From Old York to New York

Being terrified that our lockers would get raided in the youth hostel, walking around Time Square, and the view from Staten Island Ferry.

Quick Tips:

Buy a good map in advance and familiarize yourself with the layout of Manhattan and the surrounding area.

Best Way To Get Around:

The subway is THE way to travel - walking gives a good sense of the streets of New York, but there is so much to see!

The rooms were well packed - 12 people per room, single-sex. My friends and I ended up being placed in separate rooms, which wasn't what we had hoped for. There were many different people from different places staying there, and there was a quite vibrant and youthful atmosphere to the hostel. Telephones in the corridors were useful for calling relatives and friends, but they lacked privacy. For future reference, bring a padlock with you for your locker!

This was a small Footlocker store, but it had a friendly staff and a nice feel. The prices were all awesome in comparison with UK prices, and there were deals like, "buy two pairs of trainers for about $80."

Crowded, fairly noisy, and we found it a little difficult to find where the ferry left from (just ask a nearby cop). However, the ferry offers impressive views of the Manhattan skyline, and brings you within photo-distance of the Statue of Liberty. Get on, get off, and get back on again. It takes about 25 minutes each way, with a wait between the rides there and back. There is a McDonald’s at Staten Island, so you can refresh with a drink before riding back. If traveling in autumn or winter, wear some warm clothing because it is quite cold on the ferry.