An Unforgettable Family Adventure: Exploring the Big Apple with my family 

My wife and I, along with our two grown-up kids, recently embarked on a thrilling family holiday to the Big Apple. It was a rollercoaster of laughter, exploration, and culinary delights that left us with cherished memories for a lifetime.

NYC Tourism 

Flying High with Norse Atlantic

Our adventure began across the pond in London, where we hopped on a flight with Norse Atlantic from Gatwick Airport. If you elect for premium seats then you are given priority check-in which literally took minutes.  After a mandatory visit to duty-free we settled into our amply spaced seats. Norse Atlantic is a new addition for LGW and offers multiple destinations in the USA. It’s fair to say that London to New York is their flagship service and they have really spent some time getting this right. Easy booking, excellent support staff and very friendly groundcrew gave us the confidence you sometimes need from a new airline. 

Offering us not just a comfortable flight but an experience that had us feeling like VIPs. With scrumptious in-flight meals and an awesome array of entertainment options including 200 or so films and TV shows. You are served complimentary drinks including bubbles and the journey flew by faster than you could say "Statue of Liberty."

Oh, and can we talk about those premium economy seats? They were the comfiest things ever! We're talking about reclining chairs that went back a staggering 43 degrees- the best in any premium economy class. Travelling to the USA had never felt this good!

Home Sweet Home: The Edison Hotel

As we landed in the city that never sleeps, we checked into our home away from home, the Edison Hotel. Located smack in the middle of Times Square, this place was the perfect base for our New York escapade. It was like being in the centre of a giant, glittering carnival that never ends. Highlights for me were the hotel’s restaurants and bars and the grab and go breakfasts.

Getting Smart with a City Pass

To make the most of our adventure, we grabbed a City Pass that gave us access to five top attractions at a jaw-dropping discount. That meant we could soak in the mesmerising views from the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller Centre, take a cruise up the Hudson and see the Statue of Liberty, visit the natural history museum, the Staten Island ferry and so many more attractions. We also took a wild simulated flight over NYC at the Rise NY attraction, and then crossed the street to dive headfirst into the world of Broadway at the Museum of Broadway. A brand-new museum for New York and one that really tells the story of this iconic theatre district. 

Feasting at Friedmans

Our first order of business was to visit Friedmans a real mix of classic New York/Jewish recipes served on the night we visited by singing waitresses.  This cosy and casually chic restaurant is famous for its comfort food. Pancakes, various hash dishes, giant sandwiches, waffles, burgers and all things fried ‘n’ delicious – we were officially in a food coma, and it was only day one!

Times Square and Broadway Adventures

Times Square was practically our backyard. A forest of dazzling lights and larger-than-life billboards. We managed to get ticket’s to 2 new Broadway shows.  “&Juliet" directed by Luke Sheppard  is a modern twist on Shakespeare.  This juke box musical had us laughing, singing along and tapping our feet until we were out of breath. Nominated for several Tony awards and winner of multiple Olivier’s this show is just brilliant. We were also lucky enough to see the all-new musical from industry maestros Fatboy Slim and David Byrne entitled “Here lies love” The tumultuous tale of Imelda Marcos and her rags to riches story set in a nightclub and featuring an amazingly talented all Filipino cast. The setting is breath taking with clever visual effects and a stunning soundtrack that runs all the way through the 90 minutes of the show. An absolute treat!

Any visit to the city should take in Ellen’s Stardust diner Here both active and resting Broadway musical stars wait tables and then perform incredible Broadway hits at your table. Such an incredibly uplifting and a fun evening with cocktails and shakes at their very best! Top tips are the burgers! It was sublime and if you like show tunes and you miss this you’ve not really seen the whole of New York. It’s an absolute must!

Culinary Journeys

Our taste buds were in for a treat as we explored the city's culinary treasures. Tony’s Di Napoli gave us mouth-watering Italian-American dishes in huge portions cooked superbly. The atmosphere is as you’d expect from a vintage Italian restaurant - straight out of a scene from any of the classic New York movies of old. The ‘Osso Buco’ was to die for and Dreni and Kazi take exceptional care with all their customers making them feel special and certainly well fed! If you are lucky you will served by Caesar who quite ironically tosses the one the greatest salads ever- no guessing the salad’s name!! The Rum Bar at The Edison served up the most delectable nightcaps with a live jazz band every night and the very modern Five Acres restaurant at the Rockefeller Centre was another real treat. A very chic setting and a very inviting menu. The Branzino was incredible and a fish I had never tried. The Calamari was some of the best I’ve ever eaten and the simple salad Niçoise  was utterly delicious.

We also dined at the State Grill part of the Empire State Building that was probably one of the trip’s gastronomic highlights. The Fillet Mignon was off the scale as indeed were all of the dishes were. The GM Jon Badaracco has created an extraordinary establishment with an inviting super cool bar leading to the restaurant covers. Top tip would be to start with pastrami style smoked bacon hung from a mini trellis - a real showstopper! The spicy lobster pasta is a must too! It would have need rude not to have the King Kong banana split - and so we did. We waddled back to the hotel.  

Cruising the Big Apple

Exploring NYC from the water is a must, so we set sail on a scenic cruise. The skyline views, especially at night, were nothing short of magical. It was like sailing through a sea of glittering stars. This is also included in the City Pass so well worth the investment.  

