The Big Apple. New Amsterdam. The Capital of the World. Gotham. The City So Nice They Named it Twice. New York – a city of superlatives.
I remember the first time I saw the skyscrapers of the New York Times (I remember it so vividly because it was the first real skyscraper I have seen). I had to bend my neck in order to see the top of this steel gargantuan.
Some of the buildings around it seemed oddly familiar because I had seen them on many TV shows, movies, and/or photos. Yet, New York City is much more than just a bunch of lined skyscrapers.
After our adventure in Miami, we arrived late in the evening and rushed to check in the hostel before midnight. That proved to be impossible as there was a horde of people trying to do the same thing.
A little disheartened by this queue, we were calmly waiting and suddenly we saw three friends, whom we had not seen for ages, from our hometown. They were standing outside the hostel. What a small world!
We immersed into a quick chat and planned a day of exploring with them. After a couple of hundred minutes waiting and a few rounds of “diplomatic negotiations” at the reception, we got admitted and immediately hit the beds. That’s because we had less than three days to explore probably the most cosmopolitan city in the world.
Day 1 – the American Museum of National History and Central Park
My friends were not too happy because it started raining in the morning of our first day of roaming around New York, but I could not care less.
If there was a place where I would be happy to be rained upon, that place would be New York City. While we were gaily marching the large boulevards and avenues that crisscross Manhattan, we were amazed by the architecture around.
The American Museum of National History
I don’t know how we had decided that we would devote time to museum visits, but the first stop of our short journey was the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Back in 2007, our group was not the wittiest in the world, I would have to admit. Even though we spent more than 3 hours of quick glancing at museum exhibits, we were not able to cover even a third of the AMNH, which is one of the largest museums in the world. At least, we managed to take some great photos.
Central Park – the Lungs of Manhattan
If you only have 2 days in New York City, I would not recommend spending almost a third of a day in exploring a museum – it is very exhausting. Plus, there’s so much more that you can do in NYC.
Not only that the number of exhibits is enormous, but the information at one point becomes overwhelming. It was time to immerse ourselves into the beautiful Central Park, also known as “The Lungs of Manhattan”.
It has been maintained by the Central Park Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organisation since 1980, and is the most frequently visited park in the United States with more than 42 million visits.
Central Park’s length spans from 59th Street (Central Park South) to 110th Street (Central Park North), while its width of 0.5 miles stretches between Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenues (also known as Central Park West).
We started the promenade in Shakespeare Garden, continued the stroll around a very picturesque duck pond, took a shot of the whole group with New York’s skyline, and exited the Park from the west.
A Night Walk around Times Square and the Rockefeller Center
After Central Park, we clumsily continued our New York itinerary to Times Square.
“The Crossroads of the World”, one of its several other nicknames, is a famous intersection in Midtown Manhattan which stretches from West 42nd to West 47th Streets at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. You will easily recognise it not only by the hundreds of billboards and advertisements around but also by the hordes of people, many of whom – tourists.
At night, it is even more crowded – probably this is one of the reasons NYC is regarded as the “City That Never Sleeps”.
Times Square was followed by a walk around St. Patrick’s Cathedral which, at that time of the day, was closed, and the Rockefeller Center. I have to admit we did a silly thing. We were offered tickets for 18 USD to visit the observation deck and admire the Big Apple at night, but for some reason, we decided it is too much and did not take advantage of that. Oh, well, next time! : )
Day 2 – Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Madame Tussauds
Wall Street – The Battle Between Bears and Bulls
Our second day, the march started by a walk around the “notorious” Wall Street. It is also the place where the New York Stock Exchange is located. Most of the banks there are open every day. Of course, we did not miss a chance to tuck our hands in the Charging Bull’s buttocks. It is believed that doing that gives you luck. It proved to be quite difficult because of the streaming throngs of tourists ready to satisfy their, gingerly put, “bronze-bull-touching” fetishes. : )
Before we proceeded to the gorgeous Battery Park and took the boat to the Statue of Liberty, we had already purchased a New York City Pass. It is a great way to save money, but you also have to be quite organised so as to visit as many attractions as possible. At the time (2007), it cost only 65 USD.
