"The Big Apple"

New York, also known as ‘The Big Apple’ excels in history, delicious food, indulges in entertainment and has its famous skyscrapers. With 48.7 million tourists a year, and counting, it’s easy to believe that this city never sleeps. It is understandable why so many people fly across the globe to visit this breathtaking city as there are so many things to occupy your time. The world-famous department stores Macy’s and Bloomingdales for the shopaholics, the ice rink for the more adventurous and the museums to soak up a bit of history, after a pleasant family boat ride across from Liberty Island. Not forgetting the New York Yankees basketball game.

‘The place to be’ of course is Times Square. The constant beeping of horns from the local drivers, a sea of yellow taxis and the fact that you’re now squeezed onto pavements which are bursting with people- you know you have reached ‘the square’. Your once big strides are now mini footsteps, enabling you to take in the smell of freshly made New York bagels and pastries as you walk. Your favourite British high street shops such as Topshop, Virgin Mega store and H&M, are there to greet you on every corner, oozing in size along with many others.

However, at night it all comes alive. Limos and Humvees will cruise along the compact roads with screaming girls hanging out of the windows. Neon lights will project onto your face and bounce off buildings, the music will be blaring, and the friendly locals persuading you to come into their karaoke bars. If singing on top of a table isn’t your thing, or if you’re wanting a more relaxed night, why not head to the cinema or theatre. One thing I do advise is to get there early as it’s usually heaving with people, as it’s a popular attraction with their 20 screens they have to offer. If not, then head to Planet Hollywood as it’s a family friendly restaurant with endless choices of food and is accompanied by all your favourite movie soundtracks and props.

Although Times Square can be extremely busy and can get quite irritable, the commotion makes it and you’re guaranteed a brilliant day and night out. It is a visually exciting place, with plenty to do and many photo opportunities. Therefore, why not share the experience with friends back home as Time Square is kitted out with webcams allowing you to share the fun through technology.

Why not take a short ferry ride across to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty which was given to the city by the French 125 years ago. Then go onto Ellis Island to view the Immigration museum. Both islands come under the price of one ticket.

Due to the twin tower attacks, the statue is unavailable for the public to climb up, however for an unforgettable experience- not for the faint hearted, get a New York pass and get a helicopter ride. This drifts over the Hudson River, gives you an impressive view of the Statue of Liberty, the memorials of the WTC, Ellis Island and Central Park. With New York offering so much to their tourists, the best way to see it, is from the breathtaking views up above.

Away from all the taxi fumes and sirens, in its own contemplative space situates ground zero. With New York renown for its noise and ongoing entertainment, the memorial area for 9/11 is silent and sheds emotion. Filling the space where the Twin Towers proudly stood is the Tribute WTC Visitor centre. This offers the public, galleries which include photos taken at the time when America was under attack and the devastating wreckage which was left afterwards. It also puts the day into perspective, as people have written their own personal stories on what happened that day, as well as recorded interviews. There is also a gallery of personal belongings which were saved and parts from the wreckage.  

The museum’s base spreads across a whopping 8 acres meaning that it is very easy to miss things out due to its large scale. You’ll find the statue of ‘Lady Liberty’, a replica of the famous Statue of Liberty but a lot smaller. However, many people are unaware of its significance. This was lying in the aftermath and was then found positioned outside the fire station covered in notes from the public, uniform patches, flags, money and rosary beads. This was a way for people to pay their condolences to the fire fighters who had lost their lives.

When you arrive at ground zero, you can’t miss the two stunning waterfalls which run into an acre sized pool, with the sun reflecting off the water. Around them are all 3,000 names of the people who died, engraved on a bronze plaque, symbolising hope and renewal, glistening in the sunshine. Surrounding them are 400 planted trees and marble benches which were designed for people to reflect on that day back on September 11^th 2001. With the sound of trickling water and enough space to have your own marble bench, it makes it a nice peaceful location to get away from the hustle and bustle from the other sights.

There is an opportunity for a walking tour and I highly recommend it. Each group speaker has been personally affected and could be a survivor, a witness, someone who has lost a loved one, or a volunteer who helped clear up and dig for survivors. Not only do they have the knowledge of the memorial tributes, each story is unique and is told from first hand experience, something which newspapers have never been able to do.

If you’re interested in the guided tour, then you can reserve advance visitor passes on the 9/11 memorial online website, the tickets are free. The tour gives you an un-imaginable experience, which will set you off with goose bumps… remember to take the tissues.

Another tribute which isn’t located at ground zero is the ‘golden sphere’ which stands strong in Battery Park. This was originally situated in one of the twin towers. It was heavily damaged but remarkably managed to keep the majority of its shape, including parts of the plane which were buried inside of the sphere.

Walking along the streets with thousands of people passing you by and being in such close proximity, it makes you feel small. Yet, looking up at the skyscrapers which compete for the tallest in the world makes you feel tiny. So getting a chance to go up one of them, such as the Empire State building is a ‘must do’, as it allows you to gaze down on the beautiful city. It is available to the public day and night, and on the clearest of days you can see up to 80 miles away, taking in overpowering views. At night it competes with Times Square’s buildings with its florescent lights running up and down the upper deck, with a spotlight scanning the midnight sky. It gets around twenty thousand people visiting daily, so to avoid major queues print off a ticket online and take it with you (no extra cost).

The other NY iconic symbol, the Rockefeller, with it’s seventy floors, unique architecture, shopping malls, restaurants, Radio City’s music hall and plenty more to offer. The smell of freshly made food lingers in the street, as well as the locals, tempting you in to try their American cuisine. Yet if you don’t want to try something different, you have your standard TGI’S and McDonalds.

Similarly to the Empire State an unobstructed view is open to the public which allows you to look out over the Manhattan skyline, as well as the beautiful palm trees and flamboyant flowers which burst with life in the Rockefeller’s gardens below.

If you like Broadway shows, then Radio City music hall will certainly get you up and dancing with its musical acts. Also enjoy backstage access, a chance to meet your favourite stars, and a glass of bubbly; this makes for a great evening out. If this isn’t the kid’s scene then wrap up warm, have the first aid kit on hand, and go and enjoy the ice rink with 150 other skaters. After, grab a cup of tea from Starbucks as a reminder of home.

Since the hit TV series ‘Friends’ aired, Central Park has always been a popular attraction. With greenery, lakes and fountains, it makes the walks so much more enjoyable. The park also has a zoo and kids club which allows parents to leave their children there whilst they visit the near-by Metropolitan Museum of Art.  

Although the price of the whole visit can be quite expensive, you’re paying for an experience which is unique and like no other.

With top world class tourist attractions, delicious food, shopping, great bars, sport and breathtaking architecture makes a stay in New York City a memorable holiday. What more could you want? New York is also known as the City of Dreams and I for one will be dreaming of making a return trip as soon as I can.