Empire state of mind
London, is a cracker. Think sexy modern art in the foyer, tastefully designed rooms and, best of all, outstanding views across the city.
I was 51 floors up – I’ve never slept in a higher room – with sweeping views north and west across the Hudson River and Central Park.
I loved gazing dreamily out of the windows, at sunrise and after dark in particular, but New York isn’t a place you spend more time than necessary in your hotel, however nice it is.
This one’s location, bang in the heart of mind-blowing Manhattan, was perfect for my short break and meant all adventures could start right outside.
What to see
Carnegie Hall a few blocks to the west, The Museum of Modern Art, a couple to the east, and Radio City Music Hall, a short stroll south – I was spoilt for choice on my first trip out. In the end, though, I made the 10-minute walk north to the south side of Central Park, which I was told was a must-see at this time of year – early November.
New Yorkers have had to be patient for tourism to return and this year they’ve had to wait longer than usual (due to a hot summer) for the park’s autumn spectacular, the leaves turning wonderful shades of red and yellow. When I get there, like the reopened city, it’s bursting into colour at every turn and a lovely sight.
It’s not all about the trees here, though, because the people watching is unmissable.
The city’s marathon, the first in two years, was held the day before and some proud-looking runners wearing their hard-earned medals were still soaking up the sights and sounds. Some walking a little gingerly, it must be said.
An hour’s walk doesn’t get you very far in this sprawling park but it had freshened me up for the hours ahead and my encounter with King Kong.
We headed for the Empire State Building to catch the sunset and despite thick traffic – it would’ve been quicker to walk! – just made it in time.
Despite turning 90 this year the millions spent upgrading the visitor ‘experience’ have breathed new life into one of the world’s most
Lying on a glass floor 100 storeys up is enough to get my palms sweaty
famous buildings and it’s still a must-visit
(esbnyc.com, from £30). Another New York institution you still need to tick off if you’ve never done it is a Broadway show. I went for the first time and loved it, despite not being much of a theatre-goer.
I would happily go back to watch Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Lunt-fontanne Theatre – again (tinaonbroadway.com, £60).
What’s new
A vibrant city like New York doesn’t sit still for long, pandemic or not, and there are plenty of new things to see and do alongside those we already know and love.
From my hotel window I could look up (and up) at the world’s tallest residential tower, the 1,550ft Central Park Tower, a few streets away on Billionaires’ Row.
And I looked down on the city from the Edge at Hudson Yards, the highest sky deck in the western hemisphere with incredible 360-degree views.
Lying on a glass floor 100 storeys high was more than enough to get my palms sweating but if that’s not thrilling enough for you, you can now climb further up the skyscraper and LEAN out.
If you’re still up for seeing more attractions after this, the CITYPASS (citypass.com/new-york £106) is a handy way of saving money while you do it. Me? I needed a long walk!
Little Island, the city’s newest public park at Pier 55 on the Hudson River, wasn’t far away and was just the oasis of calm I needed to slow the pumping adrenalin.
Sitting bizarrely on tulip-shaped stilts, it’s full of meandering paths, lawns and plants. The perfect chill-out spot. And the wonderful Whitney Museum of American Art is just over the road, too.
If retail therapy would be more your way of recovering from an experience like the Edge then the nearby boutiques of West Village might do the trick.
Cool and classy, this is where to shop for trendy one-off buys you wouldn’t get at home.
This is a city now full of clothes stores we’re very familiar with – Zara, H&M, Ted Baker – but shopping mecca Fifth Avenue is still good for a nice discount if that’s your thing.
What to eat and drink
For someone who’ll eat and drink pretty much anything, New York is still as good as it gets.
From a cappuccino in Bryant Park and a pre-theatre late lunch at STK Steakhouse Midtown to a stiff, late-night G&T in a hard-to-find speakeasy off Times Square, it’s got all bases covered, and some.
Food trucks still line the streets doing great business and fancy new restaurants have opened up and are bustling. You can pay a little or a lot so it’s your choice. Alfresco dining is a big thing here now and will be for another year or so as people are welcomed back post-pandemic.
New York hasn’t lost any of its great charm, either.
You can still enjoy a late-night beer in a dingy dive bar playing British rock music and share a conversation with a random stranger or three.
The Big Apple, after a long separation for Brits, is still a fantastic place to monkey around.
Little Island, sitting on tulip-shaped stilts, is the perfect chill-out spot