The Statue of Liberty – the Symbol of Freedom
Our first visit was the Statue of Liberty which was given to the U.S. by France and was built by the same person who had also built the Eiffel Tower – Gustave Eiffel. The Statue of Liberty, representing the Roman Goddess, Libertas, is one of the largest statues in the world and is a symbol of freedom.
If it was not for the magnificent view of Manhattan from there, I’d say it was a bit of a waste of time, especially when you have a tight schedule. I am not saying that you should not visit one of the most famous landmarks in New York, but bear in mind that it takes a lot of time (the whole trip was around 3 hours).
The Empire State Building – One of the Best Views of New York City
Out of the metro in Midtown Manhattan, we headed to, yes, you guessed right, the Empire State Building. Its name comes from the nickname for New York – the Empire State. The building has 102 stories and is located on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets.
An American culture icon, it was finished back in 1931 and stood as the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years. A must-visit place in NYC! Take a look at the breath-taking photos I took from the observatory which is located on the 86th floor.
Madame Tussauds New York – Meet Your Favourite Celebrities…in Wax
Our tour continued with the Madame Tussauds wax museum. It is located at the very heart of Times Square. It was founded by the sculptor – Marie Tussaud. The process of making the figures, which are of very famous celebrities, royal and historical figures, is very long (around 4 months) and costs around 300,000 USD per figure.
Madame Tussauds Museum is present in many cities around the world – Berlin, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Vienna, Wuhan, Tokyo, and many more. I took many photos inside the museum, but I intend not to bore with you more than a couple.
Madison Square Garden – the Mecca of Sports
Our last stop was the Madison Square Garden. It is situated on top of Pennsylvania Station in Midtown Manhattan between 7th and 8th Avenues from 31st to 33rd Streets. Madison Square is a multi-purpose indoor arena. We did not see any venues as it was quite late but had a peek inside.
I have not heard of anybody who has been neutral about his or her visit to New York City – they either love it or hate it. The Big Apple is much more than just skyscrapers and avenues. It is a city of many contradictions and contrasts. It is the charm that every big city carries. It is the people that march its streets every day – be it locals, commuters or tourists. It is a fashion capital, an Alpha++ City, a financial and trade centre. Everybody has seen it on TV, but to fully feel its magnetism you have to explore it on yourself. Go ahead – immerse yourself into this vibrant megalopolis and share with me your story.
“Imagine all the people – living for today”
John Lennon
Have you been trotting through the Big Apple? Did it drizzle on you?
omtripsblog
I really enjoy your blog post! For two days, you did a great job! Such a great memories!
My experience seeing the Statue of Liberty was the same like yours. Yes, it’s one of the largest statues in the world, but please, when I saw it with my own eyes, it looks very small to me, don’t you think? I also think that the Liberty Island is a waste of time, but I really enjoy the Ellis Island. What about you? Did you have enough time to visit the museum there?
Svet
Hey, thanks for your comment! Yeah, Liberty Island was (almost) a waste of time. I was not able to visit Ellis Island, although now I believe it would have been a better idea. Well, I hope next time 🙂
Eloise – MyFavouriteEscapes.com
All this in two days?! Well done! I guess if the city never sleeps it gives you more time to explore!
I’d love to see New York. I was impressed by Sydney’s skyline so I can’t imagine the feeling I’ll have when I’ll see these skyscrapers…!
Svet
Yeah, we did cover a lot of ground, but much more could be done in two days, I am sure. Our walks were until around midnight, but back in 2007 we were not the most wanderlust people, hehe. Yeah, NYC’s skyline is exemplary, especially now with the newly-erected Freedom Tower!
Dave (Silverbackpacker)
I had a stop over in NY back in 1980…… yes a long time ago. We covered much the same itinerary as you in our 3 days there. A couple of things i remember …….. I felt so small walking around, like an ant, because of all the tall buildings so close together and secondly…. its the only city i have been to that when i asked someone the time they ran away from me………..dont know if its still the same these days.
Svet
Wow, that is quite a long time ago. The skyscraper craze was still at its boom. Though, after having been to China, I am not impressed anymore.
They ran away? haha, silly bast.. That is quite odd, but I guess in cities like these, there are people and people. I do not remember anyone running away from me, though.
sara
I love NYC! I’ve been there two times and I can’t wait to go again. I’ve done lots of things there but I never get tired of it, there’s always something new to try out! 🙂 I’m sure you had lots of fun judging by the beautiful pics!
