Weather
The weather in Manhattan is pretty much like temperate-continental, but considering that it is on the coast of the Atlantic ocean, it benefits from more rain than a normal continental temperate climate. During winter the temperatures can drop drastically to less than -10ºC and at summertime the city can get fried at more than 30ºC. I was there at the end of June and it was sticky-hot. Dress accordingly and undress slowly, make it sensual in the sexy metropolitan night air.
Transport
Transport in New York is everywhere, no matter where you want to go. If you’re coming through JFK, like me, you’ve got the Air Train to Jamaica Station and then the subway, that will take you all the way to the middle of Manhattan, preferably at the Port Authority, which is the main transport hub for New Jersey and basically anywhere in the city. From there you can grab a bus to New Jersey (awful choice in my opinion), the Subway, a yellow cab, LYFT or an UBER. You can go anywhere at any time, although after certain times at night you might not have the bus option, especially towards New Jersey if you’re staying on the other side of the Hudson. When getting the Subway be sure you bring a bottle of water, as the temperatures underground are very high. However, they do have a very powerful air conditioning system in the trains that might give you a cold. Remember: Subway = Extremes! It doesn’t look pleasant either. I did not enjoy taking the Subway in New York… Eee, c’mon, gimme a break here! (Italian accent)
Culture
You should know by now that New York is a multicultural city. People there have changed a lot since those Gangs of New York times and their approach towards tourists is defined by the boredom factor. Usually the ones that live in New York want to get out (no reference to the famous movie), and the ones living out want to move in. To be frank, everyone is welcoming and curious about you. As the evening falls in they become less attracted to you and more attentive to their effervescent nightlife. Learn fast to mingle with all nationalities to get the most out of the city. Also, don’t go against the crowds at rush hour! As a fact, if you’re in a good physical form, you can walk the entire island from one end to another. That is for sure a way to get to know the locals and maybe join them for a basketball game.
Attractions
New York has everything aplenty. I stayed there only for a week and like anyone else for the first time in new York, I tried to check from the bucket some of the main attractions. The Statue of Liberty is a must. You have to take the boat from Battery Park to the statue & Ellis Island. If you want to buy tickets only for the Statue of Liberty, or Ellis Island you can. Purchase them from here. If you go to the statue my advice is to skip the queue for the elevator and go all the way to the top, from where you can read what it says on the plates in the hands of the copper lady. Only 2% of the visitors reach the top, but trust me, it is worth the effort. My mother’s done it right before having double knee replacement. If she could do it like that, for sure you can too.
Times Square is a must. I found it highly relaxing having a coffee there, although among all the people and those big screens. It is a big day out if you enjoy shopping, going to the theatre, eating, or just chilling. It is also the best place to buy souvenirs.
Central Park is where you want to be during the heatwave. That work of natural art is impressive. Have a break in a paddleboat on the lake with your girl or boyfriend, enjoy a walk in nature, watch the live acts from various street artists near the beautiful Bathesda Fountain, or watch a play at Delacorte Theatre. Maybe you’re hungry? You have a few restaurants right there. Relax and let the city run through your veins. Don’t forget to look your partner right in the eyes. New York is a love inducing city, the real one. Let me know if you feel the same after following the above.
If you’re looking for that one of a kind souvenir for your loved one(s), An American Craftsman is the holy grail. Go there and you will not want to leave. Everything there is handmade, so each piece is unique. Make this a must on your list. I would’ve bought the entire shop!
The World Trade Centre Museum and infinity fountains. If you know what happened there, I wish you didn’t. That is the only place I did not enjoy on the entire island. I actually found it macabre that people were laughing and taking pictures with the area and the fountain that tells a terrifying story, with all the names of the ones that died engraved onto the marble tiles on the side. Remembering that I’ve seen everything LIVE on TV, I instantly felt like crying without being able to control it and we decided to leave straight away. Visit the place, but be respectful.
The Broadway is close to Times Square and if you can get tickets to see something there just go. You’ll be impressed.
Empire State Building can also be considered the cherry on top of the cake. You’ll be able to see the entire Manhattan in its glory. The view from the Observation Deck is surreal. Don’t miss it! Buy tickets here. Another Observatory is on top of the Rockefeller Center called Top of the Rock. I haven’t been to that one, but I heard it is as impressive and also has restaurants you can enjoy.
Also head to Brooklyn for some bridge art and some cracking beats, Madison Square Garden and Grand Central Station again for some architectural design.
Nightlife
I went there for my mother’s 60th and could not really enjoy the New York nightlife as I would like to. I’ll bring back more about this next time. From what I’ve seen the city is bursting with restaurants, clubs and joy for any taste. Just dive into your things after dark and party till sunrise. I wanted to stay and party the night away in so many places, it was crazy.
Shopping
MACY’s is top of the line in New York, but awfully expensive for my budget; it’s still a nice place to shop. We didn’t really go there for shopping (I actually don’t enjoy it) and this is why I don’t have much to say here. But rest assured, if you’re a shopaholic you’ll have enough options all over the place. Again, next time I’ll do it for you. If I were you I would avoid the chain shops with the same products. Discover the small businesses, the art, the things no one else has, be unique, don’t just buy everything the high street retailers offer you.
Food
When you go there, anything but the chain restaurants. Jesus, people, the whole time I was there the junk food restaurants we all know were always full with tourists. Please, give those employees a break! Go and visit restaurant with cuisine from all over the world. You literally have more in New York than probably anywhere in the world. I haven’t been to many due to short time, but I have one for you that not many people know about. Actually I haven’t met a Brit that knew about this place. See? If you eat junk food you forget about actually enjoying what you eat… The place is a wonder of nature in my opinion and it is located in Weehawken, on the other side of the Hudson, in New Jersey. Take the transport through the Lincoln Tunnel from the Port Authority and then turn first left. The road will take you to the restaurant and at some point you’ll pass under a bridge to see…, the entire wholesome beauty of Manhattan. The restaurant is called Chart House and it’s on my top three restaurants I’ve ever been to. They serve seafood and you must go over the fact that it is not that cheap. It’s luxurious design is dimmed by the view from inside. Book a table at the window ahead of your visit, or maybe a few days ahead and go there to catch the sunset and the complete darkness. You will be delighted to the genes in your DNA by the amazing spectacle of human greatness. Order a good wine, eat some gourmet dish and feel life running through your veins on the terrace. Make it personal!
In Weehawken stay away from the skunks (the actual animal) in the grass!
If you’re a sweet tooth head over to Eileen’s Special Cheesecake and eat everything. It’s that good!
Accommodation
We stayed in Fairfield Inn – Marriott in New Jersey and near a freeway. Everything was fine, clean and quiet, but it’s been a poor choice. When you go to Manhattan, book a hotel in Manhattan. Travelling to your hotel for too long is not good, especially if you take the suffocating bus from the Port Authority. Listen to me, pay a bit more and stay on the island. They have loads of hotels, even close to Central Park, that are not that expensive; and that is a nice area to be in.
Travel yourself to life!
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