“If you can make it there you can make it Anywhere,” – Frank Sinatra

New York is a wonderful city to visit, but let me just say that one time would never be enough to get the true New York experience. Approximately a year and a half ago, I decided to tag along with a group of friends to celebrate new years eve in New York. Well I went back 3 additional times that same year!

First and Foremost— WHERE TO STAY? I can honestly say I am not a high maintenance traveler— any AirBNB in a good neighborhood is good enough for me! I am a fan of renting the entire place rather than a room.

AirBNB is not only good for budget travelers but you can experience a stay in more local neighborhoods than your usual touristy areas– Here are the areas I stayed in;
- The Garment District (Close to all the attractions)
  - The neighborhood is home to many New York City’s showrooms and numerous fashion labels.
  - Next to the Garment District is Midtown & Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhoods
  - Hell’s Kitchen is an up and coming neighborhood next to Time Square with a variety of food to choose from!! — If you are from Chicago, its similar to West Loop at the beginning stages!!!!
- Hell’s Kitchen HAS it ALL
  - There is all type of cuisine from around the world and all sorts of nightlight activities from clubs, rooftop lounges and dive bars.

Once in New York— Explore the Neighborhoods!

HERE ARE THE MUST SEE (Yes they are touristy but you must get them out of the way!):

~MANHATTAN~

Lady Liberty
- Its best to buy your tickets ahead of time, they can sell out depending on the season and time of year. Also depending on the ticket–
  - Ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island ( Provides access to Statue of Liberty grounds and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum at Ellis Island)
  - The Ferry leaves from Battery Park ( located at the very tip of Manhattan)
- Plan for approximately 3 hours to see everything (Possibly more depending on your interest of the Immigration Museum and/or going up to the Crown of Lady Liberty)
- Website to buy tickets: Tickets Purchase
- TIPS:
  - The earlier you take the ferry the more time you will have to get more sightseeing or join a local happy hour bar!
  - If you are going early, I would suggest you make sure you eat something light!

New york (Liberty) — Lady Liberty (Ellis Island)

After Lady Liberty, it only makes sense to sight see the following attractions as they are walking distance from Battery Park….

911 Memorial, Wall Street Bull, Freedom Tower

NY Skyline & Freedom Tower

Wall Street Bull

~BROOKLYN ~

Brooklyn Bridge is located few minutes (In a UBER OR LYFT)
- If your time permits you should walk the Brooklyn Bridge– when you do, you will see there are couples that leave love locks. (See picture below)
  - The Tradition of leaving the love locks engraved started in the 1990’s around Europe but expanded throughout the world.
  - The symbol represents the couple’s love for as long as the public site remains or as many would say until the city of New York cuts the lock and remove it!

~BRONX~

~~(New)~~ Yankees Stadium
- I was there for the Yankees VS Red Sox’s game on a Tuesday night and it was phenomenal. (Packed Stadium)
- A ball game at Yankee Stadium is always a great way to spend your stay in New York!