Svet
I absolutely love it too! I have been only once and I am dying to go again! We did have fun, but so much more needs to be explored!
Vicki Garside
What a packed itinerary for only 2 days! Sorry to hear you didn’t get to Ellis Island, the museum is really good! But like you say – maybe next time!
Svet
Yeah, it was packed, but I believe we could have arranged it in a better way even! Yeah, people told me the museum there is great (also liked what I saw in the “Hitch” movie) :))
Sabine
2 days in New York is by far not enough, but you managed to see a whole lot of things. I’ve never been there, I’d love to go. And maybe the museum is not worth going when you only have 2 days, since it’s so big, but it looks like nevertheless a wonderful museum that’s worth going to.
Svet
You got my point perfectly, Sabine! Museum visits are not for 2 days and they are certainly not enough for any big city, especially NYC 🙂
wyldfamilytravel
sounds like an excellent trip to the big apple. We have never been to America but one day maybe. Seems you ticked off all the good sights. Madison square gardens always reminds me of watching wrestling when i was kids. Just need Hulk Hogan in the middle and it would be complete. Great pictures good read
Svet
Indeed it was an excellent trip. We were able to visit some great sights for 2 days, but so much more needs to be explored. Hehe, yeah, go Hulk Hogan!
anneklien
Wow NYC is on my list , id love to explore it for a week, hmmm you did well to cramp it all up in a couple of days.
Svet
I would love to explore it for a month if I had the time to do that 🙂 Probably soon!
Jack Jack Henry
I’ve only really seen New York in TV shows and movies. It would be surreal to visit World Square and see New York from the altitudes you did. Did you take all those shots from the Empire State Building?
Svet
Yeah, I did take all the altitude shots from the Empire State Building 🙂 I am sure the Freedom Tower today offers an even better view of the city. And of course – the Top of the Rock at night.
the-worldwide
New York – the City That Never Sleeps perfect title. I loved the sky-view of the city.
Svet
Yes, I also love the title and the vistas. The weather was perfect too! :))
TheBohoChica
I’ve never been to New York, so thank you for showing me a city that still remains on my bucket list. Also, I think the statue of Atlas is totally cool!
Svet
You are welcome! Thanks for reading 🙂 Yeah, the statue of Atlas is pretty awesome!
Travelog with Jem
Wow, NYC! I have never been to the US but that statue of Liberty is sure in my short list. If this took place in 2007 how could you have remembered everything you did? Thanks for the photos, they do help perpetuate the memory.
Svet
Hehe, well, I got some of information from the photos and some thanks to Google. Most of the information I remembered vividly as it was a piece of unforgettable experience! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
elizabeth
Good to see you got some great weather as well! Hey a book you might enjoy is “Time and Again” by Jack Finney. It is a novel that takes you back in time to the settlement of New Amsterdam. It is fascinating!
Svet
Yeah, the weather was absolutely marvellous! Oh, thank you very much for sharing, I will definitely look it up! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Nina
I’ve been to NYC many times and it’s still one of my favourite places to visit! Admittedly though, while I’ve been to a few of their spectacular art museums I still haven’t been to the Natural Museum of History – I should change that!
Sarah from Tales From a Fork
I’m from NYC! I’m glad the rain didn’t bother you, and I agree about museums. It can be so exhausting. Hope you have time to visit NYC again soon. There’s way too much to see for a short trip.
Svet
Hey, Sarah! Nope, these rains are very refreshing and exhilarating. I totally agree that 3 days are not enough to see a lot, but we managed to cover some ground, didn´t we? 🙂 I hope to visit it again soon!
hrollings
Wow, did you need a holiday to get over your holiday? Haha! You did so much in the space of two days! So many iconic locations. One thing to improve your writing… because I’m a native English speaker and I found it a bit distracting… You switch tenses very often, and sometimes in the middle of sentences, e.g. “My friends are not too happy because it started raining”, here you switched from present to past tense. Just something to keep an eye on 😉 Other than that I found it a good read!
Svet
Hehe, yes, we needed a holiday especially because we travelled to Bulgaria after that so jetlag kicked in 🙂 We did cover some ground, but I am sure we could have covered more.
