A castle in New York City? Yes, you heard that right! The Belvedere Castle is a mini castle that was built in 1869 in Central Park. From the castle, you have gorgeous views of the park from all around. There is a viewing pavilion to look out from or you can climb a winding staircase to get a view from higher ground. Inside, you will also find various historical artifacts and information on how the National Weather Service now uses this spot to gather data and give the forecast.  

As described by Sawyers, Bob Dylan has always had an extremely close relationship with New York City. Not only was the name ‘Bob Dylan’ born in New York, but Dylan lived in New York, worked in New York, and became famous from his years playing in New York. As Bob Dylan himself said, “I would not be doing what I’m doing today if I hadn’t come to New York… I was made to keep going on by New York.”

24. Hit the flea markets. Spend your Saturday or Sunday shopping (and haggling) at one of the city’s flea markets, where you’ll always find something unique. Consider GreenFlea in Manhattan or Brooklyn Flea in Brooklyn. 25. Shop in the right spot. If you’re looking for great deals on purses or jewelry, skip the street corner vendors and head to Canal Street, where you’ll find bargain basement prices.

The city definitely “Decks the Halls” for the holidays.  The most famous decoration is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which of course you must brave the crowds and visit.  This has been a very New York Christmas tradition since 1933 and ever since 2004 it has been topped with the “Swarovski Star.”   There are several other memorable trees around the city, but another one I wanted to point out is the Origami Christmas Tree located inside the American Museum of Natural History.  It has been a tradition for 43 years!

Situated on the banks of the Hudson River in the town of Greenburgh, is the Sunnyside residence. Home of America’s founding father of literature, Washington Irving, who is best known as the author of such classics as Rip Van Winkle, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Sunnyside residence is a whimsical estate that transports you back in time and has been charming guests for generations. Set amongst tall trees with a backdrop of the Hudson River and beyond, the home has a magical charm and is a delight to visit for .....young and old. The home is open from early May to early November, and has guided tours outlining the history of the Sunnyside Residence and life and times of Washington Irving. Show less

Liberty Island and Ellis Island are part of the National Park Service and are therefore free to enter BUT (don’t you hate it when there’s a ‘but’ after ‘free’?) you still need to get there by ferry, which is basically what the ticket price covers. There is only one official ferry company that’s allowed to ‘land’ you on the islands – Statue Cruises. The official Statue Cruises website is here. A word on ticket toutsI’d highly recommend book directly with statue cruises. If you don’t, you’ll end up paying more dollars for..well, no reason other than the .....ticket company’s profits. As an example, the above company charges $25 (Reserve and Pedestal) and $28 (Crown) for what should be $18 and $21 tickets. You don’t even get a free bumper sticker thrown in.Stick with the official provider: Statue Cruises. Show less

Que up at theTKT booth on Time Square for discounted show tickets Ride the uptown and downtown loop of theBig Bus (around 4.5 hours to do both) Broadway show in the evening if you get tickets. You can expect to pay between $50-$100 Budget: Cost without the NYP (not including show) $47

Another winter trend in NY are the holiday markets.  The Christmas markets are great for finding unique gifts for that person that is hard to buy for.  I also usually find a few things for myself too.  The best Christmas markets in NYC are Bryant Park, Grand Central, Columbus Circle, and Union Square.  New in 2017, the Oculus downtown now has a holiday market as well.  Please check the links for operating days/hours and list of participating merchants. The Bryant Park Market has some great food options.  The Grand Central and .....Oculus markets are inside, so that might be the best option for Christmas shopping in New York when the weather is not good.  All four have a wide variety of shops, some that have brick and mortar locations and others that are just at the market. You could also opt to do a guided tour of the NYC Christmas markets.  This one also includes seeing some of the other holiday displays. Show less

