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NYC it all

by Jess Abelsohn | 03 Sep 2016

It’s the city that never sleeps and you’ll get little rest because there’s so much to soak in. And the best way to do it all is by foot.

New York City is perhaps one of the greatest in the world. There is so much to see and do, even beyond the normal tourist hotspots. And while seeing everything may seem like a daunting task, it’s best to pop on some comfy walking shoes and just get cracking.

Getting around

New York is known for its traffic, so it’s often much quicker to get around on foot, especially if you organise your time effectively. Walking also makes it easier to take in your surroundings, stopping in cafes, shops and attractions along the way

But it can be exhausting. As a backup, there’s the subway, which is very easy to navigate. Be aware though, very few stations are designed with lifts, so be prepared to walk up and down many flights of stairs. Failing that, hail a taxi or call an Uber. 

What to see

It would take forever to go through everything there is to see in New York. But here are some highlights.

The High Line and Chelsea

Set by the banks of the Hudson River, the High Line is a delightful walk along what once was a railroad; the last train took its journey along the tracks in 1980.

A relatively new development, the High Line runs from 34th Street through Chelsea to Gansevoort Street and is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city below. Tranquil and green, start at 34th and make your way towards Chelsea Markets. Stop and have a bite to eat in the neighbourhood market that offers an abundance of options, from oysters and Italian feasts to Aussie pies and Asian noodles. With your stomach full of goodies, continue along the High Line to the Whitney Museum of American Art, housing a mixture of paintings, portraits, photographs, sketches and sculptures. And the view is to die for.

Check out those views

There are multiple rooftops and observatory decks that give you spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. You can’t go past the Empire State Building, with its absolutely fascinating history and view of downtown and across to Brooklyn on one side and Jersey on the other.

Four million people come to check out the view per year; join them. Plus, you get access to the observation deck at night to see the city lights.

There’s also the Rockefeller Center with breathtaking views over Central Park. And, of course, the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex, One World Observatory. The experience of going up is incredible as the progression of Manhattan is projected onto the walls of the lift. Head up just before dusk to see the sun set over the city and the lights turn on in Manhattan.

Another idea is to subway over to Brooklyn, explore the neighbourhood Dumbo and stroll back to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge.

 

Museums and galleries

You could spend weeks in New York and still not see all of the city’s great museums and galleries. There are the obvious ones of course – The Met, MOMA, Natural History, Guggenheim (all within walking distance of each other through Central Park) and Ellis Island – but there are also the ones that simply line the streets of Soho. Take a stroll through the famous neighbourhood and pop into the art galleries along the way.

And then there’s the most recent addition, the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, a moving tribute to the people who died, those who survived and the rescue workers who spent countless hours searching. It’s worth taking your time through this one. Built within and surrounded by the original World Trade Center site, it’s fascinating to see the actual fire trucks and ambulances that were on the scene, the original steel and slurry wall, and the debris that was uncovered, including plane seatbelts and fragments. Once you’re done inside, head outside to where the towers once stood, now a beautiful memorial.

Food, glorious food

You can’t go to New York without visiting a few notable restaurants and food places. While America is known for its fried food and hefty portions, there are plenty of healthy, yet delicious alternatives. In the mood for Greek? Head to Tribeca to a restaurant simply called The Greek. Absolutely delectable Greek food to share. Or if you’re in the mood for Korean, Barn Joo is a delicious tapas restaurant in two locations. For pizza, you can’t go past the famous Lombardi’s in Nolita, but definitely order to share! The servings here are huge. And for an all-round experience, head to Smorgasburg in Brooklyn on the weekend, quite literally a smorgasbord of food options from brisket rolls and Mexican/Japanese infusions to ice cream biscuits and truffle french fries.

Night has fallen

What could be better than sitting down for a musical or play on Broadway? There are so many to choose from it can become overwhelming, but it’s definitely worth catching one or two.

Times Square is also worth a visit at night, but it’s always very crowded so pay close attention to your valuables.

To view the city over water, consider a Circle Line Cruise around the city at night. The sparkling lights are spectacular. Alternatively, you can enjoy a night walking tour.

Top tips

  • Get a CityPASS. You’ll skip all the lines and save a lot of money. The CityPASS gives you access to six top attractions at a discounted price.
  • Try to do things that are in the same neighbourhood on any given day. While New York is a walking-friendly city, it’s best to group things together to avoid moving between uptown and downtown.
  • Do the tourist attractions during the week and explore the neighbourhoods on the weekend. The attractions are much quieter during the week and may have limited hours on weekends.