Kendall and I were in New York City this past weekend to attend a gorgeous wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and we opted to stay with friends rather than get a hotel. Meaning- we got (just a taste of) a real NYC experience. I got to take a ((305)) Fitness class with one of my bests, figure out the subway (kind of) and we ate in some really nice local spots.
I’d been up there before, several times, but Kendall hadn’t. If you’re planning a trip to the big apple, there are so many things you need to see and do. If you were only planning on passing the weekend there, you might want to extend that time to at least a week instead. We did a fraction of the touristy stuff and I’d love to get him back there around Christmas.
Empire State Building
People recreate this building all over the world, whether it be a sketch, a painting, graffiti, or a sculpture, it has starred in some of the biggest romance scenes of all time, (not only on camera either…) The view of New York City from the 86th floor is something that everyone needs to experience. The view is even more spectacular from the 102nd floor… If you make it that far. We saw the Empire State Building, but we didn’t go in it… this trip.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you like art and history, then you need to see this place. It owns over 2 million different works of art that represent over 5,000 years of history! Considering how much there is to look at, you may want to set up camp inside so you’re not short on time – it’ll take you a while.
Brooklyn Bridge
A landmark recognized by everyone, the Brooklyn Bridge stretches all the way over the East River which connects to Brooklyn and Manhattan. If you want to walk all the way across it, it’ll take you about 40 minutes (it’s pretty big remember!) If you’re feeling daring, you can even do an elevated walk right above the roadway, watching vehicles race by underneath you.
Museum of Modern Art
Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, and Van Gogh’s Starry Night – just to name a couple, are all hidden away in this modern art inspired museum. But people don’t only come for the art itself, but the building too. Lost in a maze of glass walkways gives you the unique opportunity of viewing each art piece from every angle.
Times Square
Times Square is one of the most famous and iconic places that just can’t be missed. Full of flashing lights, and absolutely thousands of crowds of people rushing around, coming to and from work. It’s also a great place to discover and share with everyone the best bars in NYC from trekbible.com. If what you’re after is a sensory overload – this is it. Chaos, lights, noise, screens, broadcasts, cowboys, aliens and your regular Tom, Dick and Harry… What more do you want? This is so touristy- but you kind of have to see it if you haven’t. My recommendation? Don’t try to embrace it at soon at you arrive to the city. We were totally overwhelmed the night we came in, but after a morning work out, a big breakfast, and doughnuts from The Doughnut Project for desert, we had a great time tromping through the city to see in for real.
Central Park
One word “Friends”. This park was featured in so many episodes of the most well-known hit – comedy show all over the world. People visit Central Park just for that reason in itself, let alone the most beautiful areas to cop a squat and have a picnic. Or ride your rollerblades around taking in all the pretty scenery, like the fluffy green grass, and the colorful flowers that surround it in the summer.
Statue of Liberty
Does this one even need explaining? You know – the stunningly giant statue of the beautiful green coated woman holding a tabula ansata inscribed in Roman numerals with the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence in her left hand. And holding a flaming torch high above her head in her right hand. Duh… I would love to take Kendall back here because my great-grandmother’s name is inscribed on the wall on Ellis Island.
Have you been to New York City? What are your must-sees?
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