In NEW YORK, concrete jungle where dreams are made of… we sang that line a lot in the build up to our trip last summer, (not annoying at all ha ha). The theme continued throughout the trip as the song can be heard blasting all along the Brooklyn Bridge! New York is a magical place, possibly my favourite city. I love the energy there. It feels so familiar from a lifetime of films and TV shows. So many different worlds and cultures sprawling into each other seamlessly. I am a little bit obsessed… I don’t have any local knowledge, simply sharing the tourist spots we visited in New York over 5 days with photos. This was my second visit but the first for my boyfriend. The post is aimed at first time visitors, especially those who love walking. Our trip was in August so we spent most of it outdoors in the sunshine. We based ourselves in Greenwich Village and walked 30k steps per day taking everything in.

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is the nickname for the observation deck at the Rockefeller Center. It offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline. You'll be able to see iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the sparkling lights of Times Square all from this vantage point. It's not just a view; it's an experience. We did this on our first day and I think it is a great way to start to take in the enormity of the city. 

Tickets $40 per person.

https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/top-of-the-rock-observation-deck/

Central Park

Central Park during the summer is a refreshing escape from walking around the city streets. Grab a blanket (we used our ponchos), some food and head to the Great Lawn or Sheep Meadow for a picnic. It's a wonderful way to soak up the sun and enjoy the park's beauty. Rent a rowboat or a paddleboat and glide along Central Park's picturesque lakes. The park is huge, 843 acres. Definitely worth renting a bike or taking a horse and carriage ride if your legs are tired.

Guggenheim Museum

You could fit lots of museums into a 5 day itinerary for New York but for this trip we chose the Guggenheim Museum. It is a masterpiece in itself designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The museum's spiral structure is an architectural wonder. As you ascend its winding ramps, you'll encounter a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art. The Guggenheim's unique design allows for a continuous, flowing art experience, and the natural light that filters in is beautiful. The exhibitions change regularly but it is worth visiting for the building alone. Tickets cost around $25.

https://www.guggenheim.org

Time Square

Times Square is the dazzling heart of New York City, and for tourists, it's an exhilarating experience. Probably the opposite experience for locals but I love it!  This iconic intersection, known as "The Crossroads of the World," is a whirlwind of bright lights, giant billboards, and a constant buzz of noise and activity. It's the place where Broadway meets commerce, and where the New Year's Eve ball drops in the world-famous celebration. You'll find everything from theatres to restaurants and countless shops in the surrounding area. 

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see landmark. An iconic suspension bridge, completed in 1883, connects the vibrant neighbourhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering an unforgettable experience. We started on the Brooklyn side and tried to time it with sunset. As you walk across its wooden-planked promenade, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the East River. It was manic at that time but really fun, a great spot for taking photos.

The High Line 

This elevated park, built on a disused railway track, offers a one-of-a-kind perspective on the city. As you walk through its gardens and modern art installations, you'll be treated to a peaceful escape from the bustling streets below. The park also provides stunning views of the Hudson River and the city's architecture. It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, or simply some relaxation amidst the urban hustle and bustle. The High Line beautifully combines nature and creativity in the heart of Manhattan. 

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village, or simply "The Village," is great for tourists seeking a taste of New York City's bohemian charm. This historic neighbourhood is famous for its artistic and countercultural legacy. Stroll along its tree-lined streets and you'll discover an eclectic mix of coffee shops, jazz clubs, independent bookstores, and vintage boutiques. The Village has been home to legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Allen Ginsberg, and the music scene is still alive there today. We stayed in the Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village, which was a great location for exploring.

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is a true gem in the heart of Greenwich Village, and it's a must-visit for tourists in New York City. This iconic urban oasis is steeped in history and culture, and it's a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. The famous arch at its entrance is a symbol of the park and a perfect backdrop for photos. Washington Square Park is the ideal place to take a break, people-watch, or simply soak up the lively and artistic vibes of this vibrant neighbourhood. We stopped there a few nights on the way back to our hotel and stayed to listen to some live electronic music and watch people dancing. There was always something going there.

9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial located at the World Trade Center, pays tribute to the lives lost in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The twin reflecting pools, set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, are surrounded by the names of the nearly 3,000 individuals who perished that day. Visiting this memorial allows you to pay your respects, learn about the history, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of 9/11 on the city and the world. It's a sombre yet essential part of any visit to New York, we both found it very moving. 

Coney Island

Coney Island had been on my list for a long time, again from seeing it in so many films. This lively, iconic destination is a seaside playground. With its historic amusement park, sandy beaches, and the famous boardwalk, Coney Island is a feast for the eyes. It was a hot Sunday in August when we visited and it was crazy. So much to take in, music, parties, guys with giant snakes. It seemed like every group on the beach had brought their own sound system. Walking along the boardwalk was such a fun experience. Plus it is so easy to get to on the subway. I had researched some other beaches near New York but this was perfect for a 5 day itinerary.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a vibrant and hip neighbourhood in Brooklyn, it's a hub of creativity and culture. It was described to me as being similar to East London, which I definitely agree with. There is a blend of vintage shops, trendy boutiques, and an array of restaurants, from artisanal eateries to international cuisine. The neighbourhood also hosts a thriving arts scene with numerous galleries and street art that add to its unique character. At night, the bar and music scene comes to life, making it a prime spot for a night out. Williamsburg's relaxed yet edgy vibe makes it an ideal place to experience the artistic side of Brooklyn and explore the city's dynamic culture. We had a pizza slice at Joe’s pizza then went to George & Jack’s Taproom on 103 Berry St.

We sat and enjoyed the view from Bushwick Park. Domino Park is also another option for this view but didn’t make it that far.

Chinatown

We walked through Chinatown too and across the Manhattan Bridge. This bridge has a pedestrian section but is really noisy from the trains and traffic. Not as fun as the Brooklyn Bridge but the views are beautiful too.

You can fit quite a lot in to a 5 day itinerary in New York! The next time we visit we want to go at Christmas. Any NYC Christmas recommendation I would love to hear from you. I didn't break this down by day as we knew what we had on our list and then just planned each day while we were there and based things on which areas we were in. Other than the flights and the hotel I didn’t book anything else in advance as I don’t like to be restricted by a schedule. I hope you found this helpful and happy travels in the Big Apple.