NYC September 2018

As you can see from my previous posts I’ve already visited NYC. 
Instead of doing a daily recount as I usually do to avoid repetition I’ve decided to list the things I did that I didn’t do before and general top tips.

DUMBO Flea Market:
There’s a flea market in DUMBO Brooklyn selling vintage clothes, trinkets, jewellery and knick knacks. It’s on Pearl St every Sunday. Definitely recommend if you like a bit of vintage. 


Greenwich Village: it’s an area with really nice 4 or 5 storey brownstones. There are restaurants around this area and is generally quite hip. It’s also where the outside of Carrie from SATC & the Friends apartment was filmed if that’s any interest to you.  SATC: 66 Perry Street. Friends: Corner of Grove & Bedford St. 

Top of the Rock: as far as observatory towers go the main outdoor ones are the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Centre and the Empire State Building. I’ve been to both and preferred the Top of the Rock. If you have always wanted to go to the Empire State Building then by all means tick that off your bucket list. If on the other hand you’re really not that bothered then I’d recommend the Top of the Rock. There are 3 different vantage points with your ticket compared to one at the Empire State. It’s nicer at the top as there’s glass instead of metal railings. 
Most importantly you can actually see the Empire State from the Top of The Rock. Tickets are $40 and if you want to exchange your ticket on the day if it’s raining or zero visibility for example they will do that for you. I’d definitely recommend buying online to avoid the queues. 


Central Park: this iconic park is absolutely huge and I would recommend getting a tuk tuk ride around the park. They vary on price dependant on length. We paid $120 for 45 minutes. The driver also gives you several facts about the park and ours was happy to take photos of us at any point. 
He showed us the Friends fountain, proposal bridge, other notable places in films. 


Subway: the subway is the quickest way to get around Manhattan as the traffic is ridiculous and 24/7 but is so dirty and hot it’s pretty unbearable. I can totally see why rich people in the films never get the subway. It’s also pretty confusing in general. But a NYC rite of passage nevertheless. 

Shopping: So Manhattan is known for its shopping. There are several places to go and I’d recommend the below:
Columbus Circle
5th Ave
Broadway & Spring St
Greeseley Sq
Union Square

Brooklyn Bridge: it’s quite picturesque to walk across. Choose a clear/sunny day if you can. Early in the morning 8/9am is also best as there will be lots of people on the bridge the later you go. If you can’t get there that early I’d recommend going in the morning nevertheless. 
Depending on where you’re staying I would recommend basing that on which end you start from. If you’re staying in Manhattan then it makes sense to start at the Brooklyn side then you’ll end up in where you need to be and vice versa. 


The High Line: this is a discontinued  railway line which is now used as a pedestrian walkway. It’s a nice walk and it’s cool being elevated. It’s about a mile long and you can access it from either end. You will either end in Hudson Yards or the Meatpacking District so start the High Line based on where you want to end up. 
 
RESTAURANTS
There are a million choices of places to eat in NYC. To avoid the tourist trap and American chains I would avoid Times Square for eating especially Ruby Tuesday, Red Lobster, Olive Garden etc. Again obviously if you’ve always wanted to go to these places go ahead but if you want to go New York specific places I’d avoid Times Square for restaurants.  

Refinery Rooftop: best for summer or spring. Rooftop bar serving contemporary American food. The starters are really big so I’d get one to share if you’re getting a main course. They’ve also got a nice bar if you just want to get a drink. 

La Esquina (The Corner): From the outside this doesn’t look like much but there’s a downstairs which houses a Mexican restaurant. Great drinks and tacos. 


Katz Deli: This is quite a famous restaurant and is always super packed but I’d definitely recommend. It’s been in several films and frequented by several Hollywood stars. The pastrami sandwich is their speciality which I’d recommend between 2 people as it’s huge but amazing. 


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