I spent a couple of month here working for a German label producer in winter 2007/2008. Having vibrating Manhattan in front of your door is an outstanding experience because there is so much to do and see. Unfortunately 4 month is just not enough time but to see a fraction of it...
shopping
Not without any reason do many Germans come to New York for Christmas shopping. Here some of my favorite addresses in Manhattan but also in the greater NY area and in New Jersey (where there are no taxes on clothes!).
- B&H:
The largest and most spectacular store for photo and video equipment in the world. Check the opening hours before visiting - most employees are Jews, so it is closed on Saturday.
B&H.homepage «
- Apple Flagship Store:
Next to the south eastern corner of the central park one can find the Apple Flagship store below a glass cube.
- Abercrombie & Fitch:
Located on fifth avenue, a couple of blocks north from Rockefeller Center, the Abrecrombie & Fitch Flagship Store offers fashion on 4 levels. Be prepared to wait in a long queue to be granted access...
Abercrombie&Fitch.homepage «
- Woodbury Premium Outlet:
On of the largest outlet centers of the United States is located in Woodbury, some 50km north of Manhattan. All the famous brands an be found here.
WoodburyPremiumOutlet.homepage «
- Garden State Plaza:
My favorite mall is located in the Garden State, just some miles north-west of Manhattan on the other side of the Tappan Zea.
GardenStatePlazaMall.homepage «
sightseeing
New York has so many sites to visit that it is impossible to cover all here. Just a selection of my favorites:
- MoMA:
The Metropolitaion Museum of Modern Arts show some of the most famous pieces of art in the world and is absolutely worth a visit though the entrance fee is around 20US$. Bring enough time!
- Statue of Liberty / Immigration Museum on Ellis Island:
Though everybody talks about the Statue of Liberty (which is definitely worth a visit), I was really impressed by the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island (which is included in the trip to the Statue of Liberty). Bring some time to walk around and read the stories of all the people arriving here in the 19th century. Don't miss the outside table listing all 5 million immigrants - I found two people with my last name - though I don't know if they are relatives of mine.
- Empire State Building:
Probably one of the prime attractions in New York. Plan to wait at least 90 minutes before ascending to the top. The best time to go there is probably shortly before sunset - the you can enjoy Manhattan both by day and by night. Bring your DSLR!
- Grand Central Terminal:
New York's main train station is located in a historic building known from many movies. Don't miss the food court in the basement which is a good alternative to pricy restaurants.
- Times Square:
Especially spectacular at night, this is the heart of Manhattan's night life. Walk around and visit the Virgin Mega Store as well as the Hard Rock Café.
events
There is hardly any city where you can enjoy so many events like in NY. Here are some of the things I did during my stay and which I could recommend.
- Madison Square Garden:
Don't miss an NHL game of the New York Rangers or an NBA game with the New York Knicks!
- Manhattan Heli Tour:
In case your budget allows, go on a heli ride around Manhattan. Book the 20 minute trip and try to get the seat next to the pilot!
new.york.photos
Here you can find some selected photos from New York.