New York City: The Best of The Big Apple

New York City…insert Frank Sinatra or Alicia Keys Song IMMEDIATELY! This city is by FAR one of my FAVORITES in all of the world. There is SO much to see, do, eat and experience here…it’s a place like no other in the world! If winter didn’t exist in NYC, I’d move there in a heartbeat.

When To Go To New York City:

The best time to visit New York City is anytime! In spring and fall, you’ll have more mild weather, with flowers blooming or leaves changing color. The summer is hot and humid, but full of life. The winter months, especially Christmas time, are like no place else in the world with snow covering Central Park and colorful lights illuminating the city.

How To Get Around New York City:

Walking: NYC is best discovered by foot, but it is quite large from Upper to Lower Manhattan (5 miles, 8km), so you’ll need to use other modes of transport.

Taxi: Taxi’s are abundant and available all over the city. They accept credit cards and cash.

Subway: The subway is a great way to get around the city and it’s super affordable, although I wouldn’t recommend it late at night.

Uber: We use Uber all over the city because it’s fast, reliable, no money is exchanged and it’s generally cheaper than taxis.

Luggage Storage in New York City:

Are you in need of storing your luggage so you can roam around the city bag-free, with ease? Look no further than Nannybag. Nannybag is a reputable service with hundreds of locations in dozens of cities in Europe, who have now launched in NYC! They have locations in 4 of the 5 boroughs of NYC: Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. All their locations are convenitnetly located near subway stops.

Nannybag has arranged with local hotels and shops to store your luggage. Your luggage will be kept in a secure location and a generous insurance of $2000 per bag is included in the price. Their prices are very super affordable too: $6 per bag for the first 24-hours and $4 per bag for each additional day. You can also recieve a 10% discount with promo code FREETOURSBYFOOT. Reservations and payments are made through their website and there is no fee for canceling as long as your reservation time has not started.

Nannybag also has some great features: No size, shape or weight limitation of your baggage, some locations offer free wifi and use of restrooms, you can book at the last minute (even 5 minutes before you need storage, and locations are reviewed by users to help you decide which location you feel comfortable using.

Do note: While it is easy to find their locations on their map, you won’t receive the exact name, address and contact of the shop/hotel until you have booked. Also, not all locations are accessible 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Be sure to check the times you can drop off and pick up your bags. Click here to learn more and find a convenient location near you.

Where To Stay In New York City:

Airbnb:

We are always faithful users of Airbnb, because I LOVE to cook and we always have Miesha with us (our fluffy dog). While we didn’t use Airbnb on our stays in NYC, I still highly recommend booking one if you’re going to be in the city for more than a few days, as it’s significantly less expensive than a hotel.

For $33 off your first AIRBNB booking, click HERE:

Hotel Tonight:

Hotel Tonight is arguably one of the greatest concepts ever created for booking hotels (besides Airbnb, of course). Basically, they have a deal with hotels who want to fill up their rooms, so they’ll allow you to book at a VERY discounted price. If you’re someone who likes to take chances and book last minute (you can only book up to one week in advance), then this is the app for you. We stayed near Times Square at The Four Points By Sheraton for $100USD/night! They even upgraded us (for free!) to the most incredible suite I’ve ever stayed in when we went to Atlantic City!

If you want to save $25 off your first booking, enter in my code: NIWALZ

The William Vale: Brooklyn

The William Vale is one of the most elegant hotels we’ve stayed in in all our travels. It’s amenities are top notch, the rooms are contemporary, its views of Brooklyn and Manhattan are gorgeous and the service is outstanding! Hint: Book a room at the William Vale through the app ‘Hotel’s Tonight’ for a MUCH better rate (and if you use my promo code NIWALZ for your first booking, you’ll save $25)!

The New Yorker, a Wyndham Hotel: 

For a great hotel in a great location, that won’t break the bank, stay at New Yorker Hotel. We were impressed with their customer service and rooms when we stayed, especially for the price ($150+).

What To Do In New York City:

Free Tours By Foot:

I would have to write an ENTIRE storybook on what to see and do in NYC, but some of the best places can be seen via tours, and there is NO better company than Free Tours By Foot. FTBF offers up free tours of the city, but make SURE you tip your guide! They offer (almost) daily tours with a duration of two hours of The Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown, Harlem, Downtown Manhattan, Lower Manhattan (Financial District), Greenwich Village, Central Park, Chelsea, The High Line, Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal and even Graffiti and Street Art Tours. They also offer tours in Spanish!

Central Park:

Central Park is an urban park made of 843 acres between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side. You can go for a run or walk through the Park or take a tour to really experience the full history and see all the sights. Be sure to stop by Wagner Cove, a beautiful little nook where Josh and I got engaged four years ago.

