I visited New York for 5 days to celebrate my 21st birthday. Here are the highlights of my trip!
General tips
TRANSPORT
Subway: the Subway will become your best friend; it is by far the cheapest way to travel around NYC and it avoids the crazy road traffic that seems to span across every road. The train lines can be a little confusing (even as someone who’s used the London Underground her whole life) so downloading an app like City Mapper really helps to lay everything out!
Taxis: Yellow taxis can be hailed from the street but like everything in New York, they are pricey! Costs are non negotiable and are run by a meter.
Uber: Ride hailing apps can sometimes be cheaper than taxis but you’ll still be forking out a lot of money for a short ride due to the amount of time you’ll spend in traffic.
TIPPING
As a Brit, tipping isn’t a huge part of our culture, and is usually reserved for exceptional service. In the US tipping is almost an unspoken rule. In general, a tip of 10-15% is expected so factor this in to your budgeting!
FOOD
NYC had almost every cuisine to offer. Some staples to not miss out on include 99c pizza, available from the 99c pizza stores on every street, or a bagel from the thousands of bagel stores that exist across the city.
Accommodation 🏙
1
Moxy NYC Chelsea
Hotel
Meeting planning service
Wedding venue
The Moxy in Chelsea provides exceptional views with a high level of comfort. The rooms have floor to ceiling windows that guarantee a stunning view. I stayed on the 18th floor meaning I was lucky enough to watch many sunrises and sunsets from the comfort of my room. The hotel also has a rooftop bar which provides further views of the city.
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Whilst this small pizza place may look ordinary, you’ll find the walls covered from top to bottom with photos of celebrities visiting the restaurant. The pizza here is perfect (not an understatement!) and is great for grabbing a bite for lunch or a snack
2
The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant 🥬 佛菩提
$$$$cheap
Hidden gem
As a vegetarian at the time, this restaurant became a favourite of ours. They serve an entirely vegetarian menu (with many vegan options), and the quality of the food is amazing!
3
Time Out Market New York
$$$$affordable
Food court
A great food market with a variety of cuisines to choose from. You can enjoy riverside views and cultural events at the market whilst you munch away
4
Katz's Delicatessen
$$$$affordable
Deli
This delicatessen is famous for its sandwiches, and it’s appearance in the film ‘When Harry Met Sally’. The star of the menu is the pastrami sandwich - but their reputation does mean it is a little pricey!
Drinks 🥂
1
Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room
$$$$very expensive
Bar
I visited bar 65 on the night of my birthday. Located on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Centre, you are able to see 360 degree views of the city. Whilst a little pricy, you are made to feel a million bucks here as you sip a drink surrounded by the city lights
2
230 Fifth
$$$$affordable
Lounge
Located near the Flatiron building, this rooftop bar is one of many that provides amazing views.
3
Attaboy
$$$$expensive
Cocktail bar
Located in Chinatown, this speakeasy style bar gives you a more intimate location to share drinks
4
The Fleur Room
Lounge
Bar
Located at the top of the Moxy hotel in Chelsea, the views from this bar are amazing. Many celebrities have also been spotted partying at this bar 👀 (although we didn’t see any when we visited 😞)
5
Saint Tuesday
Bar
Another speakeasy style bar with a hard to find entrance. This bar plays live music every night and has a charming, old-fashioned decor to match the speakeasy theme
6
PUBLIC Hotel
Must go
Hotel
This rooftop bar provides exquisite views of the city, and has an energetic vibe to it. Even if you don’t drink this place is worth visiting for just the views!
Attractions 🖼
1
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
$$$$expensive
Art museum
An incredible museum showcasing some of mans greatest works
2
The Museum of Modern Art
Modern art museum
Museums
Another incredible museum, with works by incredible artists including Van Gogh and Andy Warhol
3
VR World NYC
Hidden gem
Video arcade
We visited here on a rainy day and it was well worth the visit! You can play a variety of VR games across the multi storey building, both single and multiplayer
4
Oculus Center
Shopping mall
Sights & Landmarks
This shopping mall is mostly known for its unique architecture. It’s worth a little stroll around to browse and admire the building
5
Ground Zero
Monument
An incredibly moving monument in place of the twin tower buildings to commemorate 9/11.
6
Top of The Rock
Must go
Observation deck
The Rockefeller centre is one of the most famous buildings in New York, and in my opinion provides one of the best views of the city. Tickets for the viewing deck can be booked in advance online.
7
Statue of Liberty
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
The Statue of Liberty is best viewed on a boat tour, allowing you to see her in all her glory!
Places to walk around 🚶♀️
1
Times Square
Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
Potentially one of the busiest location in NYC, but a must see especially if it’s your first time visiting.
2
Meatpacking District
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
This slightly quieter region of the city has high end designer stores, quaint cafes, and can be accessed via the high line. Whilst it may be a little pricey here, it’s definitely worth visiting for a stroll around and a bite to eat
3
The High Line
Park
Sights & Landmarks
The high line allows you to walk 30 feet above the city to catch all the best sights. As well as being a sightseeing opportunity, it makes the city incredibly walkable, allowing you to get from one location to the other skipping over any traffic
4
Chinatown
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
If you are looking for a foodie experience Chinatown is the place to go. Packed with restaurants ranging from small cafes and stalls, to multi storey buildings, you’re guaranteed a good meal here.
5
Central Park
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Another key location to visit. Central Park spans for 2.5 miles north-south, and you can catch glimpses of the city through the trees as you stroll around. 2 activities I recommend are visiting Central Park zoo, or riding a bike around the park.
6
Financial District
The financial district is home to Wall Street, and is filled with looming sky scrapers, bars, and restaurants. You will also find the 9/11 memorial in this location.
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