Top 10 in NYC
This was my second time to the big apple and I must admit I enjoyed the trip a lot more this time.
I definitely think the weather was a major factor in this. The first time I visited was in the peak of summer with extreme humidity. This time we were blessed with beautiful sunny spring days. I was also going with no expectations and an open mind, and it was all about America this time rather than an add on to a working holiday in London.
So I thought I’d share my top experiences from my six days in New York City.
1. Central Park Bike Tour
I found it much more valuable having a structured bike tour of Central Park rather than doing it on our own. We rode straight to all the relevant locations in the park and our guide provided interesting facts about the park.
2. Dinner at Buddakan
Sex & the City moment at Buddakan – such amazing food and dining room!
3. Top of the Rock
Definitely the best view of Manhattan is at the Top of the Rock with Empire State in sight, especially at night.
4. NBA Playoffs
We managed to catch a Brooklyn Nets playoff game while we were in town, although it was a shame they didn’t win and it was a one sided game.
5. Lunch at Eataly
Italian heaven no matter where you look. The Eataly Italian market has everything from fresh pasta and wine to a butcher, seafood, bookshop, gelato and dolce, restaurants to dine in and more. We enjoyed a lunch at Manzo Ristorante of carpaccio and gnocchi. We also grabbed a gelato on the way out – a must!
6. Visiting my New York family
I met family for the first time on my last visit and was happy to find a suitable time to catch up with some of them this trip. We went out to Long Island for the day from Penn Station and enjoyed a bit of outlet shopping at Tanger Outlets and an early dinner at Joe’s Crab Shack.
7. Shopping at Woodbury Common Outlets
The Woodbury Common Outlets are amazing! A US$40 return trip from Manhattan and a little over an hour away, but the shopping is well worth it. My favourite purchase of the day was a Burberry trench!
8. Walking Brooklyn Bridge
This was a really nice walk and view. I wasn’t able to walk it on my last trip as it was way too hot!
9. Empire State
As one of the tallest buildings in the USA, the Empire State Building is some experience. Open 8am-2am daily.
10. Rooftop views and drinks
Our hotel in NYC – Citizen M NYC – offered an amazing rooftop bar, where we loved to hang out (when we had any spare time).
My only sadness was finding out the ice rink at Rockefeller Centre closed a few days before we arrived – I really thought I was going to arrive just in time to have a skate! All in all, I thought New York City was really amazing this time around.