5 of my favourite experiences in New York

The Staten Island Ferry heading in the direction of Manhattan.

I’ve been to New York City three times to date, and each time is just as exciting as the last. Just thinking of boarding that plane, with my passport in hand and ESTA already taken care of makes me yearn for another Big Apple adventure.

Every time I’ve gone, I have crammed in A LOT, so I’ve got some suggestions of things you should try if you’re ever in NYC. Here are five of my favourite experiences in New York.

Top of the Rock

New York City’s most famous vantage point is, undoubtedly, located atop the iconic Empire State Building, but I don’t believe it provides the best views of Manhattan. For that, I’d head to Top of the Rock - the lesser-known observation deck at the Rockefeller Center.

There you’ll find an unobstructed view across the city and, better yet, you’ll even get to see the ESB in all its glory.

Shopping (Hunting for bargains)

I got plenty of bargains at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.

Anyone going to New York from the UK should leave plenty of room in their suitcase because retail therapy is a much cheaper activity stateside. Hit up Macy’s in Herald Square, one of the world’s largest department stores, and prepare to spend hours browsing through what feels like an endless supply of clothing rails and favourable price tags. Century 21 is another department store that’s worth a visit, so add that to your list as well.

Or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, take the hour-long bus to Woodbury Common - an outlet mall with over 200 shops offering some of the best discounts in the state, including top brands such as Armani, Gucci and Nike.

Hold up… Don’t forget to apply for your ESTA!

If you’re a UK citizen, you don’t need a visa to enter the USA, but you do need an ESTA, which is a visa waiver permitting citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States visa-free.

But it’s a quick and easy process, as long as you find the right provider. Apply for an ESTA and make your entry to America a quick and seamless experience. An ESTA application can be done online and takes a maximum of five minutes. Once it’s done, you can look forward to your holiday in the US of A!

Going to an NFL game

Meeting famous New York Jets fan Fireman Ed at the game.

American Football is America’s biggest sport, and its top level is the NFL. Two NFL teams represent NYC - the Giants and the Jets - both of whom share MetLife Stadium, which sits just over the water and state line in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Games typically last three hours, but attending one is an all-day event. The parking lots around the stadium open hours before the game, enabling the American tradition of the tailgate, where fans eat food, drink and party in the build-up to the event. Once you take your seat, it’s time to be treated to four quarters of football and the rowdy atmosphere that goes with it!

If you want to read something amusing, here’s a story about me written by a journalist for USA Today when I went to a Jets game in September 2012.

Taking in a baseball game

Although I am a Yankees fan, Citi Field (home of the New York Mets) was the first baseball stadium I went to watch a game at. However, the Yankees were playing the Mets, so it was an away day for me!

I thought of combining this with the one above and filing it under “Going to a sports game,” but I feel it would be doing a disservice to two different types of experience.

Like with the football, New York has two baseball teams. The Yankees are the city’s most storied sporting franchise, with 27 World Series title wins to their name. If you visit Yankee Stadium, make sure you go early to check out this palatial ballpark, taking in the history and grandeur of the place. There’s also Citi Field, home of the Mets, which sits out in the borough of Queens.

Baseball games typically have better budget options than NFL ones, so if you are sticking to a budget then you’re best trying out America’s pastime.

Taking the Staten Island Ferry

Another great budget option, the Staten Island ferry runs between the southern tip of Manhattan and the borough of Staten Island.

These bright orange boats have over 35 daily departures, are FREE to take and sail past the Statue of Liberty, whilst also offering fantastic, retrospective views of Lower Manhattan.

So, there you have it - my five must-do experiences for The City That Never Sleeps. What things do you think should be added to any great NYC itinerary? Let me know in the comments!