The ‘City That Never Sleeps’ happens to be most people's dream vacation destination and one of my favourites cities amongst many, I believe everyone deserves a visit to New York at least once in their lifetime hence the purpose of this blog post, the big apple is full of cool and unusual things to do from roof top ice rinks, bumper cars on ice during winter seasons, life-size rainbow prims, infinity pools in the summer, rooftop cinemas to a floating bar & restaurant. New York is a magical city and one of the best destinations in the world. You might spend a lifetime there and still not discover it all as new innovations are being created daily. Here’s a list of bucket-lists things to do in New York for first-time visitors, returning tourist and even locals as you’d be surprised that a lot of locals do not know about some hidden gems in New York. I’ve being fortunate to have visited New York 4 times in total, so this blog post is a compilation of my recommendations from my visits last year as I visited both in the summer and winter. With so many parts of the world on your bucket-list, it'll be a good idea to get this one ticked off. New York consists of 5 unique boroughs Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx and Staten island. I personally haven't been to Bronx & Staten Island only because they're far out from the centre of the city, but I’ll make that a mission on my next visit. Best times to visit New York in my opinion i believe are in the Summer (July) and Winter season (December) although the Late Winter (January) seasons after the New Year tend to be very cheap as prices are slashed greatly. On the other hand, Spring (March) & Fall seasons are also cheap as hotel and flight prices are decent.
Brooklyn Bridge
We've all seen the Brooklyn bridge in several movies, it has some of the best skyline views of New York, although it’s advisable to get here early to avoid crowds. An early morning jug or cycle over the Brooklyn bridge is perhaps a great idea. Great for walks, photoshoots and watching the sunrise or set as its peaceful even amongst all the locals & tourists. As a male Halifornia Apparel brand ambassador i had to create some contents to promote their brand which i did a photoshoot for at the Brooklyn bridge. use (SAMSONO4020) to get 20% off and free delivery.
The Charging Bull Statue
The enormous bronze “Charging Bull” statue on Wall Street has long been a representation of capitalism’s uncontrolled power, the statue was fascinating to me as the sheer size is attention grabbing, it’s great for comical photo ops. It’s said that if you fondle with the bull’s massive balls, you’ll get great financial luck, so I had to go give it a try. A great tip would be to visit early as this attraction does get crowded and could turnout difficult to grab a picture without it being photo-bombed by strangers.
Visit Dumbo
Dumbo has an epic view of the Brooklyn bridge, again as a clothing brand ambassador for One Nvtion i had to create some contents to promote their brand which i did a photoshoot for at dumbo. Dumbo does get crowded as tourists are all over the street trying to grab a picture for the gram, so i'd suggest getting here early.
Giant Chocolate Waterfall
Venchi Chocolate and Gelato close to union square park on 861 Broadway offers a broad range of fine Italian chocolates, chocolate bars, ice cream and gelato. This is the largest chocolate waterfall in North America and it’s something to see! I have never tasted chocolate better than venchi's, the chocolate waterfall is fascinating to looks at, i once saw someone use their fingers to taste the chocolate dripping down off the walls, perhaps they had a higher chocolate craving. The cafe can get crowded and seating spaces are limited, but with a little patience you'd find a seating space or rather like most places in New York, you might want to visit early.
Neon Escalators, Spiral Staircases and Futuristic Stairs
Inside the Public Hotel in Lower East Side is Ian Schrager’s latest masterpiece, a neon escalator to the lobby with a bar and restaurant options including the Crazy Bar rooftop and terrace with panoramic view of the city. I did not know i had a thing for stairs until i visited New York.
Retail-store restaurants aren't regularly more inviting than the shops they're folded into, but this is special. The sculptural steel staircase at the Armani Fifth Avenue flagship store designed by Doriana and Massimiliano Fukas at 717 Fifth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan is certainly worth checking because of the fascinating architecture and breath-taking restaurant, this will definitely be a go-to place for a very special occasion. Barneys is a one of a kind store, the beautiful white spiral staircases is worth window shopping for, it’s located in downtown Manhattan on 101 7th Ave, New York.
