New York City - the City that never sleeps

New York City is for me one of the most exciting cities, so it`s no wonder that since 2005 I´ve been multiple times and every time I find new things, being cultural, architectural or culinary. And obviously there is no lack of photo opportunities in the Big Apple.

Travelling to New York City

Coming from outside the US the easiest way to get to NYC is by plane. You normally fly either into JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport) or Newark Liberty International Airport. I personally prefer JFK as it´s easier to get to downtown. New York has a third airport LaGuardia Airport, but this serves mainly domestic airlines. If you´re somewhere along the East coast of the USA already, train and bus are alternatives you should consider. Especially from Boston, Washington D.C. or Philadelphia the Acela train from Amtrak are perfect. Acela is also one of the only options to experience high-speed trains in the US. Taking the train will get you right into downtown to Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall to be exact) right next to Madison Square Garden. Bus is an option as well and the cheapest. With bigger bus companies you´ll get into the Port Authority around 8th Avenue and between 40th and 42nd Street.

What to do

View from Top of the Rock at sunset

Visiting New York City, especially for the first time, you want to see the most iconic sights there are in the city: Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square and Broadway. The good thing is that those fairly close to each other and easy to visit. Around those are also the Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, Flatiron building and the Public Library. If you start at the Flatiron walking over to the Central Park, you can visit all of sights above. But you can also go the other direction.

Other sights you don´t want to miss are Washington Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island. And some lesser-known places like Hudson Yard with the starting point of the High Line (an elevated Park build on the old New York Central Railroad spur in the west side of Manhattan), Dumbo in Brooklyn (a modern neighbourhood with cobblestone streets and converted warehouses, packed with alternative boutiques, upscale restaurants, and trendy cafes).

If you want to avoid the big masses as the main sights, consider these alternatives: instead of Brooklyn Bridge cross-over the Manhattan Bridge (bonus: you´ll see the skyline with Brooklyn Bridge). Instead of visiting Dumbo and walk along the Brooklyn Bridge Park, consider walk along the East River Greenway in Manhattan. Another great alternative spot is the Top of the Rock rather than climbing up the Empire State Building (bonus: you´ll see the skyline with the Empire State Building in it). Also, rather than paying the Ellis Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty take the Staten Island ferry that is for free and passes the island on its way. Rather than waste money on 5th Avenue, check out B&H the best shop for photography there is in the world. As we talk shopping don´t miss the Strand, the best book store in town.

If you like museums I can highly recommend the The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art), the Guggenheim, the MoMa (Museum of modern Art), the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Public Library. All of them are perfect for rainy days.

If you want to see the city from above there are plenty of observatory decks. For me the best is Top of the Rock on-top of the Rockefeller Center. But to be honest I haven´t been to the latest editions like The Edge (in the Hudson Yards), One World (in Lower Manhatten) and the Summit (on-top of One Vanderbilt). Or you stick to the classic: the deck on-top of the Empire State Building.

Where to stay

If you´re visiting for the first time I recommend staying in Manhattan (which most people anyway associate with NYC). There are plenty of hotels anywhere all the way up to Central Park. I like to stay around Times Square or Lower Manhattan. In Manhattan Mid-town is the most convenient, but cheaper is Lower Manhattan especially during the weekend. Alternatively, you can stay in Brooklyn or Queens, both offer newer and sometimes cheaper hotel option. Cheapest month to visit are January and February, but they can be very cold and/or snowy.

Food & Drinks

If you like beers and in particular craft-beers, New York offers plenty of options. I highly recommend McSorley Old Ale House (unique place that still serves cask beers at community tables), Torch & Crown (in Manhattan), Rockaway Brewing and Fifth Hammer both around Long Island City. More well-known places are Beer Authority (right next to the Port Authority bus station) and Brooklyn Brewery (in Williamsburg).

Both Ellen’s Stardust Dinner and Alfie's Kitchen & Craft Beer Bar are perfect places to have food and fun with friends and families. Especially if you haven´t managed to get a ticket for a Broadway show, check the Stardust Diner: all their waiters are aspiring Broadway actors with superb talents. If you like Ramen and you’re walking around 5th Avenue Ippudo Ramen is your spot. Time Out Market in Dumbo and China town are great options if you´re not set on a specific restaurant or cuisine and you´re eager to explore.

Travelling around New York City

Geeting around New York City and it´s boroughs is by Subway. These days you don´t need to buy the metro card anymore, but rather use your credit card. The system keeps track of all trips and applies the best fare. Busses are okay too but can be very confusing.

Best Photography Spots in New York City

If you´re like me and you love photography here some spots you should not miss. Brooklyn Bridge Park gives you a great view of the skyline and is also perfect for night shots. Hunter’s Point & Long Island City are great if you want to take photos of the Mid-town skyline with the Chrysler building and the UN campus. One of the most unique places is Calvery Cemetery in Queens. You have this great setback of the skyline with the cemetery. Flushing Meadows Corona Park (with the Unisphere) and Coney Island are perfect if you want to get a bit out of town and see some nature.

I hope with all the above, I could help with planning your next trip to New York City.

Here a link to my New York City site which gives you some ideas of what to expect.