New York City pocket guide.
Whether it’s love at first sight or not, you cannot deny New York its status as a city without parallel. It deserves its premier position on the pedestal of global tourism for its breath-taking skyline alone. If that isn't enough to sway you, take on the task of uncovering the magic weaved within the towering labyrinth of Manhattan and the boroughs.
New York City can be a tough shell to crack. Often hidden highlights are tucked away out of sight in far flung corners of its sprawlng boroughs. There is so much more to New York than the most popular tourist circuit, so don't hesitate in exploring beyond Manhattan. Truly re-vitalised over the years, the bustling borough of Brooklyn attracts a population of creatives, drawn by its well-earned reputation as the cultural heart of the city. Endless discovery awaits.
🍎 First bite of the Big Apple.
Make the journey to the top of the iconic Empire State Building (📷) for sweeping views of the entire city, where you can enjoy the open-air deck on the 86th floor. If you want to get a great shot with the Empire State included, snap your photos from the comfort of the 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, where you can chill out and enjoy a great view with reasonably affordable drinks on the menu.
Any trip to New York should involve you making your way across to the Financial District where you will be able to pay your respects at the sombre 9/11 Memorial. Here, at the former site of the World Trade Centre, the ground where the towers once stood is marked by memorial pools with freely flowing water and engraved names of those who were lost in the tragedy. On nice days, small rainbows tend to form in the memorial pools, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
Towering overhead is the grand symbol of this prosperous future. The One World Trade Centre (📷) was constructed directly adjacent to where the Towers once stood, and — as the tallest building in the city — it is a shining beacon to the endurance of New Yorkers and their will to overcome adversity.
The often photographed neon-drenched Times Square (📷) is an full on assault on the senses. Perhaps the most elaborate display of corporate advertising hangs overhead from enormous screens and billboards in an attempt to catch the eyes of the thousands who wander the area at all times of the day. World renowned Broadway shows play out daily at the numerous theatres found on this iconic thoroughfare. Fans of theatre will be undoubtedly spoiled for choice.
Keeping watch across the water is the iconic Statue of Liberty (📷), raising her torch aloft in the background over the sprawling metropolis. For those who are interested in visiting Lady Liberty, ferry departures are frequent from Battery Park, and will often include a visit to the famous entry point for U.S. migrants – Ellis Island.
💡 When using the New York City subway, if you are in the city for longer than 3 days and plan on using the service every day, purchase a MetroCard and load it with the 7 day pass. This will really save you compared to topping up as you go.
🆓 The best things in life are free.
Let's face it, New York is not a haven for budget travellers. With the price of accommodation reaching dizzying heights of expense, it is very fortunate that the city is also one of the best destinations in the world with an abundance of exceptional sights that don’t cost a penny.
Taking ownership of a disused railway line stretching above the west side of Manhattan, the High Line (📷) is an elevated urban park, and is a shining example of the city’s resourcefulness. The project transformed what would have otherwise become a decaying relic and created a bustling elevated urban garden, where tourists and locals alike take laid-back strolls and snack at the on-site food stalls.
The emblematic Brooklyn Bridge (📷) offers one of the best experiences in the city with its pedestrian walkway. Take the metro to the Brooklyn just before sunset and enjoy the breath-taking skyline of Manhattan twinkling in the night from a fantastic vantage point.
The sprawling Central Park (📷) is of course another essential visit when you are in New York. This vast man-made park is bustling during the day-time, offering a pleasant walk or picnic spot. Make sure to stop by the memorial to music legend John Lennon at Strawberry Fields. Located on the fringes of the park, the American Museum of Natural History (📷) is well worth a visit, housing a wide array of fascinating exhibits under its enormous roof.
Located directly opposite is the equally impressive Metropolitan Museum of Art, which flaunts its staggering collection of artwork ranging from ancient Egyptian artefacts to the quirky works of the city's adopted icon Andy Warhol. Although entry to both museums can be acquired for free, there is a recommended donation of $23 to access the museums. However, the institutions operate on a 'pay-as-you-wish' basis, so it’s your call.
Playing a prominent role in the culture of modern day New York City, the city holds a special place in hearts of music fans. The undisputed birthplace of hip-hop happened right here, with New York artists taking the world by storm in the mid-90s with classic material dropping during this time period. For those who love hip-hop and the culture surrounding it, there are plenty of opportunities to see great murals painted in honour of some of its heavy hitters.
In his native Brooklyn, a mural to homegrown hero the Notorious B.I.G. occupies the facade of a Bedford Avenue building. Hit up the website for Hush Tours if you are looking to be escorted through the highlights, offering warm and knowledgeable guides who hype up and elevate the experience beyond that of your typical tour to an almost party environment.
🍸 Wide awake in the city that never sleeps.
Given its unfathomable scale, finding the ideal place to chill out with friends over a few drinks may seem a daunting task. Luckily, you can be enticed by countless gems evenly peppered across the five boroughs.
