Family Trip to New York
When visiting New York, it is advisable to purchase a New York Pass, the value you get is incredible. We went for the City New York pass with over 105 attractions to choose from. For a family of 4, a 3 day pass came to €735. The pass activates on the first attraction. For some context we covered 8 attractions in 3 days which would have cost €1400 but our pass was €735. We did the top of the Rock at Rockefeller Centre where you can get a picture on the beam which rises up. We ate at Ellen's diner Times Square; this is a very famous diner that has broad way star servers that sing and serve all the customers at the same time. You cannot book this (unless with a large group/tour) and there is always a queue buts worth it.
On Easter Sunday, we got to experience the Easter Bonnet Parade outside St Patricks Cathedral on 5th Avenue. It is an explosion of colour with hundreds of people displaying Easter bonnets and costumes. A walk over the Brooklyn Bridge is also a must do to experience as the views of Manhattan on the walk back is amazing. We booked the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island which brings you right by the Statue of Liberty. You can get off here but if you wish to walk up to the to the top of the statue this requires booking ahead at least 6 months in advance. We got off at Ellis Island and visited the Immigration Museum. Here you can discover what it was like for immigrants from all over the world arriving to New York and what they endured to gain entry. You can also search the wall of names outside for any of your ancestors that may have made the journey.
After this tour we headed to the 9/11 memorials and saw the Twin Tower sight where there are now two huge water fountains with the names of the people that sadly died on 9/11 , there is a museum too (this is closed on Tuesdays) We then visited The One World Observatory which is now the tallest building in New York City now the twin towers are gone. If you have the pass you go in scan it and get you timed tickets. Ours was a one hour wait so we visited the Oculus shopping centre next door. This attraction is definitely worth doing. One of the biggest questions in New York is where can you get the best pizza? We tried Joe’s pizza at 1435 Broadway, there was a large queue, but it moved quickly, and we grabbed our slices which were delicious. We also tried Rays Pizza beside our hotel which was also delicious. The next day we had amazing breakfast at the Brooklyn Diner, near Central Park, 57th Street it’s a typical American Diner with endless pours of coffee (Joe had 5!) fluffy pancakes and waffles and amazing milkshakes, we loved it so much we did it 2 mornings. We then headed up to Radio City which is part of The Rockefeller Plaza and did the tour which was fascinating. We got to stand on the stage which is the size of New York City block and where many singers including Ed Sheeran have performed. We even got to meet a real Rockette who told us all about the life of a Rockette. The famous Magnolia Bakery from Sex and The City is beside here too. We then did the New York Rise just off Times Square which is New York's Immersive Adventure. This is where you soar over the New York City skyline on a 4D ride.
Next stop was the Museum of Ice Cream on 558 Broadway and the subway drops you off right across the road. This is a great activity for a rainy afternoon (this is not covered on the pass. It is $50 entry per person). You have endless ice cream, it’s a colour explosion and great fun for kids up to age 11. That evening we ventured down to Little Italy for dinner on Mulberry Street, we ate in Gelso & Grand. We were there on a weeknight, but I believe it’s better to go at the weekend when it’s livelier so keep that in mind if you are planning a trip to Little Italy. It’s well worth a visit and right beside China town so wander through there while down that end of town.
The next morning, we headed for the Edge, it’s situated at 34 St Penn Station when you exit the subway. You will see the Vessel, which is an extraordinary centrepiece of Hudson Yards, and its spiral staircase is a soaring landmark. It is currently closed so make sure you check the opening times beforehand if you wish to visit it. I highly recommend the Edge, which is also covered on the pass. It has a section of glass floor which you can see right down to the ground and it’s amazing. You enter through a shopping centre so a nice area to chill out in and grab a coffee or lunch. Next stop was Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum, 20 min walk from The Edge. The WW2 Intrepid Aircraft carrier retired to Manhattan's West side and has been transformed to a museum. The complex hosts the Intrepid aircraft carrier, the USS Growler missile submarine, a Concorde jet, and a NASA space shuttle as well as a collection of jets and helicopters.
From there we jumped in an Uber (make sure to have the app downloaded before you visit New York) as there are no subway stations near Intrepid. We went to the beautiful Chelsea Markets and had a ramble around the quirky shops and had a gorgeous lunch in Friedman’s restaurant. As you exit Chelsea Markets you can hop onto the Highline Walkway which is an old subway line that went through New York. It takes about 30 minutes to walk and has incredible views and artwork as you walk through. It leads you back to the subway station near The Edge. We had a booking then, also covered on the pass for The Empire State Building. The exhibition is very well done with lots to see mainly featuring King Kong.
New York really has something for everyone. If you want to talk everything New York get in touch to plan your New York adventure.