Day 1:
9am-arrive at Eiffel Tower (prebook tickets for 3rd floor)
Go to the 2nd floor and go straight to the 3rd floor elevator queues-wait and take in the view from the top.
10.30am-Cross the road at the north pillar and book tickets for a Seine cruise.I used Vedettes de Paris which was great and takes around an hour but several depart and I think they are all pretty good.
12.00pm- Make your way to the Louvre (prebook tickets if possible) now you can spend an hour or several hours in here but we just went for the highlights-Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa etc.
2.00pm-Lunch on Rue de Rivoli-I like the omlettes from Chez Alexandre just off Rue de Rivoli on Rue du Louvre but there is everything from cafes to McDonalds to A la Carte restraunts nearby to suit your taste and budget.
3.00pm-Do some shopping along Rue de Rivoli and make your way along towards the 4th arrondissment.
4.00pm-Visit Notre Dame-whether you climb it or not is up to yourself - the views are pretty great(although the stairs are pretty soul destroying).
4.30pm-Make your way back along the Seine,visiting the little market stores that line it-selling books and art.Turn into the latin Quarter whenever suits you.Continue shopping.
7.00pm-Take a train to the 9th arrondissment and get off around the Grand Boulevards Metro stop or nearby if possible. Visit the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner.
9.00pm-Visit one on the little local bars and feel sorry for yourself because your feet hurt. Home whenever suits you for bed.
Day 2:
9.00am- Take the RER line A to Marne La Vallee Chessy and visit Disneyland
10.00am-Arrive and go straight to Walt Disney Studios. Go on as many rides and visit as much as you can/want.
Food and drink is expensive here so I'd say have something like one of the little cakes/crisps to stay fulling during the day and have a big breakfast before you go.
2.30pm-Planet Hollywood for lunch.Visit Disney Village afterwards.
3.45pm-Visit Disneyland Park.Stay as long as you need and do as much as you can. Check opening hours for both parks and change your times in each park around this, but i think Disneyland Park is open as late as 11pm in the summer.Have dinner on the way home somewhere near your hotel if you r home early enough and feel like eating (we actually only managed a little cake after our Planet Hollywood burgers).
Day 3:
Have your first Parisian lie-in!Either spend the full day shopping or...
11am-Make your way to the Pigalle area (safe enough during the day) and try to keep a straight face as you pass the countless sex shops (it's the red light district).Visit the Moulin Rouge for photos and walk up towards Sacre Couer-whether you get close to the stairs is up to yourself.Bear in my mind my earlier advice.Views are second to none from the top of the basillica and the building is beautiful.
1pm-Lunch wherever suits you in the 9th arrondisment.
2pm-Make your way to the Arc di Triomphe, take lots of photos and go to the top if you want. Then shop on Champs-Elysees.
5pm-Back to hotel.Change for dinner.
7pm-Head out for dinner wherever you chose and spend your last night either in a trendy Parisian bar in the Latin Quarter or if your budget allows it go to a cabaret such as Lido, Crazy Horse Paris or Moulin Rouge (should be booked before you go via the cabarets website or Viator).
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Girly Guide To Travel:Spotlight on.....
I Heart..... book series
The I heart ….. books are addictive and essential read for travelling. I’ve mentioned them several times in previous posts and thought I might as well do a post about them as these were part of what made me come to put this blog together :) I’m avoiding spoilers and giving away too much information here as best as I can.
The first book,I Heart New York follows the story of Angela Clark who moves from London to New York on discovering her boyfriends infidelity at her best friend’s wedding. From there she begins to blog, date, learn how to apply make-up and spend a lot of money on clothes by designers she never even knew existed until she arrived in New York. The book follows her ups and downs in New York and her blogged about dating life, while she chooses between 2 New Yorkers who offer her very different but very nice things.
The second book, I Heart Hollywood follows her time spent in Hollywood on a work assignment to interview a huge Hollywood actor. In Hollywood things take a turn for the worse and Angela falls victim to the city’s penchant for creating hot gossip from nothing. Angela’s career, love life and friendships are soon jeopardized by it all and I wont tell you how it ends…..read it.
The third book. I Heart Paris is set in……you guess…..oh you guessed right (I hope). On another writing project, poor Angela’s work and love life is again appearing strained due to some dubious workmates and a very bitchy ex-girlfriend. The funniest of all the books by far.
