New York, New York. Home of The Yankees, The Knicks and The sleepless nights. Whether you enjoy a day of strolling through the winding pathways of the gorgeous Central Park or spending the real dollars on 5th Ave at the designers we can't actually afford, you will surely find something you love in this fabulous part of the world. When you step out of the subway at Pent street for the first time you are straight away filled with overwhelming feelings leaving you to wonder when the film cameras will pop out and tell you that you're in a movie! There is something for everyone in the big apple so I am going to count down from 8 my favourite reasons why I find myself sitting here writing a blog and aching to go back!
Quick holiday recap:
I visited New York mid September last year (2017) for just over a week with one of my best friends Justyna. We had done a TON of pre-city-tourist-plan-research before we left on our holiday so we were prepared and ready to spend each day solidly adventuring as much as possible. All photos are taken from this holiday.
8. Time square
Although many people will say that time square is a complete tourist trap and to stay away, we thought the opposite. Yes, there are some down sides of visiting this major commercial intersection; It can be very overwhelming with the amount of people in one spot and there are plenty of street sellers trying to force you to become victims of buying overpriced souvenirs but if you're tactical then you can really enjoy your visit here. Plan to pass through later at night when the streets start to clear off a little, that way you have more space to get where you want to be. The amount of lights displayed in a 360 layout is spectacular, it truly is like the movies. I would recommend finding a nice spot to sit on the steps in the middle of the strip (Where this photo was taken) and just watch the night and people go by, it feels like an illusion. Therefor, you just can't skip a stop at Time square on your visit to New York!
7. Greenwich Village
You will find Greenwich Village, also known as 'The Village' sitting on the west side of lower Manhattan. You can blissly walk around this village for a day whilst stumbling across a ton of off-bar broadway theatres, jazz clubs, cafes, bars and quirky restaurants. Washington Square park sits in the heart of this up beat Village where the friendly locals mingle and enjoy their sunny days. There is no doubt that a day in this fun quirky part of New York needs to be visited, not to mention the popular NBC sitcom 'Friends' apartment is tucked away on the corner of Grove and Bedford streets and Carrie Bradshaw's 'Sex and the city' apartment on 66 Perry street ;)
6. Staten Island ferry
The Staten Island ferry is a transportation service that throughout the day frequently travels between the two New York boroughs, Manhattan and Long Island. The reason I believe this is a must do when in New York is because during this 5.2 mile journey you pass the world wide iconic statue of liberty and it is all FREE! Look.. it doesn't stop on the island nor give you a guided tour but it sure does give you a brilliant view without the cost. The guided island tour boats might be more what you're looking for if you want to take your time and really get down to business but if you ask any New Yorker they will tell you that The Staten Island Ferry is the way to go ;)
5. Central Park
Located between the Upper East side and the Upper west side of Mahattan sits the most well known park in the world! Central Park is a whopping 843 acres and consists of green grass, baseball grounds, lakes, restaurants and a billion other things that will keep you occupied for a very VERY long time. If you want to see every inch of this gorgeous park then you are going to have to spend a solid full day from morning to night wandering these areas. Some sort of photo taking device is ESSENTIAL as every curve you take is just another opportunity for your eyes to swallow unbelievable sights and not to mention gain a ton of new Insta followers ;) Spend an hour on "The Notebook look'n" row boats on the lake in the centre or take along a picnic and find a nice spot in the sun to touch up that patch of skin the sun never sees. I would also recommend taking a map with you and planning out a route to get around as Central Park is mind blowingly huge which makes it way too easy to lose your way! There are just so many spectacular things to see and do in this little-big green part of New York that I just cannot miss putting it in my top ten. So do me a favour, go!! <3
4. Rooftop bars
There is something raw and beautiful about observing a city for an hour or two up high, what could be more bliss? What if we make that city, I don't know, let's say.. the skies of New York city.. add a glass red wine (or whatever beverage you prefer) and that should about do it! And oh my, New York has a stunning range of rooftop bars to enjoy. Whether you're putting on your heels for a classy night out or you're simply looking for a snug outside situated bar where you can wrap yourself in a warm blanket with a loved on, you will find somewhere right up your alley (or elevator). My favourites rooftop bar would have to be a place called '230 Rooftop Bar'. It is New York's largest rooftop bar situated very close to The Flat Iron Building making the location quite central. The drinks are a little pricey but completely worth it for the absolutely stunning 360 views of Manhattan! I would recommend going a little earlier than sunset to secure your seats to watch the transition from day to night. The decor of this fun quirky place consists of electric lit up colours and plants which giving it a jungle vibe, not to mention they hand out fluffy red dressing gowns to their guests at night when it gets a little chilly.
