Over the coming weeks, Bjournal will be filling you in on some of the best places to visit across the pond, giving you detailed information on what there is to do whilst experiencing these fascinating cities on your travels.
So where does our journey take you first? ‘The Big Apple’ of course.
New York City is well-known for being the most popular city to visit within the US, with more than 50 million visitors every single year. With something for everyone, it attracts people from all over the world as they stand in awe of the busy, yet beautiful atmosphere and culture the city has to offer.
New York City is formed of five boroughs including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx. Throughout all of these boroughs, you are guaranteed to find unique places to spend your time, as you discover every corner of NYC and all of its beauty.
Known for being ‘The City that Never Sleeps’ with its constant flow of business and tourism, you’ll never find yourself stuck for things to do, whether you’re shopping at midnight in Times Square or observing the city from the top of the Empire State Building as the sun sets behind Manhattan’s impressive skyscrapers.
NYC is home to an abundance of tourist attractions which are recognisable locations having featured in television and film since technology was made available, Central Park being one of those. Stretching 843 acres in Upper Manhattan, the park is a perfect location to enjoy lunch after a busy morning in amongst the hustle and bustle of New York’s hectic streets and avenues.
Whether you’re looking for wildlife or a relaxing stroll in amongst beautiful surroundings, Central Park caters for a variety of needs, with regular entertainment staged throughout the year and enough greenery to host thousands of picnics and meetings between friends all year round.
If you’re a sports fan, there are a handful of opportunities to take in a game whilst visiting the city. Madison Square Garden is not only one of the world’s most famous venues, it hosts sporting fixtures for the city’s NHL (ice hockey) and NBA (Basketball) teams, the New York Rangers and New York Knicks respectively. You can also take a tour of the well-respected multi-purpose arena, giving you a behind the scenes look at where some of sport and music’s most influential figures have performed.
If you’re interested in NFL (American Football), the MetLife Stadium is a short train ride away from New York’s busy epicentre and is home to the Giants and Jets. Soccer is continuing to grow within the US and New York City FC joined the Red Bulls to double the city’s involvement within the MLS.
Not forgetting about Baseball of course, the Mets and Yankees play their games within the city and offer tourists the chance to take in a game, in a sport that struggles to gain popularity elsewhere around the world, especially within the UK.
Heading back into the vibrant nucleus of New York City, perhaps you’d fancy touring the city from an open top bus, as you find yourself surrounded by noisy commuters, yellow taxis and everything you expected to find within the heart of Manhattan. If not, the city by subway or foot is equally as spectacular, just be sure to sharpen your orienteering skills before touching down in the US, as NYC can feel like a daunting maze at the calmest of times.
Grand Central Terminal, no doubt it’s hiding somewhere in amongst your film collection. The railroad landmark that boasts historical meaning and stunning interior is a popular location that is seen within a number of blockbuster movies, as it remains one of the busiest commuter stations on the planet.
If you head to the southern point of Manhattan, the Staten Island Ferry will take you across the Hudson River, providing views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, another two chunks of American history that New York City has to offer. The journey is free of charge, leaving regularly throughout the day, arriving at Staten Island where you can snap wonderful shots of the New York skyline.
A skyline that looked very different before a day that changed the world.
The 9/11 terror attack was not only devastating for New York City, but for the entire world.  Despite the shocking scenes that took place that day, a beautiful attempt at recovery has been seen throughout the city and especially at the site where it all took place. The 9/11 memorial fountains and museum offer a breathtaking tribute to the people who lost their lives and their loved ones.
A visit to the memorial site is perhaps the most meaningful trip you can take whilst in the city. A chance to pay your respects, take a step back from your own life and remember those who aren’t lucky enough to be here today.
So make the most of what this fascinating city has to offer. Book tickets for a Broadway Musical,  visit the National History Museum, sit in the audience for a show at Radio City, simply do as much as you can whilst you have the chance.
The city comes alive at night, with its bright lights and nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or party location to dance until you drop, you really can find anything you’re looking for in NYC.
In fact, the city’s heartbeat rarely fluctuates. Although it never sleeps, dreams become reality in a place that oozes excitement and guarantees a fruitful experience whilst visiting ‘The Big Apple’, without a doubt one of the world’s most unique places to see.
Kieran Cleeves
 
