EXPERIENCE
___________________________________
New York
The best thing about visiting this location is the city that never sleeps
Experiencing The Big Apple
New York in brief
Springing up in Northeastern region of United States of America is the city of New York. The city is situated in the state of New York (NYC), right on the coastal regions of the Atlantic. This city comprises of five boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean Known as The Big Apple, this city is one of the most famous metropolises in the world that is built on the shoulders of immigrants and their descendants. This city is famous for many right reasons, it is not only a huge business hub but also an American cultural symbol for opportunity, hard work, energy and eclecticism.
New York city is always buzzing with an unlimited number of attractions to explore in the city and needs no introduction. It attracts more than 50 million visitors a year and many people from around the world comes to enjoy the city’s renaissance. New York is a popular and densely-populated like no other American city and sits at the top of many travellers bucket list and is always poised to impress. It is a city That Never Sleeps. Such is the reputation of NYC, its influence can be felt in any part of America and in the world at large.
At the very core of it all is Manhattan, a densely populated borough and most of the biggest landmarks are found, which includes skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park. New York is always throbbing with flashing neon lights and glittering billboards. The Time Square is New York city’s dazzling entertainment district where tourists can catch a broadway performance or shop for souvenirs any time – a city that never sleeps.
Why Go?
The famous song sang by Frank Sinatra: New York, New York, I want to wake up in that city that never sleeps springs up to my mind, every time I visit New York city. I not only I love this city for its attractions and entertainment but there is always something exciting happening from broadway to broader expansion and developments in whole of New York City. It is a hub for culture, the arts, food and sightseeing.
It is a modern and dynamic city from skyscrapers peppering the growing skyline to shopping centres and many more. New York is a hustle and bustle city that never sleeps and it is undeniably one of the most beautiful and hectic city with hundreds of attractions, nightlife and entertainments in the world. New York City is on many travellers’ bucket list – and for good reason. Everyone can find something to enjoy in the Big Apple. You can see a Broadway show, check out the dozens of museums, eat your way through Manhattan’s distinct neighbourhoods on a food tour or shop till you drop along Fifth Avenue or in SoHo. I can see why most people love to visit New York and am glad that I am part of it
The Trip
Not having to rush, my intention was to explore around New York over few days. To really enjoy this mega city, I needed time to absorb and immerse myself in and around Manhattan streets, subways, shops, restaurants and cafes, nightlife and their way of lifestyle to blend myself as a New Yorker. Without a doubt, high-rise buildings in all shapes and sizes are endless and a part of New York city.
As the most populous city in the US – set at the forefront of food, fashion and the arts, I required stamina to explore this city and I was not going to let Big Apple’s frenetic sights and sounds intimidate me from soaking up its grandeur. Not to be amazed with roaring taxis zipping down bustling blocks, fast-paced pedestrians strolling past on their way to marquee galleries and trendy cocktails, and Time Square’s neon lights flickering at all hours. I wanted to experience this vibrant culture permeating each of the city’s distinctive neighbourhoods and boroughs, yet the city’s twinkling lights and chaotic corners also invite me to embrace every New York minute, explore every enclave and create my own urban adventure. Yes, there are endless ways to spend my time in the city that never sleeps, but before I leave, stop and look around – what is here today will be transformed into something bigger and better tomorrow.
My Highlights of New York
The “Big Apple”, the “City That Never Sleeps” – New York is a city of superlatives: America’s biggest; it is most exciting; its business and cultural capitals; the nation’s trendsetter. This city seems to pull in the best and the brightest from every corner of the country.
Empire State Building
My first day in New York city began with a visit to Empire State Building. Located in the centre of Midtown Manhattan, the 86th and 102nd floor observatories provide unforgettable 360′ views of New York City and beyond. This building is more than a spectacular view. It’s an immersive experience inside a world famous landmark. A grand-design of all time in America and standing on the top of the building was an experience that cannot be explain in simple words. Whether you’re in town for a week or a day, no visit to New York City is complete without experiencing the top of the Empire State Building.
Photographs of New York City above Empire State Building and Downtown Manhattan
Central Park
Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States. it is located in Manhattan, New York City. The Park comprises 850 acres of lakes and meadows and is the setting for many a romantic comedy. From the scenes of high-rise buildings and busy streets of Fifth Avenue, the next you’re in tropical park wonderland. Central Park’s terrain and vegetation are highly varied and range from flat grassy swards, gentle slopes, and shady glens to steep, rocky ravines.
