New York New York
New York is the kind of city that keeps you coming back time and again. Over the years, it’s managed to entice me back at least 7 times and every visit has been different. The city is evolving with so many new things happening all the time every visit feels like the first.
We visited most recently last August for a 5 day fling. July/August is summer so the city is baking hot but that doesn’t stop anyone. We spoilt ourselves and stayed at The Pierre, one of New York’s most iconic hotels. On Fifth Avenue at 61st Street, it’s across the road from the incredible Central Park and for the serious shoppers out there, next door to Barney’s department store. Will be hard to stay anywhere else next time.
We really wanted to spend some significant time in lower Manhattan so down we headed on the subway – which for anyone even slightly adventurous, is the fastest and cheapest way to navigate the city. Battery Park offers any walkers or cyclists an unrivalled view of the tip of the city and neighbouring New Jersey, with shady, flower strewn pathways for miles. Finish up at the Staten Island ferry, where for free, you can cruise past the Statue of Liberty close up without having to do a day tour and be crushed by the crowds. I am told that there is an Outlet shopping mall opening on Staten Island in 2018 which could be worth investigating.
We continued back to the new 9/11 Memorial – a moving place to wander now that they have completed building and renewing the area.
Onwards then via the trusty subway, to the Meatpacking District at Washington St to jump on the Highline – an old disused elevated rail line transformed into a shady walkway that runs all the way up to 34th St, past the Hudson Rail yards and is a marvellous way to see this part of city from above. There are markets and coffee options all the way along, but try to avoid it on weekends if you can due to the crowds.
It’s possible to spend the entire day walking around one district and continuing into another. They each have their own charm and there is no shortage of local delis and diners on every corner for a real local experience!
It’s not possible to visit New York without popping into Central Park. It is ENORMOUS, stretching from 59th St right up to 110th St, and has so many places to explore. This time we walked round the Reservoir, and took a deep breath and entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art a.k.a. “The Met “. This is the best museum in the world for any sort of art lover and is so large, you can only see half of it in one day. The Egyptian section is astounding with a full size Temple imported from Egypt. The Hall of Armour is also a highlight, with suits of armour on display from King Henry 8th ‘s time. Mind Boggling.
The Empire State Building is a true art deco delight – looking as good now as when it was built in 1930. The observation decks at the top, taking 2 elevators to reach offer an unforgettable view of the entire island of Manhattan and of the neighbouring boroughs. A visit here is a must, and the best department store in the city is located conveniently across the road – Macy’s. It’s 2 city blocks in size and has some incredible bargains across every floor, especially for Australians! Make sure you allocate at least half a day for navigating Macy’s and ask for the overseas visitors’ discount. It’s an actual thing!
We finished up our New York fling with lunch at the Central Park Boathouse restaurant. Instantly recognizable from many movies and TV shows such as “Sex and the City “ it’s location is right in the middle of the park (handy to know the cross St address as our cab driver was lost!) and a lovely place to enjoy a long lunch. We recommend booking¸ but you can just turn up on the day and wait for an available table.
New York is called the Big Apple, but I think it should be the Big Onion, as it has so many layers, and the more you peel off, the more there is. Allow at least 5 days for a visit and I guarantee it will leave you wanting more, each time.