Trip to New York – Day 8

Today is an exploration day since the only booked activity is in the evening. We started the morning from the Times Square license and breakfast from Dunkin Donuts ($20).

We then headed to Hudson Yards which was also the starting point of the High Line Park.

The High Line is built on the old elevated train tracks that supplied the area with goods. In 1999, the non-profit Friends of the High Line was formed, promoting the idea of turning the High Line into an elevated park or green promenade, similar to the Promenade Plantée in Paris. During our visit to the High Line, we walked its streets among the plants and flowers, saw art and enjoyed a unique perspective of New York City.

Just before the end of the High Line Park we left it heading for a new park in the city. Little Island. Little Island is a brand new public park, located in Hudson River Park, where visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis. The park features a verdant landscape of breathtaking hills, winding paths and dazzling views combined with programs that include music, dance, theatre, poetry, comedy and art workshops for all ages. You can also get incredible shots of Lower Manhattan from this park.

We then walked through Greenwich Village, Soho, and passed the now famous building whose exterior is featured in the series Friends

and from the famous Ghostbusters fire station.

In both of these there were too many people looking for the perfect photo. Finally we ended up in Washington Square Park. There we admired the fountain, the arch, the greenery and marveled at the people who were there.

After resting a bit, we proceeded for lunch at the famous Katz’s Delicatessen. About half an hour waiting from the outside before we tasted the original sandwich with pastrami and beef. $65 for 2 sandwiches and 2 soft drinks. The pastrami was excelent, the beef nothing special. Reminded me of Zwan, for the older ones.

Then we took the subway to Brooklyn and specifically to DUMBO. Literally endless people and when we reached the intersection of Washington St and Water St, for the well-known photo of the Manhattan Bridge it became inseparable. We walked around the neighborhood and on the beach and then headed to the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge to walk it. On our way we also found a shop with Christmas items!!! 36 degrees celsius outside and inside Santas. Unheard of but we went in and got a souvenir too.

We then found the steps that led us to the beginning of the bridge. We started walking towards Manhattan. 486 meters of absolute New York. Walking on the oldest and most iconic bridge of the city and a view towards Manhattan. There were so many people that they stopped everywhere for photos and to admire the view. Fortunately, since 2021 they have given bicycles another traffic lane and there was no confusion. At the end of the bridge on the Manhattan side there were dozens of Chinese people selling souvenirs. You will find the most economical things there.

It was already getting dark by the time we set off for the last activity of the day which was the ascent of Summit One Vanderbilt. One Vanderbilt shines like a beacon to the world with its iconic shape that sets new standards for architecture in New York. At 427 meters tall, One Vanderbilt is the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan and among the 30 tallest buildings in the world. One Vanderbilt’s observation deck is located on the 59th floor and features a glass floor, mirrors and huge windows. All this scenery creates a sense of levitation.

Elsewhere is Levitation which is a series of glass boxes jutting out of the building above Madison Avenue. They are 324 meters in the air! On the uppermost floor you will find the ball room and finally for the more daring there is the Ascent, a glass elevator, up another 12 floors, to the highest point of the SUMMIT at 365 meters. The elevators travel the height of the exterior of the building offering a thrilling experience with amazing views. Tickets with Ascent access cost more than general admission tickets. Don’t forget to look down. The floor is transparent!!!

After completing this experience as well, we quickly went to the hotel to sleep since we were going to Washington the next day.