Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today….
The city that never sleeps, New York is a must-see destination for any traveller and it’s all the more magical coming into the festive season.
With something for everyone, the Big Apple truly has it all and to be honest, we’re already planning our next trip back and here’s why…
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The ice-skating
Because if you’re going to brave the rink, you might as well do it New York style. Get your skates on and head to the famous Woolman Rink in Central Park, or The Rink at Rockefeller Centre.
Or possibly both.
The sparkling Christmas lights
Nowhere in the world does Christmas quite like New York. And if you’re a holiday fanatic like we are, that’s surely reason enough to fly across the Atlantic when the temperatures take a dip! When darkness falls, head to the Top of The Rock (the observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Centre) or the Empire State Building to soak up the incredible displays of twinkling lights around the city. Bundle up and take a walk along the Brooklyn Bridge to enjoy the green and red lights of the Empire State Building, and get that magical Christmassy feeling.
Food glorious food
Spoilt. for. choice. No matter what type of cuisine is top of your hitlist, you’ll have a huge choice of awesome eateries in New York. Grab a slice of famous New York pizza on the go or sit down for a Japanese feast in Nobu. The toughest decision you’ll face during your trip will be choosing a place to dine!
The snow
What’s better than a trip to New York? You’ve guessed it, a trip to New York in the SNOW! We all dream of a white Christmas, and it’s the best city in the world to experience it. Bundle up in scarves, hats and snoods, and soak up the festive atmosphere like you never have done before.
Be a part of it
A ticket for a Broadway show should be one of the first things that you book for your trip to New York. You can get tickets at a variety of different agents or the concierge at your hotel will help you out. Get bargains on tickets from the TKTS booth on Times Square, where tickets go on sale with up to 40 per cent off. The catch is that you can only buy tickets for the same day, annoying if you want to see something in particular, amazing if you just want to soak up the Broadway experience.
Ladies who brunch
Brunch has become a phenomenon in recent years from Dublin to Dubai, but the bottomless brunch really has its roots in New York. Indulge in an all-you-can-eat and drink brunch on a Sunday, and be sure to book one that includes a show. Sit back, relax and pretend you are a true New Yorker like Carrie and the gang.
The shopping…
New York may be full of amazing things to see, but be sure to take some time out to hit the shops. From landmark stores such as Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, there are bargains a plenty in the Big Apple, so hit the streets and get shopping. Both Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s have visitor centres where they will give you additional discounts – sound lads! As for outlet shopping, you need to leave the city for the best but they will be worth your while – you’re looking for Woodbury Common and Jersey Gardens.
The Statute of Liberty
New York’s most iconic landmark, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see for all visitors. Take the ferry out to Staten Island where you will get some great pictures of the New York skyline too. Hitting the water is very popular in New York, visit Staten and Ellis Islands or take an evening dinner cruise.
Times Square
Featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows, Times Square is familiar to people everywhere and the hustle and bustle of one of the most famous squares in the world cannot be missed. Check out Madame Tussauds nearby, peek into Toys R Us and keep an eye out for the naked cowboy!
The Empire State Building
As we’ve said already, you cannot leave New York without seeing the city spread out in all its glory in front of you from the top of the Empire State Building. A tick on the bucket list for every visitor to the city, day or night the views are spectacular. The queues are pretty intense for this, so book in advance, get there as early as you can and bring plenty of water.
Don’t miss…
There are so many landmarks in New York that it’s hard to fit them all in but don’t miss out on the legendary Central Park, Grand Central Station, Carnegie Hall, Chinatown and Brooklyn Bridge. Buy weekly passes for the subway to get you round the city with ease and be sure to have some famous New York style pizza… you won’t regret it.
Scream and shout
The New Yorkers are proud of their local sports scene and going to New York without taking in a baseball or basketball game is like sitting outside Croke Park with a free ticket to the All-Ireland. The Yankees are the team to see in New York where you will be dazzled by the pinstripes, and be sure to head to Madison Square Garden for NY Rangers hitting the ice or watch the Knicks shooting hoops.
Insider’s tips: Take your time in New York. There is so much to see and do there and although you might not get it all done, you can get a number of landmarks ticked off the list.
Get the hang of the subway from day one and you will have no problem getting around and be sure to enjoy every second in one of the most famous cities in the world.
