NEW YORK NEW YORK
We headed down towards Grand Central Station, an amazing building. Spend time looking at the fantastic architecture, have a drink at the bar and watch the world go by. There is also a Grand Central Market Place full of fresh, local ingredients, lovely to walk round.
We then headed towards Time Square. This iconic square is bustling with people, as it went dark the lights shine bright and there’s a great atmosphere. For dinner that evening we headed to Ellen’s Stardust Diner, a traditional American diner with a twist. All the waiters are Broadway wannabes, they work here to pay for acting and singing lessons so throughout your stay you are treated to watch of them performing a song. Songs from shows, classic songs and more modern ones – they were really good and delivered good service also. Then it was off to bed after a long day!
Friday saw us head downtown to the docks to experience a helicopter tour of the city. This 15 minute flight takes you over the Statue of Liberty then up the Hudson River past all of the city. I can’t pretend I was happy about it, every part of my body was shaking as we watched the safety video but five minutes into the flight I relaxed – a little at least.
We then took a walk to the Financial District where we had booked tickets to the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Recently opened this museum is a very respectful tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11th 2001. We spent a good three hours here taking everything in.
We enjoyed a walk through Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park and back through Times Square to our hotel to change for the evening. There are a number of very good rooftop bars in New York which give amazing views of the city both in daylight and darkness. We tried Haven at the Sanctuary Hotel, Upstairs at the Kimberley Hotel and The Viceroy. All offer cocktails and food.
On Saturday morning we went to Top of the Rock, the observation deck above the Rockefeller Centre. Fantastic views of the city, get a full view of Central Park and the best view of the Empire State Building. We then walked up to Central Park and took in all the activities taking place here – runners, cyclists, yoga, games – it’s really bustling. We had a table booked at the newly re-opened and renovated Tavern on the Green. A lovely setting in the park and a great place to enjoy a leisurely brunch. The afternoon was spent enjoying the cities shops!
As we woke on Sunday the sun was shining and we headed over to the Hudson River to take a speedboat trip along it to get a fantastic, up close view of the Statue of Liberty. A great way to save time and still get to see this iconic statue. On returning we hired a couple of mountain bikes and followed the great bike path over the Brooklyn Bridge to see the city from over the water. Before retuning back to the hotel, checking out and sadly making our way back to the airport.
New York really is a city that offers something for everyone, so much to do and see that in three nights you just get a glimpse. It also allows you to pack quite a bit in if you go prepared and have an idea of what and when you want to do things. So if you would like more information or fancy combining New York with another destination please get in touch.