The Big Apple -The City that will never sleep (New York City)

Member Name: jaylad

Product:	New York City
Date:	13/01/02 (226 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loads to do, easy to get about, cheap to fly to

Disadvantages: Known for high crime rate

New York is one of the few places you actually think “wow” about. The city is so big, with so many things to do and see, it really makes a great trip for anyone visiting.

We actually went because I found a New York guidebook in the bookshelf when tidying up, and the next thing we were booking a holiday there!!

We only went for 2 nights, and this meant a very tiring rush to see all we could in a short space of time. I would go for at least 4 nights to see all the main attractions.

We flew to Newark airport, with a brand new arrivals area and quick baggage reclaim, I would say its nicer than the main airport, JFK. However, a taxi to Manhattan is about $40, pricier than from JFK.
We got to our hotel quite late and we just had to sleep then after the flight. The next day, and the first thing you should do is the Statue of Liberty. Midday and the queues are at least an hour long to board the ferry, so get there early and there are no queues! You have to go through security, then the ferry takes you to Liberty island but at the moment you cant go in or up the statue for security reasons. Ellis island is also worth a visit where the old immigration centre stands which is now a museum. When on the ferry, turn round and take a look and the amazing skyline and it really takes your breath away!

Times Square, which is like Piccadilly Circus in London, except a thousand times better is just amazing at night. Huge flashing adverts and masses of shops tower over the streets some as tall as 800ft! This is home to Planet Hollywood, Madame Tussauds and a huge Toys R Us which even has a ride inside!! 5th Avenue, the famous shopping street, runs through here too, and you can literally buy anything! Macys, the famous department store, is here so leave about a day to see the whole shop! Madison Square garden, the famous boxing arena is also very near to Macys.

The Empire State building is a bit of a walk away from Times Square
but obviously a “must do” attraction. Again, the queues can be long, so get there early. You also have to go through security before going in a lift. The lifts are amazing! The lift literally goes up 10 floors every 1.5 seconds and you feel nothing apart from your ears popping! On the 80th floor, you then have to get in another lift which takes you to the top, get out and its Whoooaaaaaa!!!! The view is amazing, you can see everything in the city including the nearby Chrysler building. There is a shop at the top and you can walk outside round the observation floor. It’s really sad looking out towards the Statue of Liberty direction and noticing the absence of the WTC twin towers.

Another thing worth remembering in New York, is that you will do lots of walking, You can take the Subway, but you will see nothing of the city and we only took the subway back to our hotel. It is cheap to travel on though, but don’t take it at night.
When walking about we toured Grand Central station, a huge building and we also saw the United Nations HQ. Ground Zero, the former site of the twin towers has a different atmosphere, because most of the city seems to be back to normal, but the business district where ground zero is, has stayed stopped in time, and many office blocks have not been used since September.
Another big attraction in New York is Broadway, a large street with loads of Musicals showing. If you have the time, go and see one, especially if your hotel is on Broadway as ours was!

The last thing we did on our final day, was to go ice skating in Central park! There are two rinks, north and south. The main one is the famous southern one, which alternates as rollerblading/ice skating depending on season. We highly recommend this. We only waited 5 mins to get on the ice, and although it’s very expensive, is so fun! Music is played over speakers and you really feel like your in a film!

Last thing, and its back
to the airport, this time JFK airport (John.F.Kennedy International). There is a set rate of $35 Manhattan-JFK airport, but make sure you have more cash for tolls and tips. JFK terminal 1 is very nice, but make sure you get there early to check-in.

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