Travel Report New York: Highlights and tips for a 7 days photo trip
Is a visit to New York for 7 days worthwhile? What are the highlights to discover? What is a must-see?
Our New York travel report summarizes the latest highlights and “must sees” for you, so that you have an unforgettable New York trip.
Hotels of the Marriott Group that we can recommend
Our clear number 1 is the Residence Inn New York Central Park View
also well located is the Westin Grand Central
For the more upscale budget still the JW Marriott Essex House.
The hotels of the Marriott Group around Times Square are also recommended, because of the ideal location.
Where is New York?
What you should definitely think about on a New York trip
Local currency: US dollar. For payments or cash withdrawals you can use your credit card really everywhere. Cash is essentially needed for tips.
Vaccinations: Coming from Germany, no vaccinations are required. However, the standard vaccinations are recommended, see suggestions from the German Foreign Office. Additionally COVID-19 vaccination card.
Drone flying in New York, is it allowed ?
The answer is basically NO. New York has way too many helicopter landing pads and airports, so you can’t legally and shouldn’t illegally. So better leave it at home. There are enough skyscrapers in New York to see the world from above.
Detailed travel report New York - important questions:
Is New York as expensive as they say?
Yes, it is. The cost of living in New York is one of the highest in the world and you can see that in the prices. However, you shouldn’t let that deter you, because you can find great deals on both dining and lodging if you’re willing to compromise. Riding the subway, on the other hand, is relatively cheap and the best way to explore the city when you’re out and about during the day. One ride costs about 2.5€.
Experience the highlights of New York City
From Germany, there are several direct flights daily to New York and the offer is large, so that you can always find great deals.
Do I need a rental car in New York?
Our recommendation is definitely NO. From the airport you can best take a cab. Here is a fixed price, from JFK currently about 70 USD. If you like it faster, more comfortable, but also more expensive, you can also take a helicopter, costs about 200 USD (Just look at the app BLADE).
Within Manhattan, you either take the subway, during the day, or UBER at night. This is much cheaper than the parking fees for the car, which can quickly reach the 100 USD per day, not to mention the eternal traffic jam and the fact that there are hardly any parking spaces. Alternatively, if you’re good on foot, this is definitely the greatest way to experience the city.
The hotel with the best view in New York
For us, the Residence Inn New York Central Park is by far the hotel with the best view, if you book one of the rooms with a view (usually they end on 01 or 02). The buffet breakfast in the hotel is also very good, but the fact that it feels like in a cafeteria, not least thanks to the cardboard dishes, is rather unusual. the fitness center is good and the staff really good and helpful. But you don’t check in for all that, just for the view.
Central Park
Central Park is the green lung of Manhattan and excellent to get away from the noise of the city or just go for a walk. Alternatively, you can jog or bike in the park early in the morning with many others and enjoy the sometimes spectacular sunrises.
One Vanderbilt
One Vanderbilt is one of the newest attractions in New York. The theme is clearly mirrors and illusions, with three levels in a space that challenges, inspires and excites. Perceptions are completely challenged and it’s safe to say it’s worth the not cheap admission. In our experience, it is best to go at sunset. Then you experience New York in a really great light.
The Edge Experience
The Edge is also one of the newer attractions and is located directly on the Hudson. It is an open-air platform in which a glass floor is embedded. Who wants can also roped still on the roof of the building. the view is spectacular and also here you should definitely go shortly before sunset, then you have the whole spectrum of sky colors and also New York at night. In the picture below it is the highest building and you can see the open-air platform.
Highline Walk
Directly at “The Edge” is also the entrance to the Highline walk. This is exceptionally times free of charge and leads one over old elevated train tracks on the Hudson entlag, through, through skyscraper canyons with always fascinating views into the “gardens” of the houses. Fascinating is the yet pleasant peace on this path, in the otherwise pulsating city.
River Cruise on Hudson
A little further north of the Edge are the piers of the Hudson Botte, which invite you to take trips around Manhattan, including the Statue of Liberty. In good weather, the tours are highly recommended, as they allow a different view of New York, which you otherwise do not have. With it one has then actually also equal the visit of the Statue of Liberty and of Ellis Island with checked off, since one can admire both from the water. The simple tickets for the tour (about 30 USD) are completely sufficient. The premium tickets do not offer much more.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is the only true skyscraper in New York and the oldest of them all. Why? We can’t even count the number of times we’ve been on the Empire’s observation deck, but each time was different. The Empire State Building always feels new and moves with the times. The new digital museum, for example, is a wonderful addition to the experience. Plus, the open-air terrace with its truly unobstructed view (no glass panels in front) is still unique since the Twin Towers are no more.
One World Tradecenter
The One World Trade Center (until 2009 Freedom Tower) was built after the collapse of the Twin Towers following the terrible attacks of September 11. It was built on the exact same site and a memorial directly in front of it still commemorates the many dead from the attacks. It’s also an impressive skyscraper with a great observation deck. For us, though, One Wolrd doesn’t come close to the twin towers of yesteryear. These were unique and will remain so forever.
Grand Central Station
Actually, it’s just a train station, the largest in New York, but every fan of Hollywood movies knows this station. Countless films were shot here and if you have been here once, then you understand the fascination of this station. Definitely worth a short visit.
Times Square
Times Square is located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Ave and is named after the T.S.1 building used by the New York Times. It stretches from West 42nd Street to West 47th Streetand forms the center of the theater district known as Broadway.
In the 1930s, Times Square was officially divided into two sections. The southern end retained the name Times Square and the northern end was renamed Duffy Square.
In addition to about 40 theaters, the district around Times Square is home to cafes, fast-food chains and souvenir stores, as well as posh restaurants, movie theaters, Sony and Vogue. The American technology stock exchange NASDAQ is also located in the neighborhood of Times Square. Times Square is famous for its numerous neon signs and the flashy characters who try to make money here with photomotieves.
Fazit
New York, the city that never sleeps should be visited and 7 days are easily enough. The city has something to offer at any time, but we find spring and autumn much more attractive than the hot and humid summer in the city, or the bitter cold winter, sometimes with snow. The city has become much safer than a few years ago and every visit is different, as the city is constantly changing and only the real institutions last long.
New York, definitely worth a trip.
Calendars from our Photo Trips?
as of 18,90€, Sizes A2-A5
What photo equipment for New York?
The photo equipment we took with us to New York is listed below. In addition, you have the possibility to order the used photo equipment directly via our Photo-Shop and to request further technical details. There you can also find a lot of extras.
Cameras:
- Nikon Z7ii
- Apple Iphone 14pro
Lenses:
- Tamron 24-70 2.8