So good they named it twice!
My first time was a couples short break - we stayed in the budget Hotel Pennsylvania right near Madison Gardens. A reasonable choice for a budget break - great location.
Then on a family trip whilst driving through we camped in Long Island in a motorhome and took the train in to the city for the day. The train was a great choice of transport if you're staying outside the city.
The last time was a girlie long weekend in a 2 bed apartment in Stuyvesant Town. This was a great choice for my friend and I as we'd both been to New York a couple of times and didn't feel the need to be right downtown in the thick of it. This was a great way to feel part of the community for a few days and enjoy a less touristy side of the city.
SOME OF MY PERSONAL TOP TIPS AND MUST DO'S WHEN VISITING NEW YORK!
FIRST TIMERS - If you never re-visit again and only do one thing make sure you visit the Empire State Building, after all King Kong did it!!
FREEBIE TIPS - Visit the Metropolitan Museum (or 'The Met' to the locals) go on a Friday or Saturday evening after 7pm and take the lift to the Roof Garden. You can enter for free and buy a cocktail or beer from the bar if you wish. You'll get great views of Central Park and it's great start to a Friday or Saturday night.
9/11 MEMORAL - This is now open for visitors - it's free to enter but you MUST pre-book a visitors pass. Opening times vary but they are open daily till 6pm in the winter and till 9pm from the Spring. If you wish to take tribute items there is a special tribute area in front of the Memorial pools. There are restrictions so feel free to call me if you need guidance.
TRANSPORT - New York has an extreme network of buses, subways, bikes, taxis and tours available to get you around. No need to pre-book a cab just stick out your arm, wave it about it a bit and you should get one in no time.
GO WALK ABOUT - Walking the streets of New York is a pleasure in itself. Don't just stay in Times Square, head out down to Greenwich Village, Little Italy or Chinatown for some of the best food in town.
EATING OUT - You can eat like a King in this city and that doesn't have to be fancy restaurants with fancy prices. Try some of the little food stores that have buffet style hot and cold food that can cost as little as $5 ahead and tastes delicious. You can often eat in the store in a separate seating area.
BROADWAY - It's well worth a visit to Broadway and take in a show. Whatever your taste there will be a show to suit you. The Harlem Gospel Choir is amazing but make sure you book well in advance!
SHOPPING - Make sure you have enough space in your return luggage!!!!
ROMANCE - If you're planning to get married why not look at Central Park there are many packages in place to make that special day run smoothly.
TOUR - If you don't want to splash out on just one trip to New York why don't you make it a stop over for a couple of days as part of a main tour either by car, coach or air?
CRUISE - You don't have to fly both ways. Why not pop over on one of Cunard's spectacular cruise liners, the Queen Elizabeth or Queen Mary. It takes just 6 days to cross from Southampton and there's no luggage restriction if you take a return cruise back too!!!
For many more tips and help planning your ideal New York City break feel free to call or email.
Did You Know? The Statue of Liberty's face was said to be modelled after the sculptor's mother, Charlotte. This colossal statuary follows design going back to ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.
