Travel Journal

One of my best activities in New York was a three-hour “Bike & Roll” cycle tour of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. It ended up being the highlight of my trip.

Starting from Battery Park, we cycled about 12 miles through lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, crossing both bridges and passing through Brooklyn Heights, TriBeCa, Chinatown, and back to Battery Park. Cycling in one of the most congested cities in the world might sound crazy, but there’s a good network of cycle lanes, plenty of shade from the tall buildings, and the flat terrain offers a unique perspective. Some intersections were tricky, but our excellent guide led us through them calmly, boosting our confidence. Stopping for a breather on the top of the Brooklyn Bridge was a highlight – now I know what the ‘panoramic’ function on my phone camera is for!

To visit the newly finished One World Trade Centre Observatory, also known as “Freedom Tower,” I figured late at night would be the best time to avoid queues, and I was right. The $32 entrance fee is quite steep, but they really build up the sense of occasion. When you buy your tickets, they ask where you’re visiting from, then a 3D graphic pops up on a giant world map to announce your arrival! The 30-second elevator ride up 102 stories, with walls showing New York’s growth over the centuries, is almost worth the fee alone. The view is even better than from the Empire State Building, making it a great way to end the trip.

Here are a few things I learned from my time in New York City:

• Carry lots of $1 and $5 bills. America still uses cash a lot, and tipping is 20% in NYC. It’s expected everywhere, and good tips often lead to better service next time.
• The NYC subway is great – it’s safe and easy to use. It helps to have a hotel close to a subway station if you’re not big on walking. Buy a metro card when you arrive, so you don’t have to keep stopping to reload.
• Staying close to Midtown Manhattan helps with getting around quickly, but hotels can be pricey. We know some well-priced hotels, so be sure to ask us for recommendations! If you’re on a budget, consider the ‘Pod hotels’ on West 39th and West 51st, which offer quirky, high-tech rooms. Alternatively, Brooklyn is only one subway stop from lower Manhattan.
• Take at least one yellow cab ride – it’s fun watching the cabbies navigate the Manhattan street grid. It’s a quintessential NYC experience.
• Bring a really comfortable pair of trainers because you’ll end up walking miles every day. Walk through as many different neighbourhoods as possible to get the real NYC experience – each has its own unique flavour.
• If you love shopping, add another three days to your trip. Macy’s Department Store on 34th Street takes up an entire city block and is 12 storeys tall.
• Yes, Times Square is a huge tourist trap, but there’s nothing quite like it at night. It’s hard not to end up with a big goofy grin on your face from all that neon.
• Check your mobile phone provider’s roaming plan. For example, One (previously Vodafone) currently only charges $8 per day to roam in the U.S., and having offline Google Maps on your phone is incredibly useful. Oh, and every single New Yorker has a smartphone.
• Be assertive and know what you want before you order. New Yorkers aren’t patient; they’re brash but often very funny!
• It pays to plan ahead and make reservations for evening meals, Broadway shows, and sightseeing. Accept that you’ll never have enough time here. A week would be nice; longer would be even better!
• Oh, and you’ll need a holiday when you get back from NYC to ‘come down’ – It’s definitely not a relaxing place. It’s crazily exhilarating and very addictive. You’ve been warned!