New York

This is my third trip to New York and I love this city - every time you experience something new. We travelled to JFK from Heathrow and I must admit I was surprised how easy it was to get through immigration and get a taxi outside. The rate is pre-set to Manhattan so don't be afraid to use these. There was a small queue but it was well managed and soon we were sat in our taxi en route to the Trypp Hotel Times Square South. We arrived late at night so we were treated to the iconic skyline at night as we travelled into the city. The hotel is in a great location - just a short walk to the Empire State Building and Macy's. We stayed in a premier room which was huge and had a seating area with a sofa-bed that could easily be converted into a second bedroom. There were 2 bathrooms and a small kitchen area with a coffee maker and fridge, so ideal for families or small groups. After a good night’s sleep, we heading out to the Empire State Building - we had bought our hop on hop off bus tickets in the UK and we could exchange our voucher for the tickets here, so it seemed a good place to start! A short trip up 86 floors in the speedy elevator and the view is amazing - you can see most of the famous landmarks - it is also worth going up to the observatory on the 102nd floor! We continued on the bus and did the whole loop so we could get our bearings and see where we would go back to - unfortunately Barack Omaba was in town so the whole city came to a gridlock and the rain started. We left the bus at the Rockafella centre as we desperately tried to dry off! People are very friendly and eager to help you in New York and we were fortunately pointed in the direction of an underground mall where we could take a breather! After walking back to the hotel, we headed out for dinner to Ellen's Stardust Diner - this is where all the would be actors work whilst waiting for their Broadway break. They will entertain you with an array of music whilst serving your dinner - it has a great atmosphere and don't be put off by the queue - we waited about 20 minutes. The next day we walked! My best piece of advice to you if you travel to New York is to bring your most comfortable walking shoes! Having got an idea of where things are (and having a partner with an amazing sense of direction) we headed off to the Freedom Tower. By walking you get a different perspective and can see down all the side streets - things you miss whilst on a bus. The Freedom Tower is amazing and very sombre at the same time - it dominates the skyline and represents the new New York but still respects the Twin Towers and the poignant day in history. As you travel the 102 floors in a glass elevator you get an unbelievable view - once you reach the top the short presentation is amazing (I won't spoil it for you but it is worth it!) Have a look around and check out the glass floor if you dare! We continued to Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty (you can't go to New York and not see this) and we stopped at Ellis Island. It’s definitely worth a stop and here I found some of my ancestors listed as they immigrated to America from Italy - so an emotional time too. Once back in Battery Park we took the Staten Island Ferry across the Hudson. There isn't much to see in Staten Island but it was something I had seen so many times in films that I felt I had to - it is free to ride on. Next, we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, again such an iconic landmark. We had a quick wander around Brooklyn and then walked back and had a stroll back through Manhattan to the hotel. My favourite day was spent at Central Park! I had never been to Central Park and was looking forward to this - we spent the whole day there. We hired bikes but to be honest you are just as well walking - you are not able to take your bikes to all the areas so you spend a lot of time locking them up! We saw the John Lennon memorial, Alice in Wonderland Statue, Jackie Onassis reservoir, the fountain, the lake, the fort - I can go on! We walked the tree-lined boulevard that is so familiar and I even played the piano here (well tinkled!) There are street artists and entertainers here it is so easy to spend the whole day here! At night, we ventured on the metro system and went to Greenwich village for dinner. This is a real hip and trendy area and worth going to people watch! We walked back to the hotel and took in Times Square - it is buzzing. You just stand looking at all the lights and street entertainers - it looks so different from the day, As part of our hop on hop off bus ticket we had a voucher for the ferry - this was a scenic cruise along the Hudson with the stunning Manhattan Skyline as a back drop. I think you get the best views of the Statue of Liberty from here as it sails alongside it. We stayed on and did the circle trip before wandering into the city - check out Grand Central station and its food court and also the public library - both are amazing buildings to visit and not always on the tourist trail. We flew home on day 5 so we spent the morning just walking around and sat for a while in Bryant Park – every day you notice something new that you have not seen before. We went back to our hotel to collect our pre-arranged transfer to JFK. This is one city everyone should visit at least once in their lifetimes - I hope to go back again someday.