A Week in New York

Overview

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As Truman Capote once said, "this is the only real city-city". Skyscrapers loom above streets where 8 million New Yorkers go about their business - walking fast, talking fast and taking no lip. Some say this is the capital of the world - maybe it is.The old adage "the city that never sleeps" has never been more true. There are more than 18,000 restaurants, countless cultural, nightlife and shopping options - you need 24 hours a day just to experience a taste of New York.Christmas and the run-up to Christmas in New York is a full-on experience to be marvelled at. The Rockettes wear Santa outfits at Radio City Music Hall, people really do carry piles of presents and even the ches...Read More

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Affinia Shelburne

Hotel | "Shelburne Murray Hill Hotel"

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The hotel is in an excellent location on Lexington Avenue by 37th Street. The area around is residential - quite quiet, very pretty with lovely houses and apartment blocks. It is only a short walk to the Empire State Building and close to Grand Central Station.We booked through an internet website and paid £2,060 for a 1 bedroom apartment for a week. It would have been cheaper at another time of the year, but all hotels in New York hike up their prices in December.Our apartment was on the 15th floor - no views but we loved it nonetheless. It was really spacious with a big living room which had a sofa bed, huge television and dining table and 4 chairs.The bedroom was a...Read More

The hotel is in an excellent location on Lexington Avenue by 37th Street. The area around is residential - quite quiet, very pretty with lovely houses and apartment blocks. It is only a short walk to the Empire State Building and close to Grand Central Station.

We booked through an internet website and paid £2,060 for a 1 bedroom apartment for a week. It would have been cheaper at another time of the year, but all hotels in New York hike up their prices in December.

Our apartment was on the 15th floor - no views but we loved it nonetheless. It was really spacious with a big living room which had a sofa bed, huge television and dining table and 4 chairs.

The bedroom was also very large. It had a huge bed which was so comfortable - I had the best nights sleep here.

There was a small kitchen with fridge-freezer, coffee-machine, microwave and dishwasher - a bit old-fashioned but clean and functional. Similarly the bathroom was not the most modern, but it was very clean and had a bath and reasonable shower. They provided large amounts of white fluffy towels daily.

The decor is a little old-fashioned, but you get so much space and the apartments are so clean and comfortable - we loved staying here.

We had breakfast twice at Rare, the hotel restaurant. It was buffet style - ok but nothing special and cost $6 per person. The rest of the time we either walked to the food market at Grand Central Station or went to one of the local shops and bought bread, ham and cheese which we ate in the apartment.

The hotel restaurant was busy every night and got good reviews in a couple of magazines for its burgers. We never tried it there, instead we walked the short distance to 3rd Avenue where there are a host of small, private restaurants serving great food. They were always quite lively and seemed to be frequented by locals. An Italian called Patsys was a particular favourite of ours.

The hotel has a launderette in the basement and they serve complimentary tea/coffee in the den every morning.

Close by there are lots of small food shops, wine stores, delies etc. where you can get basic provisions.

On the 16th floor there is a roof terrace with wonderful views of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Be sure to go up there at night as both these skyscrapers look incredible lit up.

We all loved staying at this hotel - it was conveniently located for all our sightseeing, was extremely spacious and comfortable and had everything we needed and more. We would definitely recommend it and would not hesitate to book it again if and when we return to New York. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 1, 2026

Affinia Shelburne
303 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10016
212-689-5200

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Brooklyn Bridge

Attraction

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Manhattan is an island connected by lots of bridges, but the Brooklyn Bridge is in a class all of its own. It really is a New York icon and I always wanted to walk across it.When Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883 after 14 years of construction, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world. The span between its 2 support towers is 1,596 feet. Today the bridge continues to dazzle. It is one of the architectural gems of New York.The Brooklyn Bridge connects Lower Manhattan with the 19th Century neighbourhood of Brooklyn Heights.We took the subway to City Hall and quite easily found the entrance to the bridge. There is a nice pedestrianised walkway right in the middle....Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 1, 2026

