philip_logan
[bctt tweet=”Things To Do & See In New York City” username=”Fuzzable”]’New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
there’s nothing you can’t do…‘
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to visit New York City.
There’s just something about New York that has forever intrigued me… I don’t know if it’s the allure of the bright lights, the ‘anything is possible’ attitude, the hustle and bustle or that famous one of a kind, New York sense of style.
So in the summer of 2015 I decided to get on a plane and head to the city that never sleeps…
Here’s a run down of some of the things I got up to.
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
It’s the closest thing to heaven in this city.
The Empire State Building is a 102-story skyscraper located on Fifth Avenue between West 33rd and 34th Streets in Midtown, Manhattan.
First developed in the late 18th century and designed by William F. Lamb, the Empire State Building has one of the most popular outdoor observatories in the world.
The 86th-floor observation deck offers an impressive 360-degree view of New York City and has been visited by over 110 million people.
Having looked at a number of online reviews, I decided that it was best to visit the Empire State Building either first thing in a morning or last thing at night, to avoid large crowds and long queues. The walk-ways and paths on the 86th floor are quite narrow so the last thing I wanted to do was to have to fight my way through crowds of people to get a good view of the city.
Because I’m more of an early riser when I’m on holiday, I decided I’d make the Empire State Building my first stop of the day. I booked my ticket online from the Empire States official website (http://www.esbnyc.com/) meaning I avoided any queues when I arrived and was taken straight through the museum and up to the 86th floor.
The views were incredible. It was roughly 9am and quite quiet, so I was able to walk around freely, taking as long as I wanted and was able to really enjoy the moment.
TIMES SQUARE
My heart beats to the sounds of these streets.
Times Square is a major commercial intersection and neighbourhood in Midtown Manhattan, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue.
Flashing neon lights, giant digital billboards, Broadway marquees, costumed characters and musicians… Times Square is big, bright and unforgettable.
I guess you could say I was part of the ‘TRL generation’ who grew up watching the likes of *NSYNC and Britney Spears on MTV’s Total Request Live from Times Square, longing to be there in the crowds outside of the MTV studios, so it was definitely a pinch me moment to be there.
Things to do in Times Square:
- Madame Tussauds
- Condé Nast Building
- Discovery Times Square
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Duffy Square
- Museum of Modern Art
BROADWAY
There is nothing that can match it for stature and dignity.
Live theatre isn’t for everyone and it’s easy to disregard something that’s ‘not your thing’… however I would strongly suggest that when in New York, if you have the opportunity to go see a Broadway show, GO!!
With 41 professional theatres and a wide variety of performance genres to choose from, you will find yourself will be spoilt for choice.
WICKED
HAMILTON
MISS SAIGON
SCHOOL OF ROCK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4VASf8yeIU
THE LION KING
Where To Purchase Tickets:
You can purchase tickets online at http://www.broadway.com, download the app TKTS or visit their ticket offices located in Times Square or South Street Seaport.
CENTRAL PARK
You never know what you might find.
Central Park is an urban park in Manhattan which is the most visited urban park in the United States, with 40 million visitors in 2013. It is also one of the most filmed locations in the world.
The park is 843 acres (11.2 km2); its 6-mile (9.6 km) perimeter extends from Central Park West to Fifth Avenue, and 59th to 110th Streets, so you’d be a fool to think you can see it all in one day/walk, but it’s energy, scenery and diversity, will keep you coming back for more.
Things to do/see in Central Park:
- Central Park Zoo
- Strawberry Fields
- Belvedere Castle
- Victorian Gardens
- The Loeb Boathouse
- Great Lawn and Turtle Pond
I spent a wonderful, sunny Sunday in Central Park with no plan other than to see where my feet would take me.
THE HIGH LINE
New York’s new edge.
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long New York linear park built in Manhattan on an elevated section of a disused New York Central Railroad spur called the West Side Lane.
Inspired by the Promenade planteé in Paris, the High Line has been redesigned and planted as an aerial greenway and rails-to-rails park.
Before I left for New York, everybody I spoke with recommended I visit the High Line and having spent one sunny Wednesday morning there, I can see why.
Not only is the old railway line beautifully decorated, stylish and impeccably clean, it is the the elevation and design which really allows you to experience Manhattan in such a surprising way.
There were moments where it really felt like I was walking above the city.
Every step is a changing view, the relaxation points provide private moments to reflect and the glass windows overlooking the busy streets and roads make you feel like you are floating on air.
