I went to NYC for the first time (or the first time really as a tourist, and not just passing through for business) back in January. The things that I really enjoyed and want to do again:
1 - the Empire State Building. I went at night and it was fantastic. The views of the city were amazing ... all the lights and the boats on the rivers and everything. I loved it. And don't focus on the top and the view either - pay attention to the interior as you walk and take the elevators up. Art Deco design at it's finest and the floor tiles are amazing. I gawped the whole way up!
2 - Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty was cool, but Ellis Island caught me by the throat. Maybe it's because I'm an historian by education, but just standing in that big room imagining thousands of people crowded together, hoping for a better life ... scared, many of them with everything they owned and valued on their backs ... it was truly overwhelming. I loved it and want to go back again.
3 - The little church across from Ground Zero. The church has kept a lot of the notices and pictures and notes that were originally posted near and around the WTC and walking through the sanctuary and seeing the displays .. wow. I couldn't speak afterwards and needed the walk back to my hotel near Times Square to "come down" so to speak. Another location that will get you by the throat. (I didn't think the WTC site was all that much ... a lot of plans and an "overlook" into the construction area. Also I just had a hard time visiting the site as a "tourist attraction" ... I felt kinda weird and almost dirty about wanting to go see it. Very difficult decision for me.).
4 - Central Park. One day while I was there I bought some food at a little deli and just walked through the park, found a bench, sat, had lunch, and watched the people go by. I adored Central Park and could have spent my entire trip there if I'd had time.
5 - Carnegie Deli. You have to eat at Carnegie Deli. It's a fantastic atmosphere and the food is to die for. Also keep in mind that serving sizes are .. WHOA. Pick something to share - you'll never finish a whole plate or sandwich by yourself.
6 - Wall Street. I loved walking down Wall Street, seeing the Stock Exchange, the bull, and feeling the sense of history. Just very cool.
7 - Grand Central Station. Whoa. Gorgeous. Seriously gorgeous. I spent 2 hours there just taking photos. Might be one of my favorite interiors in the city. Ever. Seriously.
Those were my top favorite things. I fell in love with the city ... I really did. To the point that I'm very very seriously thinking of moving there. If it's possible in the next year or so, I will live in NYC ... at least for a few years.
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