Ah, New York—a city like no other.
If you haven’t been to New York, it 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 a vibe and culture of its own.
My First Visit
My first time in New York was my college graduation. It was a family trip. We did all the sightseeing you can do on a budget. We enjoyed visiting the Empire State Building, seeing the Twin Towers, walking through Central Park, and exploring Time Square. 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 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. A beautiful catholic church on Fifth Street 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 nite, 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. We also recommend catching a sporting event like a Yankees or Knicks game. As previously mentioned, transportation is not easy. Even just walking in the city at night has a vibe.
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 it’s a quick jaunt over.
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.