Find out more about The High Line here: http://www.thehighline.org/
RIVER CRUISE
The best way to get to know a city is to walk around it.
I do believe this quote to be true, but in a city like New York where there is a LOT to do and a LOT to see, all that walking around can take it’s toll on your feet.
So, I decided to book myself on a Circle Line Cruise along the Hudson River where I was able to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the One World Trade Centre up close without having to move a muscle.
I found the pace of the cruise to be just right. With brief pauses and stops at each monument, there was plenty of time for photographs and a moment of reflection, before moving onto the next attraction meaning you were never bored or left feeling like the excursion dragged.
And although there were both indoor and outdoor seats on this particular cruise liner, on my trip, passengers were encouraged to walk around the deck meaning we could take in all of the scenery from as many different view points and angles as possible.
Check out https://www.circleline42.com/ for more information.
GRAND CENTRAL STATION
The centre of everything.
Grand Central Station is a commuter, rapid transit railroad terminal at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City.
In all, there are 44 platforms for 67 tracks, along which 700 trains run in and out daily.
The popular tourist attraction has remained the busiest train station in the country, with people from all over the world coming to visit, shop and take a public tour.
There’s a real energy and buzz inside Grand Central Station which is hard to describe. It is as fast paced as they say, and you do have to be careful not to get in the way of busy commuters as you walk around but it’s appeal goes way beyond it’s original purpose.
Beautiful architecture, high blue ceilings with twinkling stars, classical music playing and great for people watching, you simply MUST visit Grand Central Station.
BUS TOUR
Stop thinking and let things happen.
Much like taking a city cruise, the idea of an open top bus ride around New York appealed to me for the simple fact that it meant I could see the city from a different viewpoint without having to walk a(nother) million miles.
I decided to take the New York City bus tour at night, so that I could see and experience the city in a completely different light (no pun intended).
I cannot tell you how exhilarating it was driving through Times Square, on an open top bus, at 10pm night, surrounded by all of the huge LED billboards and lights, it felt like I was flying, care-free through the night sky.
Much like the Circle Line Cruise, the open top bus tour was quite fasted paced and direct, only stopping at traffic lights and key monuments throughout the city.
My highlight of the tour would have to be driving across the Brooklyn Bridge. The view of the city skyline at night was like something out of a movie, it was truly magical moment.
ROCKEFELLAR CENTRE
It’s a New York state of mind.
The Rockefeller Centre is a large complex consisting of 19 high-rise commercial buildings covering 22 acres between 48th and 51st Streets.
Commissioned by the Rockefeller family in 1930, it is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan.
The world famous complex is home to TV studios, plus a seasonal ice rink & giant Christmas tree during the winter months.
Unusual, unexpected but always exciting, Rockefeller Center is home to some of New York City’s most spectacular, talked-about and much loved events. Whether you’re there for a day or just a few hours, be sure to stop by and see what’s happening.
Things to do / see / visit at Rockefeller Centre:
- Top Of The Rock
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Rockefeller Centre tour
- NBC Studio tour
- Radio City Music Hall tour
- The Rink at Rockefeller (open during winter months only)
- The LEGO Store
- FDNY FireZone
- Nintendo NYC
RESTAURANT RECCOMENDATIONS
Ellen’s Startdust Diner
1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/
Menu: http://places.singleplatform.com/ellens-stardust-diner/menu?ref=google
Multi-level ’50s-themed diner with singing servers & an extensive menu of American classics.
Brooklyn Diner
212 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
http://www.brooklyndiner.com/
Menu: http://www.brooklyndiner.com/menus/BKD_DINNER.pdf
Set near Carnegie Hall, this nostalgic high-end diner offers both classic & creative dishes.
Angelo’s Pizza
1697 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
http://www.angelospizzany.com/
Menu: http://www.angelospizzany.com/menu.html
Easy, family-friendly pizzeria offering coal-oven pies in a casual two-level space.
Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014, USA
https://www.magnoliabakery.com/
Menu: http://www.magnoliabakery.com/pdf/magnoliabakery-menu-2016.pdf
World renowned bakery famous for classic American baked Goods and desserts.
Atla
372 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, USA
http://atlanyc.com/
Enrique Olvera brings his familiar Mexican fare to a casual Noho space with his freshly minted Atla.
Have you ever been to New York City? Which were some of your favourite places to visit? Let us know your thoughts over on Twitter @Fuzzable
