New York City, New York

 Hey, 

When I was younger my family and I took a trip to New York City and I could not wait to go back so before returning home I visited the big apple. Now I have a love for musicals so it felt like a dream to be in New York, the home of Broadway!

When in New York I stayed at the HI NYC hostel which is in a great location. The hostel is near a subway station, 0.3 miles from central park and 

Day 1- 20th August 2022

Once arriving in the city I took a bus from the airport to my hostel. The buses were regular and you just had to tap your card on the machines on the bus. After checking in to the hostel I took a 2 minute walk to the nearest McDonald's for food then had an early night's sleep. 

 

 Day 2- 21st August 2022

It was my first day in the city so I decided to go to the nearby subway station to get a metro card for the days I was there. The attendant at the station was so friendly and helped me with working the machine.

I took the subway into Times Square when arriving I forgot how insane it is with all the billboards. I went straight to the M&M store to explore then walked around finding the different Broadway theatres. This day I decided to get rush tickets for the musical Chicago, rush tickets are purchased at the box office the day of the performance. They are cheaper tickets usually between $27-$45 for some shows. Luckily I managed to get a hold of tickets in the stalls third row from the stage and on right-hand side of the theatre. 

Once securing the purchase I explored times square more which included me sitting on the famous red stairs whilst watching the world go by. 

Took the subway back to my hostel to get something to eat and have a rest before going out to the theatre. I miss read the time for when the show started so had to rush to the theatre thankfully I got there with 5 minutes to spare. It was stressful. 

Chicago the musical was incredible, highly recommend it. 

Day 3- 22nd August 2022

On this day I woke up early to get the subway to the Brooklyn Bridge it was a lovely day up until I arrived on the bridge. Sadly, I began to pour it down but I did not let that stop me from walking across it. The views were sensational. 

After the bridge I took shelter from the rain until it stopped then walked around the nearby areas. I found out the tv shows friends apartment exterior was filmed close by so I went to see that. 

When in Times square I ha to grab myself a Starbucks and Krispy Kreme doughnut which was delicious. That night I went to see the musical Kinky boots. Luckily this time I was not running late!!

Kinky boots was genuinely one of the best musicals I have seen. Callum Francis as Lola was incredible, he's such an amazing performer. The whole cast put on a sensational performance, I went away from the show feeling happy and empowered to be myself.

After the show I had a walk round times square at night which is a sight to see. I even stopped and watched some street performers, honestly standing there at night felt surreal.

Day 3- 23rd August 2022

On day three it was action packed so I woke up early. First stop was liberty island to view the statue of Liberty up close. Highly recommend going to the island early in the morning since it is not as crowded. once on the island you can access the statue of liberty museum which details the history of the statue and how it was built. 

Next, I hopped on the ferry to Ellis Island which was very interesting. the island was America's largest immigration station where they were processed. whilst there you learn the history of the island as well as the process immigrants had to go through when they arrived. there are even video screenings, I went to one and it gave me a better understanding of the history. 

Inside Ellis Island

Next stop the one world observatory, when arriving I and my ticket on my phone ready to go but realised I booked it for the next day the staff were so accommodating and helped me resolve this issue so I could visit that day. The elevator up to the 102nd floor was magical as the screens showed the evolution of the city through the years. Once at the top the views were spectacular, you get a 360 view of NYC. 

on my last night in the city, i went to watch the musical Come From Away which tells the story of airline passengers stranded in a town called Newfoundland after all flights were grounded on September 11th 2001. The show is filled with all the emotions you can feel. I was really lucky to see it when most of the original cast was still performing. Highly recommend!

Day 4- 24th August 2022

This was the last day of my solo adventure before meeting up with my family at the airport to tag along on their holiday to Niagara Falls.
I just walked around the city one last time before heading back to the hostel to check out. 

If you are ever stuck on a place to travel to, you should definitely go to NYC.