I have been to New York many times and is the home of my favourite building in the world: The Chrysler Building!!   The glamour of its art-deco design is so my era. 1950’s movie star decadence and design features tick all of my boxes.

With London always having my heart, New York is without doubt my favourite city outside of my home county.  So how appropriate that on my 38th year I should have the opportunity to say YES to my very best friend and traveling buddy!

Take a look at my hotel reviews to decide where suits you to stay:

Radisson Lexington

My first impressions of the city when I first came with a girl friend all those years ago was that it is a magical place, a safe city that’s accessible, easy to get around and just so much fun!  There are just so many ‘hidden treasures’ when it comes to places to eat and drink that you need to get chatting to a true New Yorker for the low down on where the ‘hot spots’ of the moment are.  With each visit I try to find a new one to add to my list!

In general I am not a Christmassy person.  It has never really been by favourite time of year as it is for so many, perhaps being the youngest of 4 children I didn’t get to ‘believe’ for very long, so I never really felt that Christmas magic to get me on the hook!  Yet the magic of New York never fails to bring out the Christmas spirit in me and as such, this has remained my favourite time to visit this magnificent City.

December is a very cold month in New York.  When the wind whips through the city, the big tower blocks create tunnels which soon blast you with frosty air.  Expect blue skies and crisp tempretures and more than likely snow.  Bring a hat, gloves, ski-jacket, leggings or tights to wear under your trousers and a big scarf that you can snuggle your face down into (trust me, you will thank me for those tips!)

If you’re in New York in December, then it is all about the festive decorations that illuminate the streets and the huge Christmas tree donated by Norway that stands proudly at the front of the Rockafella Centre.  In some respects, you could say December is the cheapest time to visit as so many attractions are free, such as watching the ice skating at Rockafella or Central Park, looking in awe at the department stores most amazing Christmas window displays, watching the light shows on the front of the decorated buildings on Fifth Avenue as well as randomly bumping into carol singers and people passing on the Christmas cheer!

Getting Around:

I love to walk the streets of New York, but of course legs do give in at some point and in general I opt for the good old fashioned taxi cab.  Easy to hail down in most areas, but do be warned the far east end from Freedom Tower down to the Statue of Liberty cabs are not so frequently driving by.

Things to do and see: (see my blogs on the following attractions)

Statue of Liberty

Chrysler Building

Rockafella Centre

Grand Central Station (FREE)

Radio City – The Rockettes

Empire State Building

Horse & Carriage ride around Central Park

Time Square and Broadway

Walk the Highline

Cheering on the Giants at Metlife Stadium

 

If only here for the traditional weekend break, three full night stay, this is what I would do!

Late night arrival:
Fly out in the evening and arrive late into New York.  Head straight to your hotel and get a good nights sleep.  Jetlag will have you wide awake bright and early and you have a FULL day of sight seeing ahead of you!

Day 1: