So good they named it twice, New York is the city that never sleeps. When you visit here, it is everything you would imagine & more. The light and shadows that beam through the vertical canyons of the Manhattan skyscrapers bring joy to the soul as you walk along block after block drinking it all in. There is a unique vibrancy that insists on reminding you it's good to be alive. With so much history, the city has been through good times & bad, yet it never ceases to welcome tourists to join in & enjoy the show.
Nowadays it is much more affordable to fly to New York compared to twenty years ago. With options to fly from Dublin or Shannon to either JFK or Newark, flights are 7-8 hour duration and can cost under €400 return depending on the time of year. If your destination is Manhattan, JFK is located in closer proximity to this part of the city. Public transport includes the Airtrain that travels on an overhead line avoiding the Long Island Expressway traffic and only costs €8. You can change to the subway at Queens and travel from here right into Midtown Manhattan. If you are travelling alone, it is advisable to catch a cab but word of warning, this can cost a minimum €80 excluding tip.
Be prepared to dig deep into your pockets when spending time in New York. It has become extremely expensive especially when it comes to drinking and dining out. And tips are mandatory with some venues presenting a credit card machine with a 25% tip option when paying a bill. This takes time to get a handle on but after a while, it becomes the norm.
Central accommodation can be pricey but if you shop around, there are deals to be had. Considering it is one of the most popular cities in the world to visit, it is not all that extravagant relative to our own capital Dublin.
Good comfortable shoes are advised as there is plenty of walking in the city. Your brain may not feel the long distances but your feet will let you know at the end of each day. There is nothing better than strolling through Central Park on a sunny Spring day to invigorate the senses.. and that costs nothing.
As there is so much to see & do in New York City, it’s best to plan your trip carefully depending on the length of your stay. It’s a good idea to choose your favourite spots and leave the rest for the next time you visit.
Here are some recommendations from NYC Visit 2024
Manhattan Bars
Lolita - Midtown
Bartley Dunnes - Midtown
The Dead Rabbit - Downtown (near Wall Street)
Brass Monkey - Downtown (Meatpacking District)
11th Street Bar - East Village
Sofies - East Village
Manhattan Restaurants
Topaz Thai - Midtown
Tacombi (Mexican) - West Village
Takahachi (Sushi) - East Village
Serafina (Italian) - Downtown
Dos Caminos (Mexican) - Downtown (Meatpacking District)
Sarabeths Cafe (near Central Park - reservation in advance advised)
Emporio (Italian) - Soho
The Boat House - Central Park
Sights/Places Worth Visiting
Rockerfeller Centre - Midtown
Ground Zero Memorial and 9/11 Museum - Downtown (be prepared for an emotional visit here)
West Village Food Tour - highly recommend this**
Little Island at Pier 55 - Downtown
The High Line - 1.5 mile elevated walk across the city
Chelsea Market - indoor market with shops & restaurants
MoMa Museum of Modern Art - Midtown
Sunset Cruise - harbour cruise around the statue of Liberty
Oculus Shopping Mall - Downtown at World Trade Centre
Visit Aer Lingus for more flight information. Good news, Cork Airport is aiming to launch flights to New York in the next three years.
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