New York is one of the most iconic cities in the world.
Weโve heard of it and seen it on so many TV programmes โ Friends, Gossip Girl, Sex and the City (to name a few) โ that we feel like weโve lived like a New Yorker before weโve even set foot in Grand Central Station.
Weโve heard of the terms โUpper East Sideโ and โUpper Westโ but have no real idea what they mean and weโve envisioned that skyline so many times that when you actually set eyes on it, you have to pinch yourself that itโs real. Youโre actually in the Big Apple!
Itโs an overwhelming city that steals a slice of every visitorโs heart. Here are my 9 unmissable spots in NYC.
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station has become quite the icon of the NYC. Built in 1903 and located in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal is a hectic train station, which boasts outstanding, Roman-esque architecture as well as, shops, bars and restaurants.
Rockerfeller Centre
Rockerfeller Centre is a historic landmark in central Midtown, which is a complex of buildings, restaurants, shops and bars. Although all the buildings are worth a quick explore, the main attraction (in my eyes) is Bar SixtyFive on the 65th floor of 30 Rockerfeller Plaza where you can have a drink with an unbeatable view across Manhattan.
The Empire State Building
Probably the most recognizable building in New York, The Empire State Building is a 102 story building, which soars above the rest of the cityโs jaw-dropping skyline. As a result of its height, the Empire State Building offers tremendous views across the city and beyond and is a brilliant spot to watch the world go by from above.
Staten Island/Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is symbolic of NYC.
In 1886, she was gifted from the people of France to the United States as a symbol of freedom and democracy and from that day on, she has appeared on anything and everything New York related. If you head Downtown towards the Staten Island ferry, you will be swarmed by vendors trying to sell you trips to see Mrs Liberty up close and personal. However, if youโre not fussed about actually setting foot on the island, you can catch the Staten Island ferry for FREE, which rides straight past the statue.
Central Park
Central Park is idyllic. Spanning over a jaw-dropping 843 acres, the park takes up a huge amount of Manhattan and is bursting with flora, fauna and wildlife. From rappers, artists, rickshaws and food trucks to horses and carriages, lakes, statues and rowing boats, Central Park can keep you busy for days on end.
9/11 Memorial/Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is heart-wrenching.
A tribute to the thousands of people effected and killed by the tragic terrorist attacks, which struck the Twin Towers in Downtown Manhattan on 11th September 2001, this memorial is informative, emotional and a must visit whilst in the city.
Put aside at least half a day to get the most out of the museum. Tip: the museum is free from 5pm โ 8pm on Tuesdays (usually $24).
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is an urban food court located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. Laden in trendy exposed brick walls, cute fairy lights and food stalls galore, it caters for all food cravings. From carefully crafted coffee and wine to soft juicy tacos and ice cream sandwiches, Chelsea Market has it all.
Times Square
Most New Yorkers hate Times Square.
Home to Broadway, this area in Midtown is as eccentric, bright and in your face as most of the shows in the theatres. Garish billboards and kaleidoscopic lights shimmer from every direction and touts, tourists and shoppers patrol the grounds below.
It can be a rather busy and stressful district to explore however, it is worth the overwhelming stress to experience such a unique square.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge connects Downtown Manhattan with the hipster neighbourhood of Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge (especially at sunset) provides you with excellent views across the cityโs skyline and, if youโre peckish when you reach the other side, you can reward yourself with a delicious pizza.
Have you ever been to New York? What would you add to this check list?