More than half a year has passed and my New York trip is still imprinted in my core memory! I miss the food (like NYC pizza!), its mainstreamed tourist destinations and the feeling that I stayed where most American entertainment are filmed and recorded. This is one of the destinations that someone should visit once in a while; but I personally won’t consider to live here and it's for the reason that I might end up fangirling more than working!😂
This is a continuation of my previous blog entry in which I’ll share my full itinerary and tips of how to enjoy a week-trip at the Big Apple! One week is actually not enough to tour this whole state but we managed to cover most of the popular sites by having an early wake up call.
NB: This trip took place in October; All thoughts are of my own. I also added my itinerary links in this blog.
Is it safe to visit NYC?
I’d say that it’s best to visit here with someone or in a group as most areas are crowded and also—this is AMERICA. I spent a day on my own before I got to meet my friend there and in a glance, NYC was very overwhelming so I took extra caution of my valuables, duplicated a copy of my ID’s and I made sure that I always have data. If New York is compared from London, the latter is considerably safer.
⭐️My first-timer tip: Start your DIY tour either in Broadway Avenue or at Grand Central Station. Most of the tourist attractions are just stones away from those points!
Is it recommended to stay near Times Square?
Basically, it’s a fine accommodation anywhere in Manhattan and it really just depends on your itinerary. Like for me, I preferred to stay within Times Square so I could easily walk through most of the entertainment places that I want to go like the NBC studios and Rockefeller Plaza. Check out Booking.com for great accommodation deals across NYC!
You can read my blog entry about how you can watch an event or be part of a TV show here.
Alongside to that, I wanted to catch some Upper East Side vibes since I was watching Gossip Girl at that time. Hence, I visited some of its filming locations. Who wouldn’t miss at least, strolling inside the glamorous Lotte Hotel?
I gotta say that me and my friend are the real Blair and Serena.👯♀️
Whilst, this is the reality of Times Square during the day. Though, it’s definitely a must-visit at night but remember to be vigilant! The struggle is also real to take a decent picture during those hours.
Pardon my tourist soul (slash birthday girl) for taking about 200 shots in all of Times Square’s angles.🙆🏻♀️
- Keep an eye of your belongings as it’s always crowd-packed of tourists and locals
- Don’t be fooled by those wearing costumes whom sometimes sneak behind when you’re taking a selfie—It’s NOT FREE and once you give them attention then you are obliged to pay them. I know this also occurs in London and other European capitals but they are more rampant here in NY.
- Beware of contra band luxury item sellers like it’s best not to give them attention if you’re not going to buy. It will also save you from pickpockets.
Appreciation segue here about Joe's Pizza which you can also find in Times Square. Pizza is my favorite food next to pasta and this is the best I've ever tasted! No doubt that there's always a long queue at any time of the day as this is truly NYC pizza at its finest!
Visit the Museum of Modern Art- This is one of the first places that I went on my own and it’s worth it. I’m not much of a museum fan so at first, I only came to see Van Gogh’s “Starry, Starry Night”.
Then suddenly, I learnt that there’s more than that! Going around MoMA has made easy through accessing the audio guides from their website. The art pieces are also classified as to what you cannot miss to see (aka “The Unmissables”), the new exhibits, the most popular ones, etc.
I never thought I’d see Andy Warhol designs here! And this led me to buy a Campbells’ souvenir.
No doubt that I really find this contemporary art museum very interesting ⭐️
The "S" in SoHo means SHOPPING
This is another shopping district besides 5th Avenue. I couldn’t figure if there’s some difference between the prices here and in Europe but surely, it’s a must to shop for American brands (especially those that don’t ship outside USA).
On the other hand, there’s a NoHo which is more of a residential area of the state. I may sound cheeky but I once wondered how the ladders were used in climbing the flats. And imagine how these felt like those properties that get damaged on Marvel films.😅
The Flat Iron building and The Vessel located at Hudson Yards
These 2 buildings were some of the most iconic structures that shouldn’t be missed! We didn’t get to tour much in Hudson Yards but this is where you can see Chelsea Market and the Edge for an observatory deck experience.
