New York City is exactly the kind of place where you can go back more than once, and still feel like you’ve never been before. And just walking around Manhattan can be the best way to see this ‘city that never sleeps’.
When I first travelled there, my jam-packed agenda consisted of mostly tourist attractions. Like taking in the breathtaking view from the 70th floor of Rockefeller Centre, being dazzled by enormous digital screens in Times Square, ice-skating under the bright lights at Bryant Park, and enjoying a fabulous dinner and a musical on Broadway.
Also, a few activities that were more personal to me, like taking time to read every single name inscribed in bronze on the 9/11 Memorial, gazing at the Dakota Apartments where John Lennon once lived (and tragically died), and going for a run around Central Park – literally. I put nearly 10 kilometers on my running shoes that morning, starting in one spot, following the trails that bordered the park’s edges, and eventually ending up back where I started.
Make a plan to have no agenda
On my second trip to the Big Apple, I had no agenda. My only mission was to go walking around Manhattan, to see what I could see. The only thing on my ‘for sure’ list was getting to the Crowne Plaza HY36 – the newest Crowne Plaza property in New York. Conveniently situated in Midtown Manhattan, the front desk staff welcomed me with friendly smiles, complimentary snacks, and a glass of champagne.
Designed for the modern business traveler, the rooms are contemporary, calming, and super quiet. They are also really comfortable, and among some of the largest in the city. Amenities include in-room coffee, free WiFi throughout the hotel, guest lounging area in the lobby, a range of business services, and a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring Peloton spin bikes.
Best of all, the Crowne Plaza HY36 is close to absolutely everything. It’s only a ten-minute walk to the massive Javits Centre, the go-to location for major conventions. It’s also extremely close to the flourishing Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s West Side.
Elevated public park a joy to discover
Here you can discover lesser known gems like the High Line. The two-kilometer long historic elevated rail line has been refurbished into a public park and walkway with peaceful garden spaces, cozy seating places, massive murals, art displays, and an overall unique perspective of the busy streets below.
The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway loop is a trail encircling all of Manhattan. Along the west side, the fully paved and wheelchair accessible Hudson River Greenway stretches down to the southern tip of the island. Safely separated from the city’s relentless traffic flow, it passes by 13 public piers, a marine estuary, a series of parks and picnic areas, and various recreational spaces. It offers up stunning views of Hudson River at sunset, and the twinkling New Jersey skyline at sundown.
Following the shoreline to Lower Manhattan, I decided to change up the scenery and take an inland route back home. To keep with the ‘Hudson’ theme of my adventure thus far, I chose to walk down Hudson Street, which according to Google Maps took me through the neighbourhoods of Soho, Greenwich Village, and Chelsea.
As seen on TV
Google Maps also insisted on showing me pop culture attractions, with ‘Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment’ and ‘Friends Apartment’ popping up on my screen. Being a fan of both shows, of course I couldn’t resist!
After hours of walking around Manhattan, and traveling what felt like most of the west side – putting 15 kilometers on my walking shoes – the best part was getting back to my cozy Crowne Plaza room and finding that turn-down service had left an aromatherapy-induced facial wipe, and tiny spritzer of lavender mist to spray on my pillow.
It was a nice touch that I appreciated very much. Because having just spent my day roaming the streets of the city that never sleeps, I was ready to sleep like a baby.
