New York is a city that dances to its own tune. It’s unequivocally busy, teaming with people with places to be and things to do, yet if you step back slightly from the hustle and bustle there are plenty of opportunities to relax and take it at a slower pace. You can dine on oysters in old champagne bars where marble worktops sit stop polished wood floors. You can devour sandwiches at the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen featured in ‘Where Harry Met Sally’ and, if you’re feeling really daring, you can climb 100 floors up a New York skyscraper before abseiling down the side.
Because when in New York, you feel a little more alive. Where the world is your oyster and each corner is a pocket of opportunity, a challenge or just a spot to shop, relax and take in what’s going on around you. It’s a place filled with personality, life and that no matter who you are or what you do with your day, you’ll feel a sense of achievement and that you’re part of something truly special.
It’s known as the city that never sleeps and is a destination you can visit all year round. Whether this is a two-day break, five-day trip, a week or longer, the many wonders it has on offer will keep you mesmerised from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. In fact you’ll be wanting to return before you’ve even left.
I visited New York as the last stop of a road trip that involved stopping off at Rhode Island – known for its sandy shores – and Boston – a foodie heaven. New York is a place I’ve always wanted to visit and it didn’t disappoint for sure. From the entertainment to the food and city sights, here’s how I spent a whistle-stop route at one of the most famous places to visit in America.
Where I stayed
New York is a whirlwind of a destination with so many wonderful hotels to stay in. You can stay in large hotels with hundreds of rooms, or book a boutique place to stay that is smaller in size but revels in the smaller touches that are often present.
We parked ourselves at the Moxy NYC Lower East Side, an easy location to get to, that is ideally located from the underground, shops, bars and restaurants. The 303-room hotel is new to the hotel game, having opened its doors in 2022, but is already a firm contender against other longer standing establishments. While the idea of staying in a hotel so big might conjure images of manic queues and throngs of people, the Moxy is very much the opposite. The hotel is electric, cool and has a very friendly feel to it – a highlight is the rooftop bar that serves an array of freshly prepared cocktails and offers rolling views of the city skyline.
The rooms in the Moxy are smartly designed making use of all the space inside – As you can expect in a hotel in New York, larger rooms are harder to come by, yet space isn’t an issue here. The rooms in the Moxy are smartly designed to optimise every inch of room and make for a space that’s practical, beautiful and ideal to make your base. Your suitcase can easily slide under the bed, a fold-down desk will easily fit your laptop and the bold interiors create a cosy feel that is tasteful and stylish at the same time.
What to do in New York
Get a City Pass
Whenever travelling abroad, we would always recommend looking into a City Pass. Most cities offer them and they are brilliant – in some instances (always check first) they cover public transport and tickets to some of the most popular attractions. In the case of New York, depending on the ticket type you can opt for a New York C.All which includes 10 major attractions such as the Empire State Building, Edge at Hudson Yards, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 9/11 Memorial Museum and Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island amongst other options. Travel isn’t included in this pass, however, you will save plenty on the entry fees. Prices start from £80 and are well worth it for experiencing all the main attractions.
City Climb
New York is flooded with sky scrappers which offer unparalleled views of the city. One of the newest buildings in the city is the Edge. Opening in 2021, Edge offers you the opportunity to travel 100 stories high, capture photos looking down through its glass floor and enjoy a drink & meal at its stunning restaurant.
For the more daring visitors, City Climb offers you the chance to go outside your comfort zone and ascend the world’s highest open-air building. Feel the cold air hit the back of your neck as you lean out and look down 1,200 feet. A sure fire way to get your adrenaline going, it’s an experience of a lifetime and gives you the most beautiful views of New York City.
Watch a Basketball Game
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in America, which makes it a must when visiting. A short underground journey to Brooklyn lies the Barclays Centre. This arena puts on many jaw-dropping performances throughout the year and is home to the Brooklyn Nets.
A perfect arena to catch your first basketball game; the atmosphere is electric and the Brooklyn Nets are a fantastic team to cheer on! Make sure you arrive early to take in the pre-match build-up and treat yourself to a traditional game meal involving popcorn, a hot dog and a drink. As with most large sporting venues, it can get busy, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the venue before sitting down to watch the game. Cheerleaders and dancers put on a great show during the match intervals too – something you don’t get when watching football in the UK!
Visit Times Square
One of the most famous spots in the world, make sure you factor in some time to visit Times Square. This will always appear at the top of many guides within New York and having spent some time there, it’s easy to understand why. We purchased a drink and settled down on the Red Stairs, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and of course taking plenty of photos. Times Square is a lively area, flooded with neon lights, advertisement boards, street performers (you won’t find it hard to see the naked cowboy!), bars & restaurants and family-friendly attractions too. Madame Tussauds & National Geographic Encounter are just a few to note.
Visit the Highline
The High Line in New York City is an elevated public park built on an abandoned railway line. It stretches for 1.45 miles and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The park features beautiful gardens, art installations, and a host of seating areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery. Walking along the High Line is a unique experience that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still being in the heart of it. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling metropolis.
Chelsea Market
If you do get the chance to explore the Highline, make sure you factor in a stop at the Chelsea Market. Perched just at the start (or end) of the Highline in the former biscuit factory of the Nabisco company, it’s now a thriving market that features many street food eateries as well as art stalls and boutique shops. It’s been beautifully converted, and is one of the most recognised indoor food marketplaces, bringing in plenty of footfall all year round. Fun fact – the Oreo biscuit was created here!
Enjoy a doughnut, a coffee and a stroll
A doughnut, a cup of coffee and a leisurely stroll around New York is a great way to take in the city. This is especially true when you aren’t staying for a long time. Going on foot is the best way to take in the sights and soak up the atmosphere. Tucking into something delicious makes it even better. Some might like to plan their route, while others might prefer to pick up a coffee and see where they end up. We didn’t have a plan, we simply wandered and explored, taking in the sights and atmosphere. No matter which you choose, be sure to snap plenty of photos and consider the weather before heading out.
Where to eat
New York is a city packed with a range of dining experiences, whether you’re looking to feast on a hot dog while watching the basketball, indulge in gelato while taking in the views at Central Park, or if you want to get all dressed up and go out for a Michelin meal, you’re spoilt for choice.
Be sure to eat in Katz’s Delicatessen, one of the city’s most iconic eateries thanks to its cameo in When Harry Met Sally. Here you can indulge in pastrami sandwiches and deli classics, soaking up the vibes and enjoying the dishes on offer. Katz’s has been a popular eatery since its opening in 1888 and is arguably the most famous Deli in New York.
Other places you can dine include the New York Time Out Market – a fantastic location with a multitude of NYC top restaurants under its roof. Spanning two floors you can dine on an array of dishes while taking in the views of the Manhattan skyline. Head to Gage & Tollner for fantastic steak, fried chicken and seafood, Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi – one of the most talked-about restaurants in the city in 2023 – Dhamaka for something totally different (we’ll let you check out their menu!) Clover Hill for something a little tucked away but very special or Elias Corner, a delicious seafood restaurant in Queens. Feast on hot dogs at the basketball and grab a donut or pretzel to go while you explore the city. No matter what you’re looking to sink your teeth into, you’re sure to find it in NYC.
New York is a city unlike any other. It’s a multi-faceted destination where you can tick off all the tourist activities but also get stuck into something different. Whether you head as a standalone city break, as part of a trip to nearby areas such as Boston and Rhode Island, or as a wider USA road trip, you won’t be disappointed. Check out Visit the USA to find out more.
