Still Surprised by the City That Never Sleeps: Our Latest New York Adventure
On our recent five-day trip, we made a point of seeking out experiences we hadn’t tried before – and what a trip it turned out to be.
We flew this time with Aer Lingus on a direct flight out of Manchester and then hopped in a yellow cab straight to Times Square.
After a fabulous brunch at the famous Ellen's Stardust Diner, we kicked off with a ride on the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tram – a short but scenic journey soaring over the East River with fantastic skyline views. From there, we hopped on the NYC Ferry (with one quick change) and cruised down to DUMBO in Brooklyn.
Just as we arrived, the heavens opened! Luckily, we found the perfect refuge in Grimaldi’s, tucking into delicious New York-style pizza while the rain came down outside. Honestly, it’s one of those moments you don’t plan, but that becomes a core memory.
One Vanderbilt – and One Missing Elevator! Next on our list was SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a truly immersive observation experience. With mirrored rooms, reflective floors, interactive exhibits, and jaw-dropping views over the city – it’s far more than just a viewing platform. We’d booked tickets for the glass elevator experience, but sadly it wasn’t running that day – just means we’ll have to go back!
A Fundraising Feat at Frightening Heights The highlight of our trip – and the proudest moment – was watching my son Hamish complete The Edge City Climb, the highest open-air building climb in the world. At 1,271 feet, it’s taller than the Eiffel Tower, the Chrysler Building, and even the Empire State Building’s observation deck.
Strapped into a harness, Hamish climbed the outside of the skyscraper and leaned out over the edge. All in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, raising nearly £2,000 and bringing his fundraising total to a staggering £90,000 since being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2020.
As his mum, I watched (nervously!) from below – and then headed straight for Hudson Yards for a well-earned drink. If intereted, you can read more or support him here: justgiving.com/fundraising/hamish-graham
Having spent the first couple of nights staying in Times Square, we then relocated to an area I hadn’t explored before – Harlem. The next day was spent soaking up the sun and soulful vibes of Harlem, before heading back into Manhattan for a real treat: Hugh Jackman’s one-man show at Radio City Music Hall. It was unforgettable – a true Broadway-style experience in one of the city’s most iconic venues.
On Sunday, we had brunch at Sylvia’s – the legendary soul food restaurant. It’s famous for a reason – the food, the history, and the atmosphere all make it well worth a visit.
Later that day, we played movie detective in the city. We tracked down the exterior of The Continental Hotel from John Wick (now a trendy bar – although the bartender hadn’t seen the films, which shocked Hamish!). Then we hopped on the Staten Island Ferry – a brilliant free way to see the Statue of Liberty up close. Our cinematic trail ended with the original Ghostbusters firehouse in Tribeca.
A Sweet (and Spicy) Send-Off For our final meal, we hunted down one of Hamish’s favourite fast-food spots: Panda Express. He insists their orange chicken is the best in the world – I just wish they would bring back the vegan option.
Why Do I Keep Coming Back? Because there’s so much to see and do and it's always changing.
There's something for everyone in New York – whether you’re sightseeing, shopping, eating, relaxing, chasing movie locations, or just soaking up the energy. Even after 20+ visits, I still have things on my list for next time.
If you're dreaming of your own NYC adventure – whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth – I’d love to help you plan the perfect trip. Get in touch and let’s make it unforgettable.
