Ah, New York—a city like no other.
If you haven’t been to New York, it really is a city to add to your bucket list—even if you aren’t a city person. It’s a ‘must experience’ as the city truly does have so much to offer, with the coolest vibe and culture of its own.
My First Visit
My first time in New York was my college graduation. It was a family trip. My family stayed in Manhattan and we did all the sightseeing you can do on a budget. Now, the ferry boats that take you to and from Manhattan, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx are free. These ferries leave about every half hour and you are able to get a great look at the Statue of Liberty from the ride (the best view is from the very back of the ferry where it’s less busy). My family enjoyed visiting the Empire State Building, seeing the Twin Towers, walking through Central Park, and exploring Times Square. You can also visit Wall Street and see the New York Stock Exchange. This is interesting to see because it plays a huge role in New York’s label as the world’s financial capital. A highlight of that trip for me was seeing my first musical on Broadway, Beauty and the Beast. It was magical. During the time, Krispy Kreme donuts were a new thing, and we didn’t have one where we lived, so I remember one evening, we walked about 45 blocks to get to one! While the city is walkable, we don’t recommend walking 45 blocks! Ha! You can hail a yellow cab nearly anywhere at any time of day, and there is also a subway system, which is easy to use and has access all over.
Some of the Charm
The most wonderful part about New York is the city’s activeness paired with Central Park’s tranquil feel. Even the edges of the park the city surrounds make you feel transported to a wonderfully peaceful world. Many walkers, runners, and bikers are meandering through the park. One of my favorite things during Christmas is a carriage ride through the park. It’s so beautiful, and the city is all lit up. Christmastime in New York is simply magical and it’s something everyone deserves to experience at least once. There is a beautiful catholic church on Fifth Street that showcases music and lights during Christmas, which is a special experience while walking through the shopping area. And, of course, you have to go to Rockefeller Center to see the trees and ice skating. During the summer months, the skating area has beautiful gardens and restaurants with patio-style dining. It is a great spot to rest and rejuvenate from a day of exploring or shopping.
More To Do’s
In terms of things to do, the list is truly endless! I have heard many millennials say that they feel like New York is the new Las Vegas. New York has become a playground for adults, and we are here for it. There is so much to do during the day, but also at night, the options are endless as well. The city is sprinkled with rooftop bars, amazing eateries (too many to list!), iconic hotels to pop into, shows on Broadway, and even talk shows where you can be part of the audience. This will date me, but on my first trip to NY, we got to go to the David Letterman show! One thing my Mom never misses when she goes to NY is an early morning visit to the Today Show set which is very close in proximity to Rockefeller. A simple but fun activity is shopping on 5th Avenue. They have tons of luxury shops and you’ll pass by the New York Library, which is much more impressive than it sounds. We also recommend catching a sporting event like a Yankees or Knicks game. As previously mentioned, transportation is easy, once you learn to use the subway or flag down a taxi. Even just walking in NYC at night (specifically Times Square) is a vibe because of the city’s vibrant nightlife (daytime is also a vibe because of the numerous skyscrapers).
If you plan an extended stay in New York, we recommend spending a day in Brooklyn. This town is full of culture, great eateries, and lots to do and explore. There is something quaint and eclectic about this town, and its trendy neighborhoods. The Brooklyn Bridge is also a must-see, even if you’re not staying in Brooklyn, it’s walkable from Manhattan. You get a great view of the city if you walk over it, as well as a diverse cultural experience. Along the bridge, there are photographers, musicians, street performers, and more.
A trip to New York should be carefully planned to ensure you have all your activities and outings planned, booked, and coordinated. With our extensive personal travel here, we would love to help you plan the perfect NY city experience.