Summer sightseeing in New York

In order to break the journey we travelled British Airways via London, (people un-phased by flying long distances could take the direct route, approx travel time 12.5 hours Dubai to New York).

As it was our first visit to New York, we decided to stay in a central location, so opted for Jumeirah Essex House. Positioned on the edge of Central Park, the hotel is perfectly positioned for the novice visitor to find their feet. The hotel itself offers all the facilities you could need as either a business or leisure traveller. Some of the rooms are a little small, but I guess you expect this staying in a major city - you aren't going to spend long in you room anyway! My husband was particularly impressed with the camera on the roof of the hotel, which can be watched and controlled from one of the TV channels!

The staff were efficient and helpful, especially the concierge who helped us plan our excursions. (Make sure you get some small change at the airport as hotel bell boys in New York will expect a tip there and then!) Our room rate did not include breakfast, but this was not a problem as Le Pain Quotidien and the excellent Bouchon Bakery in Columbus Circus were nearby. We particularly liked 'South Gate' the hotel café bar on the ground floor which overlooks Central Park, it is a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

Very jetlagged on the first morning of our stay we decided to get one of the 'Gray Line New York Sightseeing' bus tours. A two-day ticket enabled us to go round Manhattan Island, Harlem and Brooklyn on the first day and get our bearings, then hop on and off a bit more and explore the second day. This is a great way to find your way around, but my only words of advice are to remember your sun screen. New York is still very sunny in the summer and you can get very burnt sitting on the top deck of an open bus!

Other sightseeing activities during our 7-day stay included:
1) Horse drawn carriage ride in Central Park - although this is good to do, we were a little disappointed. All the carriages follow a set route around a small corner of the park, and it only lasts 15-20 mins.

2) 'Tuk tuk' tour around Central Park - This tour was much better than the horse drawn carriage. The guide added far more to the trip with his local knowledge, the tour lasted at least an hour and took us further around Central Park.

3) Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) - MOMA is a great place to go if you are interested in modern art. It gets quite crowded, so go early. Also, I think the best exhibits are on the top floors, so head to the top first then work your way down.

4) Staten Island Ferry - If you want to see the Statue of Liberty, but don't want to spend the time or money going on a specific trip (it takes nearly a day), then take a trip on the Staten Island Ferry. It goes straight past, so you get the best views and it's free!

5) Lunch in Grand Central station - Although this sounds like a strange venue, Grand Central Station is not what you might expect. The ceiling in the central concourse is beautifully painted (see the photo) and there are a couple of cafes / restaurants where you can have a really nice lunch and people watch!

6) Woodbury Common Outlet Village - If you fancy getting out of Manhattan and picking up a few bargains at the same time, head for Woodbury Common. You can pick up a direct bus from the Port Authority bus terminal, and the journey takes about an hour. Travelling through the villages and towns outside New York City gives you a different perspective on the place and you can pick up some discounted designer goods at the same time!

7) The Apple store at the top of 5th Avenue - Although usually a bit crazy inside, the store is certainly worth a look from the outside, all you can see is a glass pyramid from street level.

8) Top of the Rock - Rather than going to the top of the Empire State building, a good alternative is to go to the top of the Rockefeller Centre. You get a better view of the top of Manhattan including Central Park.


There are so many other great things to see and do in NYC, just make sure you pack some comfortable shoes, you will walk for miles!