Meg Goes Global

📍The Moxy, Times Square

New York, New York. A city of grand attractions, heavy consumerism, and sights from so many iconic movies. There’s so much to do it can be hard to wrap your head around, and know just where to start. Each season offers something new, so there is never a bad time to go. Entering the new year with two of my best friends, and a view of the Empire State Building was not a bad welcome into 2025 to put it modestly. Here’s some ways to spend your time in the big apple, although you really can never be bored in the city that never sleeps.

1. wander central park

It’s spread out over forty blocks so you could spend a whole afternoon, if not a day just walking around the park. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and statues, or just meander through the paths yourself. There’s many artists and musicians in the park all the time, and if you’re here over the festive season why not try your luck at ice skating.

2. top of the rock

One of, if not the best view in the city. Why go to the top of the Empire State Building when you can go right next to it and actually get the building in your pictures. For incredible panoramic views of the city, and to learn some history, you can ride the elevator to the top of the Rockefeller for 40 bucks, which is money well spent if you ask me.

3. radio city music hall

One of the most iconic auditoriums, and at the time it was built the largest in the world. You can take a behind the scenes tour or see a show. Home to the incredible Rockettes: we saw the Christmas spectacular at the venue, and it truly was that. SPECTACULAR!

4. staten island ferry

Hop on the free 20 minute ferry over to Staten Island where locals have been commuting for decades, to get a look at the city sky line and also the Lady Liberty herself. You can take a tour boat which goes up closer to the statue, but for the sake of that, I don’t think it’s worth all the money. The free ferry is a great budget friendly options with ferries leaving every half hour.

5. brooklyn bridge

It’s a pretty long walk over the bridge but an iconic view: it’s worth the steps. Remember to bring your camera to get some classic photos, and spend the rest of the day in Brooklyn for a different vibe to Manhattan.

6. eat bagels til your hearts content

Bagels shops are just about everywhere and there’s so many amazing ones. Skip the long lines of bars only made famous by TikTok, and just try some you like the look of. Our favourite was Greenberg Bagels (but don’t tell anyone).

7. visit a jazz bar

There is a beautiful and vibrant jazz scene in the city with lots of underground bars and live music. Just take your pick, dress up in a nice outfit and grab a martini the true New Yorker style. Drinks won’t be the cheapest in these places but you’re paying for the atmosphere more than anything.

8. people watch in grand central terminal

A scene in so many movies you’ve watched already. It’s always bustling with energy, and home to some pretty fancy restaurants, so it’s a great spot to take a break and watch the world go by.

9. admire times square

The centre and hub of activity in Manhattan, you just have got to see it. Extra points for going when its dark and see the big screens in their full glory. If you are a night owl then you might want to stay around for a ‘midnight moment’. From 11:57 to 12:00 AM, the screens sync to display the work of contemporary artists, and there’s a different selection each week.

10. rooftop bar, 230 on fifth

Have a drink up amongst the canopy of the concrete jungle, and get some amazing views while taking a sip. This bar is chilled but also lively, with a DJ and plethora of drink and food options to suit anyone. Also many photo opportunities up here, it was one of my favourite spots.

11. see a show

Whether it’s a Broadway musical, live music, comedy show or the Rockettes Christmas spectacular there’s just always something going on. You can get last minute tickets for not too expensive if you’re not fussy and it’s just one of the best places in the world for this scene.

12. city high line and chelsea market

The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park, held on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side. Particularly in the Spring, it’s a gorgeous walk with a feel for nature in the middle of the city. Close by the end of the trail, you can find markets with food stalls and independent shops galore.

13. 9/11 memorial

On the 11th September 2001, tragedy struck on the Twin Towers at the World Trade Centre in New York City, killing thousands of people. This is a horrific yet important event, memorialised where the towers used to stand, and is a must visit to take a while to remember those that were lost. There is also a museum at the site if you want to learn some more.

14. learn in one of the many museums

They cover the city, so if you’re the museum type, you’ll be in heaven. From arts and fashion to history there’s something for everyone. This includes the iconic Met: famous for the Met Gala, hosting hundreds of A-listers every year; and of course Gossip Girl!

16. SHOP

Op shops and book stores, to designer brands and souvenir stores. Need I say more?

17. st patricks cathedral

Don’t forget some of the history the city holds. St Patricks Cathedral is simply stunning and you can take a look for free.

18. watch some live sport

Football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey: it all goes on here with some world famous teams. Crowds of thousands show up and the atmosphere is said to be amazing. You can also sometimes get cheaper last minute tickets and I think it would be well worth it.

19. EAt

my quick fire food favs:

• Isabelle’s Osteria – nice Italian restaurant
• Levain Bakery – delish cookies and sweet treats
• Greenberg Bagels – amazing bagels
• *Dig Inn – fresh make your own bowls
• *Chipotle – Mexican fast food
• *Los Tacos No.1 – more Mexican (note: only veggie option is cactus)
• *Sweetgreen – salad bar
• Papi Pasta and Pizza – amazing pasta

*can find these pretty much everywhere in the city