Staycation Series: Trip To New York

Staycation Series: Trip To New York

I was supposed to go to New York this year in summer but COVID happened, I had no choice but to cancel all the plans and the bucket list I made.

I went through pics of my last trip to New York and while reminiscing, I thought I might as well write a blog about my last trip.

My New York trip was one of the most memorable trips I ever had. I went to New York City in May 2017 for my cousin's marriage as well as to tour, for twenty days.

I and my family stayed with my relatives in NY.

If you are planning to spend a few days in New York City, but aren’t sure what to do? To help make your trip planning just a little easier, I've put together a New York itinerary to help you make the most of your days in NYC.

From cruises and tours to museums and the great outdoors, you’ll get a real slice of New York life.

New York is a city of neighbourhoods. And keeping in mind that there are almost unlimited choices for eating, touring, and shopping all through the five precincts—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—the City gets its character from several little networks whose societies make them feel like urban areas of their own.

I stayed at Long Island, where my relative lives. The jet lag didn't hit as much as I was expecting, I just used to pass out at night before my cousin sister and my sister (who reached NY with my dad, a few days before me and my mum did)

Since the first day, you will probably be experiencing jet lag and tiredness from the journey. Visiting local places is the best option!

Times Square

It's around one of the most touristy activities out there, however, it's an absolute necessity to check Time Square as it should be.

The rushing about of New York City life truly meet on Times Square, and it's a remarkable opportunity to see a portion of the more peculiar figures in NYC popular culture.

The story behind this iconic picture is that Deadpool photobombed me while I was doing this dramatic pose in Times Square and literally yelled “Yas Yas. Get that shot.” And he actually jumped in just as my sister clicked the button and he managed to look so much better than me. But maybe because he's dressed as Deadpool that's why? If only it was Ryan Reynolds *sigh*

STILL, this actually might be my most favourite picture ever.

It's likewise an extraordinary spot to shop for souvenirs. I bought some I ❤ NY t-shirts, cups, and fridge magnets from there, for my family and friends.

MOMA

Spend your afternoon in one of the best art institutions in the world – the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

I specifically asked my cousin to get us some tickets to MOMA, as someone who admires art, it was on my bucket list to check out MOMA! So we spent my birthday eve visiting MOMA.

their significant collections of painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, and more are thought-provoking and inspiring.

ALSO STARRY NIGHT!!!

The world’s greatest artists are all represented at this museum. You’ll see works by Monet, Warhol, Seurat, Dali, Picasso, Pollack, and more.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Jump onboard a ferry to head out for two of New York City's most well-known attractions – the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Freedom Island includes the famous Lady Liberty statue, with voyages through the grounds and access to various parts of the statue accessible through the National Park Service.

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is another wonderful fascination on a different island, offering an opportunity for some Americans to investigate their legacy, and for all to absorb the lively history of this once-tumultuous movement focus.

Brooklyn Bridge

This is another of those can't-miss milestones you'll need to ensure you get an opportunity to see before leaving NYC.

Take a stroll through the Brooklyn Bridge and the DUMBO neighbourhood and don't forget to get those Instagram-worthy clicks there!

Central Park

Central Park is one of those places that make New York such a great place to live. The huge park, 341 hectares large (843 acres), is located in the centre of Manhattan. Its design has served as an example for city parks around the world.

If you need a quiet day, do drop a visit to Central Park. And if you're planning to take a stroll through the entire park, make sure to plan your day accordingly as the park is really big.

I spent at least 2 hours strolling through the park.

The park boasts several lakes, theatres, ice rinks, fountains, tennis courts, baseball fields, many playgrounds, and other facilities. It is also home to the Central Park Zoo and the Metropolitan Museum Of Art. Central Park is a welcome oasis in this hectic city.

Throggs Neck

Great place for pictures! Throngs Neck, a pleasant peninsular neighbourhood in the Bronx. Many people with cars are probably as familiar with the Throggs Neck Bridge, a 1,800-foot Robert Moses/Othmar Ammann production that connects the Bronx to Queens.