Hudson Valley Reflections: Illustrated Travel and Field Guide by Michael Adamovic documents scenery, historic sites, architecture, and more within the 100-mile-long region. Discover the natural and architectural wonders that abound in New York’s Hudson River Valley in this lavishly illustrated travel and field guide. The unique scenery, plants and wildlife, and architecture of the valley, from Sleepy Hollow near New York City north to the town of Catskill, are showcased through stunning color photos. Brief essays relate the majesty of the four seasons in the valley, its waterfalls, bogs, people, history, .....and more. Whether it’s learning about the recovery of bald eagles or the region’s rare orchids, taking a tour through a historic Gilded-Age mansion, or rambling to the top of a legendary mountain said to be the abode of mischievous imps, it will be hard, if not impossible, to avoid falling “under the sway of some witching power” that Washington Irving believed pervades this remarkable land. A Life-Long Resident The author, a life-long resident of the region, offers up interesting tidbits and facts that even most locals don’t know. For instance, few residents are probably aware that commercial crabbing operations exist on the Hudson. Blue claw crabs pulled from the river’s murky depths are of a size and abundance that rivals those of Maryland. Ironically, the tasty crustaceans are often shipped there to be sold! And did you know that atop the breathtakingly beautiful Shawangunk Ridge there are caves that you can hike through that possess a natural refrigeration that allows snow and ice that accumulate inside to persist until early summer? And then there’s the history. In addition to being part field-guide that assists with plant and animal identification, the book richly details the region’s colored past and goes all the way back to the beginning. 12,500 Years of Humans While Europeans first began exploring the area shortly after Henry Hudson’s 1609 voyage of discovery, tantalizing archaeological evidence indicates that a human presence existed in the region for at least 12,500 years. Show less

On a budget: HI NYC Hostel.  Hostelling International hostels are as reliable as they come. As well as a great location and all the usual facilities, there’s a great list of social activities to get you involved. Perfect if you’re travelling solo. (If you’re looking for an up and coming area, check out the Local NYC, a design hostel in Queens. Want a central location: you can’t get a more central spot that the New York Marriott Marquis. Don’t miss the revolving roof top cocktail bar and restaurant. You’ll find a list of alternative hotels in New York here.  

Before I get started, it’s worth noting that there is a free option for seeing the Statue of Liberty by taking the Staten Island Ferry and I’ve got more details on how to do that below. However, having taken both the free ferry option and visited Liberty Island (the place the lady in green calls home), I’d highly recommend the paid-for option. Why? Well, I’ll let the photos answer that…

The High Line was an unexpected surprise for me in New York. I’d vaguely heard about it, an old raised train track turned into a park, but I hadn’t quite realised what a special place it would be. It’s more than just a raised park; it’s a peaceful version of city life. It isn’t quite an escape from the city because you’re still in the thick of it, you’re just raised above it so you have an even better view but with none of the hassles of traffic or fellow .....pedestrians. You can even stop and admire the view through a huge picture frame that creates the perfect city view. You’ll also find modern art and sculptures along the High Line as well as places to stop and rest your feet. There are urban flower gardens, sun loungers and I even saw a couple setting up a projector screen for a film they were showing that evening. This was once a waste of space, an ancient structure replaced by modern technology. But it’s great to see that rather than just knocking it down it’s been used for something good. It’s a way to remember how New York used to be while accepting the change and viewing it from this advantageous point. I just hope they manage to some more urban renewal projects all over the world as successfully as the High Line. Show less

One of my favorite spots in Central America for vibrant culture was Guatemala. I love the people, the dancing, the food, the history, the ruins, the art and more. The list goes on and there’s a wealth of things to do there. Culturally rich Guatemala Culturally, they have a number of archaeological sites like Tikal, the symbol of the Maya culture, El Mirador and Yaxha in Peten and more. You can discover traditions, rituals and customs of 23 ethnic groups in Chimaltenango, Huehuetenango, Totonicapan, San Marcos and more. There are also a .....number of museums and folklore festivals throughout the year, including the Rabin Ajau Festival in Coban, All Saints Day in Santiago and the horse races in Todo Santos. Japan should be on everyone’s list. Even though I’ve only been to Japan once, I’d happily return again and feel I could visit once a year and not get enough of its beauty, food and culture. Be sure to read our guides on Tohoku, Hakodate, Kyushu and Nakasendo Way. Sure, Tokyo is amazing and a must visit, Japan has so much culture and beauty throughout the country, be sure to venture north and explore. Show less

