New York City brings me to life.
I have spent many solo mini breaks there and made some lifelong friends from the city and beyond.
I have also spent many breaks there with friends and family from the UK.
Here are some money saving tips for seeing the sights and making the most of your break in NYC.
NYC from above
Most tourists will head to the Empire state building to see the city from above but my sister and I took some good advice and bought a ticket for the Rockefellar centre (Top of the rock). The ticket was cheaper and being situated in the Diamond district meant that we got to see other great sites like Radio city. And if you go around Christmas time the ice skating rink along with the famous Christmas tree in the square looks magical. From the Rockefellar centre you can view the whole of NYC including an amazing view below of central park.
NYC by water
Of course there are numerous boat tours on offer which will whizz you out to Ellis Island for a tour at a price but why take a walk further up the water to Battery park where from there you can jump onto the Staten island ferry. It is free and runs daily. A twenty five minute trip across the water is plenty of time to get some great snaps of the statue of Liberty.
NYC by foot
Be sure to take comfortable walking shoes as believe me, the more you walk- the more you will see. Personally I like to stay in or near the Financial district. In this area you can take a walk along the Hudson river and see the old colgate clock! Stop by battery park and take in the views or wander through the streets of the district and stop by the New York stock exchange. Take a moment to sit on the steps and watch the world rush by. You really will feel as if you are in a scene from a movie! From Tribeca you could take a long walk through to Fifth avenue (or jump in a cab) and if you are not as flush as Sarah Jessica Parker then there’s no need to worry as bargain shops are situated along the avenue too.
NYC by Mouth!
I have been pretty spoilt in the city and dabbled in food and restaurants from most cultures, my favorite being the real authentic Italian restaurants hidden away down the side streets. However I understand that if visiting a city for the first time it is sensible to have a plan. Grab a cab or the subway if you are in a group and be aware that it is cheaper to buy a Metro card during your stay to ride through the cities subway at a small cost. East village is prime bar hoping territory with arty hangouts and bargain restaurants. If you manage to visit this district then take a visit to the original Coyote ugly saloon. I enjoyed a beer here and for some reason I remember eating a hotdog?! Lots of fun.
There are so many great spots to enjoy in NYC and I feel privileged to have visited many times.
If you have traveled to NYC, what was your favorite memory/spot and do you have any tips?
nessjibberjabberuk says
September 15, 2014 at 10:00 amI’ve always wanted to visit NYC. My sister-in-law lives in New York state but we have yet to visit.
Liska @NewMumOnline says
September 15, 2014 at 10:46 amFabulous photos and that’s a great budget tip about getting a view of the top. Love the way you grabbed it with both hands 🙂 xx
Sarah Ebner (@sarahjebner) says
September 15, 2014 at 11:13 amI love New York, from walking through Central Park to the Frick Collection. When we went years ago, we visited the Cloisters, which were amazing! I’d love to go back, but we haven’t been since before we had kids (weep!)
Rachel says
September 15, 2014 at 12:08 pmThat first photo is brilliant, it took me a couple of minutes to work it out x
Mellissa Williams says
September 15, 2014 at 1:04 pmThis is next on my list of places to go. I still can’t believe I haven’t been there yet.
you baby me mummy says
September 15, 2014 at 10:56 amNew York is top of my list of places I would love to go. Great post even if it has made me want to go even more! X
TheMadHouse says
September 15, 2014 at 3:32 pmI have never been, but it is somewhere I plan to do with a girlfriend
Hannah Staveley says
September 15, 2014 at 12:02 pmLove the pic , never been to the USA
Folklings says
September 15, 2014 at 12:34 pmI’ve never been to NYC but one day I’d love to *daydreams*. Love that you’ve shared some great tips !
Louisa says
September 15, 2014 at 1:55 pmLucky you to have visited more than once! I have never been to NYC but I would love to one day and to do a bit (or a lot) of shopping.
Jess Howliston says
September 15, 2014 at 8:22 pmGreat photos and this sounds like an amazing place! Its somewhere I would love to visit perhaps when my kids are older! xx
Polly Davies says
September 15, 2014 at 6:56 pmNever been but I’d really love to!
Kizzy Bass says
September 16, 2014 at 5:13 amNew York is on my bucket list of places I need to visit, I will bookmark this fr future reference, thanks
Sonya Cisco says
September 16, 2014 at 8:19 amWe are planning a visit in 18 months time for my OHs 50th birthday – this post made me all excited!
Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
September 16, 2014 at 12:06 pmNew York is top of my places I want to visit especially the Rockefellar Center at Christmas
Sarah Bailey says
September 16, 2014 at 1:46 pmI would love to make it to NYC one day – what some fabulous ideas for places to go. x
Kara says
September 17, 2014 at 5:38 amNY is top of my bucket list and your photos make me want to go even more
Laura says
September 17, 2014 at 8:53 pmMy husband and I went to New York back in 2008. Unfortunately it was at the end of a long road trip around America so we were tired when we got there and didn’t make the most of it. Our main highlight was walking around the city and spotting film locations, particularly those from Ghostbusters.