New York | My Top Tips For Visiting My Favourite City

I was lucky to attend a summer camp here as a teenager and completely fell in love with the city. I promised myself I would return someday and managed to make my way back there in May 2018. During my recent stay (which was a camp reunion) a group of us stayed at my friend’s apartment, so whilst I can't recommend my hotel (although I would give Harold's apartment and hospitality a 5* rating!) I got to see Manhattan and Brooklyn with the locals - the true New York.

My first recommendation - be conscious of the extreme weather! We all know that New York has cold winters and makes for beautiful snowy photos. I haven't experienced New York over the festive period yet (it's on my list!) but be wary that it is extremely cold, and this could have an effect on your sightseeing if you are wanting to fit lots in but you're too cold to leave the cafes. However, New York in the height of Summer is very hot with temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius. Which is fine if you're by a pool, sipping margaritas all day, but if you're walking 20,000 steps a day, sightseeing, and shopping with the sun reflecting down from every panel of glass (and there's a lot of glass windows in Manhattan) - it certainly makes for hot work! My recent trip in May was perfect weather, with an average of about 15-20 degrees. Warm enough for a snow cone in central park, but cool enough to be walking lots!

Smorgasburg - if you are planning a visit to New York, you must arrange it over a Saturday (open 11am-6pm) to experience Smorgasburg open-air food market in Brooklyn. They sell everything foody that you could ever dream of - raclette cheese baguettes and the freshest pineapple juice served inside its own pineapple skin being my favourites! Easy to get to using the Metro, with an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline too.

The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. A nice walk where visitors experience nature, art, and design. There’s also some great photo opportunities of Manhattan's busy roads and contrasting artwork. My favourite free sight/experience in the city!

Joe's pizza - 'the best pizza in Manhattan'. I can believe this statement. (A lot of my recommendations will likely involve food...)

Rockefeller - I personally recommend the Rockefeller Center over the Empire state building, as here you get a clear view over Central Park, and the opposite view of the skyline with the Empire State in the middle of it. Top tip – pre-book your tickets or buy them very first thing in a morning to get the best time. I would suggest researching what time sunset is and booking your time slot to go up about 45 minutes before this. By doing this, you can experience early evening, sunset (my favourite time of day up there) and night - all for the price of one ticket!

9/11 memorial and museum - an incredibly moving museum. Ensure you give yourself enough time to go around it, we spent 4 hours here but could have spent much longer.

Travel - use the Metro, it's the fastest way to get around for sure! You can buy a week-long unlimited pass, which I would recommend even if you are just staying for a few days as the trips can add up and this is the cheapest way to do it. Be wary of the 'express lines' as these only stop at every 3rd or so station - something we hadn't still mastered by day 3 when our local guides were at work!

Sunday brunch - a full brunch/lunch and unlimited Mimosas (bucks fizz) for a 2 hour duration - need I say more (I assume this varies per restaurant).

I could talk about New York all day! If you are planning a trip anytime soon, please get in touch with me. I'd love to help you plan your adventure here and book a memorable trip of a lifetime.