The park has interesting vistas and walks at nearly every point. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in the park, facing the Fifth Avenue where the Empire State Buildings is located. There are also a zoo, an ice-skating rink, three small lakes, an open-air theatre, a band shell, many athletic playing fields and children’s playing grounds, several fountains and hundreds of small monuments and plaques scattered through the area. The park has numerous footpaths and bicycle paths, and several roadways traverse it. A great place to chill out for relaxation before heading off for your next New York adventure.
Photographs of various section of Central Park in the heart of Downtown Manhattan
Hudson River Cruise
There is no better way to see New York than taking a city sight seeing cruise. The cruise is a fun way to get around the city on your own schedule while learning about its history. It is a convenient way to explore all the iconic sights of New York City. You get to see the Big Apple from a unique perspective as you cruise around Manhattan. It is a great way to witness the grandeur of New York City’s skyline and architecture. You get to learn the interesting facts and insight about New York’s storied history and vibrant culture.
This cruise offers two convenient hop on, hop off locations in Manhattan. Here you get the chance to to get off and able to explore different neighbourhoods along the way. I was able to take in all of the must-see destinations along the way, including the Brooklyn Bridge and many more. Other hop on, hop off locations include Pier 78 in Midtown, close to Times Square, the Theatre District and Restaurant Row and the World Financial Centre, which is home to the One World Observatory, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and more.
Photographs of New York City river cruise around Manhattan
Statue of Liberty
No trip to New York is complete without visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where more than 12 million immigrants were processed into the United States. I had a quick visit to the museum before climbing 10 stories to the observation deck for amazing views of the skyline. I had an opportunity to get a sense for what it was like to arrive on Ellis Island and got through the baggage room and Great Hall.
Photographs of visit to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty
Bus Tour: New York City
New York City is famous for its Broadway musical and world=class entertainment. One of the great way to explore New York city in a more fun, exciting way is go on one of the bus tours. The bus tours steps things up a notch for a fun and educational experience which you cannot experience on a self-guided adventure. This interactive bus tour brings the magic of Broadway to you. Going on this mega city is a great way to meeting other travellers. Just over an hour tour blends a classic narrated sightseeing trip with live entertainment while travelling the city in style. As we were whisked around Midtown Manhattan in a luxurious bus with oversized windows, television monitors and unique lighting, they had few surprise visitors like street performers (think break dancers, ballerinas, rappers). This thrilling drive around Midtown Manhattan, stopping to admire the sights and enjoy live performances from our guides – professional actors who use the streets of NYC as their stage. It is fun as hosts and performers interact with passengers and pedestrians. They say, no two trips are the same. With unobstructed views of NYC landmarks from a bus with stadium seating was just surreal.
Exploring the area
It is entirely possible to get around New York City and the best way to explore this city is on foot. You can always get a taxi or use subway. If you can’t walk to your destination, mass transit is the best way to get around. The city’s rail and bus system is inexpensive, environmentally friendly and a great way to see sights throughout the five boroughs and it operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including the subway as well.
This city of New York never fails to amaze. I am strolling along a pleasant street of brownstones, I come to the corner and suddenly, the landscape morphs. I am a small ant in a canyon of skyscrapers or else I am a visitor to India, surrounded by cumin-scented restaurants and men with strong accents beckoning me into their curry joints. New York is a city of multiple personalities and like Sybil, they can shift on a dime, within the space of one block going from elegant to seedy, from industrial to chic, from ethnic to all-American. It is this quicksilver quality, this constant metamorphosis, that endows even a simple stroll in New York with real excitement. I would urge you to spend at least part of your holiday simply ambling around window-shopping, eavesdropping on passing conversations and exploring places beyond the heavily touristed areas.
For those who are not mesmerised by the city’s soaring skyscrapers and monuments, you will be blown away by its flourishing arts, food, fashion and nightlife scenes.I spend most of my mornings browsing Fifth Avenue’s designer racks and my afternoon catching stunning city views from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. For those who are not art lovers, you can admire the striking works on display at the Met and the Guggenheim before feasting on ethnic fare in Chinatown or Little Italy. If you still have some energy (and cash) left over, don’t miss the chance to snag tickets to an award-winning Broadway show or hop over to one of the low-key rooftop bars and jazz clubs illuminating the Meatpacking District after dark.
ABOUT ME
Papua New Guinean living in Cairns, Australia. Weekend getaway adventurer and Free-Independent-Traveller (FIT). Lover of unique and exotic travel experiences with a touch of luxury. Follow me to my travel world, brining you closer to your destination.
I would love, if you share it
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on google
Google+
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on tumblr
Tumblr
Join other akamau subscribers for Free
Enter your email below and receive new post notification via your email
© COPYRIGHT: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
© akamau.org. (2017). Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material (photography and writing) without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to akamau.org with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Categories: NORTH AMERICA
akamau 