New York is a city that truly leaves me in awe every time I visit. It has been so beautifully portrayed in so many movies that each time I visit I myself feel like I am in a movie! The tall buildings, the scenic gardens, the variety of food, the well-planned streets, just everything is so wonderful. If you have limited time in New York and want to check out some iconic spots in a short time span, this blog is for you! This blog is based on my personal experiences, feel free to add, subtract and tweak as per your personal preferences.
Decadent Diaries Tips:
Use the Subway, it will help you get to any location fast, economically and efficiently. Download the official app after checking the MTA website, it will help you plan your trips.
Be careful of scammers in popular tourist places, there are many popular scams in New York, just google up the same and be prepared not to fall for them.
Carry a credit/ debit card as some locations are cashless.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot to explore and carry a backpack to accommodate your shopping so you don't go around carrying many bags.
Beware of your belongings always.
1.5th Avenue
Left - Rockefeller Center, Right - St. Patrick's Cathedral
Left- Central Park, Right - The Plaza Hotel
5th Avenue is one of the most notable streets in New York. Starting from Washington Square Park going all the way up to Central Park and beyond, this prestigious street has many iconic spots one must visit.
Firstly 5th avenue in itself is well known for high-end shopping and beautifully decorated luxury brand stores like Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Harry Winston etc. Many famous department stores like Saks 5th Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman are also located on this street. There is also a beautifully designed Apple store on this street. The must-visit spots along this street (depending upon the time you have you can shortlist) are Washington Square Park, the Flatiron Building, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, the New York public library, Rockefeller Center, St Patrick's Cathedral, The Plaza Hotel, The Pulitzer Fountain, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and of course the absolutely beautiful and grand Central Park. Basically if one just walks along 5th avenue, one can see so many amazing landmarks. During Christmas time, Bryant Park and many other parks set up winter villages having a variety of specialty stores and food stalls. Rockefeller Centre is decked up with the most beautiful Christmas tree and Saks during the evening time has a delightful Christmas light show. If you visit during the summer central park has the most stunning greenery, during autumn the leaves change into some glorious colours and it is just a magnificent sight to behold. If you have time to do just one thing in New York, it would be to walk up 5th avenue, your day will be made!
Bonus Places to visit nearby - Grand Central Station has some really delightful architecture and good food outlets and the newly launched observatory at Summit One Vanderbilt nearby is a multi-sensory 5-part immersive experience atop the fourth tallest skyscraper in New York.
2.Times Square and Broadway
Some people may find Times Square too touristy, but I am always mesmerized by the billboards, lights and all the vibrant colours in this Square. True you have to be careful as there may be many scammers at this square, but just standing and staring all around these beautiful large hoardings gives me a sense of amazement and wonder. There are many a time some interactive billboards, 3D billboards which are so much fun! Check out the Disney Store and Hershey's Store they are beautiful. Try the iconic Junior's New York Cheesecake close by to Times Square or visit Joe's Pizza for a quintessential New York cheese slice. Walk along broadway from Times Square to view the famous theatre district and you can catch one of the famed Broadway shows if that's something you like. Walking along Broadway street you also get to see the Columbus Circle and the Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts. Near Columbus Circle you can try out the popular Magnolia Bakery. If you walk downtown along Broadway, you come across the iconic Macy's department store, the flagship store of Milk Bar (well known for its cereal milk ice cream), Madison Square park, the Harry Potter New York Store and Union Square Park which also hosts a very nice winter village during Christmas and surrounding area of Union Square Park has some really great restaurants.
3.Hudson Yards and World Trade Center
Left - World Trade Center, Right - The Vessel at Hudson Yards
Located at a 15-minute drive from each other, the Hudson Yards and the World Trade Center are two must-visit spots in New York. At the Hudson Yards located on the banks of the scenic Hudson River, is a mega mall with some top restaurants and shopping options. There is also one of the newest architectural marvels called the Vessel, a winding towering staircase structure. You can also head to Pier 78 close by to take a ferry tour featuring views of the city's skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Further downtown is the World Trade Center, where there is a beautiful memorial for the fallen towers, and beside them the new majestic skyscraper the One World Trade Center. There is also their mall with the most beautifully designed white arches, which has many dining and shopping options. Both these places are beautifully designed and full of things to do and must not be missed.
4.Little Italy and Chinatown
Little Italy and Nolita are famous for their authentic Italian restaurants and Italian Bakeries like the iconic Ferrara Bakery established in 1892 where you can try the tiramisu, cannolis, lobster tails and more (you will be spoilt for choice) The Feast of San Gennaro is also held here in September which is a large street fair lasting 11 days, that takes place along Mulberry Street which is the most notable street in this area. Also, check out the legendary Lombardi's pizzeria which prides itself as America's first pizzeria established in 1905. For New York Cheesecake visit Eileen's Special in Nolita. Visit Prince Street Pizza for their popular square pies. There is some wonderful street art that makes this area even more beautiful. Check out the Saint Patricks Old Cathedral and the Old Police Headquarters for their stunning architecture. There is also the popular Museum of Ice Cream close by if you love everything about ice cream like me! Nolita also has the famous Supreme Store, but be ready to stand in a line as the store is extremely popular. Just a walk nearby is Chinatown, the most iconic streets here are Mott Street and Canal Street. It's a great place for some budget shopping, to have yummy dumplings, or to try some Chinese bakery specialties at Fay Da Bakery or Tai Pan Bakery. Visit Tiger Sugar for some delicious boba tea or Taiyaki for Japanese ice cream. Xian's famous foods is quite popular for their noodle creations and for dim sums try the vintage Nom Wah tea parlour est. since 1920. If you are a sneakerhead, check out the popular Stadium Goods Store just off Canal Street.
5.DUMBO
Dumbo stands for Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass, this is the most magical area to view the Manhattan skyline and the legendary Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. First head to the Washington Street intersection from where you can take a picture-perfect shot or a selfie with the Manhattan Bridge. Then head to Brooklyn Bridge Park, especially after dark, to see the most spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline along the East River. There is also the gorgeous Jane's Carousel close by which exudes old-world charm. For a romantic dinner head to Celestine which has scenic views of the Manhattan Bridge and scrumptious Mediterranean food. If you want a more chilled vibe, head to the Time Out Market on Water Street. And if you wish to enjoy a lovely sunset, do it at the glorious pebble beach at Main Street Park. If you like Flea markets, head to the Brooklyn Flea, which is held every Saturday and Sunday from April to December from 10 am to 5 pm. It has everything you would expect from a flea market from vintage items and antiques to gourmet food stands.
Hope you liked this blog, it is based on my personal choices but I have tried to incorporate what I liked best about this beautiful city of New York. Thank you for reading ❤️
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