The Big Apple will always have the key to our hearts. This is one of the most visited and iconic destinations on the planet!
You could spend a month in NYC and still have loads left to see, but if you are planning a trip for the very first time and are on a tight budget, there are some important things to know.
Here are our top tips for enjoying the highlights of New York City without spending a fortune.
Getting Around
Get Lost
The great thing about New York is that every area has its own vibe and its own claim to fame. Turn a block and you can feel like you’re in a completely different city. Head to Greenwich Village for intimate but metropolitan vibes and independent shops, or if you’re into class, sass and history, opt for DUMBO’s warehouse chic.
Know Your Subway Options
Granted, the London underground is much more manic than New York, so if you’ve survived that, you can survive the subway. However, we need to warn you that the likelihood of you getting lost either below or above ground is about 80%. The good news is, the subway has Wi-Fi so make sure you load Google Maps to make sure you don’t start walking east and north instead of west and south…
Yellow Taxis
Just how people make a big deal out of our red phone boxes, we make a fuss over the iconic yellow taxi. We don’t know why, but they just feel cooler, OK? Make sure to keep any taxi journeys short and sweet because it can get pricey, but if you want to live the blockbuster dream, then splash out on a ride across Brooklyn Bridge!
Tourist Attractions
Be a tourist and don your I Love New York tee with pride, take photos every 0.2 seconds and flash your map like it’s nobody’s business. On a visit to NYC, you HAVE to do the Empire State Building. Go late for super short queues and panoramic views from 86 floors up.
Also, don’t be a tourist Ok, don’t always be that guy… Even in just 48 hours, you can enjoy New York without running around like a headless chicken. Enjoy hidden New York, from the old City Hall station that you can see while on the 6 train back uptown, the beautiful Washington Mews or even a part of the Berlin Wall (who knew?!).
Where to Eat
There are SO many restaurants in New York, from trendy underground haunts to tiny quirky joints serving pizza by the slice to rival that of Italy.
Treat Yourself
For a special occasion you have to book Beauty & Essex. Do not let the name fool you, this is one of the hottest and classiest spots in town. It is also one of the hardest restaurants to find as the front is disguised as an antique pawn shop. Quirky! The food is American tapas with a twist. Be sure to order the Grilled Cheese with Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings. A-mazing!
The Dollar Slice
Everyone loves pizza, and you can bet your bottom dollar that New Yorkers know how to do it best. Get yourself a slice of the good stuff from dollar slice vendors across the city. 2 Bros Pizza is a great shout for doughy goodness, but if you can spare more than one dollar for your dinner, then head to Joe’s – the institution in pizza magic.
Burgers
Move aside McDonalds and Burger King, for a cheap and cheerful bite, and not to mention the best burger you will ever have, head to the chilled out but buzzing Burger Joint hidden behind a red velvet curtain in the Le Parker Meridien hotel. The hotel may be posh, but this hidden gem is the opposite – a great casual spot! There is often a queue (it is SO worth it), but try and go at off peak hours if you can, for a late lunch or an early dinner.
Brunch
If brunch is more thing…
Brunch is a rite of passage in the States, especially in New York City. If you are in town on the weekend and fancy a boozy bottomless brunch head to Paradou in the trendy Meatpacking district. This is a popular spot so be sure to book before you go. It gets pretty rowdy with big groups so do not expect a quite meal for two. The drinks keep flowing and the pulled pork sliders are the best I have ever tasted!
If you are after a more casual and quiet affair without the booze check out Penelope in the Kips Bay neighbourhood. This is a great local spot with sensational brunch options – go for the buttermilk pancakes. For one of the most famous brunch restaurants in town (thanks to Gossip Girl) make your way to Sarabeth’s on Central Park South. A very popular spot, with a few more tourists than the other two but still a great choice for a delish start to the day!
Bars and Nightlife
You’ve got the evening to kill and yes, you definitely should go to Times Square at night even though it will be incredibly busy. But, once you’re done with all that, head to the Dead Rabbit, an amazing Irish Bar on Water Street for whiskey cocktails galore. If whiskey’s not your potion, there is a huge list of must-try bars waiting to be discovered!
Where to Shop
When heading across the pond, shopping has to be on your agenda. You need to be strategic when planning your day so that you don’t have to travel too far with too many bags – if you are anything like me that can end up being quite painful. So pick an area and conquer it!
I would begin a day’s shopping on 5th Avenue at around 43rd street, this is just two blocks from The New York Public Library and Bryant Park. Walking along 5th towards Central Park you will be in shopping heaven, from upmarket designer stores to a massive Forever 21, Urban Outfitters and loads more.
Once you hit Central Park, head east towards 3rd Avenue and 56th street to the infamous Bloomingdales. I LOVE this department store, think of a Harrods and Selfridges hybrid. Be sure to go to the visitors section before you start shopping as you can get a money off voucher when you show your non-American ID!
On a separate shopping day head to Soho, a melting pot of every variety of fashion you can think of and such a lovely area to get lost in. And of course, no trip to New York is complete without getting your Bloomingdale’s little brown bag!
We can’t think why NYC wouldn’t be on your travel list, with so much to do and see – I’d recommend going three times a year if you could! Good job you can get cheap flights to NYC pretty much all year round.