Starting off in Manhattan, the best places to be tend to boast constantly buzzing roof terraces with amazing views. The aforementioned rooftop of 230 Fifth really offers one of the best viewpoints in the city, and is an ideal place to hang out. A similar — albeit fancier — vibe can be found on the 15th floor of the Hotel Indigo. A chic rooftop bar Mr. Purple serves cocktails and beer at an agreeable price by NYC standards.
The rooftop bar of Hotel Hugo offers a slightly more laid-back vibe with its trendy decor and hip young crowd, Azul on the Rooftop (📷) is one to consider for young travellers looking for a friendly environment coupled with an incredible view.
The suburb of Brooklyn has rejuvenated itself over the past decade or so to become the trendiest up-and-coming neighbourhood in the Five Boroughs. Ramshackle bars and restaurants have been popping up all over the area, with some dubbing Brooklyn as a 'hipster paradise' given the young and alternative crowd who have adopted the area as home.
The buzzing outdoor venue of Nowadays offers a relaxing environment, and is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to hang out on a summer night in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn. Over on Fulton Street, the colourful Habana Outpost opens each summer, alluring both locals and tourists alike to enjoy great drinks at its lively outdoor seating area.
If you are looking to continue the party after bars close for the night, head to the swanky rooftop nightclub of Le Bain in the Meatpacking District. The view from the roof is truly something to admire, so make sure that you come here looking respectable, or you might not be able to get in! Another great option worth noting is the warehouse-come-nightclub of Output back in Brooklyn. A vast venue showcasing live DJ sets, the great indoor space expands out to a wonderful seating area with –you guessed it – a great view of the Manhattan skyline from across the East River.
🌭 What's cooking in the Melting Pot?
Trawling the streets and subways of New York can be exhausting, especially on humid summer days. You want to ensure you are operating on a full stomach before you set off; luckily, this is one city that will cater to the desires of each and every person.
The melting pot of New York City is well documented at this point, with cultures from across the world co-habiting side by side across its boroughs. This allows for a diverse melange of cuisines to choose from when exploring around. Areas like Chinatown and Little Italy both provide authentic and modern twists on traditional food.
America is firmly in the grip of the ramen craze, with restaurants such as Chinatown favourite Bassanova Ramen riding the wave. Discreetly hidden away under a set of stairs, this cosy spot serves up delicious bowls of noodles in a flavourful broth.
A cornerstone of any New York getaway, the pursuit of finding the perfect pastrami sandwich is still something that even locals won't give a unanimous answer to.
The delis of New York are a symbol of the city, and in many ways reflect a truly homegrown style of cuisine that can't be replicated. East Village hotspot Harry & Ida's Meat and Supply Co. serves up tasty pastrami sandwiches with a modern twist, becoming one of the most acclaimed pastrami vendors.
Travellers who are looking to get value for money when eating in New York have a slew of options available to them, and anyone can eat cheap in the city with a little bit of intuition. Mouth-watering burgers are served up for less than $10 at Manhattan's Creamline burger joints, offering an alternative to the fast food chains such as Five Guys.
The excellent Midtown venue Urbanspace Vanderbilt is a vibrant food market where vendors congregate to dish up some tasty meals at an affordable price. Everything from Greek to Thai is represented here, meaning there is something everyone. For super-savvy tourists, local pizza chain 2 Bros Pizza offer an unbeatable deal at all of their stores, a 'meal deal' of 2 slices of pizza and a can of soda for $3.
💤 Accommodation.
New York is notoriously expensive when it comes to decent accommodation. Your average mid range hotel could easily set you back at least $250 per night, so make sure that you reserve as far ahead as possible to avoid the risk of settling for less at more cost.
The go-to option for most backpackers and youth travellers would be a hostel, of which there are a few in the city, but expect rates to typically begin at $50 per night. Check out Skyscanner, Hostelworld or Airbnb depending upon your style.
Really trendy modern hotel with great rooftop bar and wonderful interiors.
💰 Rooms from $99.00 per night.
A great bar serving craft beer on the ground floor and great roof terrace on top floor.
💰 Dorms from $45.00 per night.
Offering some incredible rooms with large windows peering out to the city. Outdoor areas are also available here.
💰 Rooms from £300.00 per night.
5-star in Manhattan has beautiful rooms and an amazing rooftop that is perfect on sunny days.
💰 Rooms from $260.00 per night.
Spacious swanky hotel with a really cool bar and outdoor areas.
💰 Rooms from $220.00 per night.
Good mid-range hotel with unique flair.
💰 Rooms from £115.00 per night.
Rounding off.
For a city so en-grained in the modern psyche, it is understandable why some people may leave without feeling that it lived up to the magic captured in media.
That is because New York is not an open-book in many ways. The city demands that you scratch between the surface and research the true hidden gems to avoid aimlessly wandering into the tourist traps scattered across the city.
When you have sampled the true essence of New York through its seamless blend of global cuisines, cultural sights and friendly locals, the real charm of this great city begins reveals itself.