Timesquare
Timesquare is a must see for first-time visitors, a trip to New York without seeing all those gigantic bright lights and flashing bill-boards will be incomplete, it’s advisable to spend less time here because apart from the bright stunning lights & a buzzing vibe on the strip, it’s a tourist trap location.
Graffiti & Murals
New York is rich in culture and this can be seen through the vast majority of inspiring and educating graffiti and murals around the city, majority of the best murals and graffitis can be found in Williamsburg and Brooklyn. I'd like to say i'm addicted to murals and art, most of which you'd find in corners of New York walls especially in boroughs such as Bronx, Brooklyn & Queens, so keep your eyes peeled.
The Oculus & Westfield World Trade Centre Mall
You will find one of the largest Westfield shopping malls at the Oculus, the 9/11 memorial & museum is walking distance from the oculus, it’s free to visit the memorial however the museum requires pre-booked tickets.
Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree
New York has countless of places to take pictures especially during Christmas periods, you should visit the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, i stumbled across a beautiful building around Manhattan at 432 Park Avenue Condominiums, the background was charming with white chairs and trees wrapped in beautiful Christmas lights decorations.
Buka Restaurant
Buka is the best Nigerian restaurant in New York City, located in Brooklyn on Fulton Street according to Buka, their food is spicy, tasty and indisputably African, they were voted Best Nigerian Restaurant in NY. I’ve personally been to Buka 4 times and my experiences have been memorable.
It would be difficult to write a complete travel blog about New York as it’s a big city and new advances are being created every day, but these were the experiences I was able to enjoy from my few visits. Other interesting things in New York includes;
· Arlo NoMad Glass Bottom Floor Rooftop Bar
· Visit Central Park
· Find hidden Chinatown Secret Underground Coca Cola Cocktail Bar
· Visit Coney Island Beach in the Summer for anyone that craves a thrilling adventure
· Have a Walk on The Hudson River
· Visit New York’s new $26 billion mini city, Hudson Yards called The Vessel
· Visit Taco Electrico Restaurant
· Visit Dream Machine
· Free Museums - Museum of the moving image free on Fridays 4-8pm
· Bumper Cars on Ice & Ice Skate
· Grab A Cocktail at the 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar/ Penthouse, New York's largest indoor and outdoor garden for the best night view of the empire State building
· Visit Slate
TIPS
AVIOD the yellow taxi cabs and use the Subway as much as possible as it is very efficient BUT remember to buy the 7 days unlimited pass ($32) irregardless of how long you'll be in New York for, it works out cheaper.
Use an app called Lyft, it's cheaper than Uber.
Best times to visit New York in my own opinion are Summer (July) and Winter (December) seasons although the Late Winter (January) seasons after Christmas and New Year tend to be very cheap as prices are slashed greatly. on the other hand Spring (March) & Fall seasons are also cheap as hotel and flight prices are decent
Fly with Norwegian as their tickets sell for as cheap as (£260) from London Gatwick
Avoid the empire state building, as they can be very expensive with long queues, instead visit a rooftop bar with a view of these amazing scenery such as St Cloud At The Knickerbocker Hotel, Gansevoort Hotel, Archer Hotel & Hotel Metro
Do remember to tip at bars, restaurants & taxis if you decide to commute with them.
If you are entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, eligible countries include (UK, Europe, South Korea, Japan, Chile, Singapore, New Zealand & Australia), it is compulsory that you apply for travel approval under ESTA no later than 72 hours before departing for the United States, it costs only ($14) and is valid for 2 years. ESTA is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection. Other applicants mostly 3rd world nations (Africa, South America & Asia) will require a U.S. Tourism or Visitor Visa (the B-2 visas) to enter the United States which usually costs ($160) and is valid for 2 years.