Where London has Brighton, New York has Coney Island. It’s the beachside day trip destination for city-dwellers, where you can dip your toes in the ocean within an hour of leaving Manhattan. Coney Island is right on Brooklyn’s southern tip and despite the name it hasn’t been an island for a while. It started life as a resort in the 1830s and within 50 years had grown into the largest amusement area in the US. New Yorkers would come down from the city and spend their holidays screaming at rollercoasters .....and freak shows, and eating saltwater taffy on the boardwalk. But by the 1960s its peak had passed – rides closed down, areas fell into disrepair and there were years of fighting as developers tried to get it rezoned as residential. Show less

Food is a big part of my travels and sadly the only good thing I have to say about the food situation during my visit to the Statue of Liberty was that there was food (the only thing worse than bad food is no food)…oh, and the serving lady on Ellis Island was lovely and cheerful. On a more objective/factual note, food concessions are available on the ferry and at both islands. As you can imagine, the prices are higher than you’d pay if you were not at a major tourist attraction, but .....costs aren’t prohibitive. The food on the ferries was largely snack-based – coffee, coke, chips, hotdogs. I only visited the Ellis Island cafe where a bunch of sandwiches, salsads and other lunch food was on offer. It was ok but nothing to write home about. In hindsight, I’d have packed a picnic of a nice deli sandwich from somewhere in Manhattan and I’d recommend you do the same. Oh, and pack plenty of snacks and water because it can be a long day that requires plenty of refuelling. Related Article: Finding Good Italian Food in New York City Show less

I always try to catch as many of the performances as possible, largely because seeing dancers in motion and hearing cultural music is such a wonderful way to be transported back to a beautiful memory I had in a country. Dancers from Puerto Rico pose for me

This great lovely spiral was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and it is one of the most renowned architectural icons of the 20th century. The Guggenheim is such an unusual looking edifice that some people visit it for its architecture as much for the artwork that it holds. Inside. The interior of The Guggenheim has a six-story rotunda under a skylight. The spiral ramp leads you past all the modern art.

Get this out of the way as quickly as you can; there’s so much more to do in the city outside the biggest tourist trap in the world. And while I try to avoid this place as much as possible, anyone visiting NYC for the first time has to stop here and check the famous sites off your list. The great thing is that most of the best things to do in New York City in this area are within walking distance, and you can see them all within one .....afternoon! Start at Grand Central, then walk a few blocks north along Fifth Avenue to do some window-shopping and visit Rockefeller Center before heading over to Times Square. If interested, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is right in the neighborhood! Alternatively, if you want to get a more local experience head on over to Bryant Park, where you can sit on the lawn and watch movies during the summer, or go ice skating during the winter. The iconic NY Public Library is conveniently located right across the street. If you’re hungry, check out the Burger Joint, located inside the Le Parker Meridien Hotel. Show less

As quickly as possible – this is where all the action is: the trendiest restaurants and bars, some of the best hostels in NYC, hole-in-the-wall boutique shops, and the best speakeasies, among other hidden gems! Between Union Square, the West Village, East Village, SoHo, Tribeca, and Financial District, there is something for everyone, and this is where you’ll discover some of the best things to do in New York City that are off-the-beaten path. There are so many options, but here are a few of my favorites: Union Square: The Greenmarket, Dylan’s .....Candy Bar, ABC Kitchen, Dear Irving, 15 East, The City Bakery West Village: Walking tour/Christopher Park, Murray’s Cheese Shop, Magnolia Bakery, Barbuto, The Spotted Pig, Po, Grom Tribeca: Tribeca Film Festival, Pier 25, Bubby’s, Locanda Verde, American Cut, The Odeon, The Brandy Library Show less

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York's attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls, to the wine trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Whether it's wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole family like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information, visit  www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at www.iloveny.com/thebeat.

Harlem is a combination of stylish cool and spirited visuals where gentrification is old news. The atmosphere along 125th Street is Maya Angelou meets Starbucks and Old Navy. During the 1920s, Harlem enjoyed its first golden age—the Harlem Renaissance—when jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie played in nightspots like the Cotton Club, Savoy Ballroom, and the Apollo Theater. Today, Harlem’s historic enclaves are still beautiful and are a constant reminder of the glory of the 1920s. Don’t miss Hamilton Grange (once the country estate of Alexander Hamilton) .....or the rowhouses in Sugar Hill, where Count Basie, Chief Justice Thurgood Marshall, and boxing champ Sugar Ray Robinson made their homes. Other draws are historic churches such as Abyssinian Baptist Church (where Adam Clayton Powell once preached). Check out Viator’s Harlem tours. Show less

Nothing says winter in New York like ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Located on Fifth Avenue in the heart of midtown, this iconic center features a 72-foot-tall Norway Spruce decked out for the holidays. Grab a hot chocolate and enjoy whizzing around the ice rink beneath the gigantic Christmas tree and towering skyscrapers. For an unforgettable evening, combine ice skating with dinner at the renowned Sea Grill.

