New York Highlights
New York never disappoints! Easy, Endless, Enjoyment!
Easy to reach - and get around
Endless things to experience
Enjoyment guaranteed!
For a 2 (or 3) night incentive, it really is hard to beat. Accessible from most major cities, the 'city that never sleeps', can be reached within hours and within budget!
Recommended 2 day Itinerary:
Day 1:
Depart in the morning, from your most convenient airport and arrive early afternoon (local time which is 5 or 6 hours behind). Immigration is easy now (NB get your ESTA online at least 72 hours before!) with touch screen automated 'gates'. You can be in Manhattan in an hour or less (limo/taxi or the train).
As the iconic skyline comes into view, you are immersed into familiarity - New York unfolds with steam seeping from the streets, towering, breathtaking buildings, traffic (yellow cabs, police and fire engines), the noise (sirens/voices), smells (some good!) and sights you know from visiting before - or seeing on the screen.
Check in to your chosen hotel (we can help you with this!), quick freshen up then out to savour every minute of this vibrant, exhilarating city.
Cocktails at Bar 65 - at the top of the Rock (Rockefeller Centre). The Rainbow Room sits here too - if budgets permit. Bar 65 at dusk offers the perfect setting to watch the sun go down over the Empire State, and a panorama of the Hudson River and Central Park.
Ellens Stardust Diner will keep everyone awake! An American Diner with a difference, situated by Times Square / Broadway it is home to aspiring actors and singers who wait the tables whilst entertaining you with talented performances throughout. You can't book so the queues can be long.
Retire as late as you can... plenty more bars and clubs to explore!
Day 2
You will be awake early, so get up and get going!
Enjoy a hearty typical American Breakfast (think pancakes, hash browns etc..)in a Diner or Deli to make the most of the experience. There are hundreds to choose from depending on your itinerary. We can recommend Eataly which is everything Italian in one huge indoor market (Serra is a great rooftop evening venue too!), Bubbys, (near the High Line in the Meatpacking District), Katz Deli (sit where Meg Ryan made the scene from 'When Harry Met Sally' famous) Pershing Square (then be Transported over the road in the Grand Central Station and the beautiful 125 year old New York Public Library)
Make time to do the free ride on the Staten Island Ferry which passes up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty. You need to get off and on again to return.
Stroll through Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho, and Chelsea.. some of the fabulous boroughs. And do stop off at 9-11 Ground Zero Memorial -a tribute to tragedy and heroism.
You could get a New York City Pass, which gives hop on hop off bus access, as well as entrance to major attractions (Empire State / Top of the Rock etc). Walking is the best way to see the city - so take comfortable shoes and look up to appreciate the wonderful architecture! Another option is to take a helicopter ride for a birds eye view of the city.
A quick pale or dark ale at McSorleys Old Ale House, reputedly the oldest in New York, with it's sawdust floors, wooden furniture and photos will make you feel like time has stood still.
Time permitting, go uptown (Subway is quick or jump in a cab) and stroll round Central Park, taking in Strawberry Fields and the John Lennon memorial, the lake, or the zoo (hire bikes or take a horse drawn carriage ride to see it all).
Great drink stop is the bar in the Mandrian Oriental Hotel atop Columbus Circus - the views are worth the price of a drink!
Museums to visit if time allows, include MOMA (nice cafe!), The Guggenheim,
A quick bite to eat is the Food Hall under the famous Plaza Hotel. Then walk down 5th Avenue, past Trump Tower, St Patrick's Cathedral and the Rockerfella Square where you can ice skate in the winter months.
And as the sun goes down again, a quick refresh ready for the night ahead, and start with a sundowner at the Skylark.
Follow this head for dinner at the countless fabulous restaurants. We can recommend the atmospheric Leonelli restaurant, or Tribeca Grill (owned by Robert Di Niro) in Little Italy, Smith chain is also worth adding to the list.
If you can stay awake pop to Rooftop 230-fifth, for a nightcap with a view where you can sit in a igloo/pod if the weather dictates!
Day 3
Breakfast in one of the Diners/Delis, then pick up with whatever you couldn't fit in on day 2 - or there is still much more to choose from! Williamsburg over the Brooklyn Bridge offers great views of the skyline with cool bars, eateries and parks.
A farewell lunch or brunch would be perfect with a final view. Pack and be ready to depart the airport afterwards. We recommend The View a revolving restaurant atop the Marriott in Times Square. Better still, drive across Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy a perfect meal in the River Cafe, as you gaze across the river to the spectacular skyline.
You and your guests will leave New York, admittedly pretty exhausted but thoroughly exhilarated and the experience will live on!
Let us help you plan your perfect trip. Contact the team on 01625 539954 / travel@traveloptionsltd.com
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