New York, the most populate city in New York State and the second in the Americas. For a century and a half, it has represented one of the most important financial and economic urban areas, being considered as a great global city, where finances, education, social gathering, art and fashion clump together. It also is the headquarters of the United Nations, which gives the city a strong international flavor.
At first, the Dutch bought Manhattan Island
from the Indians for a ridiculous amount, calling it New Amsterdam. Later, the
British conquered it but it passed from the hands of each other several times,
until it definitely became British, being changed its name to New York.
The city consists of 5 boroughs or
districts: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. There are more
than 8.4 million New Yorkers in 830 square kilometers. With its subway open 24/7
and the constant movement of traffic and people, New York is considered as the
city that never sleeps.
Are you ready? I love NY
TOUR OF NEW YORK IN 5 DAYS
Note that to be able to tour New York it is
essential to take the subway. Although the map can give the feeling of
proximity, distances are huge and blocks are never-ending, it is advisable to
considerate it when planning the route by foot. For that very reason we always
recommend having on hand a good subway map of New York.
Don’t remain just in the touristic sights.
If you have a
few hours and you need more, do not miss the tour of the Hidden
New York that we organize. New York is much more than 5th Av or the
Liberty Statue… Come with us and we will reveal you all the secrets of the
city!
DAY 1
1. Chrysler Building
The most beloved building in New York.
Completed in 1930, it was built by tycoon of motoring firm Chrysler. It
measures 319 meters high with an Art Deco Style.
Undoubtedly, a breathless building to
visit. Don’t forget to take a minute to observe its gargoyles. We love them…
2. Grand Central Terminal
It is recognized for having appeared in several
films, but it is once you are inside the main hall, you will find yourself transported
to another world. It is really worth it. It's also pretty nice to see the
facade during the night. Say Cheese!
3. New York Public Library
In the middle of the city, next to a
beautiful park you will find this beautiful library. Nevertheless, though the
outside building is awesome enough, the interior is absolutely much fantastic. Additionally,
during summer in the park beside free outdoor movies are projected! An
experience, isn’t it?
4. Times Square
Without any doubts, one of the most amazing
places. At night it is a madness of light and color. Crowded at anytime, you
feel like if you were in Blade Runner. Definitely a must-do!
5. Broadway
Next to Times Square there is one of the
most famous streets in New York and probably in the US, Broadway. Theaters and
people, artists and curious, light and music. A mix for not missing!
6. 5th avenue
The luxury and shopping paradise. Here you
can find from Apple to Prada or Tiffany’s. Even if you are not planning to go
shopping it is interesting to visit it and enjoy a different point of view of
New York.
7. St Patrick’s Cathedral
With a unique location next to the
Rockefeller Center, it contrasts with the modernity of the buildings that
surround it. If you are not used to see a classic style absorbed by the modern,
you will really enjoy it.
This is the Catholic Cathedral of New York,
built by the large community of Irish emigrants.
8. Rockefeller Center
It is a complex of buildings built by the
oil tycoon Rockefeller. Consists on 19 buildings, being the most important one
the General Electric, it was built in 1930 with 70 floors and 266 meters high.
The famous Top Of The Rock is located inside. From a stunning viewpoint you can
see Manhattan as well as one of the most iconic buildings in New York, the
Empire State.
9. Radio City Music Hall
This Art-Deco building constructed in 1932 belongs to the Rockefeller Center complex, and it hosts the biggest and the most famous shows in the world.
Very nice during the night all illuminated.
Interesting events can be watched here.
10. Tiffany & Co. and other stores.
If you like diamonds, luxury or you are a
fan of Audrey Hepburn, you cannot miss Tiffany’s. Taking a photo in the window as the famous
actress is absolutely mandatory.
In addition, as mentioned in the section of
5th Ave, several shops can be found around, as the famous store Big Piano from
the Tom Hanks movie, Big, or the impressive Apple’s entry, among others.
DAY 2
1. Battery Park and Castle Clinton
Battery Park is at the tip of Manhattan Island.
