As a person who has traveled a lot, I will say New York never gets old. This guide is based on my three year experience traveling to New York City. I only went there to network with Cosmo Magazine as a photographer (which will be in another travel diary) and it was a great experience. Here are 9 reasons why you need to go visit NYC:
Where to Stay: Nights Hotel in Times Square
My girlfriend and I booked this hotel for only $90 a night during our January trip. It it such a cute contemporary hotel! It’s in the heart of the theater district, so once you step outside, you are literally in Times Square. Night Times Square begins, like the best New York City tales do, with a big opening number. The lobby’s epic tropical fish tank, octopi-inspired chandeliers and pops of blue, pink and orange light playing over funky works of art are an immediate delight, even to travelers who think they’ve seen it all. They have a restaurant and bar downstairs, so it’s nice if you just want to stay in for the night. If you want to find some good discounts, use Hotels especially since you can sign up for their free rewards program or Agoda.
Things To Do
Empire State Building Observation Deck
One day we toured the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building. It has unforgettable 360° views of New York City and beyond. Whether you’re in town for a week or a day, no visit to NYC is complete without experiencing the top of the Empire State Building. Open 8am-2am.
Top of The Rock at Night
We also did the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the Rockefeller Center which also offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of New York City. Complete with three levels of indoor and outdoor viewing areas, access to stunning views of the skyline, Central Park, and Midtown, as well as iconic landmarks and skyscrapers are effortless. Plus, the open-air top level makes your photos even easier to take and more authentic—creating an experience unlike anywhere else in the city. We decided to do this one at night.
Shop in ChinaTown
Make sure you shop in China Town to find knock off designer purses. I am not the one to buy anything expensive so I do love finding deals in China Town. Definitely check out canal street!
Explore in Bryant Park
We came across Bryant Park one year, and it’s a cute little community with an ice skating rink outside, outside markets, activities and dining. It’s known as Manhattan’s Town Square, the park is famous for it’s lush seasonal gardens, free activities, world class restrooms and al fresco dining.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour by Boat
The last time I went to visit the city, this was something I have always wanted to do. We found a good deal online to take the boat tour. It was a few hours, started at 8am and ended by noon. But this is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss!
Explore the High Line & Whitney Museum of American Art
One day we walked the High Line which is a 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. The High Line is more than a park. It’s a public space where you can view art, walk through gardens, experience a performance, savor delicious food, or just connect with friends and neighbors—while enjoying a unique perspective of the city. Built on a historic, elevated freight line, the High Line has become a world-renowned inspiration for how cities can transform industrial infrastructure into beautiful, hybrid public spaces. At the end of the High Line, we stopped to enjoy The Whitney Museum of American Art.The general admission ticket is $22. We had lunch at the Studio Cafe upstairs, and it’s perfect spot for a quick snack, glass of wine, or just to relax. Studio Cafe’s floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the space with natural light. During the warmer months, outdoor seating is available on the terrace, offering sweeping views of the city, the Hudson River, and the High Line.
Go See a Broadway Show: Wicked
A broadway show is definitely a must in NYC! We went and saw Wicked. If you don’t know what that is, well it’s basically the story of the two witches before Dorthy & The Wizard of Oz.
Explore Central Park
I just love walking down Central Park during the fall to see the leaves and the beautiful scenery. The park includes: the Wollman Rick Ice skating, the central park zoo, the mall & literary walk, and the Sheep Meadow.
People Watching in Times Square
Of course the last thing is people watching in Times Square. We picked a restaurant that had a good view of the center of times square.