First time NYC visitor so my likings may not be the same as yours. I wrote this mini trip report to share with friends my own first perception of this great city. As exciting as you may notice through reading my story, it has to do more with gorgeous weather and pleasant trip which I haven't had any bad incidents.
It's hard to describe a city to make someone really feel like he or she had already been there with an excitement to go back again. There is so many cities to visit and you don't want to regret your decision by picking the wrong one or the one you come back with some disapointment and I did not want to ruin it for a short summer trip. So everything has to be close to perfect. My reason is different, I had to decide New York City (NYC) because I know a lot from the West coast of USA and never know big city like NYC except Boston with a driving distance only of 7 hours from home.
With some travel research and friend's advice of what to do and what not as first time visitor and driving by yourself, I got a general idea what to expect. What you need to know is the basic things then you are good to go. So here is the story of my quick trip through some far to be nice shots but enough to show what mine was.
The Basics: What you need to know?
Don't be surprised to see expensive hotel costs with hotel tax around 18% to be added at NYC in Midtown Manhattan where hotel costs around $215 a night is a bargain when there are vacant places met your time frame. So 3 nights with valet parking will cost you somewhere around $900 and more if your stay is longer. The lower or upper Manhattan may get a little bit cheaper but not that much and the fun place is definitely Midtown which has my vote hands down. Now, if you think you will save hotel costs by staying at New Jersey or Queen/Bronx districts, don't make that mistake because I thought about that and I was dead right. You may save parking outside of NYC but you won't save it entering NYC by car. Entering Lincoln tunnel with toll fee added with parking as if you stay at Manhattan won't save you that much besides costing your precious time more. I have seen many miles of traffic jam of cars entering that tunnel which results in long hours of stress that you don't need when you are on vacation. Don't be surprised to pay $20 to $30 parking fee unless you are out of fuel and out of luck finding a place to park car. Do like I do, valet parking and you can get your car anytime but let the hotel know 45 mins ahead.
Safety is also one of my concerns knowing high crime rate and stories I heard which are probably true only if you adventure at late night and far away from the crowd in dark streets. But at midtown Manhattan, it's pretty safe due to central touristic place
What I have visited?
Too be honest, not much!
I was saying to myself all along the trip that if I can make 3 "can't miss" major attractions then I will be happy enough and whatever left will be dealt when that time arrives.
Empire state building:There are 2 places known for beautiful breathtaking views as Top of the Rock Observation Deck (Rockfeller) or on top of the Empire State Building. While the first is the most romantic one, I choose the latter because it was the tallest and famous for Kong movie.
Nighttime
Observation deck: Breathtaking views from 86th floor. All the way to the top will cost $15 more to get to the 102th floor which I was told that was closed to public since 1999 but somehow reopened now with an extra fee. But I was happy enough at 86th floor, the views won't change that much as you can see for yourself from the shots.
Liberty island and Ellis Island far away but visible
Ever wonder how the floors can be elevated during construction, I was asking myself that question and I finally found how they did. Look at the top and you know why!
Times Square:Night time
DayTime
A couple of cosmetic stores you can't miss but this one right at Times Squares seems to be all night crowded
WTC: Ground zero
Century 21 department store, NY's best kept secretsituated right at Cortlandt and Church intersection right next to ground zero
Site under construction so you can see closely and can picture in mind the gone twin towers's location
Here is the other side view of the construction site
American Museum of Natural History There are several museums to see and AMNH is one of the main attractions I wanted to go and I made it. You need a full day to visit it.
Shopping Galore:
At NYC:Ladies will be pleased with department store shopping. At 34th street level, you can't miss the world's largest store Macy, Hennes and Mauritz (H&M), Victoria Secrets, BeBe. Other than those cool stores, no time for 5th avenue luxury store so walking only is the best option when don't have plenty of cash.Probably the most crowded cosmetic place named Sephora with fun try me products easy to get your time busy enough specially located at Times Square. This is probably the place where New York City is known for city which never sleeps. You will agree with me if you have seen the constant non stop crowd and yellow cabs pass by. Times Square is beautiful at night because giant advertising lighting just rule. Lower Manhattan has 21 Century store next to ground zero.
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Only 45 minutes away from NYC, one must stop and you don't want to miss it specially when it is not far from NYC. It was on my way to home so drop by to check it out was not a bad idea at all. Lady's shopping dream. Huge parking lots to accomodate all the 100+ stores from big names: Lacoste, Banana Republic. You need a full day trip there and you will probably rewarded with some of the outlet shopping bargains.
There is a small outlet center located at Seracuse in New Jersey too and you just need to cross the Lincoln tunnel and drive about 5 miles to get there. But only if you have spare time and wanted to see a little bit of New Jersey. Just there is no taxes on clothing and shoes at New Jersey as I was told.
I wanted to ride NYC subway so I can get an idea what it looks like comparing to the one at my place. Honestly, I prefer my local subway over NYC's. NYC subway network is much bigger but seems to be old and underground look dirty and dark. It does have air conditionning though.
NYC is probably the exception of cities I want to visit. Normally, I like wild parks, beaches and peaceful places where you are more in touch with nature as a more relaxing trip than a crowded place like NYC. What I really like of a joyful trip such as this one is it lets good memories to make you wanting to come back next time. And it sure does. It sounds a lot that I visited but it really is not. I just can only say that to someone who asks me if have visited NYC. I'll answer "been there done that" but not enough. Time was a little bit short and my pocket, besides having holes, was not deep enough for expenses I wanted to do!
In the end you come home with a smile and know the meaning of the logo "I love New York" advertising which does promote true to its meaning.
