Recently, a friend asked me about going to New York City.  It was her and her girlfriends’ first time there and they wanted to know what to do, where to stay and what airport to fly into.  I’ve been to NYC only a few times but have loved it each and every time.

Since flights and a place to rest your head are the first things that you need to book, that’s where I’m going to start.  There are three airports to choose from when flying to NYC – La Guardia, Newark and JFK.  La Guardia is closer and better if you are looking to maximize your time.  It’s a short cab ride into the heart of the city. The downside is there is a toll bridge that will be worked into the price of the cab. 

Newark on the other hand is technically in New Jersey.  To get into Manhattan, you will need to take a train into the city.  The signs are easy to follow to get to the train and how to use it. From there, you can grab a subway pass to get you to where you need to go. 

I’ve never flown into the largest airport – John F. Kennedy Airport myself but I have heard that the traffic to and from the airport is very busy.  Allow for travelling time to get in and out. The website is a very good on real-time information from taxi wait times to parking availability.  It is connected to the subway system as well.

I prefer to use the subway and my feet to get to my destinations in NYC as opposed to cars and tourists sightseeing buses.  The main reason is cost, of course.  It’s cheaper and you can buy a pass for the duration.   Also, I prefer to live like a New Yorker while I’m there as oppose to a tourist.  Having lived in Toronto, ON for almost 20 years, I’m used to taking the subway and making my way around. 

Now, where to go.

New York City has life.  It is not just a big city, it’s a city with a life of its own.  There is something for everyone all times of the year.  My best piece of advice is figure out what you want to see and always try to combine things in that area to avoid too much travel time if you want to get the most.

No matter what you are interested in, I would suggest seeing the city from a different view, either high or from the river. I love seeing the city from up high.  All of the hustle and bustle below becomes quiet and serene. I would not suggest the visit Empire State Building.  While I love the idea of being Meg Ryan waiting at the top of the building waiting from Tom Hanks to arrive, the 3 to 4 hour wait to get to the top and fight the crowds to pretend is not worth it.  I prefer to the Top of the Rock.  For one, you get to actually see the Empire State Building. When you are on the building, you don’t get a good view of it.  Another is that you can book a time to go to the top in advance.  I like to book at sunset to get the great view at the magical time of day. 

The Top of the Rock is at Rockefeller Centre to see the giant Christmas tree at Christmas time.  It is where the NBC Studios are located for a tour or look in the gift shop and only a couple blocks from Radio City Music Hall.  It’s a hop, skip and jump from the MoMA which is free on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm.

Another high view of the cityscape can be found at One World Observatory. Here too, you can book tickets in advance for a specific time.  Combine this with seeing the 9/11 Memorial, NY Stock Exchange and if you want to go shopping – Century 21 (I think of it as the original Winners and not a real estate business as we would think from Ontario).  The one is in an old building that makes it even more fun to shop in. It could be also on the way to Battery Park and Ellis Island.

In the summertime, Bryant Park has bands playing during the daytime and shows movies under the stars after you have seen the lights come on in the building like stars of their own.

From the river, you can cross over the Brooklyn Bridge and see view the city from the Brooklyn Promenade. I would walk across the bridge to see the view of the lines and understand why its attracts people. Brooklyn has stepped up its restaurants and is now a great place for foodies. I can’t resist to get an ice cream from Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory located at the bottom of the bridge. Every flavour has taken years to perfect.

The Circle Line tour around the entire island of Manhattan to see it from all angles if you have the time.  Or board the ship to Ellis Island to read about the people immigrating to the New World or even find your own ancestors.

If you want to see a play, go to TKTS for cheaper, last-minute tickets to a performance.  There is one in Times Square but personally try to avoid that area as it incredibly crowded.  I prefer the South Street Seaport one as it is less busy.  It can be a stop to or from a trip to Ellis Island or visiting the NY Stock Exchange.  If you were making your way to Central Park, there is one at the Lincoln Centre on the east side.

NYC has several speak easy restaurants and clubs. Some are easier to find than others. My friends and I enjoyed our experience at Beauty and Essex that is a pawn shop from the outside but a huge restaurant in the bottom. Ladies, don’t forget to get your champagne in the bathroom. Book a table in advance to guarantee a seat.

Whatever you decide to see or do, just enjoy the city. Seeing everything and anything with no sleep to finding a bench, sit in a cafe or find some stairs to just sit and people watch.

Packing & City Tips:

• Comfortable walking shoes. You will be walking everywhere. Don’t let your feet suffer.
• Bring comfortable clothing for daytime.
• You’ll need a nice outfit for dinner and/or clubbing.
• Wear a cross the body purse that zippers shut. Keep your purse at the front of your body to avoid your purse being picked.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Know what is going on around you and who is around you. I’m not telling you to be scared but just be smart. Don’t walk down dark alleys when you can walk around. The few extra minutes will be worth it.
• Follow your gut. If you feel a little uneasy in a place, move on. Go somewhere else. Don’t stay if you don’t feel safe. The city is very big with lots of great places.