"New York City: Exciting, Beautiful,... " a New York City Travel Page by londonlover

On September 11, 2001, my country and the whole world changed forever, and nowhere was this more true than in the great city of New York. I am afraid that many of us are already forgetting the horrible tragedy of that day--how easily everyday life makes us slip into complacency.

I've been to NYC three times, the last being my first visit since 9/11. Nowhere is the strength and courage of the human spirit so evident as in the streets of New York. The city has managed to press on and flourish after suffering a terrible blow, and yet many of the things that always made NYC great are still there to enjoy...the theater, Central Park, the neighborhoods, restaurants, monuments, historical landmarks...a truly incredible city.

I hope you will enjoy the many pictures that follow on this page.

After my hometown of Chicago, New York is my favorite US city. My last trip was a five-day visit just to soak up the sights in the Big Apple, and I could have easily spent twice as long without seeing everything I would have liked. I would love living here if the rent weren't so astronomically high!

1. Don't rush it.
New York needs to be savored! If you rush through, you won't get a good feel for the geography, the people, the food, or the spirit of the city. Basically, you'll just be able to say, "I was there!" and get a few pictures of the Statue of Liberty--everyone's first stop. :) So allow yourself at least three full days here if possible--preferably five or six.

2. Do your research.
The Big Apple is expensive, and it can be overwhelming and mind-boggling if you aren't prepared. Get a good map (I love the Insight laminted map of Manhattan!), and check out your favorite guidebooks ahead of time. (Surfing VT for NYC tips isn't a bad idea, either, but you'll need something more focused, too.) :) For instance, I was rewarded for my research by finding the film locations for some of my favorite movies, and by finding the best times to visit certain attractions and restaurants to avoid longer waits.

3. Plan ahead!
Some people can make spontaneous trips work, but it's harder in NYC. I booked my theatre tickets three months in advance--same for my Yankees game and stadium tour tickets. Unless you want to just stroll the streets (which is plenty entertaining itself!), you're better off spending the extra money and time to reserve things in advance. For me, wasting sightseeing time by standing in line at the half-price ticket booth at Times Square for three hours is not worth the money saved.

---

Tara's Top Ten List: Best Things to Do in New York City

10. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan

9. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

8. Have a "Frrozen Hot Chocolate" at Serendipity3.

7. Visit Central Park on a Sunday afternoon.

6. Eat a slice of chocolate babka from Zabar's on Broadway.

5. Go to the top of the Empire State Building at night.

4. Have pizza at Grimaldi's under the Brooklyn Bridge (followed by homemade ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory)

3. Remember at Ground Zero.

2. Take an open-top bus ride around Manhattan.

1. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

---

The Restaurant Section:
I've eaten well in the Big Apple, so have a look at my restaurant tips!

---

Have a look at my travelogues below for in-depth looks at Yankee Stadium, Ground Zero, and the Empire State Building.