Planning a trip to New York can be overwhelming at the best of times. An endless amount this things to do, places to eat and shows to watch. There will be a never-ending amount of recommendations but you will need to prioritise what YOU want to see and do.
Weather
New York is a place of extremes and the weather is no exception. Winter months see frequent snowfall and temperatures falling to -10°celsius. Summer months bring highs of 30° celsius but can also thunderstorms. Whatever time of year you are looking to go make sure you check before packing.
Where to stay...
There are literally thousands of hotels to choose from but you have to decide whether you want to prioritise location, views or budget. I opted to stay at James Hotel, although the hotel itself is basic it has an amazing central location at Times Square.
109 West 45th Street New York City, NY 10036
What to do in NYC?
Maddison Square Garden
Probably not the first place you think of when visiting while in New York, Madison Square Garden is home to the New York Rangers ice hockey team and the New York Knicks basketball team. If you can watch a game it will be an unforgettable experience and was one of my favourite parts of the trip. If you are thinking about going to see a game you may want to pre-book your tickets to ensure you get a good seat.
4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, United States
Times Square
This is a place that truly never sleeps, no matter what time of day or year you choose to visit this place will always be packed full of tourists. Whether you're looking for broadway tickets, a shopping spree or just looking to experience the buzz of the city this is the place to visit.
Top of the Rock
In my opinion, although maybe an unpopular one, the Top of the Rock Observatory Deck is better than the empire state. And that’s for one main reason, you can see the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock observatory and see for yourself the classic view of New York. General tickets will allow you up to the 70th floor (850 feet high) where you will also get stunning 360 views of Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Chrysler Building along with the rest of the skyscrapers blanketing Manhattan.
Adult tickets are $38
Opening Times are 8am - 12am
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States
Statue of Liberty
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, if you decide you want a closer view of Lady Liberty then you can catch a short ferry over to Liberty Island. There is only one official ferry that actually lands on the island so make sure you book through the official sites linked below to avoid disappointment. The ferry leaves from Battery Park located at the southern point of Manhattan and departs every 30 minutes. Tickets will also include access to Ellis Island where you can echo the footsteps of the immigrants while you explore the museum.
Grand Central Station
A place worth visiting even if you’re not catching a train. Free to enter and holds some stunning artwork within, make sure you don’t forget to look up with the ceiling showcasing an incredible celestial scene. If you’ve got time to spare there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops to keep you occupied inside.
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States.
Here are a few other places to check out on your trip...
Chrysler Building
Empire State
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Flatiron Building
Washington Arch
Natural History Museum
Brooklyn Bridge
One World Trade Center
Broadway
Central Park
Where to eat...
There is no shortage of places to eat in New York, almost every street had a food vendor and every other shop seems to be a cafe or restaurant so I’m sure there are hundreds of amazing places to eat but here are my top two...
Waffle and Dinges
There are a few of these stalls dotted around central Manhattan and although a waffle from here can set you back upwards of $8 it is worth every bite! If you’ve got a sweet tooth you will love their range of toppings from hot chocolate and peanut butter sauce to churro powder you might have trouble choosing what to order.
Ellens Stardust Diner
Aside from the amazing food Ellens is home to the singing waiters and waitresses. The servers are the future stars of the broadway shows you will be mesmerised by the professional performances during service. They only take bookings for large groups so be prepared to wait in line which can stretch the whole block. I waited around 40 minutes but I would allow for an hour wait minimum.
Opening Times: 7am - Midnight
1650 Broadway, New York, New York, 10019 at the corner of 51st Street and Broadway