A couple of weeks ago I went back to my favourite city and had an incredible time. This recap has more pictures than usual. The city is photogenic, what can I say?
TRYP Times Square Hotel: This was another Travelzoo success. We found a boutique hotel (aka modern, stylish, and clean) at half the price. The location worked because we were a short walk away from Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Centre, Fifth Avenue, and more importantly the subway. It would be nice to stay in SoHo or Greenwich Village, to experience more of the life of a local, but this hotel worked perfectly for our trip.
Times Square: Our hotel was just a block over from Times Square so we spent a lot of time passing through this area. Even sat on the steps one night just to chill. It is extremely crowded which I’m not a fan of, but great for people watching.
Central Park: was the first activity of the trip. We wandered through central park and stumbled upon the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace which I have never seen in all my trips but always wanted to (because it’s featured in so many movies and shows). I was so excited! As we continued along we ended up at the Central Park Boathouse (another place I’ve always wanted to visit). As soon as we saw you could rent boats, we jumped in line. Everyone was on a cute date and there was Andrea and I struggling like crazy to not only row, but struggling to avoid hitting every boat nearby. It was fun though!
Something Rotten: is definitely a must see show! I talk more about it in my Broadway Calling post, which reviews all the Broadway shows I’ve seen to date.
Nino’s 46: We went here for dinner and it was really tasty. We ordered calamari to split and then each got our own pizza. Tip: unless you are starving – you probably don’t need an appetizer and a pizza to yourself, split that pizza.
Top of the Rock: Of all tourist attractions this one is 100% worth it. So much so, that I’ve been there 3 times – each time gawking at the amazing view. Definitely recommend going right before sunset (daytime view, sunset view, and nighttime view) = perfection. I probably stay there for about an hour but it doesn’t feel like long.
Campbell’s Apartment: Calling all Gossip Girl fans! If you are willing to pay $14 for a delicious cocktail while listening to live jazz music in what feels like a speakeasy, all the while in a famous Gossip Girl setting, check this place out.
Brooklyn Bridge: It took seven trips to New York to finally walk the bridge, but I did it! Sadly it was so hot outside that I was not up for going to Smorgashbourg after (which is also on my NYC Bucketlist). Walking the Bridge was nice but it was crowded and hot so I’d probably do it again at dusk or dawn.
Union Square & Washington Square: I always make an effort to go back to this area. Back in 2011, I did an internship in NYC (documented here) and Union Square was the “home base” for us, since we lived at an NYU residence on 14th Street. This area feels like home to me and would definitely be the neighbourhood I’d choose to move to (cost permitted). Both parks are lovely to wander through.
Oysters: I love oysters. We found a restaurant near our hotel, called Thalia, that offers a $1 oyster deal from 7pm-close. Such a great deal so we went there for a small dinner. Oysters and appetizers (since the place is pricey otherwise).
Comedy Cellar: It took THREE tries to get into the Comedy Cellar (insider tip: reserve spots the day before, and make sure you reserved the right day/time) but it was all worth it in the end. We saw a great lineup of about 7 comedians, with a completely unexpected performance by the one and only Chris Rock! I’ve heard that famous comedians make surprise appearances once in a while to test out material but I didn’t even have that in mind when going to the show.
Columbus Circle & Rockefeller Centre: especially at night – these places both have a beautifully lit fountain. It’s really peaceful to sit there at night if you aren’t up for any crazy plans but don’t want to be stuck in the hotel.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar: This is the first rooftop bar I’ve experienced so I can’t say it’s the best but I can say it is pretty freakin’ amazing. The view was pretty much a 180 of the city with a perfect in-line view of the Empire State Building. The rooftop was decorated like a garden; palm tress, flowers, fresh mint growing for their delicious raspberry mojitos – I had two, you’ve got to order one of those, so good! (Also where I took the photo for this post’s header). What made this even more special was that it was a reunion with two of the friends I made on my exchange in France.
Chelsea Market: This was my first time checking out the Chelsea Market. There were a lot of cute shops and food vendors. I recommend getting tacos from Takumi Taco, a Japanese inspired Mexican restaurant.
