New York City in the autumn, or should I say fall, is a fabulous time to see the city. New York was made for Instagram – full of contrast, vibrant and exciting. The russet, yellow and orange-hued foliage looks stunning against the stark skyscrapers and reflective glass tower blocks. The skies go from steely grey, giving the city streets a more dramatic feel, to crisp clear blues.
Downtown New York
I went back recently for the first time in 18 years and discovered some changes, new attractions and re-discovered some old favourites.
There’s so much to see in New York City that won’t cost you a dime. Here are my favourites, in no particular order, via Instagram, one of my favourite social media platforms. If you haven’t visited for a while or it’s your first time in the city these New York tips for first time visitors are helpful.
1. Times Square
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We arrived at night to see the city lit up and sparkling. We stayed near to Times Square and I can tell you now that New York is definitely a city that never sleeps. Take a stroll in Times Square for people watching – you could even try out the indoor Ferris Wheel in the M&M shop or stock up on Hershey’s.
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2. The High Line
We discovered The High Line and walked in the rain along the disused rail line that’s now an urban oasis which ribbons above the Lower West Side.
http://instagram.com/p/vEs7YNJLwQ/?modal=true
3. Ground Zero
We paid our respects at Ground Zero. The last time I was in New York I viewed the city from the roof of the North Tower and still have vivid memories of how it used to look. The memorial is a peaceful and reflective area. The museum at Ground Zero is well worth visiting although book on-line to avoid lengthy queues. It’s $24 for adult admission and I’ve included it here because if you’re at Ground Zero it’s right next to it.
This is One World Trade Centre, currently the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.
http://instagram.com/p/vHkBrupLwj/?modal=true
4. Grand Central Station
Grand Central Terminal is the busiest rail station in America and one of New York’s most historical monuments. Definitely worth taking a look if you’re passing by. There’re shops and restaurants if you decide to stay longer.
http://instagram.com/p/vI6AtEJL9T/?modal=true
5. A Walk in central Park
A walk in Central Park is a must if you’re visiting New York in the autumn – the colours and foliage are beautiful.
http://instagram.com/p/vVWfGuJL12/?modal=true
The park’s just as interesting in black and white. This is The Avenue, a tree lined walkway, which runs up the centre of the park.
http://instagram.com/p/vYZQUKpLw5/?modal=true
6. Just Walk
There are loads of iconic New York Street scenes to see just by walking around…
http://instagram.com/p/vQbWM6pLy2/?modal=true
7. Take the Staten Island Ferry
See the Statue of Liberty for free from the Staten Island Ferry. Board at The Whitehall Terminal (4 South Street, Manhattan). The Ferry’s free so just stay on for the return journey and see Liberty all over again before you get back to where you started!
http://instagram.com/p/vMBFlWpLxB/?modal=true
8. Views of Manhattan Island
There are fabulous views of Manhattan Island too…
http://instagram.com/p/vMA7wFJL_1/?modal=true
So those are my free sights to see in New York City via Instagram. Do you use Instagram? Leave details in the comments and I’ll follow along. You can check out my Instagrams here
Manhattan Bridge night-scene
http://instagram.com/p/varbVEJL9A/?modal=true
Suzanne Jones is a full-time travel blogger and writer at The Travelbunny which she started in 2011 during her time as a professional travel planner. Suzanne enjoys exploring new destinations, culinary encounters and the outdoors. When not travelling or writing about her adventures you’ll most likely find Suzanne, camera in hand, enjoying coastal walks in Sussex.
Suzanne also runs Hello Sussex a website which showcases the best of East & West Sussex. Read more about Suzanne here…
Packing my Suitcase
Monday 2nd of February 2015
Ohh my, you only made me miss NYC even more! I can only imagine the changes you noticed after 18 years... beginning with the World Trade Center. Your pictures are amazing!! I can't wait to go back there :D <3
Suzanne Jones
Monday 2nd of February 2015
Opps sorry! I don't think I'll ever get used to the new skyline, hope you get to go back soon as take some fab photos of your own :)
Charlotte Steggz
Sunday 14th of December 2014
Loved these! I think I did pretty much all of them in NYC in the Spring - you picked some excellent choices! I love how you input Instagram photos into your post - I must google how to do that...
Suzanne Jones
Sunday 14th of December 2014
They must look gorgeous in the spring - especially Central Park. To embed I pasted the URL from Instagram.com on it's own line. Works in WP but don't know about other platforms...
Kathryn
Sunday 7th of December 2014
Great shots, especially love the trade centre and the park in black and white.
Suzanne Jones
Sunday 7th of December 2014
Thanks Kathryn - such a photogenic city!
Just Add Attitude
Saturday 6th of December 2014
That's quite an amount to do in New York for free. My top pick would be a stroll through Central Park. ;)
Suzanne Jones
Sunday 7th of December 2014
The walk in Central Park was one of my favourite activities :)
Deirdre
Saturday 6th of December 2014
Your photos are gorgeous. While the Freedom Tower is quite spectacular, I just never seem to get used to the view from the Brooklyn Bridge without the towers in the background. Despite having been gone all these years, the image was so ingrained in my mind -for a time I worked just a few blocks from them - I always just "expect" them to be there. Glad you had such a lovely visit to NYC!
Suzanne Jones
Sunday 7th of December 2014
The Freedom Tower is beautiful but, I agree, when anybody mentions New York the image of the old iconic landscape pops into my head. One of my favourite cities :)