Our first stop was the financial district since we stayed in Lower Manhattan at the Doubletree Hilton hotel on Stone Street.  We ambled down Wall Street and snapped pictures of every grand building we could find.  Since I have an Accounting degree, this part of the city was particularly interesting for me.  Massive lights play a dramatic effect on many buildings at night including the New York Stock Exchange and the Trump Building.  

Then we coasted on down to the famous Charging Bull (Wall Street Bull) statue.  It’s much larger in real life than what I had expected and was surprised to find its underneath parts quite shiny.  It is good luck to touch that area of the bull before going to work on Wall Street, and you could definitely tell many people were hoping for a better luck in the market because the paint was worn off.

Next we ate at Harry’s Italian Pizza Bar.  It’s a cozy little place on Gold Street, and they have Blue Moon beer on tap! 

On Saturday we awoke bright and early for our Staten Island Ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty.  It was only three blocks from our hotel, and it’s free!  Therefore, it was a bit crowded with tourists, but we enjoyed ourselves.  As you can see it was a drizzly day full of rain and clouds, but the streets weren’t nearly as crowded, which was nice.  Pack your umbrella when you go! 

Statue of Liberty from the ferry

Times Square

Next we took the subway to Times Square and walked all over in Midtown.  Times Square is the most spectacular advertisement filled place I have ever seen.  It’s a marketing and public relations dream!  Many of the buildings are completely covered in moving pictures and advertisements.  It’s quite the place to be seen!  However, I was surprised on the size of that part of the city.  Half of the streets in Times Square are blocked off to traffic so you can walk around and really enjoy yourself.

Times Square

Then we were off to Rockefeller Center to find the NBC building.  Surprisingly NBC Studios is quite small looking from the outside.  The streets surrounding the studio are narrow, but well kept.  The ice rink is right across the street with flags surrounding it.  We ate at the Rock Center Café overlooking the ice, and it was an absolutely charming restaurant.  The service in the café was perfect, and my salad was just divine.

Rockefeller Center ice rink

Later we walked up and down Broadway and Fifth Avenue to admire all of New York’s most fashionable shops.  We came upon one of my favorite places in New York, the New York Public Library.  Upon entry, the building is entirely made of marble with giant candlesticks and candelabras.  It was so beautiful.

New York Public Library

Last we checked out Grand Central Station.  I wasn’t sure what to expect and was surprised by its intense décor.  There are beautiful chandeliers down the hallways, and the main room is over three stories high with high arched windows.  It definitely takes your breath away.  The lower level is filled with restaurants and shops for those waiting on their trains. 

Grand Central Station

The most surprising part of my trip was how often they block off streets downtown and turn them into parks filled with tulips, tables, and chairs. (Reference my photos of Herald Square).  It was a bit weird to sit in the middle of a street in a “park”, but I suppose it is necessary for those who are unable to make the trip to Central Park for the day.

Overall I was very happy with our trip and had a wonderful time exploring the city.   If you decide to visit New York City be sure to grab a slice of New York style pizza such as Little Italy Pizza.  Your best bet is to find a small park and eat your pizza straight from the box.  It’s quite fun!  Also, I highly recommend Au Bon Pain for to-go breakfast and brunches.  They also have delicate desserts and pastries to fulfill your sweet tooth cravings. 

Lastly, for the best view of the Brooklyn Bridge at night visit Pier 11 at the end of Wall Street on the river.  Bon voyage everyone!


For more photos please click here.