New York, New York State, USA Holiday Review - I heart NY

Submitted by: Saima
Date of travel: 01-June-2010

I first experienced NYC 4 years ago, and since then I have the concrete jungle bug! I recently went to NYC a couple of weeks ago. As soon as I got into my yellow taxi heading to Manhattan, I knew this would be a holiday to remember. The weather was divine, the people were bustling, and the atmosphere was insane. I visited a number of ‘tourist’ attractions including Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, Rockefeller Center, Wall Street, boating in Central Park, Radio City, Times Square, Bronx Zoo, Coney Island, and even made my way up to 6 Flags (the New York theme park), to name but a few. But it was the hidden gems I fell in love with…seeing unknown bands playing in Washington Square Park, jogging along the West Side highway early morning, and people watching outside the SoHo café’s. The food is as you can imagine, endless! I went to a couple of notable restaurants including Club 21 (pricey, but great fish!), Amma’s (quaint Indian restaurant), and an amazing Thai restaurant in the East Village. If you really feel like pushing the boat out (which I did), head on over to Brooklyn and visit the River Café. The deserts are worth the weight gain! The night life although similar to London, has an edge. We clubbed the night away at Jay Z's 20/20, Opal and Webster Hall. I found that bars and cocktail lounges are more popular though. You can’t go to NYC without heading to the Waldorf for a cocktail, or going to a local bar and playing beer pong with the night’s revelers! There are a lot of bars in Midtown. I went to NYC with one very light suitcase, and ended up leaving with a suitcase over my weight limit. Shopping in NYC is none like I’ve experienced before (and this coming from a Londoner!). I wondered around 5th, popped into Bloomingdales, went to Century 21 in the Financial District, shopped at high street brands along Broadway and even caught a bus to Woodbury common (designer clothes heaven!). Even China Town is worth a peak - dumplings and souvenirs! Although the $ isn’t as high as it used to be, you can still find some great finds. Apple, Gap, Ray Ban, Levi’s and Nike are all worth a look in. Also, look out for some lovely women’s boutiques in SoHo along Bowery and Elizabeth. Overall, the holiday was just what I needed. Food, sun, happy (and gorgeous!) people, and a woman’s dream shopping experience. I even got to watch Sex and the City 2 and get some more inspiration for my next NYC shopping spree!