This is the city that never sleeps!
Visiting the Big Apple for the first time? Trust me it can be very overwhelming. You will never get bored! There are so many iconic buildings, museums, galleries, restaurants and things to do. This is our list of top things to do in New York that capture the energy, spirit and style of the city.
1. Hire a bike and ride around Central Park
Central Park is an enormous public park covering 840 acres of land. If you’re short on time do what we did and hire a bike. There are plenty of bike hire places around, or you can ask your hotel. Renting a bike is a fun and affordable way to explore Central Park.
2. Times Square at Night
Times square is famous for its illuminated billboards, the best time to visit is at night. After dark was our favourite time to explore and great for photos so make sure you take camera with you! Another popular attraction is the famous Red Stairs.
3. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
Known as one of the oldest bridges in the United States and one of the most recognizable parts of the New York City skyline, the bridge has been featured in movies and on television shows and is a real piece of New York City history. We walked across to the Brooklyn side and grabbed an ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. From this side you get beautiful views of Manhattan.
4. Go to the top Empire State Building
See New York’s world-famous skyline as it was meant to be seen. Take the elevator up to see most breathtaking views from its open-air observatory. If you can we recommend trying to get there for sunset as the sky is spectacular with colours of yellow and orange. We made the mistake of going during the day but the view of the city is still amazing.
5. 911 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial honours the thousands of people killed in the attacks on September 11,2011. Visiting this had a profound effect on us. When you walk around and see the twin reflecting pools that sit where there once was the Twin Towers, you can also read the names of every person that lost there lives. It was a very solemn experience but one we thought we should visit and pay our respects.
6. Ride the Subway
Whether you take the Subway to Soho, China Town or little India there is no better way to get around. Its fast and affordable with entrances located on nearly every main street corner along with detailed maps. We loved just hoping on and getting lost, theres even entertainment at the stations. We passed many music buskers and street dancers.
7. Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is more than a monument. She is a living symbol of freedom to millions around the world. One of New Yorks most famous land marks. You can take the ferry from Battery Park to the island and actually go inside the pedestal of Lady Liberty. If you purchase a Crown ticket, you can climb the 377 steps up to the Crown.
The Staten Island ferry is free and operates between Whitehall terminal in lower Manhatten the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The trip is about 25 minutes. The Whitehall Terminal is located at 4 South Street, Manhattan.
8. Eat all the carbs.
New York is famous for its food and one thing we noticed with NY street food was the portion sizes. While wandering around make sure you stop for a pizza, pretzel or a hotdog the size of your head.