Downtown Manhattan is my stomping ground; where I lived for five years. So I might be biased when I say it’s the best part of the city… but I’ll let you be the judge of that! Staring up at One World Trade Center and visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will be a humbling experience, and one that you must include on your agenda. Insider Tip: If you intent to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on your trip to NYC make sure to book your tickets in advance online so you .....can skip the long lines. You can book your tickets here. But the opening of the new WTC site also led to several large companies relocating, and it has completely changed the dynamic of downtown Manhattan. Development in the area has taken off, with lots of new restaurants, shops and commercial buildings opening – leaving much to do and see. Underneath the WTC site is the Oculus, a transportation HUB that will eventually connect all the subways in Lower Manhattan. It’s also home to over 50 retail shops and stores, and connects to Brookfield Place, another upscale shopping center with Hudson Eats, a gourmet food court. The Financial District is home to the #1 ranked bar in the world, the Dead Rabbit, where you can get some truly unique cocktails. This is also where you will find the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In my opinion the best way to experience the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is with a licensed guide. Not only will you get to skip the long lines but you will also learn a lot more about the history of these two important landmarks. You can book your tour tickets here. My favorite hangout spots down here are Clinton Hall, Stone Street (Ulysses), Distilled, Stout, and Insomnia Cookies. Show less

The Museum of Modern Art is another of New York’s museums that is well worth checking out. Located in Midtown close to the Met Museum it has a selection of international as well as American art and sculpture lining it’s interior. On Friday evenings they have Free entry between 4-8pm so if you’re looking at saving a little money while you’re in the city then be sure to head over for then! They also have a fantastic restaurant inside, the french fries are some of the best I’ve ever eaten, .....so if you’re feeling peckish then head on over. Show less

The drive from Nottingham to Heathrow Airport was plane sailing.  The M1 was kind to us and we got to the airport with plenty of time to spare.  I hadn’t realised how straight forward getting to Heathrow Airport was by car, so I would definitely consider flying from here again for other holidays.  I scored a fantastic deal on airport parking and it only set us back £17 for 5 days with the winter offer.  Happy Days!  Getting to New York was going well so far. Heathrow Airport is huge, and .....our flight departed from Terminal 5.  We caught the bus from the car park and were dropped of right where we needed to be.  We were about an hour early for check in, but a lovely steward helped us get our boarding passes sorted so we could get ourselves through security and settled. We decided it was time for a lunch break, and my son and I enjoyed a burger at the Wetherspoon’s in Terminal 5.  It gave us chance to catch our breath and enjoy some free WIFI.  Equally as important to teen and his blogging Mum! After shopping for a few travel essentials, we headed to our gate on the airport train.  It was free of course and got us to gate B without any hassle at all.  I had booked our flights through Travel Up after finding a deal through Skyscanner.  I had booked the flights with Iberia Airways, but it turned out it was a British Airways flight. Show less

From SoHo to TriBeCa, New York does love a good acronym, and Brooklyn has its own in DUMBO – the area ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’. This part of the city is dominated by the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges which tower over your head – and a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the essential New York ‘must-dos’. But head underneath the bridge and there are lots of interesting side streets to discover, as well as some of the city’s best views. This was an industrial area .....until the 1980s, full of warehouses and cargo ships. But now the warehouses have been converted into shops, restaurants, galleries and arts venues, mixed in with pricey new high-rise apartments and tech start-up offices. Show less

In Manhattan alone, there are dozens of neighborhoods worth visiting and that doesn’t even include those in Brooklyn and Queens. While each has their own parts worth visiting, namely Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Astoria, I’m going to focus on those on the island of Manhattan. Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea are where I’ve spent the most time, mostly due to their location near the Javits Center. Hell’s Kitchen was once a rough neighborhood but today is full of good restaurants, Gotham West Market and filming locations for television and movies. Nearby Chelsea is home .....to landmarks like The High Line and Chelsea Market, the city’s most popular food hall. You’ll also find art galleries, rooftop bars and even a driving range at the piers. Show less

Visiting the Statue of Liberty is possible even for people with limited mobility. Wheelchairs are available free of charge on Liberty Island, and there are elevators going up to the Pedestal. There is no elevator to get to the Crown. Service animals can access all areas of the park except the Crown. Fore more information on visiting Statue of Liberty with a disability, you may want to check this page.

