New York -My Top Tips

Must do’s in New York! I travelled to New York in May a few years ago and we stayed for 5 nights. This was a perfect amount of time as we crammed in everything we wanted to see and do, but did not have to rush. I made sure to maximise my time in the city and booked the first flight out from Heathrow. This meant we had landed into JFK by midday and were in the hard Rock café by 2pm. I stayed in the Wyndham New Yorker which is in Midtown and just a few blocks away from Times Square. Times square is very busy and noisy so being just a few blocks away was perfect. In my opinion getting around was really easy. I packed comfortable shoes and we walked everywhere! Everywhere we went we felt very safe and the people were friendly. If we stopped to look at a map, then someone would ask us if we needed help or directions. I felt like we were on a movie set as the streets felt familiar from all the TV shows and Movies I had seen.

Here are my top tips and places to see:

Walk the highline - The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Saved from demolition by neighbourhood residents and the City of New York, the High Line opened in 2009 as a hybrid public space where visitors experience nature, art, and design. It’s a fabulous area and some great views.

Grand central station. This historic world-famous landmark in Midtown Manhattan is not simply a transportation hub—it’s also a shopping, dining, and cultural destination with 60 shops, 35 places to eat, and a full calendar of events all under one magnificent roof. Also have a try at the whispering walls. Its not a big secret but not everyone knows about them.

Big yellow water taxi – you board from outside the Intrepid museum, Hell’s Kitchen and it works as a hop on hop off. You get the most amazing views of the city from the river. I would stay on the boat until you get to wall Street and take a walk around. Visit the 9/11 memorial and take a walk over Brooklyn bridge. On the way back sail past the statue of liberty. Full on tourist ticking off all the major sites in 1 day. Plus, it saves your feet for walking. Also, if you wanted to pre book a helicopter tour they mainly go from this area (financial district).

Intrepid war museum - The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of military history, science and service as related to its home aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid, a National Historic Landmark. As you explore the Museum you will be able to examine original artefacts, view historic video footage and explore interactive exhibits.

St Patricks cathedral – 5th avenue. Amazing Cathedral right in the city centre on 5th avenue. If I didn’t tell you about it, you would keep shopping and miss it. Go in and have a look, its beautiful.

Central Park – you could walk around it all day. Or you could go by horse and cart, hire bikes or do a Segway tour. The Natural history museum is right opposite (where they filmed night in the museum). Its great inside but only add it to your things to do if you have done everything else. Also, if you wanted a treat ‘The Plaza’ (home alone 2 was filmed there) do a lovely afternoon tea which I would suggest pre booking. If you want to visit a smaller park and just sit and enjoy the people watching I really recommend Bryant Park. This was our favourite little spot to grab a coffee and relax with the locals. There are lots of little cafes dotted around also and is far enough away from the Hussle and bustle, but you still feel involved.

Woodbury common premium outlets is a must for all your designer gear at discounted rates. Its just outside New York city and takes about 1.30 hours to get there. I can pre book transport for you and it’s a MUST for shopping.

The Empire State building is one of the most iconic buildings in Manhattan and is incredible for views of the city, however you also have the Rockefeller centre which in my opinion is better. When you go to the Rockefeller you get to learn about the history of the building, and it is amazing. The views of the Empire state are amazing. I would suggest doing both buildings and do one during the day and one at night-time. When we went there is a fancy little bar outside the Rockefeller and we stopped for a cocktail, at Christmas time it is also famous for the huge Christmas tree and ice skating outside.

I personally haven’t been as Hudson yard only opened in March 2020 but they have recently built ‘The edge’ which is the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere with a one-of-a-kind design, it’s suspended in mid-air, giving you the feeling of floating in the sky with 360-degree views of the city. You can Look 100 stories down from the thrilling glass floor or lean out over the city on angled glass walls and sip champagne in the sky. Also, at the Yard there is numerous shopping and restaurants.

If you like Comedy, then I highly recommend ‘The comedy cellar’. I pre booked before travelling and wasn’t disappointed. We had a funny night out and laughed hard. They have all kinds of comedians that you possibly would have seen in movies or on shows. Chris Rock regularly just turns up there and does a gig. It’s a little gem this place and unless you are recommended it by someone that’s been, you’d miss out!