An adventure through New York City aka "The Big Apple" in search of historic locations while experiencing the culture of the different boroughs . . .
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Like many others, I had always wanted to explore The Big Apple. I had a week off from work and found myself once again on the Mega Bus. This time I was venturing a little further north to stay in what is famed as the largest hostel in the world, HI NYC.
Exploring The Big AppleThe bus dumped me out somewhere in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. I jumped on the subway and headed north to 103rd street. Hosteling International was my destination. I believe they told me there is about 600 beds in this gargantuan lodging establishment. The bunks are standard, but they make up for it with a nice courtyard, game room, and cafeteria. In the lobby there were postings for daily activities that would take visitors on tours around the city. I knew immediately this would be the perfect way to experience the things that New York has to offer. 
After checking in, I took off on foot to get a better look at the neighborhood and grab a slice of New Yorker style pizza. Just a few blocks north you will find Grant's Tomb, and hopefully all of you who paid attention in history know who is buried there. The area around Hosteling International is famously known as the Seinfeld neighborhood, so this one photo opportunity was a must.
Times Square
Once my stomach had been filled, I was back on the subway to downtown to check out Times Square. While this is not the kind of attraction that would normally draw my attention, I found my curiosity taking over. I soon emerged from the station into a crowd of tourists, street performers, and hustlers.
Many interesting characters can be found here. Thus ranges from costumed entertainers to topless women offering to pose for a photo opportunity. Lets face it, it's a total madhouse tourist trap with over priced restaurants and souvenir shops. I recommend to take a look around and get out quickly.
Jerry's Grand Tour
The best way to get an up close and personal look at The Big Apple id through Jerry's Grand Tour. This is a 15 hour walking tour that leaves out of Hosteling International Lobby at 10 am and doesn't return until midnight. Jerry is a long time local and really knows the history of these big city streets. There is much to be learned from this guy, if you can keep up.
This extremely thorough tour begins by taking the subway across the East River for a tour of Brooklyn Heights, a view of the city skyline, and a walk back across the Brooklyn Bridge. Next we would be making our way through the financial district to board the Staten Island Ferry for a short boat ride. Upon returning, we hit Chinatown and Little Italy, and finally wrapped up the night basking in the lights of Times Square.
I Hope You Like Museums
I can't help but find myself drawn to museums, and always visit as many as I can everywhere I go. New York is absolutely full of them, so do your research ahead of time, and be prepared to stand in long lines.
Here's a short list of NYC museums:
While in town, I had the intent to visit as many as possible, but the crowds make it tough. It was at The Metropolitan Museum of Art that I also quickly learned you can easily spend all day lost in a single museum.
The "MET" (as it is locally called) contains an enormous variety of exhibits including, Egyptian, Classical Greek, and Far Eastern artifacts. If you are an enthusiast of ancient history or cultural studies, then this museum is a perfect way to occupy your morning before taking on the adjoining Central Park.
Central Park
Turtle Pond at Central Park
The expansive layout of Central Park is beyond description. I thought I would explore most of it in one day, but quickly learned how ridiculous that idea was. Spanning over 800 acres, this impressive contrast to the surrounding city was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who is responsible for many famous outdoor landscapes across the globe.
Music seems to be a big part of Central Park culture, with street performers and the much visited homage to a rock and roll legend. It is here in Strawberry Fields that you will find the "Imagine" memorial to John Lennon not far from the scene of his assassination.
If you search hard enough, you may even find the slightly out of place Belvedere Castle. This concrete fairy tale is definitely worth pursuing, as the view from atop will provide you with a very nice backdrop for one of your best New York City selfies.
Within this vast urban wilderness, you will also find woodland trails, lakes, and ball parks. Just north of the lake, you will find a section of trails known as the ramble. But beware, myself along with a fellow traveler found ourselves lost in these woods for quite some time. It was an amazing adventure.
The High Line
At almost a mile and a half long, The High Line is an abandoned elevated railroad that was converted into a park. This interesting concept begins in The Meatpacking District just north of Greenwich Village and passes through Chelsea, ending up at The Javits Center. From there, the Hudson Yards subway station is only about a block away.
A casual stroll through this unique city park is a great way to spend a free day, as the surrounding neighborhoods are full of restaurants, bars, and shops. Much of the area is largely residential, with multiple art galleries to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Who Ya Gonna Call?
When I was a kid, one of my favorite movies was Ghostbusters (1984). Maybe I'm a total nerd, but one of the things that I wanted to accomplish in this adventure was photographing various locations used in filming. Their headquarters (Hook and Ladder #8) can be found in Tribeca just a short walk north of the World Trade Center site.
On the west side of Central Park is Dana's apartment, which is not quite as impressive in real life. You may also recognize the church hiding in its shadow. When viewing from this angle, it is not hard to imagine their marshmallow flavored nemesis closing in for his final scene.
Just east of Broadway in Midtown Manhattan is the New York Public Library that was used in the opening scene. The two iconic lions that proudly sit by the steps have become somewhat of a pop-culture symbol throughout the years. Most commonly this duo is known as Patience and Fortitude.
Other Sights You May Recognize
Just to the east of Greenwich Village you will find Washington Square Park. This area is not only a great place to hangout and enjoy the day, but it was also the neighborhood of the main character in the film I am Legend (2007). The surrounding streets are full of pubs and restaurants that will make your day all the more enjoyable.
Another extremely recognizable structure is The Flatiron Building. Only one block south of Madison Square Park, this triangular shaped high-rise can be seen in movies ranging from Godzilla (1998) to Spiderman (2002).
One of the most recognizable buildings in New York has to be The Empire State Building. This enormous skyscraper measures in at over 1200 feet tall (not including the antenna). Throughout the years it has been featured in the background of many motion pictures, and is famous for having been climbed by a giant ape in the 1933 film King Kong. It is sometimes confused with the nearby Chrysler Building, which is slightly shorter at just over 1,000 feet.
The Empire State Building
And of Course the Nightlife
All across New York City there is a vast amount of bars and nightclubs to be enjoyed. Each neighborhood offers an enormous selection of watering holes for locals and tourists alike. From pubs and dive bars to speakeasies and lounges, you will have no problem finding somewhere you will fit in.
On a final note, "The City that Never Sleeps" actually does. I learned this the hard way making my way back from Brooklyn late one night. There were only a couple of people asleep on the subway. The station that I was to change lines on was closed for cleaning. I walked a few blocks through the neighborhood just north of the financial district with no one else one the streets. I felt strange looking around at the desolate downtown. It was like everyone had vanished and I had the planet to myself … It was sobering, and I kinda needed that after a night of experiencing way too many of the thrills of New York City.
If you liked this urban adventure, then you should also check out my trip to Philadelphia.
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Author :Chris J. Baxter "Siege" is an experienced world traveler with a B.A. in Anthropology, a background in healthcare, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure. 
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