I recently spent a few days in the City and here are my recommendations for things to do...
Shopping
We didn't do as much shopping as we would have liked. We really enjoyed just walking the streets and buying things such as drinks, waffles, hot dogs and corn dogs then eating them in the park. We did pay a visit to Macy’s, one of the biggest department stores in the world. Macy's is known for its elaborate seasonal displays, attracting thousands of locals and visitors to New York City each year. The windows along the Broadway side often show 6 different sceneries of varying themes. Macy's is often the talk of the town, especially during festive occasions like Christmas.
DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge
DUMBO is short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and is a neighbourhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. It encompasses two sections: one located between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, which connect Brooklyn to Manhattan across the East River, and another that continues east from the Manhattan Bridge to the Vinegar Hill area. Near the waterfront, St. Ann's Warehouse, in a former tobacco factory, is the heart of a thriving performance and gallery scene. The north end of Brooklyn Bridge Park features historic Jane’s Carousel as well as picturesque views of the Manhattan skyline.
We explored the trendy cobblestone streets and converted Brooklyn warehouse buildings are the backdrop for independent boutiques, high-end restaurants and trendy cafes. As well as getting the shot of the bridge from DUMBO, we enjoyed amazing pizza and had a wander over the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Knickerbocker Hotel
We were lucky enough to stay at the 5-star Knickerbocker Hotel right in Times Square. Built by the renowned Astor family in 1906, the 5-star Knickerbocker Hotel is a New York icon, overlooking Times Square, and close to Broadway, MoMA and Central Park.
Our room was a Superior room with a king bed. It featured lovely robes and slippers plus luxurious Dipytique products in the bathroom. The unlimited American buffet at Charlie Palmer overlooking Times Square is well worth it, although it does cost a whopping $45.
The hotel is in a great location for exploring. We also enjoyed cocktails in the rooftop bar of the hotel, St Cloud, which boasts beautiful views from up high.
Bryant Garden
Bryant Park was a haven of peace and shade on a very hot and humid September day! It is one of the world’s busiest public spaces. More than 12 million people per year visit the park and enjoy lush gardens featuring seasonal displays, free daily amenities, cultural programming, exercise classes, and much more!
We kept retreating there to cool off amongst exploring. We saw people playing petanque, chess and doing meditation in the park
Summit One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT is a three-level multisensory art immersion which has three levels of space that will challenge, inspire, and thrill. This was one of my favourite visits in New York, we had an amazing , where you can see views for up to 80 miles. There is also a wrap-around terrace which is the perfect outdoor viewing spot. Each floor was interesting and had fantastic views of the city.
There was the option to have a perspective of the city in the world’s largest external glass-bottomed elevator, which we didn't try on this occasion.
Top tip - take sunglasses as it's a really bright environment, although they are provided too. Do not wear a short dress as even the floors are reflective!
Times Square
Times Square, with its brightly lit digital billboards and advertisements, is one of the world's busiest pedestrian areas, it is estimated that anywhere from 150,000 to 400,000 people walk the streets of Times Square every day.
Times Square got its name when the namesake newspaper, The New York Times, took up residence in the building (now known as One Times Square) in 1904. That was the year the mayor of New York renamed Longacre Square after the paper, though it took less than a decade for the Times to relocate again.
it is also the hub of the Broadway Theatre District and a major centre of the world's entertainment industry. We went for dinner and drinks in Times Square. It was frenetic and colourful and definitely worth a wander around.
On any given day, the streets of Times Square will be occupied by the strangest of characters. Most popular are the costumed characters hoping to make a quick dollar by enticing kids passing by to get their parents to pay to take photos. These characters may even stop you, an adult, if they think they can make some money. Just smile and walk on. We saw a naked cowboy, Deadpool and Spiderman and several other characters.
See a show on Broadway
Is it possible to visit New York City without catching a show on Broadway? There are so many wonderful shows to catch, you'll be spoilt for choice. Our first Broadway show and it didn’t disappoint! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre. Reimagined in one singular performance.
The special effects were absolutely incredible and the music fantastic. The dementors were pretty scary. We loved it.
Staten Island Ferry and Statue of Liberty
We decided to visit the Statue of Liberty by getting the Staten Island Ferry. As well as being free, this goes every 30 minutes so there are plenty of opportunities. We passed by Lady Liberty on both trips there and back to Staten Island. The journey back was a great opportunity to see the Manhattan skyline at night.
One of the last operating ferry systems in New York, it transported people between Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs long before bridges were introduced. Today, the Staten Island Ferry takes almost 70,000 passengers daily.
Nigara Falls
This has something I would have loved to do but we didn't have time. Perhaps next time!
Image: https://www.iloveny.com
Hundreds of LED lights are housed in three locations across the Niagara Gorge in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Together, these lights work to create a breathtaking view not to be missed, and are illuminated every night of the year beginning at dusk. Throughout the year, Niagara Falls is illuminated for holidays and significant occasions.
Get Your Guide
You can find out lots of information about places to visit in New York from Get Your Guide:
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