5 Days in NYC

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Day 1 - After a relatively hassle free journey from London (recommend going to Heathrow on the Heathrow Express from Paddington Station) we arrived early afternoon and hopped on the airport bus which took us to Grand Central Station (Good price and easy to find at the airport). After a short walk to the hotel and checking in etc, we went for a walk around 42nd st, saw the beautiful Bryant Park, Chrysler Building & The Rockefeller Center. Just walking around was great for getting our bearings. Went to the Lemongrass Grill for tea, lovely thai food.

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Day 2 - Could'nt wait to get going, as the hotel was only a 15 minute walk to the Empire State we were on the lifts to the top at around 9am (get there early) this was great as it was'nt crowded at the top and no barging around to get the best views. The Empire State was fantastic, the views were so clear and it gave me a Berlin (took my breath away). Short walk to the open bus tour (ticket brought on the internet prior to coming), and travelled downtown through Times Square, past the Flat Iron and onto Greenwich Village. Had to pay homage to the Friends Building (Grove/Bedford Street), lovely walks around Greenwich Village to Washington Square Park (watch out for the toilets, a tad dodgy!). Got the bus further Downtown and had lunch in Lonbardi's, with out a doubt the best pizza ive ever had. Bus again, this time to City Hall to walk over Brooklyn Bridge, bit of a long walk but incredible to do. Had another pizza at Grimaldis, Brooklyn but unfortunately was still full from lunch, great Brooklyn Beer though. Off to Madison Square Garden via the tube/subway, not as nice as the London Underground but much cheaper. Saw the Knicks V Toronto Raptors, they lost but a wonderful experience none the less (buy a foam hand).

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Day 3 - Another day, another day left on the open top bus tour. Headed over to Pier 83 for a Circle Line Cruise. Would have been better though it was soooo cold, but we saw the Statue of Liberty which made up for it . Back on the tour bus again to Uptown, really lovely part of the city, stopped off at Central Park (nr. Dakota Building). Lunch was in 'Cafe La Fortuna' great little place, nice and cosy. Bussed up to Harlem & the Bronx, we had a good tour guide (makes all the difference). Interesting looking place, would have liked to look around, but it was outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art where we hopped off, and from there we strolled through Central Park, such a lovely place, highly reccommended to spent a few hours walking around, you feel as if you in an oasis. Back to the hotel and walked to the Rockerfeller Centre - to go to the Top of the Rock, for beautiful night time views over the city, much less quieter than the Empire State and the best thing is, you can see the Empire State all lit up. Dinner was at My Most Favorite Food, little pricey but good desserts. Food wise cheap and cheerful is always my most favourite.

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Day 4 - Shopping day, First Macys (just a big debenhams, though I didnt really want to spend too long in one place, so could have been better), Got the dubway up to Bloomingdales (more like it) got my brown bags. Then opposite was urban outfitters, highly reccommended if you shop in the London store, things are pretty much half price, as well in Gap. Got to Tiffanys and found the cheapest thing in there to get a green box! Had to get to the Ticket booth at Times Square by around 12pm, to get theatre tickets, had to wait around 45 mins, but got Producers tickets for half price - £25. More shopping in afternoon. Also reccommended is Sephora for cheap make up and perfumes. Had dinner in Spankys near Times Square, good hearty American grub, then onto theatre - really great fun, an experience every visitor should do.

Day 5 - Last day, gone quick. Went down to the Lower East side to Katzs Deli for brekkie, I had a pastrami on rye sandwich, not good at 11am, and was very jealous of my sister who had tasty pancakes. Interesting walking through a different neighbourhood, completely in contrast to the upper neighbourhoods. Checked out of hotel and got the bus to JFK near Grand Central Station, bit of traffic congestion to the airport so leave plenty of time, more than you would think (2 hours to get there, espec in late afternoon). Trip went far too quickly, though im sure ill be back again.