We went to New York in November 2004. We chose to go in November, as it was my 30th, our honeymoon (kind of) and to experience Thanksgiving. It was bitter cold but not much different to the weather here.
Day 1
We arrived at our hotel, The Millenium Hilton at 3pm after our taxi journey from JFK airport.
Our hotel was fab, we were on the 39 floor and your ear popped when in the lift. That was my first experience of New York. We threw our gear in and ventured out.
Our first visit was Ground Zero (directly opposite our hotel) to pay our respects. Then we had a look round the financial district, Wall Street and Battery Park
Day 2
We met with our Big Apple Greeter at 10am, his name was Frank. I would recommend a Big Apple Greeter to anyone on their first visit. (We booked the greeter 3 weeks before we went, filling in an application form stating 3 dates as to when we'd like to meet the Greeter, and also 3 area's we'd like to go. We got our first date) - We booked through http://www.bigapplegreeter.org (BAG are volunteers)
We discussed for 30 minutes where we'd like to visit. He showed us how to use the subway, and then our adventure began. Frank was only supposed to show us around for 2 hours BUT 6 hours later.
We went to Greenwich Village and had a walk round taking us into places you miss on the bus tours i.e. a speakeasy. We looked round the Mosel Jumel Museum, Harlem, China town, Queens, South street Seaport and then to see the balloons getting blown up for the Parade in the morning.
Day 3
We watched the Macy's Parade in the morning, which was fantastic something we brits could learn from, and then ventured into Central Park - this place is SO big, we walked round for a good few hours.
In the afternoon it was raining (something we're use to) so we opted for a bus tour of Brooklyn, this was a fantastic tour for 2/3 hours, very informative - I would definitely recommend, infact I would recommend ALL the bus loop tours.
At the night-time we went on a Downtown loop bus tour - this was nice, seeing all the Christmas lights, but my best memory was first seeing Times Square - wow is the best way to describe it.
We were going to call it a day but decided to go to the Empire State Building, the queues weren't too bad about 1-hour wait, and it was worth it. You go up to the 80th floor, and have look at the view AND THEN not thinking you could get much higher, get the lift again up to the 86th. If you stood still you could feel the building gently sway (AND in the toilet the water was sloshing about) - need I say anymore.
Day 4
We queued 2 hours for the Statue of Liberty tour, this was a good tour but I think because we had the audio tour. When we reached the island which SoL stands, we walked round, I still couldn't believe how big she was, the book she holds is 2 storey's high. However, we didn't go to the top but its amazing
From the Statue of Liberty Island, we went across to Ellis Island. I absolutely loved this place; again we did the audio tour. I could have easily spent longer here, a very interesting place.
Next was looking round the shops, but it was too busy, as it was thanksgiving holidays - the day after thanksgiving is known as Black Friday as it's the busy shopping day of the year.
We eventually give up on the idea to shop (My hubby was pleased) and we jumped on the Holiday lights bus tour. This tour also involved a visit to Central Station (where we got the famous Juniors Cheesecake) and Tavern on the Green.
We then strolled round Times Square.
Day 5
We went on the Helicopter ride, up the river and over Manhattan, around the statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The view was breathtaking and I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone. Central Park looked like a Forest amongst a load of Skyscrapers. This ride lasted 20 minutes, and we have some brilliant photos.
We booked the helicopter ride from NYC Helicopters. We purchased our tickets as we walked from Seaport towards Battery Park. We paid $150 each but there was also a cheaper deal $105 (I can't remember what the cheaper deal involved).
We then went on the Uptown Loop bus tour, finding interesting facts about the crazy way the super rich live i.e. 8 year old's party costing $10K.
Next visit the Museum of Natural History, this was interesting. We were there for 4 hours and only seen a few areas.
Day 6
Our last day, as we didn't have to get to the airport until 6pm, we decided to brave the shops again. Century 21 was just next door to our hotel so we went here first - full of fellow brits. Then to Toy'r'us - I still cannot believe there's a Ferris wheel INSIDE Bloomingdales, FAO Schwartz, Macy's, World of Disney .... and eventually to the airport.
We didn't want to come home, the only reason we did was for a rest.
Enjoy
Ingrid
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Edited by
WHITTY
2005-04-24 19:54:03
