I live 25 minutes outside of Manhattan, part of one of the greatest cities in the world. For some it may just be some dirty, crowded place filled with rude people, but for me it’s almost magical and when you come to appreciate the things it has to offer, it can be that way for you, too.
1. The Food
Whether it’s heading over to the East Side for some tomato soup at Sara Beth’s, grabbing a pretzel off the street or trying New York’s famous pizza, you can’t go wrong with Manhattan grub.
2. The People
New York has received a bad reputation for having rude and unwelcoming people. However, if you actually stop to talk to one of these people you might find that most prove that stereotype wrong. Yes, they are fast-paced and may accidently bump you on their way to work, but if you ever need directions or a suggestion of a great place to eat or an interesting thing to do, ask a local. There are no people who know or love Manhattan more, so they make the best unofficial tour guides.
3. Central Park
No matter the season, I always make my way over to Central Park. There is nothing better to me than sitting on a park bench with either a hot or iced coffee (depending on the season) and people watching for hours. The zoo and children’s area are also fun to visit.
4. Street Vendors
While walking through Central Park, or really anywhere in the city, you’re bound to find various street vendors selling everything from knockoff designer bags to handmade original works of art. They are always fun to look through, but just be weary of overly aggressive vendors.
5. Chinatown
From the overly greasy yet totally delicious food, to the knockoff designer handbags, Chinatown is always an adventure. I love poking around the little shops and booths and I somehow always am able to find an amazing deal on a bag that looks like it’s $450 but actually only costs $5. Personally, I love Chinese food and if I’m near Chinatown around lunchtime, I make sure to stop in and grab lo mein and a bowl of wonton soup.
6. Christmastime
There is nothing like Manhattan at Christmas. The streets are completely lit with holiday lights, the storefront windows on Fifth Avenue are completely decked out and Central Park in the snow is too beautiful for words. Although I don’t consider myself a tourist in New York, I love doing the winter touristy things such as visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and going to the Columbus Circle holiday markets.
7. Broadway
The lights go down, the curtain comes up and suddenly you are immersed in a story that takes you away for a little while. From fun musicals to intense plays, Broadway offers something for everyone. Personally, I have seen Wicked three times now and could see it over and over again and never get bored. It’s also good to always keep your eye out for major celebrities coming to Broadway. Orlando Bloom, Daniel Radcliffe and Denzel Washington are just a few stars who have expanded their resumé on the big stage.
8. The Museum of Natural History
I first fell in love with this museum when I was little kid, being that I was obsessed with animals and they have just about every species in a full scale model shown in their natural habitat. You could spend hours going through the various permanent exhibits and they have a constant rotation of interesting special exhibitions.
9. Street Performers
Although sometimes they can be annoying and in-your-face, stopping for a second to enjoy a great street performance can make your day. I have seen amazing singers, break dancers, and acrobats on the streets or in the parks. Manhattan is a fast-paced city and sometimes all you need to do is stop and take in the little things, such as a street performance, to realize how amazing it is.
10. The View
Climb the stairs or take the elevator to the top floor of any building, find a window and just look out. It can be almost breath taking, slightly over whelming but most of all amazing to see New York from high up. It is almost as though you are just watching people’s lives go by around you, in the wonderful city that never sleeps.
Next time you’re thinking of taking a trip, consider the Big Apple!