New York Top Ten, Part 2
- New York
- Mar 17, 2017
- 3 min read
SIX: STATUE OF LIBERTY & ELLIS ISLAND
We had the best day out visiting The Statue of Liberty! (even after my sister got conned by a seagull pretending he had one leg - she gave him half of her pretzel, and then he dropped his second leg just before we rounded the corner. A true master :D)
Highly recommend pre-booking with Statue Cruises online (it saves you time and money-$18.50/ticket instead of $21, and you get a choice of departure times).
We bought the 'Pedestal Ticket'. If you're wanting to climb the 162 steps to the Crown, those tickets have to be booked up to 6 months in advance due to its popularity, but we were more than happy with the view from The Pedestal. Airport style security is in place before you board the boat (no liquids etc), so arrive half an hour before your departure time. The line for the tour was long when we got there, but the staff at Statue Cruises were so organised and the line moved surprisingly fast.
Take some time to wander The Statue of Liberty's exhibition inside. It describes how the statue was funded, built and the renovations she's undergone over the years - very interesting.
The ticket also includes a visit to Ellis Island. As the tour hours are shorter in the winter season, we didn't get a chance to explore Ellis Island this time. But always good to leave things for a future visit!
The approach to the island from the boat, en route to our departure point back in Manhattan, was still pretty amazing though.
SEVEN: NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBARY
The main branch of the gorgeous New York Public Library is right next to Bryant Park. Opened in 1911, it now has over 53 million items in its collection, making it the fourth largest library in the world.
The library's architecture is beautiful. There's also a lovely little gift shop and bookstore inside. If you're in need of internet, you can pop in and connect to their WIFI (very hand for travellers) while you visit.
The library often runs events and exhibitions. To find out more about what's coming up at the NYPL, click here.
eight: SHOPPING - Woodbury Common Outlets
I'm not a huge shopper, but I do love a bargain! And there's no better place to do some shopping, and land some amazing deals, than at Woodbury Common Outlets.
Packed with your favourite designers and brands, from Burberry, to Coach, to Kate Spade, to Lululemon & so much more, most stores offer up to 70% off the retail price.
There's a regular bus service that runs from Port Authority Bus Terminal directly to Woodbury
Common Outlets, and travel time is just over an hour. Book through the USA Groupon site and you can currently purchase a return ticket for $25. When you arrive at Port Authority Bus Terminal, don't forget to go to the ticket window on the second floor to change in your Groupon booking for a bus ticket to Woodbury.
Woodbury Common is an outdoor complex, so dress for the weather.
NINE: TIMES SQUARE
No trip to New York would be complete without a visit to Times Square. So, so, so many lights!
The Square was formerly known as Longacre Square. It was changed to Times Square in honour of The New York Times newspaper, which moved their headquarters there in 1904. Even though the newspaper is now located off 41st street and 8th avenue, this iconic advertising and entertainment hub still bears its name.
Ten: Central Park
The sun was shining and +16C when I visited Central Park (in February!). I was only able to see a small fraction of it as it was my last day in New York. But I did manage to see a few of the park's famous sights before having to head to the airport that evening:
What a lovely way to spend my last few hours in New York, soaking up the sunshine in beautiful Central Park :)
Thanks for stopping by the blog! I didn't get to see everything on my list, but loved what I did see. Still left for next time: Explore Chelsea Market, walk more of The Highline, take The Staten Island Ferry, see the rest of Central Park and have a cocktail in one of New York's rooftop bars!
What's your favourite place in New York? Tweet me @StephanieRuth24
*Hotel Recommendation: Looking for a hotel in Midtown Manhattan within easy walking distance of Times Square? My sister stayed at Yotel on W 41st and 10th avenue. Rooms were lovely, staff were so friendly and they have a great hotel bar (also a fantastic patio area they open in the warmer weather). Highly Recommend!
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