My Holidays From Dublin Travel Guide – New York, USA
[wp_geo_map]Introduction
It’s hard to know where to begin with New York, even if you’re not into seeing the world famous sights or shopping to your heart’s content, simply being there and soaking up the atmosphere is an experience in itself.
The city is bustling with colliding cultures, nuances and languages. It’s the place where the Hi-life and Low-life rub shoulders and share the same sidewalks. Whoever you are, and whatever your taste there’s something to stimulate you in New York 24 hours a day. They don’t call it “the city that never sleeps” for nothing!
Getting there
The 9 terminal JFK International Airport is about 24kms outside Manhattan. Ground transport is available from all terminals with most having information desks for Busses, shared ride Vans and Limousines. Taxi service is available with a fixed cost to anywhere in Manhattan. The New York Airport Service provides a regular service between all airports and Manhattan
La Guardia Airport is located in Queens approx 13kms outside Manhattan. Public busses here connect with the Subway and run straight into the city. Taxis are also available 24 hours
Newark International Airport is located about 26kms to the east of the City and is actually located in New Jersey. Flights to here are generally cheaper but the same excellent transport links that exist in JFK can be found here.
What to do
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The Statute of Liberty
The universal symbol for democracy and freedom, the statute was the first sight seen by the 12 million immigrants that passed through the Ellis Island Immigration processing facility. Modelled on Colossus of Rhodes the statue was donated by the people of France to symbolise the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution.
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Ground Zero
The twin towers we’re once the most iconic landmarks in the World. From the rouble of the September 11th terrorist attacks a 16 acre work site has emerged where the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation are building a memorial and civic centre in memory of the 3,000 people that lost their lives that day. People to this day still travel from all over the world to pay their respects at the site of the tragedy.
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The Empire State Building
What is now the tallest building in the city @ 145m the Empire State has always remained one of the enduring symbols of New York. Built in just 410 days it remains to this day as the fastest ever rising skyscraper ever built. The observation decks on the 102nd floor offer breathtaking views of the city.
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Central Park
The founders of New York had the foresight to set aside 840 acres of central Manhattan as a public space. Central Park was opened in 1879 and contains themed gardens, lakes, tennis courts and even a Zoo. On nice days it swarms with tourists, joggers, buskers and skaters.
Hotels
After a days shopping or sightseeing you’ll need somewhere to rest your head… and your feet… so you’ll want to make sure you have a hotel that suits your needs to retreat to when it all becomes too much. From Hostels to and cheap hotels to NYC luxury and boutique hotels the New York hotel options are suited to any budget. Most visitors want to stay around Central Park and these hotels and guest houses are popular, as are the ones in Lower Manhattan.
Nightlife
Nightlife in New York is ever changing, a place can be popular and on top one week and destitute the next so it’s important to do your research before venturing downtown expecting something you aren’t going to find. Many places reduce the price of drinks during happy hour so it’s worth looking into if you’ve given the credit card a good run at Macys
Nightclubs – If dancing the night away is your idea of a good time head to one of New York’s many clubs.
Music Venues – Practically every band that tours the US does a gig in New York. There’s always somebody playing so check local listings or research it before you arrive.
Lounges – From Sports Bars to Dance Halls with VIP Sections there are plenty of options in New York if you’re looking for somewhere to sit, drink and perhaps listen to music.