Booking Tickets We pretty much spent the WHOLE morning picking up tickets! Now I know this was not the most exciting morning as most of it was spent queuing and traveling on the subway/ walking. But it was worth it as we got it all out of the way. After queuing up for  The Ride (I didn’t get manage to get tickets the day before) we then went down to Battery Park to pick up our Statue of Liberty tickets (so we could use them another day). We then went back uptown to Rockerfella to .....book evening tickets for Top of The Rock (make sure you book don’t just turn up as you may have a very long wait!). It was about lunchtime so we went and picked up our Big Bus tour tickets.  Show less

The most popular time of year to visit is from May through September when the ice is melted and there are leaves on the trees. Since this is the busy season, expect accommodations to be higher as well. I wouldn’t dismiss the shoulder season though for cheaper costs and less crowds. Another great time of year would be to plan a visit around the fall color. The best time to see fall foliage varies but is typically from the end of  September to mid-October.

Little Italy‘s streets are lined with 19th-century tenements and long-held traditions—and Mulberry Street is considered its heart. The hugely popular Feast of San Gennaro, which begins the first Thursday after Labor Day and lasts for 10 days, is a city favorite wherein Mulberry Street is transformed into fairgrounds filled with rides, games, music, and great food. Check out Little Italy tours.

Visiting the 9/11 Museum and Memorial is an activity for which you definitely have to be in the right headspace. The subject matter, as you would expect, is heavy on the heart, but if you’re willing to put yourself through the emotional experience, we highly suggest making this a part of your New York itinerary. One of the best ways to experience everything is though the 9/11 Memorial & Ground Zero Tour with Optional Skip-the-line 9/11 Museum Ticket through Tripadvisor. Through the tour, you are put in a small group and .....given a tour guide that has a personal connection to 9/11. It is an incredibly informative tour and the personal connection adds a welcome layer to all of the information regarding the events of that day and beyond. Besides a brief walk through the white dove-shaped Oculus building, the tour is done entirely outside, so if you are visiting in the winter, make sure you dress warmly. If you’ve added the museum ticket to your experience (which we suggest doing), you’ll have immediate access to the museum after your tour. Bypassing the entry lines is a huge plus. The museum part of the experience is self-guided. Take as much time as you want or need in the museum. There are timelines taking you through the minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour events of 9/11, timelines of the search for and capture of Bin Laden, audio clips from people who lost loved ones on 9/11 or as a result of 9/11, pieces of the destroyed building, and so much more. There’s a lot to take in and a lot to digest. After the museum and memorial, you might want to consider paying to go to the One World Trade Center Observatory as well where you’ll learn a bit about the construction of the tower and of New York City in general. Its largest appeal however is the spectacular 360° views of the city from the 102nd floor. Show less

Since 1982, the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid serves as a museum. By visiting the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, you get an excellent view of sea, air and space innovation over the years. In order to be able to experience these innovations in real life, the museum has, among other things, a Space Shuttle Pavilion where the first spacecraft in the world, the Enterprise.

Chelsea Market is a block long and a block wide, located in the Meatpacking District. It is an enclosed urban food court, mall, workplace, and television production facility. I think it makes a great stop for a cold or rainy day because you can try lots of delicious food and get some shopping done. It is like being in a gigantic neighborhood market but there are flavors from all over the world, which is uniquely New York. Of course, this place holds plenty of history too as the building has been .....around for quite some time. This gives it a little extra character. Click here for tours that include the Chelsea Market. The whole market is decorated beautifully during the holidays with lights and ornaments galore. It is a great place to feel the Christmas spirit!  Show less

Adults: $36Children (12 & under) & Senior Citizens (65+): $27Active Duty Military (in uniform with proper ID): FREE at the box office Gulliver’s Gate is open every day starting at 10:00 AM—8:00 PM. Last entry is 1 hour before closing. Check here for more information on hours and rates. Get Social with Gulliver’s Gate on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Complimentary tickets to Gulliver’s Gate was provided to facilitate a review. Affiliate links.