The series is funny, witty and very girly. It is like Sex and The City on the road. I highly recommend picking them up and giving them a go. You will fall in love with Angela, author Lindsey Kelk has managed to create a very convincing, lovely, oh-she’s-so-like-me character and you genuinely want her to do well ,will laugh with her, root her on and get upset when things go a bit pear shaped for her. I would also like be amazed to hear of anyone who didn’t actually wish they didn’t have her friend Jenny as their best friend too.
The I heart ….. books are addictive and essential read for travelling. I’ve mentioned them several times in previous posts and thought I might as well do a post about them as these were part of what made me come to put this blog together :) I’m avoiding spoilers and giving away too much information here as best as I can.
The first book,I Heart New York follows the story of Angela Clark who moves from London to New York on discovering her boyfriends infidelity at her best friend’s wedding. From there she begins to blog, date, learn how to apply make-up and spend a lot of money on clothes by designers she never even knew existed until she arrived in New York. The book follows her ups and downs in New York and her blogged about dating life, while she chooses between 2 New Yorkers who offer her very different but very nice things.
The second book, I Heart Hollywood follows her time spent in Hollywood on a work assignment to interview a huge Hollywood actor. In Hollywood things take a turn for the worse and Angela falls victim to the city’s penchant for creating hot gossip from nothing. Angela’s career, love life and friendships are soon jeopardized by it all and I wont tell you how it ends…..read it.
The third book. I Heart Paris is set in……you guess…..oh you guessed right (I hope). On another writing project, poor Angela’s work and love life is again appearing strained due to some dubious workmates and a very bitchy ex-girlfriend. The funniest of all the books by far.
The series is funny, witty and very girly. It is like Sex and The City on the road. I highly recommend picking them up and giving them a go. You will fall in love with Angela, author Lindsey Kelk has managed to create a very convincing, lovely, oh-she’s-so-like-me character and you genuinely want her to do well ,will laugh with her, root her on and get upset when things go a bit pear shaped for her. I would also like be amazed to hear of anyone who didn’t actually wish they didn’t have her friend Jenny as their best friend too.
Girly Guide to Travel: Paris on a Budget
Booking Up
If flying from the UK, Ryanair offers cheap flights from several airports and I paid £26 for return flights in July from Glasgow Prestwick to Beauvais Airport including online check-in. Easyjet also offer cheap flights to Paris. So look around before you book and avoid travel agents if possible. Flying to Beauvais tends to be cheaper and it takes about 1hr on the bus to transfer to Porte Maillot in Paris city centre, costing around 15eur one way.\From there take the Metro or a taxi to your hotel. (An example of cost of taxi from Porte Maillot- taxi to the 9th arrondissment is under 10eur).
Hotels
I can recommend 2 budget hotels, both of which I’ve used.
Tonic Hotel Du Louvre offers an amazing location in the 1st arrondissment, just off Rue de Rivoli. It is within walking distance to the Louvre, Les Halles Shopping area and Notre Dame Cathedral. Rooms are tiny but that is the norm in Paris. Rooms have bath/shower, TV (with pay movies in English), safe, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, mini bar and decent ward robe space if you are only there for a few days. The TV only offers 2 English speaking channels which are both news channels so unless your French is great or you have an amazing tolerance for BBC world news being run on a loop then bring a mini DVD player/laptop or books/magazines if you intend to be in the room for any great length of time. That said, it is Paris and it would be absolutely criminal for you to use our room for anything other than briefly sleeping, showering and dressing. Breakfast is expensive in the hotel so if you’re not getting it for free I would go elsewhere. Look at the hotel website but discounted rates are often available through hotels.com.
http://www.tonichotel.com/
Hotel Peletier Haussman Opera- I found this hotel to be a hidden gem. It’s in the 9th arrondissment and is near the Hard Rock Café, several shops and Sacre Coeur. There are several Metro stops nearby so getting to the main sights is easy. Rooms include shower, TV (only 1 English channel so follow the advice from the above hotel), complimentary toiletries, a mini bar, safe and hairdryer. Rooms are a fraction smaller than the Tonic Hotel Du Louvre but it cost me half of what I pay for the Tonic. Breakfast is 6eur for croissants, bread, jam, butter,tea,coffee and fresh orange juice. We booked through hotels.com and were around £140 for 2 nights for a twin room.
http://www.peletieropera.com/index-gb.htm
Both hotels are basic but ideal if you want a clean, safe base to sightsee from at a decent price.
