We planned our trip to New York City for about a year, give or take a month or two. Through this time frame we would ask friends what they would suggest we do when we were there. We got lots of great ideas, too many to fit into the short five day stay. So now that I am a “pro” at touring the Big Apple, I thought I’d let you know the things I tell someone who was about to visit NYC.
- Go to a Broadway Show: Whether you like musicals or not, there are tons of options available in the Theater District of New York. Anything from the most family friendly to the most risqué of risque there is something for everyone. I really can’t imagine going to New York without seeing a show. Each time we went, we were blown away by the performances and set designs. It doesn’t appear that those in the theater hold anything back. Plus, everyone asks you when you get home whether you went to a show or not. So you might as well do so.
- Go to Central Park: As I explained in a previous post, my husband, Bobby, and I are training for a 5k. It was fun to do that in Central Park. But even if you aren’t training for anything, there is just something about being in a park that is in the middle of a major metropolitan area. Even with all the hustle and bustle going on around the park, it is pretty tranquil inside of it. Plus you’ll see places in real life that you’ve only seen in films. That is something I really enjoyed.
- Ride a Ferry: Last year when we went to New York we rode the Staten Island Ferry. This year we rode a ferry that was part of a hop-on, hop-off tour package. Either way it was nice to get out of the hot city (we went during the summer both times) and on the water where there was a nice cool breeze. There is also an extraordinary view of the Manhattan Skyline you would never see if you stayed on the island. Plus you can get pretty close to the Statue of Liberty, too.
- Travel to the top of one of the Skyscrapers: Last year we went to the top of the One World Observatory. This year we went to the observation level of both the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building. Last year we saw Manhattan from the sky in the morning. This year we saw it late day/early evening and at night. Any way you see it, you can’t get over man’s ability to dream and create such tall buildings. Plus the view is breath taking. I will caution you, though, these locations can be pretty crowded. So you might have to wait behind other sightseers before you can get your picture at the edge.
- Go to Times Square (Once): Our hotel was a half block from Times Square, so we actually were there several times during our 5 day trip. I would suggest that it isn’t necessary to go to see it more than once, or maybe a couple of times. New York City has 8.5 million people in it and I think they all converge on Times Square every time I am there. The area is crowded and loud and bright. But it is also quintessential New York with the gathering of so many people from different countries and cultures. As you pass people, you hardly ever hear them speaking English. You can see all the advertisements on the huge screens and even see the New Years Ball at the center of it all. If you are going to New York, you really should experience this corner of it, if only to appreciate your home town.
So that is my list of things to do in New York. I know if you’ve been there, your list might differ, but that is what is so appealing about the city. There is so much to do and see. Whatever you do, you won’t be bored.