Oh, yes, I remember writing it in the present tense and then decided I would rewrite it in the past. Seems that I have not checked it thoroughly. Thank you very much for the heads up! Much appreciated!
nycgingeronthego
I love NYC. You definitely hit some of the highlights. I love AMNH and despite being there 100+ times, I still haven’t seen it all, and the exhibits are always changing…just like out skyline. You have to visit the new downtown again soon. The new transit hub is amazing and new buildings are going up!
Svet
I love NYC too! Yes, the highlights are always attractive for newbie tourists as we were then. Yeah, I would love to further explore the AMNH and also the new skyscrapers! Cannot wait! 🙂
aberkholtz
Good lord that’s a lot of walking!!! Was just in town and pretty much only managed to sit and eat 🙂
Svet
Haha, that is true! Well, if NYC is close to you or you can visit it without a visa, then I can perfectly understand you 🙂
Amandas_Wanderlust
I have never been to NYC but it looks great – I particularly like the look of Central Park. It always amazes me that there is such an amazing green space smack bang in the middle of the city.
Svet
Haha, yeah, Central Park is really amazing. It is regarded as the lungs of NY. I love it from the inside. Looks much than the rectangle from air 🙂
Patricia
Wow! You saw a lot! I worked just off of Wall Street for four years, and I’m pretty sure you saw more of the city than I did. I rarely get back, but I’d like to return to indulge in some great food and maybe a show or two (if I could get tickets).
Svet
Judging by all previous comments, it seems that we really covered a lot. I thought we had not been able to see that much, but I am almost always critical to myself 🙂 I guess when you live in a city, things are much different. No, I am sure. I have lived in Sofia, Bulgaria, for more than 10 years, and I have not been to most museums. I should really do that!
Cassie
As someone who lived in NYC it’s always fascinating to see it through the eyes of a tourist! A nice reminder that places I sometimes avoided (Times Square!) can be wonderful 🙂
Svet
Yes, that is very true. We tend to neglect things which we take for granted or we pass by each day. I guess that applies to the majority of people.
Suma Jain
Visiting NYC is like a life long dream for me. It’s so cool that you spent just 2 days in the city and managed to visit most of the must visit places. 🙂
Svet
It is a dream destination! Such a cosmopolitan city! Yeah, i guess we did a good job there 🙂
Hung Thai [Up Up and a Bear]
Remember how you were telling me you were working on an e-book for giveaways? You can make this into such an e-book. Add a little bit more attractions to the list and it’s a perfect guide for first comers to New York… 🙂
Svet
Oh, Hung, that is a marvellous idea! I will contact you later to discuss the details 🙂
The Adventure List
Wow I can’t believe how much you did in 2 days. I’ve only visited the Natural History museum and Times Square. Have you been back since this visit?
Svet
Hehe, I am sure we could have seen more. No, I have not, and I would love to do it!
The Thought Card
I’m a New Yorker and I haven’t done half the things that you have. Good stuff!
Svet
Hehe, having watched “Friends” several times, I remember the one where Chandler took Erica around NYC and he loved it although he had been quite sceptical before that :)) I would love to take you around your own city when I am there, ha-ha 🙂
The Thought Card
Yes! I would love that! Let’s connect on twitter @thethoughtcard
Svet
We are already following each other 🙂
Ianaki Inkiow
Hi Svet the next time you go to NYC please go to Hudson River Park. From Battery park you walk along the Hudson River and you can combine this walk with a visit to the High Line which is just a few blocks away from Hudson River park. Enjoy!
Svet
Hi, Ianaki 🙂
Thanks for this great suggestion. I’ll definitely do that next time. I haven’t been to NYC for more than a decade, so this comes as a great reminder.
What’s your favourite place in NYC, by the way?
Ianaki Inkiow
the Frick collection
Svet
Great, I’ll check it out! Any recommendations for places to eat your heart out?
Ianaki Inkiow
A friend of mine took me to Malaparte a small Italian restaurant. A very nice little place. We went to have lunch there. The place was empty just a few people. The view across the street was nothing special. The food was excellent! We ordered appetizers, main meals and desserts. Everything was perfect! The prices were low given the quality of the food we were given. What a nice little gem! And it is very close to the High Line. After the lunch we went walking on the High Line.
Svet
Malaparte – noted! Thanks very much for taking the time to explain this in detail, Ianaki! The hidden gems are usually so close to the craziness we don’t even expect them to be there.