It is a very cool park that house a memorial to the death at the U.S. Navy with
its impressive eagle, the sphere which once stood between the Twin Towers or the
ferries offered by Statue Cruises to the close to the Statue of Liberty. Do not
miss either the Clinton Castle dating from the origins of the city.
2. Statue of Liberty
3. Ellis Island
It can be seen in the ferry on its way to
the Statue of Liberty; in addition, they usually offer tours to visit its
building, which is just a few minutes away.
In the past, this was the first place by
passing immigrants to reach the United States. Here, they were made
identification and health exams etc. A very interesting and emotional place.
4. Bowling Green and Charging Bull
The bull symbolizes today the strength of
the U.S. stock market, however the reality is that an Italian sculptor placed it
there illegally with a hope of selling it.
5. Wall Street
The Stock Market Building. In itself it is
not really stunning, but the value and what it represents it is worth the
visit.
It is interesting the origin of the name
that dates from the seventeenth century. Here was the New Amsterdam’s boundary
and the Dutch built in 1652 a wall that surrounded the city in order to protect
it. The British finally demolished it in 1699. Nowadays, despite the wall does
not exist anymore, the name is still reminding.
6. Federal Hall
Next to the Stock Market building is the
Federal Hall, which was built in the eighteenth century. It is important for
being the former city hall and the place where George Washington took the oath
of office as president of the United States of America; the Bible used is still
remaining inside. This building has served as the Capitol as well.
7. Trinity Church
Neo-Gothic style, it is the third one to be
built in this place. Its tower is 86 meters high and until the early twentieth
century it used to dominate the New York sky.
Highlight the environment around, as well
as the small cemetery with tombstones of seventeenth and eighteenth century. It
is a huge contrast: tombs beside a street full of businessmen and tourists.
8. World Trade Center
Destroyed by the terrorist attacks of 11-S,
the World Trade Center is being rebuilt to become the symbol of New York.
Ground Zero is the name given to this area
after 11-S. This is now a place steeped in history as a huge crater full of
works with a very promising future.
9. World Financial Center
Located next to the former World Trade Center is a fabulous collection of buildings. It is recommended to see it in the way to the Statue of Liberty. The views are AWESOME.
10. Woolworth Building
Built in 1913, it was the highest
skyscraper in the world until 1930, when the Chrysler Building was constructed.
Its tower reminds a cathedral, in fact, it is known as the Cathedral of
Commerce.
The truth is that this building is pretty
beautiful and it is a pity that because of its high it is not possible to
appreciate the reliefs on the upper parts of its facades.
11. City Hall
This is the New York’s city hall, built in
1811. It is hard to have a panoramic view because the trees and the control
terminals obscure much of its façade.
12. Brooklyn Bridge
Please note that the walk from one side to
the other is long walk, but it will look faster by admiring it, taking pictures
or admiring the skyline visible from here. The reward is on the other side. If
you place yourself between this bridge and the Manhattan’s, you will find a
small bay where you can take stunning photos and enjoy unique views.
DAY 3
1. Memorial General Grant
Close to Harlem is the Memorial of General
Grant, which is the largest U.S. mausoleum, completed in 1897.
2. Riverside Church
A neogothic church built in 1930, it is based on the Chartres Cathedral in France. Its tower is 120 meters high, has the world's largest carillon. The parish is multifaith, multiracial and with progressive ideas.
3. St. John the Divine Cathedral
This is the world's largest Anglican cathedral. After more than 100 years of construction it has not yet been completed.
Alongside it is the University of Columbia,
also very interesting to visit.
4. Natural History Museum
Famous for the movie “Night at the Museum”
among others, this museum is very interesting due to its beauty and the
shocking and great technical quality of its expositions. Entrance Hall as you
can appreciate in the photo, is AWESOME.
5. Dakota Building
This famous building was built in 1880.
When built, it was so on the outskirts of the city that did not reach the power
supply. It was so far away that it was said to be in Dakota, hence its name.
Later, it became famous for being John Lennon’s home just before his death.
Another curiosity is that in order to live
here, apart of being rich, you need to be accepted by the rest of its
inhabitants.
6. Central Park
This is the heart of the city and an
impressive green space. Inside you can get lost among its paths, trees and open
prairies. Among bridges and artificial lakes. Among sculptures and people.
