In 2011, I spent 5 weeks in New York City to take a TEFL course. While there, I had plenty of time to get to know the city better and visit the main attractions. I loved seeing all those famous places with my own eyes! As NYC really puts a spell on you, I went back 2 years ago to visit my friends and find out what’s new in town. It was great to see the many changes the city has gone through since my last visit. Because there is so much to do, its the city that never sleeps right, I have divided the things to do into three separate posts. In part one I will tell you all about the highlights you cannot miss on during a first time visit to New York City.
UPTOWN MANHATTEN
Central Park
No visit to NYC is complete without a visit to one of the most unique parks in the world! Dating back to 1857, Central Park is 843 acres of green oasis, in what is otherwise a complete concrete jungle. In Central Park there is always something to do; whether it’s ice skating in winter or free concerts in summer. Besides from that there are plenty of things to see in the park as well. My personal favorites: The Mall & Literary Walk, Bow Bridge, Alice in Wonderland Statue, The Boathouse, Bethesda Fountain & Terrace (the tile ceiling is so pretty). Beatles fans have to stop by Strawberry Fields to remember John Lennon. Its located just meters away from John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s home, the Dakota Building, where Lennon was shot. If the weather is nice, it’s lovely to spend some time at the Sheep Meadow, a popular spot for families, sunbathers, picnickers. The view upon the NYC skyline is great from here.
MIDTOWN MANHATTEN
Times Square & Broadway
I seriously doubt that Times Square needs an introduction! When you think about NYC, it’s just one of these places that immediately comes to mind. The Square was renamed in 1904 after The New York Times moved its headquarters to the Times Building, which is also the site of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop.
The Broadway shows are world famous. The most theatres are located in the streets surrounding Times Square. If you are looking for cheap tickets you should you go to the TKTS ticket booth on Times Square. Everyday at 3PM they start selling the tickets at a 50% for the shows that night. I saw Phantom of the Opera and Jersey Boys on Broadway, and there were both wonderful.
Bryant Park & NYC Public Library
My favorite park in New York is Bryant Park, located between Fifth and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown. I love how you get sit on the lawn or one of the terraces, and relax in the sun. During lunchtime, it can be very busy in Bryant Park as midtown office workers often enjoy lunch in the park. On the east side of the park, stands The New York Public Library (you know, where Carrie and Mr Big were supposed to get married in SATC The Movie 1).
Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
Rockefeller Center is a large complex of commercial buildings, located between 48th and 51st Streets. The building of Rockefeller Center was instructed by the Rockefeller family, hence the name. The centre also has it’s very own observation deck, Top of the Rock, from which you have a 360° view upon New York. The NBC studio’s are located at Rockefeller Plaza 30. During a behind the scenes studio tour you can enjoy the sets of NBC programs, such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers and more. Furthermore you can attend a show from the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, one of the largest theatres in the world. Rockefeller Center is also popular for its annual Christmas three lightning and ice-skating rink during winter.
St-Patricks Cathedral & Fifth Avenue
St. Patricks Cathedral was built in 1878 by James Renwick in neo-gothic style. The Roman Catholic Cathedral church is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic church in New York. It’s located on the East Side of Fifth Avenue.
Coming from St-Patricks Cathedral you can check out Fifth Avenue, one of the best shopping streets in the world for upscale boutiques, designer brands and famous flagships stores. Even if your just window shopping it can be fun. Make sure to pop into The Tiffany’s & Co. Flagship Store, might not be within your budget, but it can never hurt to look right?
Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is the symbol of the New York art deco era. From 1930 until the mid-1950 it was the headquarters of the Chrysler Corporation. The building is not open for public viewing, but if you ask friendly, the concierge let’s you have a sneak peak at the art deco lobby. However I found the outside of the building way more impressive than the inside.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal, better known as Grand Central Station, is the city’s historic train station and one of the largest railway stations in the world. Inside there are several restaurants, such as the Oyster Bar, fast food outlets, delis, bakeries, newsstands, etc… If you fancy a cocktail Gossip Girl style you have to go to the Campbell Apartment.
The Main Concourse is the centre of Grand Central. Inside this hall you’ll find the famous clock you always see in the movies. The astronomical ceiling is also pretty impressive. The large American flag was hung in Grand Central Terminal a few days after the 9/11 on the World Trade Center. Next to the Main Concourse, you’ll find Vanderbilt Hall, named after the family that built and owned the station, which was used as the waiting area. Free historic tours are being organized every Wednesday.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is the third largest skyscraper in New York. Ever since the opening in 1931, its been the most famous building in the city. From the observation desk you have a 360° view upon Manhattan. But it’s more than just a wonderful view! The lobby is one of the few interiors in New York to be designated a historic landmark, this due to the remarkable Art Deco inspired ceiling murals.
LOWER MANHATTEN
Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown
Soho became famous for it’s many artists lofts and art galleries. This hipster neighborhood wasn’t always so stylish, but nowadays it’s one the most popular shopping streets in NYC. In Soho you can find all kinds of stores, going from trendy upscale boutiques to national and international chains.
In the 1880s immigrants from Naples and Sicily based themselves in Little Italy. The once large Italian neighborhood, shrunk down to the streets surrounding Mulberry Street. If you are looking for great Italian food, this is the place to be.
New York’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese communities outside of China. The streets are filled with restaurants, grocery and Chinese souvenirs stores.
9/11 Memorial
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a monument in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks. The sincere memorial was designed by Michael Arad, and built upon the location, where the Twin Towers used to stand. The 9/11 Museum consists of a historical and memorial exhibition. But more on that next week. 😉
Financial District
Wall Street is located in the heart of the Financial District. Over there you’ll find the headquarters of the New York Stock Exchange. Unfortunately tourists are not allowed in. Across the street stands Federal Hall, the first capitol building of the US and the site of the US Customs House in the late 1700s. Down the road, you’ll also see Trinity Church, one of the oldest churches in America. The church is well-know for its colonial graveyard, where many famous Americans were buried, including Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers. One your way to Battery Park, you will pass by Bowling Green Park and the Charging Bull Statue. So… get your camera’s ready and strike a pose!
Battery Park & The Statue of Liberty
Battery Park thanks his name to the artillery batteries that were placed in the park, in the city’s early years in order to protect Castle Clinton. Inside this old fortress, you can buy tickets for the ferries to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. There are several memorials located in the park as well; The Immigrants, East Coast Memorial, Hope Garden and The Sphere. The latter one, once stood at the center of the plaza of the World Trade Center a couple blocks away. Five months after being damaged during the 9/11 attacks, it was brought to Battery Park.
Located on Liberty Island is the impressive Lady Liberty, a gift from the French, and a symbol for freedom and democracy. There are several tours available that take you to the statue and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. If you want to visit Lady Liberty’s crown, its recommended to book several months in advance. If it’s just some amazing views and photo’s you’re after, ride the free Staten Island Ferry.
Oh, how I love New York! It’s just so amazing to see all the famous places in person, don’t you agree? In terms of skyscrapers it’s hard to pick one, because the view from both the Empire State and Top of the Rock is amazing. So… I did both, one during the day and one at night. If you choose to visit only one skyscraper in the city, I would recommend Top of the Rock, because then the Empire State Building also appears onto your photo’s. NYC also has some amazing museums to offer, so in the second part of my New York City travel guide, we’ll focus on that.