When you get to the top of the park go to The Met and get lost in there (it’s huge and won’t be hard). The Met operates on a ‘pay what you can’ system, perfect if you are on a budget. If its summer makes sure you take a rest on the rooftop bar! Take a stroll back down the park and if you are ready for food Hells Kitchen is the place to go. Then take a walk back down the park and if you are ready for food Hells .....Kitchen is the place to go. Show less

The Freedom Tower (One World Trade Centre ) was finished and opened in 2014. It replaces the gap in the skyline that was left after the devastating attacks on 9/11. The building itself is completely futuristic and catching glances of it is quite spectacular, especially when the sun is setting! The One World Observatory is now open to the public and costs $30+ to go up. image: New York Magazine

The park’s main trail is the Gorge Trail. There are 800 steps in total from the bottom to the top, and the path gradually inclines. But don’t worry: You’ll be taking this hike slowly, as you’ll be in complete awe of your surroundings. So it’s truly suitable for all fitness levels. The dramatic landscape at Watkins Glen State Park is like no other we’ve seen during our travels. The water has gradually carved the rocks over thousands of years. Some rocks are made smooth by the river that runs through the gorge. .....Other rocks jet out unevenly, stacked layer upon layer. READ MORE: Benefits of Ecotourism: 20 Bloggers on the Importance of Nature Travel Show less

The Charging Bull is another significant monument in the city, located down in the financial district. It’s been on the bowling green since 1989 and it was to represent the strength of the American people during the 1987 recession. While you’re down there you could have a wander along Wall Street and the financial district to experience the centre of US banking in operation.

On either side of Central Park’s vast green lawns are the Upper West Side and the Upper East Side, two leafy (and wealthy) Manhattan neighborhoods. Notable sights on the Upper West Side include Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, while the Upper East Side offers a panoply of museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection, and the Guggenheim, among others.

Trinity Church is a beautiful historic church at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway. The particular building that stands today is the third version of the church, though all three buildings were located at the same site. The current church is a Neo-Gothic architectural building designed by Richard Upjohn with particularly dazzling stained glass windows. Both George Washington and Alexander Hamilton worshipped in Trinity Church. Hamilton was also buried in the churchyard along with his wife Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, their son Philip Hamilton and Hamilton’s sister-in-law Angelica Schuyler Church. Hamilton’s gravesite .....continues to be frequently visited by tourists today. The church and churchyard are open from 7am-6pm every day and visitors are always welcome. Show less

The main New York Public Library building you’ll be visiting during your 4 days in New York is the Shwartzman Building on 42nd Street and 5thAvenue by Bryant Park. To get the most out of your visit, we suggest joining one of the free, guided building tours leaving at either 11am or 2pm Monday-Saturday. As you make your way through the library you’ll see the majestic marble of Astor Hall, the enormous Rose Main Reading Room, the murals of the McGraw Rotunda and the overwhelming Map Collection Room. The library also .....has a charming Children’s Center that is home to the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal along with his friends. Whether you come to the library to read, to marvel in its architecture or to wander around, you’ll enjoy a peaceful escape from the bustling streets outside. If you wish to get a library card you can do so without even being a New York resident. U.S. residents are eligible for a 3 month temporary New York Public Library Card. Even foreigners can apply for a 3-month card with a photo I.D. and proof of your permanent address. Show less

Best coffee places: Joe and the juice in little Italy, Balthazar in little Italy and o’Cafe in sixth avenue midtown are the best coffee places. Joe and the Juice is industrial style, playing beats and serving great juices ($8.7), coffee and sandwiches ($9), providing also free wifi. Balthazar is a speakeasy and kind of more formal place. Balthazar is just opposite of Joe and the Juice, and you can easily check both places and decide.O cafe is relaxed and easy going. Laduree at Soho is a French style place which serves great .....deserts and has a beautiful interior design. Two hands cafe is an Italian style place in little Italy. Epistrophy is an industrial, french-new york retro bar in little Italy, great for coffee, and brunch. Grab a seat next to the window, preferably at the couch. Go to Think coffee at Noho for people watching. Eataly at Madison Square is a chic Italian food and coffee market where you could sit on the high tables and drink coffee, eat a tiramisu and then shop some cheese and crudo. If you are a fan of design, check the Guzzini collection of kitchen accessories. Show less

