Happy Hump Day!
Today we continue our NYC
travel diary with what to do. There are literally hundreds of things to do. I
feel like no matter how many times you visit there is always something new to
do the next time you go. (I feel like this is also true if you live there. I’ve
never met anyone that’s like “yeah I’m good I think I’ve done all there is to
do in the city.”)
I said in my intro I was
going to try and keep these posts to things/places from this past trip but,
here is where I will add a few extras.
Statue of Liberty: I had
never done this until this last trip and I would highly recommend it. You get
to take a nice little boat ride over to the island that provides AMAZING views
of the city. Once you get there you can pickup a headset to do a guided tour or
just go off and do your own thing. (J and I opted for the later.) We got to go
inside and see the museum and walk up to the pedestal. I wanted to do the crown
but tickets were already sold out. (Buy your tickets way in advance if this is
something you want to do. I bought ours about 2 months ahead of time and
tickets for the crown were sold out through November 1st.) After you
explore Liberty Island you can take a ferry to Ellis Island or back to
Manhattan. We went back to the city because we had other plans but, next time I
would probably do Ellis Island. I would mark off a big chunk of your day if you
plan on doing both.
Broadway Show: I am obsessed
with Broadway! I try and see a show every time I’m in the city. This time I saw
Cats and I was literally the happiest girl in the world. This was a show I
always wanted to see and when it went away a few years ago I was so sad. When
we were planning our trip I told J “The only thing I care about doing is going
to see Cats. We can do whatever you want the rest of the time but I HAVE to see
that show!” Next on my list is Hamilton. If you need any recs let me know. I’ve
seen more than a few Broadway shows.
Central Park: If this is
your first time in the city, or your 100th time visiting, I always
think Central Park is a must. It’s huge, so there are always new things to
explore. Some of my favorites are grabbing a drink at the Boathouse, seeing the
Alice in Wonderland statue, bringing a blanket, some snacks and a bottle of
champs for a picnic, or during the holiday season watching all the skaters at
Wollman rink.
The High Line: Speaking of
parks and walking around, The High Line is possibly my favorite spot in the
city. Not sure what it is but I just love it!
I try and make it over to walk at least a little bit every time I visit.
It’s built on the old railroad tracks and goes through Meatpacking and Chelsea
neighborhoods on the West side.
Brooklyn Bridge/Brooklyn:
I’ve walked the Brooklyn Bridge a few times but never actually made it into
Brooklyn until this last trip. I walked around Dumbo the first day I was there
and loved it so much I took J back a few days later. The highlight of my Dumbo
experience was seeing where Dan from Gossip Girl lived! There are amazing views
of the city, lots of cute restaurants and shops, and a nice walking path. (Tip:
Walk across the bridge early in the morning for fewer
crowds. If you can make it to watch the sunrise it’s awesome. I did it one time
in college and it was AWESOME! When you’re done exploring Brooklyn rather than
walking back, take the ferry!)
Top of the Rock: I think
it’s important to go to Top of the Rock, top of the Empire State Building, or
One World Trade Observatory at least once. Personally Top of the Rock is my
favorite because you can see all the iconic buildings. (Empire, Chrysler, One
World Trade) I didn’t go this past time but I’ve done it a few times. (Tip: Go
about an hour before sunset so you can see the city during the day, watch the
sunset, and then see it all lit up at night!)
9/11 Memorial and Museum:
This is probably the thing I would put at the top of your list! I went to the
museum 3 years ago when I lived there and it is so moving. It is beautifully
done, and I really can’t recommend this enough. Make sure to check out the
memorial fountains before or after your visit to the Museum. There’s one for
each tower, and they have each persons name engraved on them that lost their
life that day. (Tip: Have dinner planned or some other activity because this
can make you feel very somber.)
Time Square: I only suggest
this if you’ve never been before because I think it’s something everyone should
see once. I avoid this area at all costs but, actually ran through it this past
trip because a friend of mine had never been. If crowds aren’t your thing I would
advise really thinking about if you need to see this! (Tip: Go late at night when it’s less crowded
and you can really see all the lights.)
I’m going to stop here, because
like I said, this is a subject I could go on and on and on about! If you’ve done
all these things and need other suggestions just let me know!
Thank you so much for
stopping by and reading my travel diary. It really means so much!
Check back tomorrow for one
of my favorite topics…FOOD!!!
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