It’s very difficult to narrow down just five things to like about the city that never sleeps. From Manhattan to the Bronx, it is easy to see why people from all over the world fall in love with New York. For the Newbie Traveller or the Urban Explorer – this is the quintessential guide and must-do’s for your trip to The Big Apple. Travel Beyond’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator Ellen, travelled to New York and shares the five things she likes about this breath-taking city…
Country: United States of America
Closest International Airport: JFK New York International Airport
Flight Time (from Sydney, Australia): 20 hours (one stopover at LAX or DFW)
Airlines: Qantas, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways.
Traveller Types: The No-Hassle Traveller, the Free-Spirit, the Cultural Explorer, the Genuinely Curious, the Newbie, the Solo or Group Traveller, the Adventurer, and the Urban Explorer.
Best Time of Year to Visit: July – September
Maximum Average Temperature: 28 degrees
Minimum Average Temperature: 15 degrees
Budget (for seven days): $3000.00+ (AUD)
1. Accommodation at The Waldorf Astoria
As one of the most iconic properties in midtown Manhattan, the Waldorf Astoria oozes elegance and grace from the very moment you catch a glimpse of the building. Since 1893, the Waldorf Astoria has continued to deliver five star service throughout their guest rooms and suites. The landmark hotel contains exquisite art-deco styled influences (dating back to almost 100 years) and modern necessities in every room.
The dining experience at the hotel is like no other from the iconic and world-renowned Waldorf Salad (that is served more than 20,000 times a year) to the classic Waldorf Brunch. Order anything on the vast menu to taste hints of honey or herbs which is locally grown on the rooftop of the hotel.
Address: 301 Park Avenue, New York, 10022
Phone: +1 (212) 355-3000
Photo: Waldorf Astoria
Photo: Waldorf Astoria
2. A Baseball Game at Yankee Stadium
Get a sense of the real New York in the Bronx and join your fellow Yankee supporters for a baseball game at the iconic Yankee Stadium. Catch the subway directly there and let the aroma of hot dogs and Bronx Pale Ale sink into your pores.
The atmosphere at a Major League Baseball game is electric – from chants and commentary to the energy of the crowd when the Yankee’s hit a home-run. Sitting in the well-worn, classic blue seats, you can literally feel the anticipation and excitement from the crowd. Do not miss the opportunity to see the game that draws thousands of die-hard supporters to the stadium each season.
Address: 1 E 161st St, Bronx, New York, 10451
3. Exploring Times Square
Stepping into Times Square for the very first time is like entering an alternate universe with bright lights at each turn and the iconic yellow taxis passing you every second. Best explored on foot, the tourist hot-spot is not to be taken for granted: stop by a pretzel stand or pop into Dunkin’ Doughnuts and explore the city both night or day.
Call into Ellen’s Stardust Diner to enjoy a performance from aspiring part-time Broadway actors as they sing and dance, quite literally, on your table as they serve your meal. Alternatively, purchase a ticket in the middle of Times Square to a real Broadway show and experience the very best in theatre entertainment.
Times Square is breath-taking, disorientating, captivating, and hypnotic. Ideal for the Urban Explorer’s and the Genuinely-Curious travellers, the middle of the city itself is the must-see quintessential New York.
Photo: Ellen’s Stardust Diner/Pintrest
4. Revolving Dinner at The View Restaurant and Lounge
Be transported an astonishing 48 stories above the city skyline and the result will take your breath away. As soon as you step out of the express elevator into The View Restaurant and Lounge, its is hard to not be taken aback with the 360 degree, slowly revolving views of New York city, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Centre, Madison Square Garden, Central Park and more.
Enjoy a spectacular range of contemporary American cuisine from a tender slow cooked pork shank to a mouth-watering roasted Atlantic salmon…it is obvious that reservations are essential at The View. As the city’s only revolving restaurant, it is the best way to see the sights of New York while enjoying a vast menu of fresh and local produce.
Address: 301 Park Avenue, New York, 10022
Phone: +1 (212) 355-3000
Photo: The View, NY
Photo: The View, NY
Photo: The View, NY
5. Cycling around Central Park
Escape the concrete jungle and discover the twisting paths and tranquillity of Central Park. It is, without a doubt, one of the most astounding locations in the city where New Yorkers exercise, relax in the sun, or just simply enjoy their surrounds. Known as the “Oasis of Insanity”, the breath-taking urban park is a massive 843 acres in the middle of Manhattan, consisting of lush gardens, vast bodies of water and fountains, and winding, serene paths.
Hire a bike for a couple of hours and leave the map behind to explore Central Park. On a warm day it is the best way to truly appreciate its beauty as the the spring sun shines through towering trees. Stop by the Central Park Zoo or enjoy a picnic amongst the manicured European-styled gardens and soak in your surrounds.
Address: 59th and 110th Streets, New York, 10022 (between Central Park West and Fifth Avenue)
Wanting to explore The Big Apple like Ellen? Leave her a comment below or contact us to book your next getaway to the city that never sleeps…
Have you seen our previous post? Click here to see Five Things We Like About New Orleans.