Central Park and Museums Galore

Central park was an absolute must and did not disappoint. On this trip we learned that the large round rocks were actually 150 million years old and the park was created around them. The Park itself is only 150 years old and before becoming a natural resource for the city it was a makeshift camp for those souls who built this great city. A horse and carriage ride through the Park provided a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. It also took us to Strawberry Fields inspiration for the Beatles track and a special place for Yoko Ono and John Lennon who was shot and killed just opposite outside his building in 1980.  We also visited the captivating exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History, sparking the explorer in all of us. Sadly none of the exhibits or characters that appear in the movie “Night at the museum’ were actually there so that was one box we could sadly not tick. 

Landmarks

We dedicated some time to retail therapy at Macy's and Bloomingdale's – two retail giants that had us shopping till we dropped. And, of course, we couldn't resist the allure of the Empire State Building, an iconic landmark that still reigns as the USA's top tourist attraction. To know that the Empire State building was constructed in one year in 1930  was quite frankly astounding. The building has an all-new attraction that delves deeply into the construction. It is spellbinding visit and the views from this 102 story building are in my opinion the very best available in New York. I advise sundown for that “Is this really happening” moment.  

A Moment of Reflection

Our adventure took a poignant turn as we visited the 9/11 Memorial. It was a sombre reminder of the city's strength and resilience, and it left us all in deep contemplation. The last time we were in New York City we dined at “Windows on the world”  The restaurant at the top of the North Tower of the world trade centre. Some of the staff we knew and had made connections with sadly perished on that day. 

Classic NYC Eats and Rooftop Views

No trip to the Big Apple is complete without a slice of classic New York-style pizza. Joe's Pizza satisfied our cravings. We also enjoyed breath taking rooftop views and a sumptuous dinner at Bar 230 Fifth, creating memories that'll last a lifetime. The general manager Stacey and her team led by Marco have created a very cool vibe and were typical of the exemplary team members  that run hospitality establishments in this great city. The cocktails flowed and the pictures are numerous! 

Sweet Endings

We capped off our adventure with a visit to Levain Bakery, indulging in their famous cookies that melted in our mouths. If you get the  chance try the cheesecake at Juniors on Time Square or pop back to Tony’s Di Napoli and try some of their handmade New York cheesecake. All unbelievably good!

Heading Home with Norse Atlantic, Relaxed and Refreshed

As our New York adventure came to a close, we boarded our return flight with Norse Atlantic. By selecting premium the journey back home felt like a breeze. With accessible seats that reclined better than any other premium economy, we arrived home feeling refreshed and ready to relive our New York memories.

In just a few days, we conquered the city's iconic landmarks, tasted its delectable cuisine, and soaked in the vibrant culture of the whole of Manhattan. It was a family holiday that exceeded all expectations, and we left full of gratitude and our minds brimming with stories to share.

New York City, you've captured our hearts, and we can't wait for our next adventure. Until then, our cherished memories will keep the city's spirit alive within all four of us. 

And there you have it, a family's journey through the NYC filled with excitement, laughter, and love.

Fact box for your NYC Adventure

These booking instructions and details should help you plan and make the most of your New York City adventure, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience at each attraction and dining establishment:

Norse Atlantic Airways Booking:

Visit the Norse Atlantic Airways website: Norse Atlantic Airways

Select your departure city (e.g., London Gatwick) and destination (e.g., New York JFK).

Choose your travel dates and number of passengers.

Explore available flight options and select your preferred cabin class (e.g., Premium Economy).Follow the prompts to complete your booking, including seat selection, meal preferences, and any additional services.

"& Juliet" Musical:

Visit the official "And Juliet" website: And Juliet - The Musical

Check the show's schedule for performance dates and times.

Select your desired performance and seating preferences.

Follow the booking instructions to purchase tickets online.

Ticket prices may vary depending on seat selection and performance date.

"Here Lies Love" Musical:

Visit the official "Here Lies Love" website for the most up-to-date information on the show's availability and tickets.https://herelieslovebroadway.com/

Check for performance dates, times, and ticket prices.

Follow the provided instructions to purchase tickets online or by phone.

Empire State Building:

Visit the Empire State Building's official website: Empire State Building

Find information on visiting hours, ticket options, and pricing.

Purchase tickets online to save time and skip the lines at the entrance.

Consider purchasing the "Skip the Line" ticket for a more convenient experience.

City Pass Details:

Visit the official CityPASS website: CityPASS

Choose the "New York CityPASS" option to access details about the attractions and savings included.

Review the list of included attractions, such as the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, and more.

Select the number of passes needed for your family.

Purchase CityPASSes online and receive them via email 

Tony's DiNapoli:

Tony's DiNapoli is located in the heart of Broadway at 147 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours and showtimes.

Visit the Tony's DiNapoli website: Tony's DiNapoli for reservations

Five Acres Restaurant:

Five Acres Restaurant is located at the Rockefeller Centre https://www.5acresnyc.com/

To make reservations or inquire about their menu, contact the restaurant directly at their official website or phone number.

State Bar and Grill (State Grill and Bar):

The State Bar and Grill is located in the Empire State Building at 350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118.Reservations can be made online through their website https://www.patinagroup.com/state-grill-and-bar