Brooklyn Bridge
City Hall Park To Brooklyn Spanning East River
New York, NY 11201

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Central Park

Attraction

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Central Park is an 843 acre carpet of green. Smack bang in the middle of Manhattan, it is an oasis from the insanity - lush lawns, cool forests, water and wooded paths. In summer it swarms with joggers, in-line skaters, musicians and tourists. In winter snowstorms can inspire cross-country skiing and sledding or a simple stroll through the winter wonderland.It was laid out between 1859-1870. All the more impressive as the oasis of green is surrounded on all sides by high rise buildings. It was designated a "people's park" where everyone could come and enjoy it right in the heart of New York.We took a horse and carriage ride around the park. It had just started to sn...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 1, 2026

Central Park
59th To 110th Streets Between Fifth Avenue And Central Park West
New York 10023
(212) 310-6600

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Gray Line New York Sightseeing

Attraction | "Grayline Tours"

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We did 2 guided tours, both prebooked with Grayline.On Sunday morning we took the Harlem Gospel Tour. Since the 1990's visitors (especially Europeans) have been increasingly common at Harlem's traditional Sunday morning services, home to the near ecstatic black gospel tradition that was born during the days of slavery and came north with the African-American migration of the 20th century.The tour cost $50 per person. It is not necessary to pre-book, availability did not seem to be an issue and you have to go to Grayline's offices to collect the tickets and walk a number of blocks to the bus, whether or not you have prebooked.The tour was interesting and the guide was li...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 1, 2026

Gray Line New York Sightseeing
777 8th Avenue
New York, New York 10036
(212) 445-0848

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Holiday Windows and Toy Shops

Attraction

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One of the most prolific New York holiday traditions has to be the beautiful department store windows. Each year designers transform these showplaces into miniature holiday worlds attracting passers-by to gaze in awe.Miracle on 34th Street windows are an annual tradition for Macys. These windows attract visitors from all over the world. Macys also goes all out with its facade decor.Macys is also home of Santaland on the 8th floor. We went on a Monday evening - braving the crowds on the lower floors and the horribly packed lifts, we found the 8th floor to be blissfully uncrowded. You walk through lovely winter scenes with reindeer and bears etc. - a treat for adults a...Read More

One of the most prolific New York holiday traditions has to be the beautiful department store windows. Each year designers transform these showplaces into miniature holiday worlds attracting passers-by to gaze in awe.

Miracle on 34th Street windows are an annual tradition for Macys. These windows attract visitors from all over the world. Macys also goes all out with its facade decor.

Macys is also home of Santaland on the 8th floor. We went on a Monday evening - braving the crowds on the lower floors and the horribly packed lifts, we found the 8th floor to be blissfully uncrowded.

You walk through lovely winter scenes with reindeer and bears etc. - a treat for adults and children. Friendly elves are dotted en-route wishing you Merry Christmas. At the end you meet Santa - fat, jolly and friendly - our son couldn't stop smiling. They take a picture and encourage you to also take your own. At the end you view your picture, but there is absolutely no pressure to buy it. We were so impressed with this whole experience.

Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales and Barneys also had good window displays. After Macys however, our next favourite was Lord and Taylor on 5th Avenue between 38th-39th Streets. On a Friday morning there were no queues to look at them. The designers had created extravagant scenes filled with animated figures, all themed around Christmas in different cities of the world.

As well as the beautiful windows, a great thing to do with children is visit the toy shops. Toys-R-Us on Broadway was different to the one in our hometown. It is on 3 floors, has the Empire State Building with King Kong and the Statue of Liberty made from Lego, 2 floors of Barbies and tons of other toys.

There is also a 60ft Ferris Wheel in the middle of the shop. Each cab has a different theme. It costs $4 per person to ride - a bit costly, but you get to ride for about 15 minutes. We went on Monday evening and didn't have to queue.

FAO Schwarz is a toy shop where just visiting is an experience. There are 3 floors of toys to wow children of all ages. You can make your own cars and dolls, there are life-sized furry animals and even Harry Potter characters made from Lego. Toy shopping here is an incomparable experience for adults and children alike.

