FIRST of all, I love this city! So, I recently visited New York and although I was only there for five days I packed as much I could into my days! I went with my university who have just opened a campus called GCU New York in a really cool area called West Village (reminds me of Shoreditch in London). So I’m seriously considering saving and doing my master’s degree… but that’s another story! But let me just say that if I was thinking about doing a master’s degree, I would definitely consider moving into one of these nyc apartments as it would be a convenient journey for me to get to the University as they are close to some public transport. Although, I think I would have to consider getting a roommate so that I would be able to afford the rent. It’s something that I would need to think about in more detail before making a final decision. But for now, let me get back to this story!

I just wanted to do a little blog post on things to do in New York as there is so much! But here is what I would recommend…
Well, first of all, you’ve got your obvious tourist attractions – visit the Empire State Building, cruise around the Statue of Liberty, hop on a tour bus, browse the abundance of stores on 5th avenue, pay your respects at ground zero, stroll around Times Square, sunbathe in Central Park, go to the top of the rock observation deck within the Rockefeller Center for a breathtaking view of New York at its best.

But I want to share with you the location I visited that aren’t in every what to do in New York handbook…

Hotels

For places to stay I would say anywhere central will be an advantage as you will probably walk everywhere and take the tube when you can as taxis can be hard to catch.. I learned this first hand. I stayed at the Chelsea Inn hotel which wasn’t the most glamorous of places but it was central to almost everything so I was happy. But I would also recommend the Nomo hotel which is a gorgeous 4* hotel in the Soho area which has been a keen favourite of bloggers/vloggers.

Restaurants

If your looking for a fun place to dine where the staff sing Broadway musicals to you whilst you eat, Ellen’s stardust diner is a must see. I would also recommend the Isola restaurant which is very pretty! I never got the chance to visit shake shack but so many New Yorkers love it and I was told it was great! There are also a number of fancy restaurants in NYC with a view that would be great to check out while you’re here. Few other places that are well known and that were recommended to me include Two Boots, Buddakan, Tortilla Flats, A.O.C (L’aile ou la Cuisse) and Cipriani Downtown.

Nightlife

For nightlife I would recommend 230 rooftop bar for an amazing view of New York and reasonable prices and great cocktails. I never got to visit The Standard Rooftop bar also but I heard nothing but good things! One place I really badly wanted to go was Terra Blues which is a jazz club which I thought would have been great fun. Also, Jay-Z has his own club called 40/40 which was on the same street as our hotel, so it was a few blocks from times square if your looking for a swanky bar/lounge. I was also recommend to go to provocateur nightclub in the meatpacking district which will definitely be on my list to see the next time I visit!

Where are your top locations when visiting New York?