The MET

At New York City's most visited exhibition hall and fascination, you will experience more than 5,000 years of craftsmanship from around the globe. The Met is for anybody as a wellspring of motivation, knowledge, and comprehension. You can learn, escape, play, dream, find, interface.

Unfortunately, I was out of time to visit inside, so I had no choice but to take a quick picture outside of it!

The Met is a treasure. There is so much to see that it boggles the mind. One could visit the Met many times without scratching the surface of what is on exhibit and I can't wait to on my next visit!

Freedom Tower/ One World Trade Centre

One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. One WTC is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest in the world. The Freedom Tower has one of the best observation decks for photography.

Even the elevator is one of a kind, safe to say I was left speechless. It's one of a kind experience.

The Empire State Building

The world-famous Empire State Building. Located in the centre of Midtown Manhattan, 86th and 102nd-floor observatories provide unforgettable 360° views of New York City and beyond. Whether you’re in town for a week or a day, no visit to NYC is complete without experiencing the top of the Empire State Building.

Governors Island

Governors Island is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor. It’s only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, and even closer to Brooklyn. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise. it's easily accessible by ferry and open to the public. A wide range of food vendors can be found throughout the Island.

Great food and amazing views! Celebrated my sisters-in-law's birthday there, a great place to spend a quiet day or for a picnic!

The Oculus

New York is really back after 9/11, with this amazing work of architecture AND sparkling, squeaky-clean fab shopping mall, coupled with a transportation hub, including subway lines and PATH trains to New Jersey. Wheelchair accessible, too!

So aesthetic! It's always busy but the architecture is worth it, also you can shop too! And since it's linked with subways, it's easy to drop by. So make sure to drop a visit!

Battery Park

Battery Park is not only big but also easy to find yourself in the opposite place as your destination. Its layout has different paths, which is nice to meander through the abundant nature you will find here.

Sea Glass Carousel

Music, Art, Glass, and steel, all come together in this magical journey of the sea. This carousel contains 30 different types of giant glowing fibreglass fish. So calming, my inner child was so excited to ride it!

Gantry Plaza State Park

It’s located in the borough of Queens but belongs to Long Island City.

Went there around 12am, on my birthday. The most memorable experience. The city looked beautiful at night, the view had me in awe. 

 

It’s actually at this exact location that you can see the restored waterfront with the famous sign “LONG ISLAND” written in big letters. We can simply enjoy a stroll, a romantic walk, and seat on the benches to enjoy the amazing Manhattan skyline. In other words, it’s a romantic place.

Besides, it’s a great place to take beautiful photos.

You can also check out Long Island Beach, Rockefeller Centre, Flatiron Building and F.R.I.E.N.D.S Apartment. I'll suggest visiting Rockefeller Centre at night, as the night view is better plus you can also drop by to Times Square as it's close by to get the night experience of the busiest place in New York. It's worth it. I highly recommend it. You won't regret it. F.R.I.E.N.D.S Apartment is located at 90 Bedford Street at the corner of Grove Street.

Reaching the building used for the exterior shot of the Friends apartment building is relatively easy, thanks to a major subway junction less than a 10 minute walk away. It’s best to use Google map to get directions. 

There are a lot of street arts in New York, make sure to check them out! Street art was born in NYC during the 1970s, a time when the city was bankrupt and wracked by crime. Almost as a response to the chaos, young kids from the Bronx and Brooklyn began bombing subway cars and buildings with graffiti tags. It was an illegal and sometimes dangerous activity, but it created an art form that would spread around the world, and find its way into NYC galleries and museums in NYC. 

Public transportation makes getting around New York City as easy, fast, and affordable. Sometimes though, it's more convenient or appropriate to take a taxi or Uber. Quite often, you'll find yourself taking a bus or riding the subway. Before you do, familiarize yourself with the routes by looking at maps and schedules. This will save you time and keep you from getting lost or taking the wrong train. Also, fares can add up, so if you'll be using them a lot, consider getting an MTA Metrocard for a week of unlimited rides.

Let me know in the comment about your plans that were cancelled/on hold because of COVID19!