New York | Where to explore

Where I explored and where I stayed

I recently had an amazing trip to New York. I travelled solo to go to the Creators and Cultivators conference. As I was travelling long haul I wanted to make an adventure of it so I went for four nights. I managed to squeeze in a tonne of exploring on my trip. I stayed in Midtown Manhattan and I even visited Queens and Brooklyn on my trip. 

I have put together two Vlogs about my trip if you would like to watch these over on my Youtube. 

In this post, I will go into more detail about the places I visited and share lots of pictures on my trip too.

Where I stayed

I stayed in The Redbury on 29th St. When searching for hotels in New York I really struggled to pick one. Hotels in Manhattan can be pricey. I picked The Redbury as there was a discounted rate for attendees of the conference and I was not disappointed. The hotel is just off Madison Ave and the Empire state building is a few minutes walk away. I really loved the location of this hotel as it was near the places I wanted to visit but away from all the chaos of the typical tourist areas.  My best advice for anyone going to New York is to stay away from staying in Times Square.

I visited New York when I was 21. I remember staying right on Times Square and hating it. My hotel was a few minutes from Madison square park. It was also really close to the number 6 subway which is great for getting up and down town. I also took a bus which was really quick and handy if you want to get Uptown. 

Where I explored

Top of the Rock

A favourite of tourists but it is definitely worth it. The views are stunning. It was $36 to get to the top and the views were amazing. You need to go as early as you can as it can get crowded. I went really early on Sunday morning. I went up around 8 am. It says you are only supposed to be there for 15 mins but I spend a good half an hour exploring the upper decks and taking photos. 

Another tip if you want to avoid the Rockerfella but want to get a view is to go to a rooftop bar. I didn’t go to any but I got this tip of a native New Yorker. 

Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo

New York is not just Manhattan. There is so much to explore. I hopped on the Subway and I took a train to Brooklyn getting off at Dumbo. Did you know Dumbo stands for Down under the Manhattan bridge overpass? Here is where you can get breathtaking views of Manhattan. There is a little park there and you can sit on the rocks and take in the views. 

I then took a stroll over the Brooklyn bridge back into Manhattan. The walk itself took me about 40 mins but that was with me stopping for photos. You could also rent a city bike and cycle across. You get amazing views and it is a piece of history too. 

Walking the Brooklyn bridge was one of the highlights of my trip. 

The Highline

I walked the Highline one evening after it had been raining. The Highline is near Chelsea market so you could grab some food in the market and take a stroll down the Highline. You can get some gorgeous views. There are old railway lines on the walk which look cute and you can also get food from vendors along the walk too. 

Grand central station

One of the days the weather was really bad and it rained really bad. I didn’t want to waste the day so I got the subway up to Grand central station. I loved it here. Downstairs, there is a food market and there is also a little Magnolia bakery too if you want a sweet treat. I got a croissant and some tea and sat for a bit people watching. Upstairs you can take in the amazing view and watch all the people getting their trains. Don’t forget to look up as the ceiling is amazing! 

You can also get the subway here too. 

Times Square

It is definitely worth visiting Times Square, however, it is not my favourite place. The lights look amazing so head on up in the evening as the lights look amazing when it gets dark. I just find this area really loud, busy and crowded but if you have never been then you need to see it in all its glory. 

Greenwich village

My favourite area had to be Greenwich village. All the quaint brownstone steps and townhouses. There is gorgeous little cafes on the corner and it is so quiet compared to other areas. It is also home to Carrie Bradshaw’s house. 66 Perry St is the address and it is definitely worth a wander around this gorgeous area.

The Parks

What I adored about New York were the little parks that would pop up in the middle of all the skyscrapers. My favourite park had to be Madison square park. This was my first stop when I arrived and I sat and had a Shake Shack whilst watching all the little birds at my feet. It was in Spring bloom too with lots of tulips. It is also right beside the Flatiron, The Flatiron is this amazing landmark building on 23rd St. It is like a triangle in shape and is steel framed. 

Bryant Park is located between 40th and 42nd St in Midtown and I stumbled across this when wandering up to Times Square. This is the perfect place to relax amongst the hustle and bustle. Lots of food places too so grab a coffee and people watch. 

I stumbled across Union square park too whilst heading to get a travel adapter in bed bath and beyond. There was an amazing farmers market on and tonnes of food stalls. I got to see a little squirrel too. If you head further Downtown you will also find Washington square park too. 

The most famous park of them all has to be Central park. I didn’t explore it as much as I did when I was first in New York as I wanted to go to places I hadn’t seen before. If you are a first timer you need to head here. It has a zoo, you can rent a boat and go ice skating in Winter. It is this oasis of calm in the middle of manhattan and nothing beats relaxing in the park amongst nature
and people watching. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have gotten some Inspiration if you are heading to New York. My number one tip is to try and walk as much as you can and explore the streets of the city. When your legs get tired, hop on a bus, Subway or even an Uber. Don’t forget to look up at all the amazing buildings too.

I hope you like my Vlogs too. Don’t forget to subscribe to my Youtube whilst you’re over on my channel. 

Chat soon,
Catherine. 

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4 Comments

  1. Victoria
    May 13, 2017 / 9:14 am

    Looking forward to catching up on your vlogs this weekend but even this post has made me happy. I absolutely love NY, I'd forgotten just how much! X

  2. Catherine Carton
    May 13, 2017 / 5:34 pm

    Thanks Victoria, I am just working on the conference Vlog and writing up a what I learnt post x Hoping to have it live Sunday . x

  3. Lyn's Sussex Life
    May 15, 2017 / 9:11 am

    Thanks Catherine, really enjoyed your trip vlogs. xx

  4. Catherine Carton
    May 15, 2017 / 7:12 pm

    Thanks so much for reading/watching Lyn, I am so glad you enjoyed them xxx

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