True Romance in New York

Are you looking to go away on a short romantic break with that special person, look no further than the Big Apple.

Without doubt New York is the most iconic city in the world, but it also provides the greatest romance stories in the world. Despite most romantic comedy films being set in the Big Apple very few associate it in the same way as Paris or even London.

From the moment you step onto the streets of this city it is easy to feel intimidated but there is no need to be, from the entire buzz and entertainment of Times Square to the soothing and relaxing Central Park, there is something for everyone.

A good way to start is at Central Park, at over eight hundred acres in size it provides the perfect sanctuary from the rest of Manhattan. From here you can walk arm in arm through the peaceful observatory garden, take some great photos at Strawberry Fields, take a rowing boat under Bow Bridge at the Ramble and Lake, or for $35 you can travel in a romantic horse drawn carriage from one end of this lush part of the city to the other.

There is so much more you can do, for the experience it is worth going to the top of the Empire State building, but for the best panoramic view of the city, go to the top of the Rockefeller centre. From here you get to see every inch of the city's skyline for all its glory, although it's tempting to go at night it is best to go during the day so you can see Central Park and the Hudson River.

Away from all of the sight seeing there is plenty of shopping to do, lets face it there is no point in going to New York if you are not going to do a bit of shopping. In Midtown not too far from Times Square you have Macy's, the largest shop in the world, you can pick from every designer brand imaginable, the choice is yours.

But it's at night when New York really comes to life, if you choose to pick a hotel near Times Square it will give you easy access to all of the Broadway shows, there is a wide variety to choose from, but it's
advisable to buy tickets in advance to avoid price hikes and long queues.

If it's not Broadway you are after why not try going out for a romantic dinner, The River cafe is the perfect place. Located at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, it is perfect to watch the lights of Manhattan at dusk before you head off back to your hotel. Remembering that a whole different story begins the next day in the city that never sleeps  

* This is a slightly updated version of travel feature I did in my first year of University. I have been to New York 3 times, the photo in this blog is one I had taken on a boat tour around the Hudson River