Firstly, I really recommend you invest in the "Lonely Planet Pocket New York Travel Guide). You can generally purchase this in shops like Waterstones but also online on website like Amazon, or from their own online shops. You can buy it here!

The map in this guide is invaluable and also highlight all of the tourist hotspots as well as fabulous places just off the beaten track. I will be using the Lonely Planet guides for all my future trips! 

Before you go, have a good brainstorm as to what you actually want to see. Do you want to strictly sightsee, or have an amazing shopping experience? Have a good think. Once I'd done this, I grouped my sights in to groups where they were near to each other, to make travel easier. 

For AMAZING photo opportunities, going high is a must. In New York it is amazing how small you feel, and to be at the top of those huge skyscrapers makes you feel on top of the world. The views aren't half bad either ;) The most famous of course is The Empire State Building. However, I chose to go to the top of the rock and had a brilliant experience. These photos were all taken at the Rockefeller Centre.

Though the sights were breathtaking, it did freak me out slightly. You can feel the building gently sway with the wind and unfortunately I had a panic attack. If you can stomach the heights however, this is a brilliant place to take photos. 

If you're anything like me, you've seen hundreds of photos of Central Park and seen it loads of films. One thing I definitely underestimated however, is how huge it really is. Central park is 843 acres and would take hours on foot. As we approached Central Park, a young man offered us a trip riding on the back of his bike. He would act as our tour guide, and he was amazing. His name was Abdu, so Thank You Abdu!! 

Poor Abdu cycled me and my mum around central park on a tour that lasted around 45 minutes. He knew where all the rich and famous lived, and all of the hotspots to see. I definitely recommend seeing Central Park this way, as you will see sights that you may have otherwise overlooked. It was also a great time saver, as it would have took a lot longer on foot.

One part of Central Park you cannot miss, is Strawberry Fields. Strawberry Fields acts as a memorial for the late John Lennon. 

Even if you aren't a fan, this section of the park is so touching. It was a very emotional part of my trip, but I am so thankful that I was able to pay my respects and see that particularly beautiful, tear-shaped section of the park. 

On the 11th of September 2001, the world was shook by the horrific events of terrorism on the twin towers and the world trade centre. Being from England, I didn't know anyone who was in the absolutely tragic events, but it is something that shook the world. I have watched countless documentaries, cried multiple of times, and felt it was wrong to visit New York and not go to pay my respects. The memorial is so touching, and extremely sad. For someone who was not there, it was difficult to believe that such a terrible thing had happened from where I stood.

One thing that ruined this however, was the amount of tourists I saw taking smiley selfies, and allowing their children to climb and play at the memorial. I could not believe that people were behaving that way at a place where people were mourning and crying. 

A few more sights to add to your list are:

- The Flat Iron Building

- Madison Square Gardens

- Macy's 

- Fifth Avenue

- The American Museum of Natural History 

- Broadway

- Times Square (best photos at night of course!)

I sincerely hope you enjoy your trip, please let me know of any other places you'd add to your list!! 

Thank you for reading!
Ellie x