You are greeted at the door by Bobby, a toy soldier who will happily pose for photographs. There is a lovely ice-cream parlour on the ground-floor.

Up the stairs is a giant piano - Tom Hanks danced on it in the film Big. They allow children (and adults) to play on it - great fun. Be sure to watch the performance, every 15 minutes, when 2 members of staff dance on it and play tunes. This is great to watch.

We visited on Wednesday afternoon - it was empty, and Saturday when it was unbearably busy.

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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 1, 2026

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Rockefeller Center

Attraction

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This is a group of office buildings, but they are amazing and surround a grand public space. Built in the 1930's during the Grand Depression by John D Rockefeller, the complex is a streamlined masterpiece of modern architecture full of Art-Deco work. There are 22 acres, combining retail, entertainment and office space in what is referred to as a "city in a city."It looks at its best at Christmastime when a 75-90 foot Norway spruce is displayed as the city's official Christmas tree. Set below it is a tiny but beautiful ice-rink. Five miles of lights are used to decorate the tree - there are only lights and a star as decoration. The tree is lit between 5:30am-11:30pm.Ice-skating...Read More

This is a group of office buildings, but they are amazing and surround a grand public space. Built in the 1930's during the Grand Depression by John D Rockefeller, the complex is a streamlined masterpiece of modern architecture full of Art-Deco work. There are 22 acres, combining retail, entertainment and office space in what is referred to as a "city in a city."

It looks at its best at Christmastime when a 75-90 foot Norway spruce is displayed as the city's official Christmas tree. Set below it is a tiny but beautiful ice-rink. Five miles of lights are used to decorate the tree - there are only lights and a star as decoration. The tree is lit between 5:30am-11:30pm.

Ice-skating here is an essential New York experience. The rink first opened on Christmas Day 1936. It is 122ft long, 59ft wide and can accommodate 150 skaters at a time. It is beautiful.

Top of the Rock is an observation deck, 67 floors above midtown-Manhattan. It opened in 1933, was recently refurbished and the viewing-centre is now made up of crystal-clear safety glass - the only thing between you and the magnificient 360 degree panorama of New York. The views are amazing - but I did feel a bit queasy up there. You can see the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge, but the view of Central Park is fantastic.

It is open 8-midnight. You enter on 50th Street between 5th-6th Avenue. The lift is impressive - it has a glass roof and the lift-shaft has fluorescent lighting, so look up as you go up and come down for a real experience.

On the 67th floor there are 3 levels - 1 enclosed and 2 open-air terraces. The 3rd level has the really amazing views. Mornings and afternoons give you an unmatched view of Central Park, evenings give you the beautiful New York skyline in lights. The viewing area is roomy, spacious and the timed admission means no queues. It feels very uncrowded at the top - nothing like the packed Empire State Building.

We also went to the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall - a grand Broadwayesque show starring the Rockettes. Radio City is the complex's Deco masterpiece. It is beautiful inside - there is the most amazing chandelier in the foyer.

We booked about 2 months before online. We paid about £40 for our seats - great view, close to the front. The show was a visual treat. The Rockettes were wonderful, the stage sets amazing, Santa Claus made his appearance and we all left with such a real feelgood feeling. This was definitely a highlight of our visit to New york and a must-see on a Christmas visit to the city.

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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 1, 2026

Rockefeller Center
49th to 50th streets
New York, New York 10020
(212) 632-3975

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Statue of Liberty

Attraction | "Statue of Liberty (The)"

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We bought our tickets to the Statue of Liberty at Castle Clinton. $12 tickets get you passage only on the Circle Line ferry. For $18 you get an audio tour. Our son's ticket cost $5. You need a reservation to visit the 10th floor of the Statue of Liberty, but not to wander around the island. The return-ferry ticket also includes a visit to Ellis Island.We queued 5 minutes to buy the tickets, but a further 1.5 hours to go through security. Wrap up warm - it is freezing down there.On-board the ferry sit up-top. Despite the icy wind, you get wonderful views of Liberty and the skyline.The Statue of Liberty - official name Liberty Encircling the World, was desi...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 1, 2026

