10 Things To Do in New York
This post is incredibly overdue but with a return to my favourite city booked for November with a friend who's never been before I thought it was as good a time as any to share some of my favourite things to do/places to be. I've linked to vlogs including each of the 10 recommendations for those of you who'd like to see a little more of them..
STATEN ISLAND FERRYI've only been on a 'proper' boat trip around Lady Liberty once and I was miserable in the cold and windy weather. I am now a ferry convert. The ferry is free, it's effectively a commuter service and you can see fantastic views of the city, Ellis Island and the statue with the option of staying inside and sheltered from the elements. There's also a very cheap and tasty pizza place on the other end. -
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Top Of The Rock & Bar Sixty FiveYou may be thinking I've missed an obvious one here, The Empire State Building but no. On my first couple of trips I did both and will admit to have shed a tear at the top of The ESB because it was just so magical and I'd had a couple of cocktails but it's pricey and The Top Of The Rock is the view you want to see. I may return to The Empire State in November because there is something about it but if you're keeping down costs and have to choose one, this is it. If you're planning to visit at night, however I'd suggest a trip to Bar Sixty Five instead, just a few floors down, no cover charge and a cocktail costs less than a ticket up to the top, there's an outdoor area too. -
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ST PATRICKS CATHEDRALDirectly opposite 30 Rock is this beauty of a place which is entirely tourist friendly. We've been in to walk around when nobody is there and we've walked by when Sunday Service is ending and music is playing. It is absolutely huge and something to see even if you just want to pop your head in. No religion necessary and would you believe, one of my (then) 4 year old sons favourite spots in the city. -
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I already feel a sequel to this coming on, perhaps more kid-centric places to visit with the family and I may have even more after a girls only trip but for now these were 10 that stood out in my mind as highights. Feel free to add your own in the comments and if there's anywhere you can recommend for nightlife I'm all ears, I'd love to venture across to Brooklyn one evening to take in the view over dinner and drinks!
Top Of The Rock & Bar Sixty FiveYou may be thinking I've missed an obvious one here, The Empire State Building but no. On my first couple of trips I did both and will admit to have shed a tear at the top of The ESB because it was just so magical and I'd had a couple of cocktails but it's pricey and The Top Of The Rock is the view you want to see. I may return to The Empire State in November because there is something about it but if you're keeping down costs and have to choose one, this is it. If you're planning to visit at night, however I'd suggest a trip to Bar Sixty Five instead, just a few floors down, no cover charge and a cocktail costs less than a ticket up to the top, there's an outdoor area too. -
featured in this video
ST PATRICKS CATHEDRALDirectly opposite 30 Rock is this beauty of a place which is entirely tourist friendly. We've been in to walk around when nobody is there and we've walked by when Sunday Service is ending and music is playing. It is absolutely huge and something to see even if you just want to pop your head in. No religion necessary and would you believe, one of my (then) 4 year old sons favourite spots in the city. -
featured in this video
I already feel a sequel to this coming on, perhaps more kid-centric places to visit with the family and I may have even more after a girls only trip but for now these were 10 that stood out in my mind as highights. Feel free to add your own in the comments and if there's anywhere you can recommend for nightlife I'm all ears, I'd love to venture across to Brooklyn one evening to take in the view over dinner and drinks!