New York is everything you think it could be and more. I have been here twice and want to go back again.
There are lots of places to stay, hostels and hotels. I highly recommend staying somewhere midtown as you are right in the middle of the main attractions. Bring some walking shoes as well, you will need them. The first time I went to New York, I stayed at Chelsea International Hostel, just north of Greenwich Village and south of Midtown. It was cheap and in a good location, but quite overcrowded and the rooms were very basic. The second time I went to New York, I stayed in the Hotel Wellington, which is a few blocks south of Central Park. It is between West 55th and West 56th Street.
I was overwhelmed the first time I went to New York, there was so much to see and do. I would recommend just walking around Manhattan to get yourself orientated. Walk to Central Park, there is an ice skating rink in the winter which is open to the public for $14 (to hire skates) or a roller skating area in the summer. If you like horses, you can take a tour of the park in a traditional horse and carriage. The best time to go to NYC is in the spring or the autumn where the temperature is pleasant as winters can be very cold, and summers very hot and humid. However, January is cheaper, as it is just after the Christmas rush.
With the credit crunch sinking in, you may think that you can’t afford New York. But there is a lot to do in New York that is free. Wear comfortable shoes and walk to see the Chrysler Building (405 Lexington Avenue), Empire State Building (350 Fifth avenue – it will cost to go up the Empire State), Grand Central Terminal (42nd Street and Park Avenue), Rockefeller Centre and Flatiron Building, (175th Fifth Avenue). Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for view of Manhattan skyline and take your own panoramic photos of NYC. The Staten Island Ferry which goes between Manhattan and Staten Island is free and gives you great views of lower Manhattan, harbour and the Statue of Liberty.
Throughout the year there are free indoor and outdoor events downtown, south of Chambers Street, such as South Street Seaport which has outdoor concerts and performances. South Street Seaport is an historic district with a museum as well as shops, cafes and restaurants.
If you love shopping, New York is the place for you. 5th Avenue is the famous street that everyone flocks to when they first arrive and where you can find Tiffany’s, Abercrombie and Fitch, FAO Schwarz, Louis Vuitton and the famous Trump Tower. If you are feeling flush, treat yourself to a stay at the Plaza Hotel, on the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street.
For better shopping bargains head down to Avenue of the Americas where you will find TJ Max and Filene’s Basement, (both located 620 6th Avenue between 18th and 19th street). Alternatively, go to the Morningside Park Famer’s Market which is open on Saturdays from 8:00 am from early July to late November. Here you will find local meat products, organic locally processed nuts and nut butters and local farm produce. China town always has bargains, and Greenwich Village has a lot of quirky shops.
There is a lot to see and do here, so I would recommend going for at least 5 days. You can always find a deal online, lastminute.com, ebookers, STATravel to name a few booking destinations.
