[intelligent]
Whistles, tooting horns, screeching taxis and street vendor cries; you have entered Manhattan. When it comes to city breaks, New York is certainly no wallflower but who can blame it; it’s got plenty to shout about.
Following a sleepy flight for eight hours from the UK, being thrown into the hectic centre can be a huge shock to the senses, but it doesn’t take long to acclimatise to the vibrant metropolis. Soon you realise that this city actually isn’t hectic at all; with huge, wide streets and pavements and a simple block system, all senses of claustrophobia and stress are completely eradicated here. Manhattan allows you to soak up its offerings at your own pace.
And what quality offerings it has; everywhere you go, you feel as though you’re on a film set. Yellow taxis whiz by and Central Park and the Empire State are always in sight. Taking a trip to the ‘Top of the Rock’ – the observation deck at the Rockefeller Centre is a fantastic way to get your bearings and a great way to view the city you are about to explore. Unbelievable buildings sprawl out as far as the eye can see, only interrupted by the oasis of Central Park that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
Doing the classic tourist sites is a must for any first time visitor; Empire State, Grand Central Terminal, Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty will find their way on to most peoples’ itineraries. But the truth is, no matter how many times you visit New York, you’re bound to always find something new. From the cool indie surroundings of Greenwich Village to the bright lights of Times Square; New York really does have it all. And it doesn’t take long to get sucked in by the city; tooting horns and all.