Hey hey heyyyy! I'm back with another installment in the little NYC series (I hope you're not bored yet because I'm not done with this baby) and I gonna tell you about a little low-key spot in the city.
Wait, you've heard of Times Square? Well that's awkward.
Okay okay, it's ridiculously popular and may cause a little bit of anxiety (so many real life people, say whaaaaat?) but I'm telling you, it's the most incredible place I have ever been. Standing in the middle and spinning 360 degrees, the lights whirling, the people bustling and the general atmosphere is probably something that never gets old.
I seemed to end up here at least once a day during the vacay, some accidental (although I'm not saying no to Broadway) and every time if felt so brand new, yet oddly familiar like I'd been there a hundred times over already.
And the most bizarre thing? Wandering the streets on my own at night did not have me phased. I've never felt so safe -whilst being alone - in my life. Remember; so. many. people. Literally the city that never sleeps.
Tips / Recommendations
1. Be aware of your belongings
This may seem like a painfully obvious point, and I had absolutely zero problems with theft, but as there are so many people in the area I would really advise being careful with your handbag / backpack / pockets etc. Crowded areas are the best place for pickpockets so be safe and not sorry.
2. Take a picture on the red steps
I feel foolish not knowing this was a thing that people did, I don't even seem to remember about hearing about the red steps before I saw them. Wait - was there a scene in Glee with them? (Update; yes, Season 2)
Anyway, it's cliche and cheesy, but taking a picture with all of the billboards and lights behind you is really cool.
3. Hit the shops
There is a massive Forever 21 in the square, it's on about 3 floors and has the best selection of brand. I purchased a lush pink faux-leather jacket and a printed tee in there for $45!
4. Visit the Hard Rock Cafe
It's been 11 years since I first went to one (in Florida) and I don't remember it all too well, so when we decided one night that we'd go there to eat, I was in awe as soon as I stepped inside.
The interior, memorabilia and layout is incredible and the seating area is like an auditorium with a huge screen playing music videos of all genres.
Be prepared; it's very loud and not the cheapest, and be wary of tips because the servers are VERY hot on it despite the fact they hardly do anything for your table...
Other food recommendations;
Ruby Tuesday - I wish we has eaten here every single night. So reasonably prices for the city and the location, plus the drinks are refillable for less than $4 and the service is unbeatable.
Bella Vita Pizzeria & Trattoria - Again, reasonably priced. I would recommend get a bigger pizza and splitting it between 2 because the portions are really generous. So tasty too!
5. Hershey's Chocolate World vs. M&M's World
Across the road from each other, you'll be in the midst of chocolate heaven. Although I love M&M's, there is a 4-floor store in London that I've yet to actually purchase from, and I much prefer Hershey's. Especially Cookies & Cream.
Whilst M&M's World is ridiculously overpriced, I found 90% of Hershey's to be really reasonable. I'm definitely regretting not buying 4 bags for $16.
6. Broadway Theatres
This is the home of American theatre and the place that I was most excited to seek out. 41 theatres to search for? Count me in. If you're a fan, most theatres will give you free Playbill's if you go and politely ask the security on the door, or the box office. I asked at the Brooks Atkinson theatre for a Waitress playbill and was handed 5! (More about all of this in it's own post coming soon)
7. Take it all in
With so much to do and see, take absolutely everything in. Take a tonne of photos, observe the people around you and stand in the middle to soak everything up. There is nothing quite like it.
Have you been before? If so, were you as obsessed as I am?
Leave your thoughts, recommendations and tips in the comments for anyone wanting to find out more info. There's still so much I probably didn't do so I'd also love to know for next time.
S xo
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