4 min read Travel

The big city edition : NYC

The big city edition : NYC
Photo by Luca Bravo / Unsplash

Millions of lights grab my attention as we drive into New York City (NYC) - the skyline twinkling against the night sky.  

It is a familiar sight and one I look forward to.

Other familiar but 'not looking forward to' sights also await us - the impatient drivers and the stalled traffic.

As if on cue, a rickshaw with Christmas lights and loud music zig-zags close to us.

My husband shakes his head and declares (for the millionth time) how much he hates the city.

But I don't hear him.

The bold flashing billboards have my attention now. When in the city, my focus is on the light.

And the energy that NYC is.

The past and the present

My memories of the city are many - getaways with friends, solo day trips, birthdays, anniversaries. For most special occasions, I have sought NYC.

It is within reasonable driving distance from home, and has an impressive list of things to do and see (click here for a comprehensive guide).

But an impressive list that is instantly forgotten is of little use. So I've picked 5 NYC activities that hopefully stay with you long after this post.

#1 Ride the subway

Photo by Udara / Unsplash

This pick probably surprised a few of you. But the best way to explore a city is via its public transport.

New York's subway system is its lifeline operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Navigating a complex system can initially be intimidating. I can't claim that stations have not been missed or incorrect trains have not been boarded :).

But that goes for any unfamiliar place or experience. You learn as you do.

So I hope you do.

See -  Grand Central Terminal
Do - Take the subway (at least once!) , people watch

Click here for a guide on subway travel in NYC.

Grand Central Terminal

#2 Hop on and off a bus

Source: Topview NYC

The Hop on and Hop off bus tour is another great option to explore NYC. I do this when I have friends or family visiting.

It is a convenient way to enjoy major attractions in both downtown and uptown without the hassle of changing trains and buses.

Hop off at any attraction, explore it, and then hop back on another bus at the same stop.

See - Central Park, Empire State Building, Times Square
Do - Sit on the open air top deck to get panoramic views of the city

For more information, click here.

#3 Explore Times Square

Times Square - Anything but calm

Times Square is a quintessential NYC experience. It is a melting pot of people, shopping, performers and food. And it truly never sleeps.

Every major US retailer has a space here and food trucks line its streets.

See - A broadway show, the street performers, the flashing billboards
Do - Try one of the food trucks , shop , people watch

For more information on Times Square, click here.

#4 Visit the Statue of Liberty

Photo by Atahan Güç / Unsplash

The Statue of liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and can be seen from multiple locations in NYC.

For an up-close experience, take the ferry ride to Ellis island and walk the grounds.  click here for ticket information.

The Staten Island ferry is another economical option. For no charge, visitors can take the ferry as it sails close to the statue.  

See - The Statue!
Do - Walk the Ellis grounds

For more information on the Statue itself click here and here.

To explore other options to see the statue, click here.

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Fun fact: The statue's crown bears seven spikes, symbolizing the seven oceans and seven continents of the world.

#5 Check out the Rockefeller Center

Christmas Tree
Photo by Sven Becker / Unsplash

The Rockefeller center is a famous NYC landmark that offers impressive 360-degree views of the city.

And if you know how to ice skate, it's skating rink is a great spot for some family fun.

My favorite time to visit the Rockefeller Center is during Christmas when they have the lighted Christmas tree up. I don't know how to ice skate (yet!) but gliding effortlessly under that lit Christmas tree is on my bucket list.

See - Panoramic views of the city, the lighted Christmas tree  
Do - Ice skate at the rink

For more information click here.

The physics of energy

I have a dear friend who gives the world's best hugs.

They are warm and tight, and the kind that leave you happy and energized.

I think of her as we weave our way out of the NYC traffic.

It's been a tiring weekend and monday morning looms.

The traffic, the impatient drivers, the overcrowded streets - they are still the same.

But so is the city's vibrant energy. One that it shares freely.

Like a warm hug.

Energy that can neither be created nor destroyed.

But one that can certainly be passed on from one spirited city to its weary traveler.

References

Yamini

Yamini