The 9/11 Memorial was opened in on the 10th anniversary of the attacks in 2011. The Memorial Park is a beautiful tribute to all those that lost their lives in the attacks. It’s located on the sight of where both towers used to stand and is definitely a must when visiting the city.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral was originally built on Mulberry Street, but when the cathedral became too small in 1853 to accommodate all visitors, it was time to move. The new cathedral had to be much larger and the overseer, Archbishop Hughes, decided that moving to Uptown was the best option. His idea was initially not well received, because this area was too far from the center at that time. But he was convinced that this area would soon become the heart of the city. It looks like he was right! The .....first stone of the cathedral as we know it was laid in 1858. Today, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is located in Midtown, close to other New York landmarks such as Central Park and Grand Central Terminal. Show less

Times Square is an overwhelming place, so take your time to get a feel for it. Go up the well-known red stairs, sit down and see what happens around you. You will see a lot of people in big suits, dressed as Disney characters and other famous characters. They want you to take a photo with them, and then ask for a “tip”. It is common to give them one or two dollars, but this is not mandatory. If they are annoying, you can always contact a police officer. You can .....also bump into the Naked Cowboy. This now world famous guitarist with little concealing outfit can be found on Times Square regularly. Summer or winter, even with a thick layer of snow, he still entertains the bystanders in boxer shorts and cowboy boots. There are also a lot of themed restaurants on the square, such as Hard Rock Café, Bubba Gump and Planet Hollywood. Look up and in the distance you see the ball that goes down every year to announce the start of the new year. This “Ball Drop” can be admired during various Ball Drop parties. Show less

New York is not a cheap destination when it comes to accommodation, we learned that very soon after we started looking for a place to stay. For sightseeing, the best place to stay is the Manhattan district, but in general, it is enough to find a hotel nearby the metro station, and you will be able to get around very easily. We've handpicked three top hotels in New York for every budget category, but please note, that even the cheapest hotels are not exactly cheap here in New York, plus the .....cheapest once usually have terrible reviews. Cheaper Mid-range | Seton Hotel - This hotel is conveniently located close to the most major sights, and we promise that you are going to love the decor. Mid-range | Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South - There is a large number of mid-range hotels in New York, and we know it is hard to pick the right one. What we also know, that you can never go wrong with Hilton chain, as it offers clean rooms, great location and well-trained staff. Luxury | Baccarat Hotel and Residence New York - Modern decor, elegant rooms and perfect services, this hotel is true gem for all travelers who require the best service and can afford it. Show less

Find the elusive elevator at 55 Water Street in the Financial District and prepare to be left mouth agape. The Elevated Acre is another of New York’s lesser-known al fresco spaces designed to add some greenery to an otherwise slate city. This landscaped rooftop garden overlooks the East River all the way to Brooklyn Heights as well as the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.

Coney Island is just a short train ride from Manhattan and basically the only beach around (besides the uber expensive Hamptons). So it’s a hot spot for lots of New Yorkers and a great tourist attraction. The beaches are so big, they never get overcrowded. And I loved just walking around and seeing how diverse everything was. I heard several languages being spoken, and watched dozens of people from around the world enjoy this relaxing playground near New York City. So if you fly in to JKF or LaGuardia, make .....sure you stop at Coney Island to experience a little bit of Brooklyn, before heading into the city. Even just an hour or two is worth it to have a Nathan’s hot dog and walk the boardwalk. Show less

Broadway theaters pack the district, lighting up with billboards and marquees advertising the latest musical or play. Each theater is a unique venue with its own history. The Longacre Theater was built in 1913 by producer and manager H.H. Frazee, the Boston Red Sox owner who famously sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees. The Barrymore was built in 1928 and named for actress Ethel Barrymore. And the Cort Theater was built in 1912 and named for John Court, a fugitive and a vaudeville comedy star.