way, that is if you walk at NYC-pace. If you take a leisurely walk it will take slightly longer. Central Park is an urban park in New York City located between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan. It is not the largest park in NYC, but certainly the most famous one for its beautiful landscape. Ranking at number five, there are other parks that are substantially larger.
Since the Zoo is in such close proximity to Central Park and the Wollman Rink it is a great call for the kiddies. They’re very much into conservation and there is plenty to do at the zoo. For instance rides, animal feeding, and exhibits.
In conclusion, I hope you enjoy your sightseeing in New York City as much as I did. I did not even touch on the culinary experiences, that I leave for another time!
Before I share some recommendations of where to stay, I predict that when you’re in New York you can’t help but sing along with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli!
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In brief, you have two choices. Either stay smack in the heart of NYC or find accommodation on the outskirts where the prices are much lower. We chose the latter. However, if you do the same, make sure your accommodation is within walking distance to a train station. We commuted in and out with no problem whatsoever. And it actually was quite nice to enjoy the contrast between city life, and life on the outside.
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