High Line: is a lovely walk, not so lovely in the blazing heat though. But do it for some nice views! I also recommend starting or finishing the walk at the Chelsea Market.
Sadly, another great trip to NYC came to an end but I did tick a few things off my NYC Bucketlist! Already figuring out when I can go back :)
LOVED reading this! I have been to NYC a few times, but always too busy to tour around. I am going back in March, so this post really helped me out in deciding what to do between business. :-)
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So glad I could help! Definitely take time to tour around, even during a coffee break you can see so much :)
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Great post! I have also just came back from New York after studying for a month and I miss it so much it’s one of the best cities!
Aimee x
http://cappuccinointheclouds.co
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I saw your post too, great tips :) Wish I got a chance to see the exhibit at the Met, looks stunning.
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Awesome post! Me and a friend are heading in November/December time – I can’t wait! – We are obsessed with reading travel blogs about NYC and yours was awesome. Great tips thanks! xo
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That’s going to be so fun! Hopefully you’ll get to see all the Christmas decorations around the city – so pretty! & Thank you :) Lol I’m obsessed with reading travel blogs about NYC too
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Well, apparently the big Christmas Tree in Central Park gets ‘switched on’ when we are there – we are super excited about that!! I am counting down the days ha!
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Perfect!! :D
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I went to New York a few years ago and I fell in love with it! Times Square, Central Park and all the people, it was quite an amazing place. Lovely pictures! :)
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I love walking that bridge. Well done.
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Great post, enjoyed the read and the pictures! I am travelling to NYC in October and will definitely visit some of the places you mentioned. Cheers!
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Great to hear! Have a wonderful trip :)
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When you go back – try Southern Hospitality in Hells Kitchen – great food, and also the Fig and Olive in the Meat Packing Industry.- 2 of our favourites… We also love Bleekers street – if you haven’t been there already, its one of my favourite places in all of New York. Other good places you haven’t listed and you may like are Battery park, The UN building visit… I actually took a whole day and wondered from 110st in Harlem all the way to downtown – its just an incredible liberating experience to just wander for a whole day – tiring but amazing! Cant wait for your return to hear more of your adventures – A Wandering Memory
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Thank you so much for the tips! I will definitely write them down for my next trip :)
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No problem at all – I have been 9 times so know it pretty well – its always good to have some advice… but in the end you find your own way. Love the blog by the way – hope you’ve enjoyed some of my recent posts too (still learning)
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As cliché as this sounds… GOD I want to go to NYC!
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I’m moving to NYC in a few days for school, and this post just made me even more excited!xx
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Ah I’m jealous! Lucky you :) it’s going to be the time of your life
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What an amazing journey through words and photos for your trip to Manhattan. Even though I don’t live in Manhattan anymore I like you always plan my trips back ASAP. I’ll be there this week and next week so I hope to take your recommendations into action and blog back to you and make you proud!! Thank you for sharing.
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Lucky! Have an amazing time :) I’m glad I can help with recommendations and can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
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Such a fantastic city! I loved Washington Square Park and popped into the NYU student’s union shop because it looked so much better than Student Union shops in the UK haha!
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I did too! Back in high school I bought a tote and a water bottle from there :) I wanted to pretend I was going to NYU lol
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Haha fantastic! What made me laugh were the caps saying things like ‘NYU Dad’ ‘NYU Nan’ – they were brilliant!
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Love this post! It takes me back to New York for the short time I lived there. There were a few places you mentioned that I’m bummed I never got to visit, like the Chelsea market and Campbell’s apartment. Glad to see you had a great trip!
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More of a reason to visit New York again! :) & thank you!
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Reblogged this on KCJones.
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Great post:) Look forward to reading many more. Thanks for stopping by mine.
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love my citayy
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I’m planning a trip to NYC next week. I’ve been a few times before but this time I’m planning on walking the bridge (because I’ve never done it before)! Thanks for the tip of going in the evening.
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Glad I could help! Have a great trip :D
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Truly a beautiful city that does not seem to ever sleep like Toronto. NYC is also a place I frequent often for all the history and culture. It is great to see it through your lens.
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