Statue of Liberty:

Statue Cruises is a reputable company that departs from Battery Park (NYC) or Liberty State Park (New Jersey). With a purchase of a reserve ticket, you’ll gain access to round-trip ferry service, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, an audio tour and the Statue of Liberty Grounds. You’ll have to pay a bit more to access the Pedestal of Lady Liberty and the Museum, as well as the Crown. DO NOTE that in order to go up to the crown, you’ll need to purchase tickets FAR IN ADVANCE. Cost per person is $18.50.

Empire State Building:

The Empire State Building: a 102-story iconic skyscraper that was completed in 1931, is one of the most famous buildings in the world and it’s 360-degree 86th floor observatory is not to be missed while visiting. Cost per person is $36 for adult.

Times Square: 

No trip to NYC is complete without visiting Times Square. This popular intersection is full of shopping, street performers, lights, sounds and street food. It’s best not to dine in Times Square, as most of the restaurants are overpriced with medicore quality.

One World Trade Center:

One World Trade Center is the newly rebuilt World Trade Center complex and is the sixth-tallest buidling in the world. Head to the top, where you’ll climb 102 stories in 47 seconds, for INCREDIBLE views from their One World Observatory. There’s even a restaurant a fine dining restaurant if you wish to dine overlooking Manhattan (be sure to make a reservation on Open Table). Cost per entry is $36.

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum:

The 911 Memorial Museum commemorates the 2,977 victims killed on September 11th, 2001 and the World Trade Center bombing of 1993, which killed six. Cost per entry is  $24 adults.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: 

The Met is the largest art museum in the USA holding more than 2 million works of art, including the world’s oldest surviving piano, dating back to 1720. Cost per entry is $25.

Grand Central Terminal:

Grand Central Terminal is an iconic, historical railroad terminal that dates back to 1871. Be sure to stop in for some great photo ops! Grab a bite to eat or a beer at one of the 35 dining options within the Terminal.

Fifth Avenue:

If you love shopping, then 5th Avenue is where it’s at! If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during Christmastime, be sure to check out the beautifully decorated shop windows at Macy’s and many other retailers.

Rockefeller Center:

Rockefeller Center is a MUST see at Christmas time, with the iconic Christmas Tree and ice skating rink. Take a tour of NBC studios and soak in the views at Top of the Rock.

Broadway: 

If time permits while on your trip, be sure to see a Broadway show! Did you know that there are 40 Broadway theaters and only 4 of them are actually on Broadway?!

Radio City Music Hall: 

Once one of the leading tourist destinations in NYC, Radio City Music Hall is nicknamed the Showplace of the Nation. It’s an entertainment venue that has housed more than 300 million people for shows, movies, concerts and special events. If time permits, take the 75 minute walk through tour.

Carrie-Bradshaw House:

Calling all Sex and the City lovers! Be sure to stop by 66 Perry Street to grab a pic in front of the iconic Carrie Bradshaw House where she lived during the series. Do note that only the exterior was utilized for filming of her apartment and the interior was located elsewhere.

Mood Fabric Store:

Calling all Project Runway Fans! Be sure to stop by the iconic Mood Fabric Store, located on 37th street, near 8th Avenue. I may have walked around the isles shouting ‘Make It Work’ in my best Tim Gunn Voice 😉

Brooklyn Bridge: 

Finished in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge  is is a cable suspension bridge and is one of the oldest roadway bridges in the USA.

Where To Eat/Drink:

We are SUPER health conscious individuals, being both Chiropractors & Yoga Teachers and, although we like to enjoy local cuisine when we travel, we love The HowUDishApp when we travel in the USA. HowUdish helps us find healthy options at nearby restaurants with detailed nutrition facts.

Note: Payment was made to review HowUdish, but we only review things we really stand behind, and this app is one of them! 

Top Deck- 102nd Floor:

The BEST way to take in sights of The Big Apple, is to head up to Top Deck at the Empire State Building  to have a cocktail and soak it all in.

Output Brooklyn:

If you’re looking for more of a chill, relaxed vibe, the head to the rooftop of Output on a sunny day for epic views of the city and great music. Output also offers up one of the  underground clubs in all of NYC, with a sound system that will blow your mind.

Westlight: 

Located on the 22nd floor of the rooftop of Westlight at The William Vale Hotel is a super chic spot with EPIC views of Manhattan!

The Kingsley NYC:

The Kingsley NYC  is the perfect spot for brunch with a great menu and atmosphere.

Foods to Eat in NYC:

No visit to NYC is complete without eating the following foods: pizza, bagels, burgers, and food truck goodies–so bring your appetite!

Fun Facts About NYC: 

The first capital of the United States was New York City. In 1789 George Washington took his oath as president on the balcony at Federal Hall.

The first public brewery in America was established by Peter Minuit at the Market (Marckvelt) field in lower Manhattan.

New York was the first state to require license plates on cars.

The Big Apple is a term coined by musicians meaning to play the big time.

New York City has 722 miles of subway track.

The “New York Post” established in 1803 by Alexander Hamilton is the oldest running newspaper in the United States.

Facts Provided By: https://www.50states.com/facts/new-york.htm

Spread The Travel Love ⤵

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