Justyna and I planned to visit as many New York rooftop top bars in the afternoons as possible, I'd love to get people into this! It is a great way to feel the vibes of New York whilst having a sneaky beverage. An end of day wind out or the beginning of a hefty night, a rooftop is the way to go.
3. The food
Near the end of my holiday in New York I had a moment where I was sitting by the flat iron building with Justyna and we were talking about what we will be missing the most from this city when we were back in London.. We kept coming back to the cream cheese bagels at the old school breakfast diners, the burgers in the restaurant in 'the Village' or the classic American hot dogs on the side of the street. So you can bet one number three is, FOOD! There is something so wonderful about New York food that warms your insides and makes you excited about the next restaurant/cafe/bar you'll find. There are two places that really stood out for myself.. One was called "THE SPOTTED PIG" and you'll find it tucked away in between the streets of Greenwich Village. This restaurant is fun, quirky and covered with pigs and other farm photographs throughout the restaurant (which is a laugh) but the real prize was the burger. I never thought I could love a burger so much! The meat was so thick and juicy, cooked to perfection with unique toppings inside and unusual tasty straw fries (As shown in the photograph). The second mention is a classic breakfast diner in the West Village called 'LA BONBONNIERE'. Holy cow, order the blue berry pancakes and a side of cream cheese bagel with the jelly jam (Photograph also above) and you can shake my hand after. This place isn't glamorous in any way or sort and it is quite small but always busy. It is a popular spot for the locals not to mention a lot of famous names drop by to get that comforting flavourful fix. To sum it up, when visiting New York make sure to budget your money so you are able to try plenty of different foods and you will with no doubt fall in love as much as I have.
2. Rockefeller centre
You might possibly be wondering why I prefer The Rockefeller centre (top of the rock) in comparison to The Empire State building's look out.. Well it's really quite simple, when in New York it is vital to take a killer photo of the Empire State building for your Instagram profile right? Of course you can't take such a photo whilst being in the building itself yes? Top of the Rock views are just extraordinary and unforgettable. There are 3 floors at the top of the building that you are able to wander through, each floor giving a different view point from Central Park to the The Empire and lower Manhattan. We went just before sunset so we were able to see New York from day to night (would highly recommend). It is going to break the bank by around $37 but you can be assured that you are getting what you pay for...and you will manage to snap that perfect photo!
1. Brooklyn Bridge/ Dumbo
So here we are, number one. Maybe you were expecting something more spectacular? Well let me tell you, my absolute favourite day in New York was the one where we took our time crossing Brooklyn bridge and then walking around Dumbo enjoying the stunning views. First of all Brooklyn bridge just can't be down played, this hybrid suspended bridge is one of the oldest railway bridges in the city and just looks like a vintage dream. On a beautiful day, this bridge lights up and becomes fiercely desirable from the views of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn on the other side to the construction of the bridge itself, you'll find yourself hypnotised! Once off the bridge you'll find yourself blissfully wandering around Dumbo. You can find the gorgeous view of The Manhattan bridge between the buildings, sit on the green grass by the water and watching the people and boats go by and walk along the boardwalk finding fun ice cream shops as you're watching the sun go down and building lights begin to glow. You will find yourself smiling for no reason and have the feeling that makes you feel you are home. I am in love with this memory and cannot wait to be back again one day.
So there it is my friends, 8 reason why New York is a stunner! I would love to hear what you think and what you're opinions are of this great city :) You can find a way to reach me in my contacts page on the website. Thank you for reading!
Until next time.
International Travel Pocket x
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