For those who have been locked in a darkened room all their lives, New York is a city synonymous with yellow taxis, tall buildings, hot dog stalls, baseball, bridges…and even an iconic, neon-lit intersection.
That’s right, New York is famous for many things, but for those who have already scaled the Empire State Building or stared in awe at the mesmerising lights of Times Square, a second visit to the USA’s most populous city may necessitate a slightly different approach.
There are many hidden highlights that will often escape the grasps of first-time visitors, who are hell-bent on having their photo taken next to the plethora of world-famous edifices.
Battery Park, in southern Manhattan, is normally the place to catch ferries destined for the Statue of Liberty. In a haste to catch a photo opportunity with the iconic statue, many people may overlook the neighbouring Ellis Island, which was once the main entry point for immigrants arriving from Europe and beyond. Today, Ellis Island is host to a fantastic museum, offering valuable insights into the people that made New York what it is today.
However, many would argue that Ellis Island still constitutes one of the better-known to
Well, it’s perhaps worth meandering away from Manhattan altogether, and checking out the neighbouring boroughs which so often go ignored by tourists.
Brooklyn is New York City’s most populous borough and was an independent city in its own right until 1898. Indeed, if Brooklyn was still a city in its own right, it would be the fourth largest in the whole of the USA. Furthermore, away from the city bankers of Manhattan, many would argue Brooklyn is where you find real New Yorkers.
The best way to access Brooklyn is, of course, via the bridge from Manhattan. At just over a mile long, the walk takes around twenty minutes and is recommended for the view of the NYC skyline alone. Once across the bridge, it’s well worth visiting the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, which is in a splendid location on an old boat on the waterfront, serving up mouth-watering homemade ice cream.
Then there is the Coney Island amusement park in the south of Brooklyn, offering up an array of rides and thrills for people of all ages.
Brooklyn is just one of many reasons why a return trip to the Big Apple can hold a whole host of surprises and is why hotels in New York are always in great demand. So whether you’re a first timer or a return visitor, it’s always wise to book accommodation as far ahead as possible, to ensure the best prices and the best location.
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
