The Big Apple - 72 Hours in New York City

This isn't  my first time to New York City, but it is the first time that I've spent more than 24 hours in the Big Apple prior to a cruise. There are so many entertainment and dining choices, that it's mind-boggling. Sensory overload is more like it! New York City is a fast paced loud city. 

You will get the most out of your visit to New York City, if you have some sort of plan of what attractions you want to see. For us, it was a Broadway show, a stroll through Central Park to Strawberry Fields, a walk through Times Square, a self guided tour of Grand Central Station, a close up view of the Chrysler building and, of course, my personal must-do was to go to Brooklyn and snap a photo of the Brooklyn Bridge, from an ideal vantage point.

We stayed at the Westin Times Square for two nights, which was an ideal walking location to everything we wanted to see. Then we boarded our beautiful ship, the Crystal Symphony, at the Manhattan Terminal. Crystal Symphony spent overnight in Manhattan, so we were able to hit the streets again. Basically, we walked our socks off in New York City to see what we could see.

There are hundreds of eateries within Times Square area, high end and budget priced. Restaurant Row, with more than 20 restaurants along one block, is three blocks from the Westin. The popular value priced "Shake Shack" is across the street. 

There are city bike rentals and bicycle pathways all over the City. Just use your credit card and ride off.

Grand Central Station is certainly an amazing building, not only for its decor, but also for shopping and swank eateries. Grand Central Market has some pretty interesting healthy fast food take-out kiosks.

 

Over 117 tracks from Grand Central Station will take you just about anywhere in the USA and also north into Canada.

The beautiful Art Deco "Chrysler Building" on Lexington Avenue, adjacent to Grand Central Station, is a sight for sore eyes. However, if you want to tour the interior of the building, you will have to go there during the work week between 8:00 and 4:00pm. Otherwise, you will only see the interior from the roped off area inside the front doors.

 

Al Hirschfeld Theatre, a five minute walk from the Westin Times Square, is where the hilarious 

"Kinky Boots" is playing. Buy your tickets online at least 30 days in advance, if you want good seating.

One of the things I wanted to do while in New York City, was to get a photo of the infamous Brooklyn Bridge from an ideal vantage point. I took the "Discover Brooklyn" tour with the cruise line.

Finally, no visit to New York City is final until you've sailed by the "Statue of Liberty."