When in New York City.......

A few years back I travelled to a city that had been on my 'to go to' list since I was a little girl. I had been yearning to submerge myself into the concrete jungle, where fashion, individuality and city lights combined together, cry out from every corner you turn. For many people, Gossip Girl has made the city far more inviting, they want to immerse themselves into the show, for me it was an added bonus. Filmed on location all around the city GG stole my heart and I yearned even more to discover the Upper East Side and the city of bright lights.

Times Square

Pure excitement flowed through my entire body as I caught a glimpse outside the aeroplane window, I knew I was in for the best time of my life when I set eyes on that new York skyline. I had a map, my itinerary and a new lease of life. NYC I'm finally here.

If like me, you enjoy seeing the sights of a city and enjoy shopping, fashion and culture then NYC is most definitely for you. The city is breath-taking and words cant describe the excitement and beauty that is within the city, you can read books, blogs, watch movies, but no picture can give  justice to the magic this city offers. Trust me! you have to experience it! It is a place that will take your breath away and leave you wanting more. We drove over Brooklyn Bridge and parked in a spot where the city is directly opposite and watched the sunset. My eyes opened wide as it got darker and darker, I was in awe, there it was, that NYC skyline you see in nearly every movie made, the lights, the skyscraper's, the noises, I can honestly say it took my breath away.... that was the moment the city stole my heart.

View From Brooklyn

Of course, the top of the list has to be the Empire State Building. Admission to this breath-taking attraction ranges from $25. you can upgrade to different packages.
The best time to visit is at night, you have a 260 view of the city.
This ticket will allow you to go to the 85th floor and walk right around the building, taking in breath-taking views of Ells Island, Statue of Liberty and the whole city.

Then there is Central Park, the most visited park in the United States and one of the most filmed locations in the world.

Arguably one of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park is a manmade wonder.  Not only is it the first public park built in America, but it is also one of the most frequently visited, with over 25 million guests per year.

Set in the middle of bustling Manhattan, its grounds serve as a safe haven, not only for athletes, daydreamers, musicians, and strollers, but also for daydreamers like myself.  One can spend an entire peaceful day roaming its grounds, gazing upon nearly 50 fountains, monuments, and sculptures or admiring its 36 bridges and arches.

150 years’ worth of visitors have enjoyed and recommended Central Park; I have visited three times, now don’t you think it’s time for your turn?

If you are a gossip girl fan you will certainly recognise the Bethseda Fountain.

The famous fountain,  also seen in the Stuart Little film and Home Alone. This fountain is magnificent in real life and the beautiful landscapes surrounding it make it an enjoyable visit and a tick off the bucket list. If you are a true GG fan you will recognise the next picture.....

The beautiful arched buildings where Serena takes herself to read a book after a fallout with Blair in season1, If you love the show you will love this. After the fountains, wander to the strawberry field to see the John Lennon memorial, walk under the arches, to walk in the footsteps of Home Alone and you must take a horse and cart ride through the park, prices range from $50 dollars.

Apart from the obvious attractions like The Statue Of Liberty, Freedom Tower and the Top of the Rock, we immersed ourselves into the city to explore as much as we could.

That included a subway trip to the Bronx to see the Yankees Stadium and the house where Houdini Lived. We visited Carrie's steps off SATC, we took a subway to Coney Island and visited the famous funfair and iconic beach. We walked through Grand Central Station and talked to each other through the whispering gallery, if you're a fan of Angels and Demons, this is for you. We visited the Rockefeller centre walked along 5th Avenue, taking in the sights of Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Freedom Tower is a must. Admission is $30 dollars, this allows you to roam around the two floors for two hours, you take in the memories and the history of 9/11, you are able to pay your respects. All of the above are high recommendations that I think are worthy of a visit to a few times.

Out Out vibes!! New York City is a nightlife capital, with some of the best bars in the country clustered around bustling neighbourhoods like the East Village. Whether you favour beers, cocktails or a glass of wine, NYC has a game-changing bar to slake your thirst. Get yourself to Soho or Brooklyn, where all the cool kids hang out and let their hair down.  These places are diverse and colourful. Known for designer boutiques, art galleries and trendy restaurants, Soho is NYC’s quintessential quadrant of downtown chic. While the neighbourhood's nightlife options range from upscale to divey, there are plenty of world-class cocktail bars to choose from.

Food

Oh the food!! I could most certainly get use to a diet that consists solely of pizza, bread, waffles and cocktails. Not sure my waist line could, but its worth a try! Ed's Lobster bar and Gatsby's bar and restaurant are just a few of the places I would recommend, Brooklyn has the BEST pizza and another favourite of mine is The Cheesecake Factory. The burgers are to die for, also they have every single flavour of cheesecake there is, I recommend the Ferrero Rocher! If you are a steak girl like me, then head to 47th on 7th to a beautiful steakhouse whilst admiring the views of the city. Whether I was eating a freshly cooked sheesh salad pitta off the famous food stand on Times Square or dining in a posh restaurant, I was most definitely in m element at all times!!

Right I can go on and on and on about how amazing New York is but I am going to leave it down to you now! Go, experience the city, get lost in the edgy streets, shop to your hearts content, be a tourist, enjoy and experience the wander of it all for yourself. Trust me, there is not a chance anyone would come back from this city without wanting to book all over again. I for one, cant wait for my next trip, back to the city that stole my heart within seconds.

Now get to a computer!! Get yourself a ticket and thank me later!!!

Bianca X

****Do.s

• Get lost in the magic. You will thank me!
• Take plasters and comfy waling shoes. You will walk your feet off around the whole city.
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, the whole way, Take in the view at night.
• Eat cheesecake and waffles and burgers!
• Be prepared for jet-lag. If you appear to be jet-lagged go for a walk take in the magic.
• Go to the top of your hotel, it may say no entry, follow the signs to the roof. Take in the rooftop view, you wil thank me for this!!!!
• See everything, don't sleep in, get out early and come back late.

****Dont's

• Get a taxi from the airport, Take the airport shuttle for only $15 and its quick.
• Bring stilettos or dresses. NYC is cool and edgy and you are walking A LOT! you can drink till dawn in your flats.
• Forget to get a MAP and plan the most important things you want to see!
• Forget to pre-book dinner, theatres and tickets for attractions.