Budget Tips
Eating/Drinking- Street vendors sell beautiful crepes, paninis, croquet monsieur’s, hot dogs etc for a few euros so take advantage of these for lunch. Alternatively, visit a Monoprix or Franprix and buy picnic essentials for lunch at the Eiffel Tower or on a Seine Cruise. Several little cafés are reasonably priced, particularly around the Latin Quarter. Look out for happy hour menu’s at night for dinner.
Getting around- Buy a carnet of metro tickets for 12 eur and remember transfers are free and walk as much as you can. There are also travel passes from 1day + although I have only ever used a Mobilis pass for visiting Disneyland. Take a Seine Cruise (prices vary, I paid about 11eur for a 1hr cruise) to see loads of sights and take some amazing pictures. Transfers from the airport can be pricey but several buses and Metro’s operate so check the airport website to be sure of details.
Sightseeing- Book tickets in advance where possible so that sightseeing doesn’t take up your spending money. Take photographic ID and you can receive discounts on sights such as the Eiffel Tower if you are under 26. Use Viator if you intend to do a bus tour or a cabaret such as the Moulin Rouge as it tends to be much cheaper than buying tickets once your there.
If flying from the UK, Ryanair offers cheap flights from several airports and I paid £26 for return flights in July from Glasgow Prestwick to Beauvais Airport including online check-in. Easyjet also offer cheap flights to Paris. So look around before you book and avoid travel agents if possible. Flying to Beauvais tends to be cheaper and it takes about 1hr on the bus to transfer to Porte Maillot in Paris city centre, costing around 15eur one way.\From there take the Metro or a taxi to your hotel. (An example of cost of taxi from Porte Maillot- taxi to the 9th arrondissment is under 10eur).
Hotels
I can recommend 2 budget hotels, both of which I’ve used.
Tonic Hotel Du Louvre offers an amazing location in the 1st arrondissment, just off Rue de Rivoli. It is within walking distance to the Louvre, Les Halles Shopping area and Notre Dame Cathedral. Rooms are tiny but that is the norm in Paris. Rooms have bath/shower, TV (with pay movies in English), safe, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, mini bar and decent ward robe space if you are only there for a few days. The TV only offers 2 English speaking channels which are both news channels so unless your French is great or you have an amazing tolerance for BBC world news being run on a loop then bring a mini DVD player/laptop or books/magazines if you intend to be in the room for any great length of time. That said, it is Paris and it would be absolutely criminal for you to use our room for anything other than briefly sleeping, showering and dressing. Breakfast is expensive in the hotel so if you’re not getting it for free I would go elsewhere. Look at the hotel website but discounted rates are often available through hotels.com.
http://www.tonichotel.com/
Hotel Peletier Haussman Opera- I found this hotel to be a hidden gem. It’s in the 9th arrondissment and is near the Hard Rock Café, several shops and Sacre Coeur. There are several Metro stops nearby so getting to the main sights is easy. Rooms include shower, TV (only 1 English channel so follow the advice from the above hotel), complimentary toiletries, a mini bar, safe and hairdryer. Rooms are a fraction smaller than the Tonic Hotel Du Louvre but it cost me half of what I pay for the Tonic. Breakfast is 6eur for croissants, bread, jam, butter,tea,coffee and fresh orange juice. We booked through hotels.com and were around £140 for 2 nights for a twin room.
http://www.peletieropera.com/index-gb.htm
Both hotels are basic but ideal if you want a clean, safe base to sightsee from at a decent price.
Budget Tips
Eating/Drinking- Street vendors sell beautiful crepes, paninis, croquet monsieur’s, hot dogs etc for a few euros so take advantage of these for lunch. Alternatively, visit a Monoprix or Franprix and buy picnic essentials for lunch at the Eiffel Tower or on a Seine Cruise. Several little cafés are reasonably priced, particularly around the Latin Quarter. Look out for happy hour menu’s at night for dinner.
Getting around- Buy a carnet of metro tickets for 12 eur and remember transfers are free and walk as much as you can. There are also travel passes from 1day + although I have only ever used a Mobilis pass for visiting Disneyland. Take a Seine Cruise (prices vary, I paid about 11eur for a 1hr cruise) to see loads of sights and take some amazing pictures. Transfers from the airport can be pricey but several buses and Metro’s operate so check the airport website to be sure of details.
