New York City
New York is a cultural melting pot and has hundreds of sights. I want to highlight a few impressions of the city that inspired me most.
At first, for the low budget traveler I can recommend the very central 'One Bedroom Apartment - Upper East Side' for 80 $ per night for two persons (146 E 98th St.) and the weekly metro card for 32 $ to be fully mobile.
As NYC is so huge, that your feet will hurt badly when trying to walk off everything, I can really recommend a hop-on-hop-off 2-days busticket throughout your first days, to get an overview and first impression. It includes 5 bus tours (Downtown, Brooklyn, Harlem, Central Park, Night Tour) and a trip to the Statue of Liberty by ship. We had the best experience with 'Top Tours'.
The High Line Park, starting in Chelsea, is the former West Side Freight Line, a beautiful 2,3 KM long walking strip over the streets with a diversity of trees and rare plants.
In the summer, the Central Park is the heart of the city. You can walk through forests, over meadows, around lakes, passing botanical gardens (John Lennon Park),
watch people play chess or Baseball, listen to live music or hanging around with friends. Take a walk and breathe in the pulsing life and the variety of the city.
A visit in the Yankees Stadium for a match of the NY Yankees is also a highlight. You can feel the american way of life with a beer and some hotdogs in your hand while watching a baseball match.
Williamsburg
The hip quarter in Brooklyn is for young people actually the place to be in New York. Take the metro L to the Bedford Avenue and you will get out in the centre of the action. Numerous possibilities for going-out, many green areas and urban lofts - over actually 6500 artists and many more hipsters appreciate these advantages of Williamsburg.
The Grand Ferry Park directly at the East River is a beautiful and quiet place to relax and enjoy the stunning view over the skyline of Manhattan.
Weekends, the Smorgasburg Food Market in Williamsburg is the mekka for all kind of absolutely most delicious food at one place.
Food & Lifestyle
You can´t even produce that much appetite, as you would like to eat in New York. The selection is immense, so I will try to give you a potpourri of traditional and modern food.
The best hot dog in town can for sure be found at Crif Dogs in Williamsburg (555 Driggs Avenue).
Taste some of the best pizza slices at Di Fara in Brooklyn (1424 Avenue J, Midwood).
Try the burger at L.E.S. Kitchen in the Lower East Side (15 Essex Street). The mint lemonade is also really fantastic. You can bring your own beer - at the corner is a grocery with several good beers.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown is a must do in terms of chinese food (13 Doyers St).
Afterwards, check out the Apotheke Bar right next to Nom Wah in 9 Doyers Street. Classy, stylish interior design, perfect drinks and a strict no-sneakers policy.
Article by Jussi
