Christmas and New Year's Eve in the "Big Apple"
The first glimpses from the plane window gave a new meaning to those bright lights flashing…the infamous skyline of Manhattan and Times Square. A 25-minute yellow cab ride took us to our hotel for the week (The Double Tree by Hilton Times Square West), we soon found this to be the perfect base to getting around town whether on foot or using the subway just at the end of our street.
With so much to do in New York it’s easy to get overwhelmed when formulating an affordable itinerary. Our saviour was purchasing the New York Pass which not only provided huge savings but relinquished the need to buy tickets at admission gates. Instead, we easily accessed all the star-studded attractions such as Top of the rock, Empire state building, Central Park, American History Museum, The Edge, One World Observatory, 9/11 Memorial & Museum (probably my favourite with the history re-told right before your eyes…. Having goosebumps throughout the whole experience is the only way I can describe it) via a single QR code.
From my experience I have compiled a few top tips for your interest: • Its true, the sights and the views from the iconic skyscrapers provide a view like no other. But to truly see the NYC skyline in every aspect I’d recommend splitting attractions across day, dusk (I have never seen anything like watching the sunset across the city that never sleeps) and night hours. • Tip two, the New York Pass works by booking some attractions in advance via timeslots, so some forward thinking is needed to squeeze as much into the time you have available. • New York was not shy of amazing places to eat but let’s start with breakfast. The first day saw us stumble across Westway Dinner which was right on our doorstep (7-minute walk max). After a few quick TripAdvisor reviews, we were met by friendly faces and a huge menu…I’d recommend the pancake and French toast stacks. It was so good, we returned here every day but one. • For dinner, The Hard Rock Café and Bubba Gump Shrimp & Co’ were unique spots to eat, and how busy they were reflected in the quality of the food which was amazing. • Dessert at Juniors was recommended as a total must by a New Yorker whilst in Saks. Best known for their cheesecake and the brownie explosion did not disappoint so much so we re-visited a few times. • If you’re into shopping Fifth Avenue has it all from being the home of Tiffany & Co, Apple store and the interactive Nike store. • If you’re into sports and like me want to keep in the loop with things back home (much to my girlfriend’s disappointment) All Stars Sports Bar & Grill were unrivalled and even switched channels on the prime TVs for us to watch the English Premier League whilst chewing down on their awesome nachos, boneless buffalo wings and fully loaded fires. We also found the Manchester City Supporters Club who also welcomed us at Amity Hall for the NYE fixture, food here again did not disappoint! Ice skating at Central Park was also incredible, however booking online (in advance) is necessary to avoid disappointment! • The highlight of our trip had to be the Great Gatsby themed New Year’s Eve Cruise, is a once in a lifetime opportunity I would highly recommend. Briefly, we boarded at 8:30pm from Pier 40 with all inclusive (premium) drinks and then a gourmet buffet to follow. Throughout there was a live DJ spinning the latest party tracks (of course with a few 90’s throwbacks) coupled alongside a dinner performance by the Brooklyn Duo (who have been fixtured in Greys Anatomy, America’s Got Talent, and Pretty Little Liars). A few minutes before 12:00 we mourned up down the south of the Hudson River overlooking NYC skyline…I cannot put into words how spectacular this was to watch the fireworks break over New York and the Statue of Liberty.
Like every great trip, they all must come to an end. But I hope that if you have read this far then I have somewhat inspired you to consider a trip to the ‘The Big Apple’ Christmas 2023!
