New York City

Low-cost return flights from Bristol using Continental Airlines

I travelled from Toronto by train using the Maple Leaf Service. You can book tickets from International Trainline.

Date travelled: 12-15 October 2007.

There are many phrases that describe New York City, such as the Big Apple, or the City that Never Sleeps, but put quite simply this city is one of the top cities in the world to visit. Since the terrible events of 9/11, New Yorkers have come to terms with what happened that tragic day, and are looking forward to a brighter future.

New York City is served by three airports, John F. Kennedy (JFK), Newark and LaGuardia. All have their own transportation routes into the city. Check out each airports website for more information. If you're like me and arrive by train, you will arrive at Pennsylvania (Penn) Station. From here the subway can take you anywhere around Manhattan (get yourself a 24 hour ticker for $7). But be warned, the subway system can be confusing, as many different trains use the same subway station platforms. I stayed at the Broadway Hotel which is seven subway stations away from Times Square. In terms of budgeting for your trip, paying for accommodation will be one of your biggest expenses.

Since the destruction of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, the Empire State building is once again the tallest building in the city. Opened in 1931, the building was once the tallest building in the world.


The Empire State Building.

Visitors can take a lift to the 82nd floor (price: $21), to witness fantastic views of Manhattan island and beyond. Be adviced that queues can be quite long (I queued for a good hour), but the views are worth it.


Manhattan from Empire State.

You may see touts trying to sell you open-top tours around the city. However if you don't fancy navigating the subway or dont have the energy for walking, then these tours can work out as a good investment. For example, for $49, you can have three different hop-on-hop-off open-top tours (Manhattan by day, Uptown and Manhattan by night) plus a free two hour river cruise. This ticket is also valid for 48 hours, so you can spread out your itinerary.


Times Square from the open-top bus.

If you love your theatre, you will love New York City. the street called Broadway, which snakes its way through the city, is home to some of the best live shows in the world. There's something for everyone here.


Broadway.

If you're a shopaholic, head to 5th Avenue. Some of the best boutiques you will ever see can be found here. Situated on the corner of 7th Avenue and Broadway is the famous department store, Macy's. This is also worth a visit.

If you did take the "Manhattan by Night" tour, remember to bring a jumper as it can be chilly. However, this tour gives you a lovely nighttime view of one of New York City's famous bridges, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline.


Brooklyn Bridge by night.

This tour starts and finishes in Times Square, which is the centre of the New Years celebrations in the city, and is by the far the most expensive advertising space in the world.


Times Square by night.

Another nice way to see Manhattan from a different angle is by taking a river cruise along the Hudson river. The river serves as a natural border between New York State and New Jersey. Most tours leave late morning, so make sure you arrive on time. The river cruises are also the best way to see not just the symbol of New York City but the symbol of the United States, the statue of Liberty. Given to America by the French in the 19th century, the statue served as a beacon for immigrants arriving into the New World.


Statue of Liberty.

You will also get a nice view of lower Manhattan, which unfortunately includes an empty space where the World Trade Centre once stood.


Lower Manhattan.

If you have a ticket for the "Uptown" tour, you will pass such landmarks as Central Park, Strawberry Fields (a memorial to John Lennon, who was shot dead outside his apartment in the city), and Harlem. Harlem is the home to the African-American community of the city, and even though it has had bad press in the past, today it is going through a mini renaissance.


Harlem.

To the edge of Harlem is the John the Devine cathdral. Even though it is still under construction, the cathedral is one of the biggest Christian buildings in the world.


John the Devine Cathedral.

For another nice view of Manhattan, head to the Rockerfeller building at 50th street. Take a ride on the "Top of the Rock" (price $20), an observation platform at the top of the building. Take this trip at night to see the city lit up in all its glory. The queues are alot smaller than at the Empire State building. The "Top of the Rock" is open until midnight, but tripods are not allowed.


Manhattan from Top of the Rock.

In terms of cuisine, New York City offers plenty of choice, however, their specialties are their massive burgers, spare ribs or steaks. If you're a vegetarian, apologises! In terms of beers, Budweiser is everywhere in the city, though you will still find Guinness in most bars too.

So if you're after an action packed city break, New York City is the place to visit.