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New York

The “Big Apple” is a city that’s big, bold and has loads to do. We recommend that you spend at least a couple of days wandering around. No matter what way to do it, on a budget or splashing out, New York will inspire you.

 

Top choices on what to do

Catching the city at sunset is something you should tick off your bucket list. It’s an absolute must-do! You can see the skyline from a number of skyscrapers but ‘Top of the Rock’ offers clear windows (rather than railings), multiple viewing levels and a quick walkthrough of its history and purpose. Looking to go at a particular time? Be organised and book in advance or be prepared to get stuck in queues up to an hour-long.

Take an open-top bus all around the city. These are a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time – and without much effort. As there are plenty of buses going around the city all day, you can easily jump on and off to have a look round. TV or Film fan? Book yourself onto specific bus tour to get a glimpse of the sets of Friends, Batman, Sex and the City amongst others.

A classic “must-see” is the Statue of Liberty. Take a boat ride on the Hudson River. You’ll get right up close to the Lady Liberty and get a fantastic shot of the island. Book an early ticket to Liberty & Ellis Island (the queues for this are insane around midday). Alternatively, if you’re a little strapped for cash you can get the Staten Island Ferry for free. You’ll be able to get an equally great photo as long as you stand on the Northern side.

Take advantage of this sleepless city and go to Times Square at night. It’s a busy place full of street entertainers and artists. Have your photo taken with the famous cowboy, hit the shops and grab some chocolate from the big M&M store. These stores are all worth browsing as they are all out of this world.

 

Get your dose of the city’s culture

If there’s one piece of advice to have when walking around the streets of Manhattan, it’s to keep looking up. There are so many world-famous buildings that take residence on this urban island. You will have the option to access these buildings and go right to the very top for a cost, but you can still appreciate their beauty walking right past them if you’re on a budget.

Manhattan holds a lot of culture and history. It’s worth spending a day to learn about what has happened there and the incidents that made the Big Apple what it is today. Recent history has brought us the 9/11 memorial, which you really must visit on your trip to NYC – you simply cannot leave this out.

You can fancy yourself as the Wolf of Wall Street by heading down to the Financial District to see how the high-end bankers go about their jobs and to get your photo taken by the famous Wall St Bull.

Don’t forget to visit the Natural History Museum, the copious amounts of Art Galleries and Ellis Island – NYC really is a cornucopia of culture that is unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been.

 

Feeling peckish?

One of the food capitals of the world, New York has too much choice; from Michelin stars to classic American Diners. Everywhere you go will send your tastebuds into overdrive. It’s simply deciding where you fancy for each particular meal. Fan of a classic American Burger? Try out 5 Napkin Burger or Shake Shack. Scope out Little Italy for the best pizza you can ever imagine. A great place to visit is the Chelsea Market for great independent food, baked goods and fabulous foodie shops.

 

One for the Sports fans

The north of the island is home to the stadiums. Book a ticket and watch a game or even take a tour.  Watch the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in Brooklyn. Watch a Rangers Ice Hockey game at Maddison Square Gardens. You might be lucky enough to be around for Fight Night whilst you’re there and you can book your tickets to watch a world title boxing fight.

 

Take some time out

Send an hour or two wandering around the many parks that are hidden between all the hustle and bustle. Central Park takes up a significant amount of the city is 770 acres. Once you’re walking around, you’ll forget you’re in one of the busiest cities on the planet. A lot of the best parts of this park are in its bottom half. Get the subway to the National History Museum and you’ll be able to find ‘Strawberry Fields’. Start here and you’ll discover fountains, cafes, bridges and the Central Park Zoo.

 

Where to spend your hard-earned cash

It’s a must to go shopping (or window shopping if you’re on a budget). There are plenty of department stores to get lost in and movie backdrops to say you’ve seen. The classic American stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Tiffany’s. 5th Avenue is full to the brim with designer labels and sought after brands.

 

After dark

There’s no time to sleep in this city! Take your pick of evening entertainment, whether you choose to see a Broadway show or find the best watering hole. It’s encouraging to know that you’ll never be stuck for choice. If it’s a musical you’re after, grab yourself a cheap ticket from TKTS booth based on 47th Street, Times Square, instead of getting ripped off. It’s the only place to see shows like Aladdin, Book of Mormon, Lion King or Wicked.

Sip a delicious concoction at a trendy New York Bar. Depending on the music scene and your taste of tipple, there will be something up your street here in this city.  If you enjoy an urban, quirky atmosphere try Shrine Work Music Venue where you can experience new music clashed with old records – Most of these will be decorating the walls. Or perhaps you prefer something a little more rustic, Blind Tiger will offer you an incredible selection of bottled beers, ales and draughts.

If you want to see the most amazing view of the Empire State Building at night, head to 230 Fifth.  It’s New York’s largest rooftop garden and penthouse lounge.  Sip delicious drinks whilst you soak up that famous view.

 

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