On Sunday morning I’m going to be flying to New York to spend four days in ‘the greatest city in the world’. I’m so excited because I’ve always wanted to go to New York around Christmas time. I’ve never physically written a bucket list but this has been lingering around the top of my subconscious list for years!
It’ll be my first visit there so I’m looking for some amazing things to do that you’d recommend for a first time tourist.
I’ll be heading to New York as an American Express Ambassador and I’ll be on a quest to find good service.
Let me tell you a little more…
Earlier this year, American Express set out to scientifically prove that good service feels good and can actually be good for you. I also worked in the hospitality industry for years so I know how important good service is and how it can make or break a trip abroad. American Express partnered with international cognitive research organization Neurosense to conduct their study.
They found that good service has a physiological and psychological effect on our bodies and makes us feel happier and calmer. I think we all knew this already but it’s interesting to see that it can be scientifically proven. They also found that we want to share our good service experiences, with 18% sharing immediately on Facebook and Twitter. 50% of people share their experience straight away and on average we tell 20 people. Thanks to social media we are now a generation of sharers (and over sharers!) and their research found that the stories we share about our experiences can travel up to 3,899 miles. How very precise!
Now I’m off to New York on a quest for great service experiences. North Americans are known for their amazing, friendly service so I thought this would be a great place to start.
So can you recommend any bars, cafes, restaurants, stores or guides that offer an amazing service?
I’m also interested to hear about your favourite things to do in New York. As it’s my first time I want to see and do everything but I only have four days so need to whittle it down to an achievable to-do list.
Massive thanks for the brilliant suggestions on Facebook and Twitter already!
If you’re from New York or you’ve been before, please share your favourite things to do in the comments.
I wonder if the fabulous service in the States has something to the fact that tips are relied upon to earn a decent income? Have a wonderful trip – look forward to reading all about it.
I’m sure it helps. I find that everyone seems to be a bit friendlier over here though.
Love New York – and bet it’s beautiful in midwinter! Would recommend a walk down the High Line, the views from the Top of the Rock and a cocktail on the roof at 230 Fifth (they’ve got patio heaters and lend you big red blankets to keep you warm in winter, with a fantastic view of the Empire State Building). Have a few moneysaving tips on my site at http://ontheluce.com/2013/10/14/visiting-new-york-on-a-budget/ – have a great time!
Monica I was in New York just last month on my DTour and by complete coincidence did all of the three things Lucy mentioned above! I even went to 230 Fifth Ave with Biggsy and would definitely recommend it! It’s true that everyone treated me so well, especially in comparison to the UK, so enjoy it while you’ve got it!
Thanks Lucy. I’ve just had a read through your guide and it’s great – so helpful for a complete newbie like me!
Oh I love New York – and there is nothing better than visiting the Big Apple during the festivee season. What could I recommend to see and do? Where do I start?!? How about visiting the top of the Empire State Building, Ice Skating and the Rockerfeller Center, taking the ferry over to Staten Island (for the Statue of Liberty), visit Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Barney’s and Saks Fifth Avenue to view the spectacular Christmas decorations (and maybe buy some presents?!), oh and take lot’s and lot’s of photographs. I personally like to visit a Hard Rock Cafe in each place I visit, just to purchase a souvenir Hurricane glass, that is. Have an amazing time! 🙂
Thanks Benedict! There’s so much to see. I’ve just been a proper tourist and purchased a hop on hop off bus pass. I think it’s the simplest way to see as much as possible so hopefully I’ll get to see all those things.
It’s true, service is something we do very well in the States. I already suggested Perilla through Facebook, but if you are looking for crazy good service at an expensive restaurant, I suggest Picholine. It’s super fancy and when you’re water gets low, the head waiter just makes eye contact with a server and your water is filled immediately. Never seen anything like it. And they are well known for their cheeses for dessert. Love the service statistics. Excellent service makes customers for life.
It really does. Even great service in places that aren’t super fancy makes customers for life – although it is nice to splash out on somewhere fancy from time to time too!
The Stardust restaurant is quite fun…looks like a train from the outside and all the Wait staff want to be on Broadway so will sing and dance around the restaurant, jumping up on booths etc…obviously while they are singing, they can’t run food and take orders, but it’s pretty cool!
Oh wow, that sounds fun. Will definitely look into it!
You will have a blast!!!
Try Ping’s on Mott street for the best dim sum!
We really like the tenement museum.
Oooo I do love dim sum. I’ll be keeping my eyes open for that!
Views of NYC are better from the Rockafella center. And the Staten Island ferry is free so jump on to see the statue !
I’ve heard a few people say the Rockafella Center views are best. I’m hoping I’ll get chance to see both but if I don’t I’ll opt for that one. Thanks 🙂
Wow ! You are so lucky. I have never been to New York and It is my biggest dream to explore New York once in my life. Happy journey !
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I’d definitely recommend Times Square at NIGHT, it’s one of my favorite places in NYC. It is one of those places where you find yourself spinning in circles trying to take it all in. It can be very cold in December but it’s still an absolute muse see 🙂
I had that exact feeling while I was there! Loved it.
I’ve been longing to go to New York for a while now too. Hopefully I’ll make it there before too long and I must remember to check back here for some tips. Looking forward to reading about your experience I’m sure you had a wonderful time.
Hopefully I’ll be able to provide you with some great tips before you go Kat!