Whether you’ve been to the Big Apple before or you’re planning your first-ever trip, discover how you can best avoid the hustle and bustle and still soak up the sights in this magical metropolis with our top insider tips. Jillian Anthony, Deputy Editorial Director at Culture Trip, who lives in New York, shares her advice.
Take the free Staten Island ferry
This commuter ferry shuttles back and forth from the tip of Manhattan to the St George Terminal on Staten Island, providing up-close views of the Statue Of Liberty as you sail past. Try to save the big reveal and don’t look back til you reach Staten Island, it’s worth the wait for the incredible view!
Sleep soundly
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life by booking yourself a homely Airbnb in a neighbourhood like the West Village in Manhattan where quaint streets, some still cobblestoned, are lined with Brownstone townhouses and dotted with public squares. Or Fort Greene – a family-friendly, tree-lined neighbourhood in Brooklyn. For hotels close to the action (but out of the thick of it) try Harlem, north of Central Park or Long Island City in Queens – both have frequent trains into the city.
Go green
Everyone is familiar with New York’s beloved 843-acre Central Park. But for somewhere green with fewer tourists, head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Nestled on the shore of the East River, it boasts spectacular views with a huge vista of New York Harbour, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
Quirky finds
Keep your eyes peeled for these quirky finds in and around the city
‘Mmuseumm’ is a tiny museum housed in a New York freight elevator in Chinatown, featuring a curious collection of artefacts
There are scores of tiny doors dotted all across New York City. Keep your eyes peeled, especially around pedestrian crossings, where you might be lucky enough to spot one on a lamp post.
For a taste of old New York, visit the Lexington Candy Factory on the corner of Lexington Avenue and 83rd Street – it’s the oldest family-owned luncheonette in the city where photos of visiting celebrities and other memorabilia adorn the walls.
Cat fans should visit The Roosevelt Island Cat Sanctuary where you’ll spot feral felines lazing around and stalking their little fenced-in sanctuary (an abandoned smallpox hospital). They’re well fed and utterly content!
Cheap eats
Tuck into the fantastic food on offer, but be warned… the portions are huge!
Grab a fancy hot dog or bagel from Crif Dogs in East Village or Williamsburg – topped with everything from sour cream and peanut butter – for just $5.
Swing by Vanessa’s Dumplings in Chinatown or Williamsbury, where you can get full on their legendary sesame pancakes and crispy dumplings for less than $10.
Mamoun’s Falafel on St Mark’s serves a falafel sandwich dripping with sauce for around $6. The restaurant also offers tasty selection of chicken, shish and kofta kebabs.
Shop stress-free
Skip Soho and shop in Manhattan’s charming West Village. From designer outposts to avant-garde boutiques, Bleecker Street is a shopper’s dream with its mix of big retail names and independently owned stores .
Yours tip we can recommend…
“Swap a tour at the Rockefeller Centre with a free reservation at the Rainbow Room. This gorgeous, glass-fronted bar is situated in the same building and boasts amazing bird’s eye views of the city’s iconic skyline, including the Empire State Building. Unlike the top floor tour, there aren’t any crowds here – just very relaxed, glamorous open-plan seating. And the only requirement is that you buy one drink.”
Top money-saving tip!
Always check online for attraction tickets ahead of your visit – this will considerably cut down your queuing time and could also bag you a discount. Alternatively, you could invest in a New York CityPASS for $132 to skip queues and save yourself up to 41 per cent on major attractions – from the Empire State Building to the American Museum of Natural History.
Time it right
Try to visit major attractions between Tuesday and Thursday and aim to arrive half an hour before opening
Handy contacts
The Official New York Guide www.nycgo.com
Culture Trip www.theculturetrip.com download the app for free on Apple or Android
City Pass www.citypass.com/new-york
The High Line www.thehighline.org