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I could write pages about one of the best cities in the world. I came here as a tourist and student and never left. It is a very expensive city if you aren’t careful. I lived in Brooklyn Heights at first where they have a student building. It was a wonderful area to live in as a young 20s SWF. Brooklyn Heights has grown tremendously over the years but my favorite thing to do there is spend time on the promenade. One thing I learned quickly after moving here is that when it rains, it often comes down sideways. A windproof umbrella is a must if rain is in the forecast.
I soon moved to Queen where I lived in Astoria, known as a Greek enclave. It was quaint and comfortable and very easy to commute into Manhattan. There was also a Costco within walking distance. At the time, there weren’t many sights there that intrigued me. Living in NYC often means roommates and that can be tough when you are in a transient place. I had at least seven roommates in the 5 years I lived there. When someone I knew told me about a rent stabilized, tiny one bedroom apartment in Manhattan, I jumped at it.
For me, being in Manhattan means restaurants and nightlife, plus easy access to tourist sites. (Not that it was hard from Queens or Brooklyn, it just felt different.) New York means food – any kind you can think of – even delivery if you want it. A tourist can probably eat their way around town without seeing the sights. That said, there are some amazing sights to see and some that I highly recommend.
Seeing a show in New York is a special thing and there are a lot to choose from. You can see a Broadway play or musical. I find the best place to get information on those are by visiting www.broadway.org or www.playbill.com. If you are looking for cheap tickets just so you can have the broadway experience, then visiting the tkts booth in Times Square is a must. You can find it on 47th Street between Broadway and 7th Ave, under the red steps. Alternatively, you can see the Rockettes at Radio City Music hall or the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center during the Christmas season. Shen Yun is another performance at Lincoln Center that is advertised heavily. Note that it has a very strong religious theme and is not all that is seen in the adds. I found it to be terribly disappointing, although there were a couple of beautiful dances. I took my children, thinking they would like it, but they were miserable.
Ellis Island (and obviously the Statue of Liberty) is fantastic and is appropriate for children and adults. I also suggest taking the FREE Staten Island Ferry at sunset for amazing views. Or go to the top of the Empire State Building. It is The Empire State after all!
Roosevelt Island is a fun little respite from the city. It is a short tram ride to this island that is home to a couple of universities.
But it is also home to a large park with a memorial to FDR.
The High Line is another great place to visit for a pleasant walk. You can enter near Hudson Yards and walk South, or North from Gansevoort. There are multiple access points via stairs or elevator. The sculptures are changed periodically, which keeps it interesting. It is important to note that it does close in extreme weather.
The Museum of Mathematics isn’t typically high on tourist lists, but it should be, especially with children. The September 11th Museum is a MUST. I lived here when it happened and I certainly won’t ever forget. Another great museum is the Tenement Museum, located on the Lower East Side, a great representation of what life was like for immigrants in the early 19th century. Lastly, the Bronx Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world, but it is a full day trip. Central Park, Bryant Park and Riverside Park are also all worth your time. Honestly, the only place I would avoid that is high on tourists lists is Times Square, although it is the most centrally located area. Regardless, don’t forget comfy
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the rest of the state. Long Island is known for the Hamptons and, while it is extraordinarily expensive, you can get great deals in the Fall when prices drop. The Hudson River is gorgeous and there are cute towns that run along it, such as Cold Spring Harbor. Seeing West Point is also very cool if you have time. I took my mom there once in the fall when the leaves were changing and it was stunning. I also once took Amtrak from Albany to the city in the middle of a snowstorm. It was surreal and magical. You can see the train route in the picture below. Further North, there is Lake George, a family friendly summertime playground. West of there is Ithaca, where Cornell University is, along with the Finger Lakes known for wine and outdoor activities. Further West is Niagara Falls, which is definitely something to see! Like everywhere else, New York is growing and there is always something new to see. I hope you come and explore!
Long Island & The Hamptons
Downstate New York
Upstate New York
