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WHY HOLIDAY IN NEW YORK?
New York is just one of those cities - iconic, exciting, and simply mesmerising. The city that never sleeps is a great place to visit any time of the year, but no more so than at the magical time of Christmas and New Year.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in New York is pure bucket-list material. Seeing 5th Avenue all dressed up for the holiday season, taking in the Rockettes Christmas Show, sampling roasted chestnuts from a street vendor, ice staking, and Times Square - its big, bright and unforgettable. With its flashing neon lights and giant billboards, costumed characters and musicians, being part of the buzz and watching the ball drop at midnight, are all must-dos at this special time of the year.
MY HOT TIPS
New York on New Year’s Eve is buzzing, as millions of people spill onto Manhattan streets to celebrate, so it’s essential to book early and be prepared to pay a premium.
To get a great view of the New Year's Eve ball drop, show up early to secure your viewing spot. Times Square itself is crazy … your best bet is to get off at the 49th Street or the 50th Street stations – less crowded and you still get to see and be part of all the action.
Do as the locals do and enjoy a cocktail on a rooftop bar – 230 Fifth is as the name suggests located at 230 5th Ave. The views of the Empire State Building and out across Manhattan are incredible – and they have heaters and cosy rooftop igloos – very cool! They offer tickets for New Year’s Eve, but they are pricey and sell out fast.
There’s nothing more New York than an American diner and you can't help but love the authentic Big Apple buzz of Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop. Located at 174 5th Avenue, just around 23rd Street, this is where the locals go for all day breakfast, BLTs and fried eggs — sunny side up, of course! There aren’t many authentic places like Eisenberg's left in the city. It’s fast, noisy and beautifully chaotic, but an absolute must-do in New York.
A week is a great time to spend in New York, but if time is short, make sure you at least allow yourself a minimum of 3 days to discover Manhattan:
DAY 1: Lower Manhattan & Wall St, Ground Zero, Freedom Tower, Statue of Liberty and the Staten Island Ferry (just avoid rush hour!)
DAY 2: Midtown, shows, fashion district, Times square and shopping.
DAY 3: upper Manhattan – 5th Avenue, Trump Tower, Central Park and the boathouse to have a lobster roll – yum!
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MY FAVOURITE NEW YORK EXPERIENCES
An absolute highlight was going to the Bronx area and visiting the Museum of Black America. Head into a church and listen to the angelic voices of the gospel choir - amazing.
The High Line is a former central railway line converted into an elevated park and greenway which is cool and worth a visit.
Also make sure you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for amazing views of the city - try to walk the bridge early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
When you find yourself needing a break from New York’s big-city bustle, visit Woodbury Common outlet mall with a large range of premium brands at discount prices!
BEST TIME TO GO
New York is in its best festive mode in December, but it will be cold - remember your beanie, gloves, a warm coat, and comfortable walking shoes!
