New York
I prefer the Rockefeller Centre to the Empire State Building – it has shorter queues, is more interesting and you can see the Empire State Building.
In Central Park, cycling is the best way to see more of the park. You can do an organised tour or just hire a bike and go for it – there is so much to see.
The highline is a great park space in west Manhattan. There are wheelchair access points along the way. There are a few little food stalls for coffee, tapas and ice-cream. We started at 10th St, so had an ice-cream from Ample Hills before we set off!
This year we went on the new bus tour of New York, The Ride. You don’t see as much of the city as with the traditional hop on, hop off bus tours, but it is about 90mins around the theatre district pointing out some key sights but with a few surprises. It is more of a moving theatre experience. For special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries, they will make a real fuss of you.
The theatre is brilliant if you can see something – I’ve seen the Lion King, Jersey Boys, A Steady Rain and Aladdin and none of them disappointed. Broadway is made for shows, and the standard of actors is pretty unbeatable. You can also take a look at who is playing Madison Square Garden or Carnegie Hall – there is something for everybody. I hear that you can get cheap tickets on the day, but I’ve always booked in advance. I don’t like the thought of wasting half a day in a queue to end up with tickets for something I didn’t wat to see!
On the Hudson there are some great free summer activities along the river such as fishing and kayaking.
Shopping
Most department stores will give you a discount voucher of between 10-20% if you go to the Customer Services desk and just ask.
Bloomingdales is great for the Brown Bags and denim department.
Lord and Taylor has the fabulous Christmas window – we always pick up something there. Ahmed in menswear is very helpful. He finds all sorts of discount codes!
Henri Bendel is a small shop on 5th Ave. It has lovely handbags, purses, washbags etc. Go upstairs to look at the glass windows.
If you want big, then get on the bus and head out of the city to Woodbury Common. You’ll need a full day, an empty suitcase and a big credit card limit – bargains are addictive.
This time we went to Century 21, it is a bit like the British TK Maxx which felt hard work to me. There were amazing bargains to be had, particularly if you fancied a new glamorous evening dress and had a little patience.
With teens, make sure you head to Hollister and Abercrombie for all the latest designs.
Sephora is addictive for perfume and cosmetics, I just wander round in a daze.
Food
Sarabeths is great for brunch, we go to the one near Central Park the most. Great French toast and waffles etc. Mexican 8th Avenue near the intersection with W56th. It is good value and serves tasty food. We had the lunch special. Cheap and cheerful and margaritas - yum!
Bond 45 is an American Italian – this one is currently closed for a refurb, but the sister restaurants are pretty good too! Remi is an Italian restaurant a bit smarter than Bond 45. For a great steak head to Quality Meats NYC.
Senor Frog is not the classiest eatery in the world, but the appetisers filled us up, which I washed down with a pretty acceptable frozen margarita! Great if you are in a rush pre theatre. Look out for it near Time Sq.
City Winery is great before the start of the Highline walk.
The best dinner we have had in New York was at Del Posto – it was classy, intimate, amazing food and perfect service. You pay the price but it is wonderful.
