Start spreadin’ the news, I’m leavin’ today
I want to be a part of it, New York, New York
These vagabond shoes are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it, New York, New York!

There are reasons why New York has so many monikers;

The Big Apple, The Center of the Universe, The City that never sleeps…

And that’s because they aptly describe this incredibly vibrant, diverse, exciting, and exhausting city. There is simply something always going on… and I don’t mean the parades, the Broadway shows, the neon lights of Times Square. The people are happening and it is a people-watchers dream.

At any given moment, I have witnessed a theft, a record label- worthy saxophone performance,  random acts of kindness, subway confrontations, graffiti defacement and movie stars walking on the streets of Manhattan.

I have been lucky enough to visit several times and my daughter now resides there, so I expect to visit New York and its 5 boroughs even more. Though NYC is all-action most of the time, it does become difficult to flow with its vibrations and steady perpetual beat. Relaxing is sometimes a challenge, so if you prefer to chill out and take a leisurely pace, NYC may not be for you.

I have highlighted but a few of New York’s popular and quintessential experiences below.

Washington Square Park

New Yorkers are vocal politically and you can see evidence here of the Fourth Amendment written in chalk within the park. This monument is very popular and people gather here to eat and listen to jazz music, watch street artists and just enjoy the sunshine.

Central Park

Central Park is enormous and does provide lovely opportunities to people watch, to play soccer, rent boats at the famous Boathouse and walk the pets. It’s a definite must do while in the city.

 

Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall in Manhattan offers concerts and competitions, and there list of performances is varied.  In this pic my daughter is performing so that’s my favourite kind of concert!

The 911 Memorial and Museum

This is simply an outstanding tribute and chronological re-play of that horrible day that took so many lives and changed the face of New York. I was in the museum  for nearly 4 hours and left transformed and humbled by how the city came together as a result of this catastrophe. There is so much to take in, even if you are well aware of the events. It’s probably number 1 in my book when visiting the city.

Times Square

We’ve all heard of it and it rocks. Neon lights, Broadway shows, heavy-duty traffic, thousands of people walk and shop and eat in this area. It’s vibrant, it’s crazy and it’s amazing.

Graffiti Murals

There are so many painted walls in this city. You could make a whole trip of discovering and photographing the gorgeous artwork that adorns buildings of all sizes and ages. I have many more photos of such murals, but these are a few of my favorites.

The Love sculpture

On the Avenue of the Americas, there is a tourist-heavy icon that stands firmly on the corner. People from all over the world flock to this sculpture to take their turn at posing and you often must wait in a line until it’s your turn, but most people are very polite and offer to snap a photo for you if needed.

The New York Brownstones

Apartments or flats, these brownstones provide dwelling for many. There are many style variations and colors but most are in brick.  My favorites are in Brooklyn though the Upper West side brownstones are charming and heftier in price. Some of the Brown stones in the Upper East side are upwards of $40,000,000. Yes, that’s right…

Brooklyn Bridge

A New York visit is incomplete without a walk over the iconic Brooklyn bridge that looms over the East river and joins both Manhattan to Brooklyn. The walk over is spectacular in either direction. Built in 1883, it supports over 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians each day. I’ve been on the mini-version in Las Vegas and this one is definitely more thrilling:)

These little town blues are melting away
I’ll make a brand new start of it, in old New York
If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere
It’s up to you , New York, New York

Enjoy!