New York, New York – a city full of surprises! Being a traveller more suited to the coastal regions and anywhere with a bit of countryside, I was worried New York wasn’t going to live up to the hype for me…however, I soon realised it has so much to offer than yellow taxis and a bustling business life! New York surprised me in many ways and opened my eyes to the perks of city life – I hope to visit again someday!

Playing Tourist: sights to see

Within the ‘Big Apple’ there are so many sights to see and places to tick off with the ‘Been there, done that,” t-shirt. Whether it’s the views from the Empire State, or ice skating at the Rockefeller Center, be sure to prepare for your trip with an itinerary so you don’t miss out! When planning for New York, I found Lonely Planet’s guide, Make My Day, to be incredibly useful – it helps you to create personalised plans for your trip and make sure you tick off all your favourites! Here are a few of my favourite sights:

Empire State Building
What’s a trip to New York without visiting the Empire State? If there’s a height to climb in a city, then I’m going to climb it. The trip to the 86th floor is definitely worthwhile – a little place of peace up above, towering over the hustle and bustle of the city below. My tip would be to get there early and avoid the crowds, watching the city as it wakes for another bustling day. Team up your trip with a visit to the top of the Rockefeller Center at night, giving you two views at contrasting times.

The Statue of Liberty
Standing prominent in all her glory, a trip to the Statue of Liberty is a must for me. The best pictures are from a distance – book on a boat trip and enjoy the views as you sail past. There’s an option to stop off at Ellis Island and discover more about the old immigration station.

Central Park
Nature at the heart of a city that never sleeps – Central Park definitely has many ‘perks’ (Friends fans appreciate the pun). There is so much to see and do in Central Park – a bike ride is a must, allowing you to see so much more! Stop off for a coffee and cake at the Boathouse, with a lakeside view!

Film Fanatics

The home to so many major films, make sure you get the picture perfect Insta snap in New York City! Here’s a few to get you started in your stunt double career:

• Flatiron building from Spiderman (you may not be able to scale it Spidey style) – borough of Manhattan
• Experience life through Buddy the Elf’s eyes – run through the revolving doors of the Empire State
• The National History Museum (Ben Stiller moment, Night at the Museum) – let’s hope the characters don’t come alive!

Experience Highlights

• Cheer on the New York Rangers at an ice hockey game – a great experience, from on-pitch flights to the stereotypical kiss cam. For a cheaper option, visit the Jersey Devils (Newark).
• Live the high life and enjoy a Broadway show – the Lion King was a real highlight for my trip! Expensive, but worth it in my eyes.
• Demolish a New York pizza – head over Brooklyn Bridge to Grimaldi’s Pizzeria; make sure you don’t eat too much before, the pizzas are huge!

Whatever floats your travel boat, New York has something for everyone! My final travel tips: plan in advance, buy tickets for events beforehand to skip the queues and finally, don’t leave before visiting a New York diner!

Happy Travels, K x