Romantic as they no one, this park requires special attention and legs that are
in the habit of walking...
7. Metropolitan Museum
It is one of the leading art museums in the
world.
Interestingly, if you have time, climb to
the rooftop. From there, there are extraordinary views of Central Park and
midtown.
8. Guggenheim Museum
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of our
favorite architects for its innovation in the 40s. Noted for its curves and its
beautiful architecture. You cannot miss it!
DAY 4
1. Empire State Building
A little bit f history about the building,
say it was the highest building in the world from 1931 to 1972 and since the
fall of the twin towers it is the highest building in New York. It has 102
floors and its height is 381 meters. Curiously, it took only 410 days to fully
build it. This building will serve as a reference while sightseeing on the
streets of the city.
2. Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, commonly known as
“The Garden”, is the largest sports stadium in New York. Also colloquially
known as "The world's most famous arena."
If you love basketball, take advantage to
see a good NBA game here...
3. Grand Post Office
The main post office headquarters, it is an
impressive building in the Garment District, built in 1913. It is a typical
gubernatorial American style building. Which means, BIG, majestic and
practical.
4. Flatiron Building
Another of our most favorite buildings because of its texture, its originality in its extreme thinness and its charismatic rise unpretentiously. Data whopping 1902 and it was once the highest building in New York. Beaux Art style. The triangular tower is only two meters wide. The upper facades that meet at that vertex cover only an angle of 25 degrees. The Flatiron Building, with its 22 floors and 87 meters, is wrongly considered as the oldest skyscrapers of Manhattan that still standing, but the fact is that the Park Row (1899) building is older and higher.
5. Friends and Sex and the City
For all their fans. The house where our
“Friends” lived is in Bedford with Groove in Greenwich Village.
Regarding Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the
City, it is in Perry Street, very close, too.
6. Washington Square Park
It is the heart of Greenwich Village. Before it used to be first a cemetery and after a place for executions. Nowadays highlights for the Washington Arch, built in 1893, which is also famous for appearing in the opening credits of Friends.
7. Little Italy
STUNNING!! We love this neighborhood.
Unfortunately, Chinatown is each day eating it up more and more; by the way
this area is still keeping a special charm. Full of Italian restaurants, color
and memories of movies like The Godfather. A walk in this area is essential.
8. Chinatown
We would not consider it as unique as the
Chinese citizens of New York are actually spread through the whole city.
Definitely it is the place for all kinds of Chinese food, souvenirs made in
china, cheap electronics, etc... But we rather the Chinatown in London.
DAY 5
SHOPPING
In New York it is mandatory to keep at
least a day for shopping. The are
multiple possibilities and excellent prices. NOTE: When going to Macy’s, go
first to the office visitor with your passport and you will get a card that provides
you a 10 percent discount on most purchases you make. In addition, some clothes
and shoes are tax-exempt.
As department stores in NYC we recommend
Macy `s or 21 Century. For sneakers and sportswear in general FootLocker is one
of the best options and they are everywhere.
Another good option is going to a Premium
Outlet in the outskirts. Discounts are huge.
NEW YORK HIDDEN TOUR GUIDED
Top tourist attractions in New York are the
ones shown above, however there are many places with amazing stories that you
cannot miss. It seems New York and New Yorkers have the fixation of forgetting
their distant past, which is actually really interesting, folks. We organize a
tour guide where we show those elements of its past that are still present in
the city nowadays and are impossible to discover if it is not by the hand of
someone who knows them.
If you want to know a different New York, don’t
hesitate and join our tours...
CURIOSITY
As a curiosity, let us explain you about
the phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge. This word comes from the union of
Manhattan and Stonehenge. Used to describe a phenomenon that twice per year can
be seen in the streets of Manhattan. Occurs when the sun aligns precisely with
the Manhattan street grid. This effect can be seen just twice a year. In 2014
the dates are: Thursday, May 29th at 8:16 P.M. EDT and Saturday, July 12th at
8:25 P.M. EDT and change every year. Here there is a picture to freak out!
As always, we include a subway map that is
really useful for a city of this dimensions, it will become your best friend!!
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