More articles from this series:
- 20 pictures that will make you want to visit Adventure Aquarium
- Having fun at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey
- Streets of Philadelphia
- Atlantic City. Story in pictures.
New York is often described as the World’s Capital city and it’s among the destinations that I would definitely recommend you to visit. The Big Apple is so cosmopolitan and full of life. During our visit, I got a sense that something wonderful was about to happen.
Arriving in New York
New York for a day … Maybe this sounds strange, but it can happen to everyone and you have to be prepared and to take the maximum of your one day visit in New York. If this opportunity is knocking on your door, I would say that you don’t have to miss it. Because even for a day, New York is a place where the stories, the different faces, and the destinies will swamp you.
We have created an optimal and alternative itinerary that you can use to enjoy a one-day stay in the heart of Manhattan.
(BG) Един ден в Ню Йорк
Morning: From Times Square to Battery Park
We arrived by bus around 10 a.m. in the morning. It was in July and the humidity was still lingering (I think it never leaves the place). My hair was so messy that I couldn’t do anything about it. But soon I forgot about my vanity, New York is worth everything. The bus dropped us at Times Square from where we could easily get to many different places. We stayed a while to take a look at the commercial square, a real small jungle with passing cars, crowds and permanent light. And even for a second, I didn’t imagine that a few months later we will stay in a hotel right at Times Square.
We didn’t have much time to waste because we had only seven hours to spend in Manhattan. We decided to take the subway to Battery Park to see one of the American symbols – the Statue of Liberty. A few blocks away from Times Square we found a subway station and it took us several minutes to get to the Downtown. The New York’s Subway is one of the largest in the world but very easy to use, with signs everywhere and we didn’t have any difficulties even though you are in a cosmopolitan city like New York. Around 11 a.m. we were in Lower Manhattan.
USEFUL LINKS:
*you can download a subway map from here
*do not miss to take with you the MetroCard which can use to travel everywhere easy and fast, more information here
*always bring with you the city map, you can download it from here
I love the places which are close to the water because that makes everything look so romantic and charming, and purifying. From Battery Park, there‘s a wonderful view of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We headed straight to buy tickets for the ferry, but the huge line stopped us very quickly. We decided that it makes no sense to spend the whole day just for these two sights. They’re definitely worth it, but we would have another opportunity. We had a Plan B. We went back after Dido offered to go to Central Park. A walk in the park is such a great idea to spend the afternoon. So we took the subway up to there.
Lunch: Picnic in Central Park, New York
When we arrived in Central Park it was already around noon. Time for lunch. We decided to make a picnic in the park. We found Whole Food in Williams Sonoma’s Home. As you probably know Whole Food is offering healthy food, salads, etc. which is way better than some fast food restaurants, right? We bought some food and the result was so yummy! We stayed in Central Park for about an hour watching the people passing around, playing different games, shooting for fashion magazines, etc. Recharged after the meal and the good rest, we walked to our next destination – the Empire State Building. This usually takes about 30 minutes but for us, it took more because of shooting, some small itinerary changes, etc.
Afternoon: Empire State Building
When we got there it was around 3 p.m At 5 p.m. we had to catch the bus to go back to Wildwood. We’ve decided to finish the tour with a view from above. But first, we had to wait a bit – first for the tickets and then for the elevators, it took us around 30 minutes waiting on the lines. It wasn’t so bad but just in case you have a tight schedule like us is good to know. We bought tickets to the 86th-floor (the building has 103 floors in total) and began our historical climbing.
For the first time on the 1st of May 1931 the Empire State Building open for visitors and since then every it attracts more than 4 million tourists each year. The total height of the building is 443 m. and everything looks so different from the top. The endless views were revealed in front of us. We stayed there a lot, taking pictures, laughing. We had a lot of fun.
The seven hours passed so fast, but the result was more than satisfying! What do you think?
Here are some tips:
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- If you have only a few hours to spend in New York, stay in Manhattan. You’ll hardly have time to go somewhere else. Besides, you will need quite different planning.
- The island has a bunch of interesting places and top sights and you’ll have great fun exploring them.
- Some places are in a walking distance. For example the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and Grand Central Terminal which are close to each other. If you decide to go to Down Town, there are plenty of locations – Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Soho, Wall Street, and New York Stock Exchange, the Brooklyn Bridge, which also can be seen for in a day.
- It takes more than four hours to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty (this includes buying tickets, a ferry ride, and handling of both locations).
- To avoid the lines, you can buy tickets online, if not – prepare yourself to wait.
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And some more:
- We prefer to walk. Of course, the subway is always a good idea, just take a map in advance.
- Be prepared for changes. The plan does not always work as you wish. Just never get discouraged and go to the next place.
- If you love to buy souvenirs and small gifts, you can find quite cheap shops in Manhattan. I also never miss gift shops at the museums and touristic sights as they always offer very interesting and fancy things.
- A tip for your visit to the Empire State Building: there are several elevators for visitors from the lobby to the 80th-floor, but from 80th to 86th-floor there is only one. My advice is to use the stairs, one of my favorite pieces of exercise equipment 🙂
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My husband is a huge yankee fan and I would love to surprise him with a trip there someday! Lunch in Central Park sounds perfect!
I can’t wait to get to New York some day! Sounds like a great itinerary if you’re just passing through and don’t have much time. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos!
Dreams are meant to come true, so I am sure that you will see the Big Apple one day. Go for it!
Ah, who wouldn’t love new york! I just love the energy of this city! One day is never enough!
Yes, the energy can’t be described! It is amazing!
When I visited New York, I stayed in Manhattan! So much to see would need more than 1 day!
Yes, Manhattan is a good choice! I stayed there, too, because of the short visit. The neighborhoods are great if you have much more time.
Thank you for the wonderful tour of New York. I love seeing the picture of “Macy’s”. It’s my favorite store. As far as the Empire State Building, I can’t imagine walking up 17 flights of stairs but I’m sure it was a good workout. 🙂
Thank you for stopping by and thanks for the nice words! NYC is worth everything!
New York is an amazing place to visit! I lived in upstate NY many years ago and ventured into the city a few times. There is so much to see and do there! So much history and culture. It was a bit overwhelming for me because I’m from South Texas which is MUCH different in so many ways. I would love to visit there again someday.
You had such a chance to live in this city! That’s great! I think that this place is different from everywhere…such a specific energy…
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I love new york so much, but one day is never enough!!!!
Yes, this article was a big challenge to me! But I am sure that some people just passing through and I have decided to write it anyway 🙂
nice pictures, i spent last Christmas in NYC and loved it, in fact i am now preparing many posts about it!
xx
lau
http://www.malibluemymind.com
I will follow your stories! You have a wonderful blog. Keep up the good work.
Cool post! Very complete information, I will keep it in bookmarks for my future visit to NY
So nice of you!
Lovely! New York is still on my list at this point. I will keep in mind your post for when I actually do visit New York. 🙂
Tadeja
http://www.happynami.com
I am happy that you found the article useful, Tadeja. Your blog is also very colorful and informative. Keep up the good work.
Amazing photos! Love this story!
Thank you, @Sonja!
So lovely and so informative. I miss this city so much… 🙂
I miss it, too!
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