Statue of Liberty
Liberty Island
New York, New York 10004
(212) 363-3200

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Empire State Building

Attraction | "The Empire State Building"

Quote:

The Empire State Building is one of the New York skyline's most famous landmarks. It is a limestone classic, built in 410 days at a cost of $40 million during the Depression. I always think of it as the vertical perch off which King Kong was knocked.When it was completed in 1931, this was the tallest building in the world. Now it is the tallest in Manhattan. It is 1,450 feet high, used 60,000 tonnes of steel and has 6,500 windows (all of which have to be washed).It is not the most beautiful skyscraper in the city - the Chrysler Building wins this, but it is definitely the most iconic. At night it looks beautiful, bathed in lighting chosen the reflect the season or holiday....Read More

The Empire State Building is one of the New York skyline's most famous landmarks. It is a limestone classic, built in 410 days at a cost of $40 million during the Depression. I always think of it as the vertical perch off which King Kong was knocked.

When it was completed in 1931, this was the tallest building in the world. Now it is the tallest in Manhattan. It is 1,450 feet high, used 60,000 tonnes of steel and has 6,500 windows (all of which have to be washed).

It is not the most beautiful skyscraper in the city - the Chrysler Building wins this, but it is definitely the most iconic. At night it looks beautiful, bathed in lighting chosen the reflect the season or holiday.

We bought our tickets in advance on-line - highly recommended as it saved us about 45 minutes queuing to buy them. We paid $19 each, under 5's are free. You still have to queue to go through security and for the lifts, but you skip the long lines waiting for tickets. Be sure to show the staff you have your tickets, otherwise they just let you line up anyway.

The lifts go to the 86th floor observation deck where there is an outdoor viewing area. Be prepared for the crowds - even on a Friday morning it was so crushed and packed up there you could hardly move. The views are good though and it's fun to look down at all the shorter skyscrapers reaching up to you. You get an 80 mile view from the top.

As well as the Empire State Building, there are other sights of interest not too far away. The New York Public Library is a short walk away. It is an impressive building with 2 majestic stone lions out at the front - called Patience and Fortitude, and during our visit they were wearing holly garlands. The library building is 2 blocks long with 2 million books inside.

Grand Central Station is also not far away. Definitely go there as it is so beautiful. Built in 1913, this was the gateway to New York, with trains arriving from all directions. It has been beautifully restored. The Main Concourse has a 4 sided clock in the centre, 2 grand staircases and on the high vaulted ceiling is a blue and gold mural depicting the night sky.

At Christmas time in Grand Central they have a holiday lights laser show on the ceiling every 15 minutes. It is quite pretty and interesting to watch.

There are also lots of lovely little shops in the walkways and a great food market. During December they also have a Christmas Market - the stalls all have lots of lovely trinkets, Christmas ornaments and great ideas for gifts and souvenirs. We loved it there and ended up spending a small fortune.

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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 1, 2026

Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street
New York 10118
(212) 736-3100

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Times Square

Attraction

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The area around Times Square is edgy, frenetic and lively. You must go at night when the flashing billboards create an overwhelming spectacle and the theatres of Broadway are pulsating with life.Once this was the entertainment capital of America - full of movie palaces, showgirls and gangsters. In the 1970's it becam a swamp of drugs and peepshows and streets filled with hustlers and lowlifes.In the 1990's the city invited Disney and a number of other business giants to collaborate in the revitalisation of the area. Today it is a family entertainment and business district with little trace of its seedy past.The Great White Way's old movie palaces have been restored, Br...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 1, 2026

Times Square
1560 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
No phone available

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New York Journals

A Week in New York

A Week in New York

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Affinia Shelburne

Brooklyn Bridge

Central Park

Gray Line New York Sightseeing

Holiday Windows and Toy Shops

Rockefeller Center

Statue of Liberty

Empire State Building

Times Square

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