NEW YORK – the city that doesn’t sleep.
New York is without a doubt my favourite city in the world and have over the past 35 years of travelling I have been multiple times. It has something for everyone from iconic landmarks and museums to endless shopping. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasonal traveller there is something for everyone in this city that never sleeps.
So, pack your bags, book your flights, and get ready for your adventure in the big apple.
New York City are the five major boroughs the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Most tourists will stay in Manhattan but with soaring costs of hotels more are looking now at Brooklyn as a nice alternative and easy access to Manhattan.
First, flights and how to get there. There are several direct flights from Edinburgh and from Glasgow you can fly via London, Dublin, or Iceland. The flight time is around 7-8 hours and there is a 5-hour time difference between UK and New York. My preference is to fly from Glasgow via London on the lunchtime flight arriving into New York around 7pm and that way you can head straight to your hotel, unpack and have a meal and you are ready to sleep as your body clock is telling you it is 5 hours later – that way you sleep for 7 hours and are good to go and start exploring at 7am the next day with no jet lag (TOP TIP) . There are 2 airports that are served by the UK one is JFK and the other is Newark and the best way to get to your hotel is a yellow taxi as they offer you a flat rate fee.
The best to time to go is subjective but my personal favourite time is the winter as it is the most perfect winter city. I am just back from spending Valentines Day in New York and the days were bright and sunny mixed with some snow and cold temperatures but was perfect weather for exploring the city you need gloves and sunglasses. The city has something to attract visitors all year round with thanksgiving, Christmas and St Patricks Day being some of the most popular times.
New York is suitable for everyone from couples, groups of friends and is also family friendly.
The perfect duration in my opinion is 4-5 nights as you don’t stop as there is so much to do so after 5 days you are ready to relax and sleep. You can enjoy most of what the city has to offer in 4-5 days and is a city that you will want to come back to time and time again.
Plan your days and nights to get the best out of your trip so you maximise your time but be sure and leave some time to enjoy a rooftop cocktail with some of the best roof tops bars in the world or a cosy coffee shop in SoHo or uptown New York and just soak in New York city life.
Getting around the city is easy you can use UBER; yellow taxis and the subway is very efficient and you can by a 3 day metro card making is cheap and easy to move around the city. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must as you walk miles in a day without realising.
Next up is where to stay. I like to be upper east side it’s a little more chilled and gets you away from the hustle and bustle of times square. Most city location hotels now carry a resort fee if around $35 a night per room so be aware of that so you can budget for it. Most hotels will be on a room only basis but getting breakfast is so easy as every corner has a deli or coffee shop.
Eating out in New York is expensive and would say that the food is not brilliant unless you are going very high end and a lot of large chain style options. The busy New York Diners are good fun and good value. There as some great Italian options that offer family style portions so by aware that the dishes are for sharing and don’t order 1 each.
New York is famous for shopping, and you have some of the most iconic stores like Bloomingdales & Macys and all the 5th Avenue designer stores – no trip to New York is complete without a trip to Tiffanys and you can now have ‘Breakfast at Tiffanys at the Blue Box Café’ you need to book in advance and reservations only open 14 days ahead. Another top tip is for shopping is to head to one of the Outlet Malls either at Woodbury Common or Jersey Garden Mall – both offer huge discounts and recommend taking an empty suitcase with you.
There are so many sightseeing options and are going to list my personal favourites but would recommend that you buy a New York excursion pass as you can make some great savings.
- Summit One Vanderbilt – an Instagram heaven
- Top of the Rock – and the new ride call ‘The Beam’
- Empire State Building
- Harbour Lights Cruise (evening)
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
- Gospel Tour in Harlem
- Cycle round Central Park
- Broadway Show
- Ice Skating at Bryant Park
- 9/11 Memorial
- Hudson Yards – The EDGE
If sport is your thing, then you can choose from American Football. Baseball, Basketball, and Ice Hockey or check out what concerts are playing in Madison Square Gardens and Carnegie Hall.
This is a few of my favourites but there is so much more so that is why it is a city that you will visit again and again.
To finish off in the words of Alica Keys
Even if it ain't all it seems, I got a pocketful of dreams
Baby I'm from New York!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York!
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York, New York, New York!
