A New York Love Affair

I have been having a long distance love affair for the last five years. We don't talk on the phone, or send emails, or exchange letters, but at least once a year I touch down and spend four or five days trouncing around Midtown, absolutely enthralled with everything I see, hear, smell, and touch. Yes, New York City has cast her spell on me, and I haven't been able to shake it since I first took my first taxi ride in from the airport, over the Brooklyn Bridge on a sticky summer's night in the dead of August. With the Manhattan skyline in the backdrop, I could scarcely catch my breath. Everything I had ever read and dreamed about this iconic city had come to light, and she didn't disappoint, not for a moment! I've since been back about six times over the last four years, and feel like I should share my love for this spectacular city with those who've yet to experience her splendour!

When is the best time to go? If you ask me, New York is fabulous all year round. Whether you're skating at Rockefeller Centre or picnicking in Central Park on a mild Spring afternoon, there's always something going on in the city! May, September and October are three of the best months for weather. You can still stroll down 5th Ave in a t-shirt and shorts, but you won't be in a virtual meltdown like you would in July or August. Personally, I love New York in August. The heat, though intense, it drives New Yorkers out of the city, and shops are a lot less busy. 

Where do I Stay? Being something of a New York connoisseur, I used to get this question all the time! Because the New York subway system is so efficient, Manhattan Island is easily accessible in a relatively short amount of time from any of the outer boroughs. Brooklyn has some fabulous accommodation options, but because I'm the kind of girl that likes to be in the middle of it all, I always stay in Manhattan. If you're budget conscious like myself, consider staying uptown. The closer you stay to Times Square, the more expensive it's going to be. If you're staying on 84th street or above, you'll save some money, and you can make into the centre in just 15-20 minutes! 

What can I do? The question you should be asking, is what can't I do! On or off broadway, the Theatre District is heaven for theatre buffs. With hundreds of shows that grace the epic stages, you could go to a different show every day of the year! For cheap tickets, consider buying the day of at the Times Square Visitor Centre, prices can be as much as 75% off! 

As you may or may not know, New York is a shopping Mecca! From the opulence of 5th Avenue to the cheap thrills of Canal Street in Chinatown, you can purchase a brand new spring wardrobe on your executive assistant salary and still have money left over for dinner and cocktails! 

Don't forget to purchase your 48 hour hop-on hop-off bus tour to help you navigate your way around this writing metropolis. Get above it all, and let someone else do the driving. 

Whether you're here for the weekend, or a whole week, New York city will leave you spellbound. So grab your laptop, head to your favourite coffee shop, snag yourself a cup of java and start planning your trip!