I've made it quite a quest this year to tick more countries off the ever growing list I've created. Although I've been to New York, I felt that it was another 'must do' for my 2018 adventures.
My first visit to New York was quite a rushed one to say the least. I think I spent two full days before jetting back off home - boo! This time I managed a dull 4 days (still not as much time as I would have liked) and it was much more relaxed than the rush I had trying to fit everything in before.
Granted, I visited most of the same places as I did before and so I still haven't managed to do much different, but it's safe to say New York didn't disappoint.
I kicked the getaway off with a Helicopter ride around Manhattan, which was absolutely amazing. I booked this early in advance as a Mothers Day present and this was booked with Liberty Helicopters on Viator (this was the cheapest place I could find it - they were offering 10% off at the time). Once you book, you have to call them up to secure a place and time and BOYYYY did they have attitude... They were BEYOND RUDE.
Luckily, the actual ride itself was nothing like their snooty telephone workers who clearly hate their lives, but a beautiful experience with a fantastic pilot. Whilst floating around the skies of Manhattan, the pilot gave off interesting facts and history of all that you could see, including the Statue of Liberty - which is a waste of time paying to go see.
If you're planning to jet off to New York anytime soon, I'd highly recommend it. Costing £150 each, I'm sure you could find it cheaper in New York, but that was not a risk I was willing to take.
If you're a shopaholic (like me) Woodbury Common is the place to go. It is a shopaholics dream. A village with all sorts of designers and high street brands with prices that would make your eyes fall out of your head. Not everyone had the same view off 70% + 20% + 10% off like Kate Spade, but you're bound to find a good bargain if you look hard enough.
It's simple to get to, just head to Port Authority and tickets for a coach ride are around $40 with an hour to hour and a half coach journey.
For a drink with a view I couldn't recommend Bar 54 enough. Sitting on the 54th floor, you are blessed with the most beautiful views, even being able to see lower Manhattan. It's the perfect escape to the hustle and bustle below (it remains busy until early hours of the morning) and I would say that at night time is your best bet to go.
The bar staff are friendly, the food is lovely and the drinks are great! I was thinking there would be more drinks on offer, but the stuff they did have sounded great.
I was 6 years old when the Twin Towers were hit. I remember I was being looked after by my child minder at the time and me and a load of kids were making loud noises in her living room, it was then that she went silent and made us all sit down and be quiet. Video footage showed the panicked people of New York, panicked news anchors and the Twin Towers smoking from the top.
Since that day 17 years ago, I've been both shocked and interested in how the terrifying event unfolded. Unfortunately on my first visit to New York, the 9/11 museum was closed for a refurbishment and so I wasn't able to go; however, this time it was open and I was for sure going to visit.
The museum was beautifully laid out and extremely artistic with the video footage it presented and how the actual parts of the towers were displayed. As you can imagine, there are disturbing parts to this museum, including burned vehicles, clothes and telephone calls, but it was very respectful with the way this was all presented.
I felt this trip would be incomplete without a west end show, so both my mother and myself agreed to see The Lion King. MY LORRRRDDDDD. IT WAS FANTASTIC. It followed the storyline perfectly; the acting was amazing and the stage and props were mesmerising. Although they were not real animals (or that would be weird), they done a fantastic job of capturing your attention and I could not recommend it enough if you were considering a Broadway show.
The RIU Plaza Times Square was the hotel we stayed in during our time. Its open plan, bight and white colours give it an ultra modern feel - maybe a little on the tacky side? But still a lovely hotel. The staff were lovely and bellboys beyond helpful. The rooms were a little on the small side, but I wouldn't class this as much of a problem if you're staying in a city like New York.
Located 2 minutes away from Times Square, this was the absolute perfect location. You're never too far from anywhere and it was quick to get around because of this. The only thing I would say, is if you're a light sleeper this probably isn't the best place to stay (the traffic never stops).
I could go on and on about all the things I got up to during my time, but then you'd still be reading this post this time next year, so I think it's best I stop here before getting carried away with myself.
It doesn't take a blog post like this to convince you to go to New York - the city speaks for itself. But I'd like to think that reading this would make you buzz more to go. The bright lights, hustle and bustle is something I'll never get bored of. Reading on Times Square whilst the traffic was still heavy, tourists at their happiest and even brides having photo shoots at 11pm was somehow tranquil for me? It's a place to escape and feel like you're in a movie.
Before I go, my highest recommendation (for if you're not a fan of the heat) is DO NOT GO IN SUMMER. I have never felt heat quite like it. It was disgustingly sticky and the only place you could breathe was on the subway, thank god for air con. Next time I go (because that will without a doubt happen again) will be in May... Perfect late spring/early summer time.
Overall, to conclude... New York, I love you.
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