The NYC Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
You can buy this sightseeing experience here.
Among the sightseeing bus tours that I’ve tried so far, this would be the best and most convenient! I never expected that this have several perks beside our advanced booking of a ferry ride to Liberty Island and an entrance ticket to the Empire State building. We got a free pizza slice, a butterbeer ice cream and a bike rent to be claimed in Central Park. I would have really loved to cycle but with so little time, we were only able to avail the food stuff. Though apart from that, the routes of this bus tour could save you a lot of money for public transport because it goes to all the tourist attractions.
Liberty Island by Day
We had a ferry ride going to Liberty Island from Battery Park. Truly, it was such a beautiful scene of Manhattan in the middle of the sea. Aside from that, this ferry goes to Staten Island and New Jersey too!
Once we got to the island, there we saw this stunning gift from France (and I think that this must be the same size as the Eiffel Tower). It’s incredible that you can also go on top of her crown (with an extra fee)! Though I can’t believe I finally saw Lady Liberty. Additionally, this is where I bought some souvenirs as they offer bundles like I bought a t-shirt and cap for $30.
After that half day trip, we walked towards Wall Street, The Charging Bull and The World Trade Center
It was a long queue to touch those balls so I took a selfie with the Bull instead; Hoped this also counts for bringing good fortune! 😝
You can still feel that melancholy atmosphere in this area especially when you see the name carvings of those who passed from that 911 incident.
Empire State Building by Night
This was taken during our sightseeing bus tour.
On that same evening, we head on to the iconic Empire State Building! I got to say that this wasn’t just about seeing Manhattan from above but it’s giving the awe-feeling on how symbolic this was in most American films. There’s one room that shows all the films which the Empire State was featured.
One of which was “Sleepless in Seattle”—My mom just even encouraged me to watch this a few days before I go to New York and now that I’ve reached this place, I couldn’t help to appreciate this! I truly wish that I’ll meet my MFEO here!
Summit One Vanderbilt
Another observatory deck that I really enjoyed was Summit OV which is literally located near the Grand Central Station. Better book in advanced as tickets get sold fast!Although it's usually packed, I'd recommend to come here early during the day.
Summit OV has 3 floors filled with interactive and Instagram-worthy features apart from the breathtaking Manhattan views. Their main motif is all about “levitation” besides being known to have the largest glass floor elevator in the world.
Plus,make sure to check out their rooftop bar which serves great views with good food. I admit that I can’t get enough of Sabrett hotdogs since I've stayed in NY.😝
Half day in Brooklyn
Then lastly, we toured Lower Manhattan aka Brooklyn in the afternoon after Summit OV. The heat was slightly raging at that time but we still took the challenge to cross the Brooklyn Bridge. Generally, it took us about 45 minutes but that includes frequent stops to take pictures 😆 I've read several reviews that the best time to go here would be early morning to avoid the crowd and I agree with that. The afternoon can be very busy even on a normal weekday.
proud to see the Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass 😉
This actually gives some “Gossip Girl” vibes again as this is the Humphreys’ territory in the series. I had no expectation of what DUMBO looked like and even at first, it did not really appeal on me. But as we took a stroll around, I found the place very hip, full of pop culture—and a bit similar to where I live in London(IYKYK).
Hence, that’s a wrap and I hope my NYC tips and recommendations help! I definitely love to come back again soon especially if there’s an event for my favorite celebs 🤞🏻 And likewise, I’m keen to tour another part of the USA someday ♡
I'm well-aware I haven't posted for a very long time even when I've planned to publish this earlier. Things in reality has been so hectic despite my travel hiatus. Though, all is well and I'm ready to travel again😉
‘til then!