Sightseeing- Book tickets in advance where possible so that sightseeing doesn’t take up your spending money. Take photographic ID and you can receive discounts on sights such as the Eiffel Tower if you are under 26. Use Viator if you intend to do a bus tour or a cabaret such as the Moulin Rouge as it tends to be much cheaper than buying tickets once your there.
Girly Guide To Paris:La Destination Mode Européenne
Paris is widely considered the fashion capital of Europe and it's easy to see why-even the less immaculately preened, non-designer, bedhead hispster girls seem effortlessly styled and the Metro is like a Vogue fashion shoot. So, while in New York anything goes Paris requires a bit more planning in packing your case.Good staples for a Paris trip are:
Ballet flats (you will walk a lot)
Nice heels for dinner/cabaret show at night
The skinniest skinny jeans you own
An over-body bag (trendy but less likely to be pickpocketed/stolen)
A pretty brolly or PacaMac as I have been in all seasons and rain is about as Parisian as the Eiffel Tower
Make up -see on the plane
Tea/day dresses are good in all seasons and perfect for anywhere.Wear with flats and bare legs in the summer and with tights and a cardi in the winter
Stripy top's are totally do-able but dont wear with a beret and a string of onions- wear an oversized/dress version with leggings or bare legs.Shorter tshirts are good with skinny jeans and flats.Knitted stripy tops/cardis are good with block colour dresses/skirts.
Shopping:
Champs Elysees-A shopping mecca with a choice of designer and Parisian High St stores. Get off the Metro at Charles de Gaulle Etoile, see the Arc Di Triomphe and work your way along the hundreds of stores and restraunts.Stores include Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Morgan de Toi etc.
Latin Quarter-Traditionally the student quarter but the Latin Quarter has been expanded and has a range of stores. Gift/souvenir shops are a lot cheaper here than around the Louvre/Rue de Rivoli.As well as clothing/souvenir stores there are several book stores, market stands along the Seine selling paintings and books, a great glove store and several restraunts. Metro stations are plentiful in the area- St Michel, Maubert and Cluny are to name but a few.
Rue de Rivoli- Offers several souvenir shops,art shops, Quicksilver, Etam, H & M and a Pronuptia wedding shop for brides to be. Again, several restraunts are nearby and the underground Les Halles shopping mall.Metro stations-Louvre Rivoli, Chatelet Les Halles, Les Halles.
Also visit, Fabourg St Honore, Galeries Lafayette,Printemps, the Marais.
Tip:Monoprix is a huge store selling food,make up, toiletries etc and there are several around the city.Look out for them as they often sell great clothing/accessories and the sale items are fantastic.
Look out for sales (soldes) when visiting. I managed to get a 40eur bag for 7.50 eur in Monoprix and it's rather lovely :) Other sale items we tracked down include a beautiful floral skirt in Morgan de Toi (45eur to 9eur) and several tops down to as little as 6eur in Morgan de Toi. Sale seasons are (winter) beginning of January and (summer)the end of June and they usually last around 6 weeks.
Must buy's
Compact Mirrors-Buy in the Latin Quarter for about 5eur.There is a huge range of designs and they are all very pretty.
Scarves-Various designs,shapes and textures on offer and prices start from around 7eur.
Food/drink-Wine is wonderfully cheap so stock up and bring home, also you can buy absinthe pretty cheap.Maxim chocolate is gorgeous, beautifully packed and starts froma round 4 eur.
Souvenirs-Get something to mark your visit-an I heart Paris hoody from (25 eur), bookmark(from 1 eur),pen(from 2 eur), eiffel tower keyring(from 6 for 1eur), pictures (from 2 eur)etc.
Also, make up from duty free!
Ballet flats (you will walk a lot)
Nice heels for dinner/cabaret show at night
The skinniest skinny jeans you own
An over-body bag (trendy but less likely to be pickpocketed/stolen)
A pretty brolly or PacaMac as I have been in all seasons and rain is about as Parisian as the Eiffel Tower
Make up -see on the plane
Tea/day dresses are good in all seasons and perfect for anywhere.Wear with flats and bare legs in the summer and with tights and a cardi in the winter
Stripy top's are totally do-able but dont wear with a beret and a string of onions- wear an oversized/dress version with leggings or bare legs.Shorter tshirts are good with skinny jeans and flats.Knitted stripy tops/cardis are good with block colour dresses/skirts.
Shopping:
Champs Elysees-A shopping mecca with a choice of designer and Parisian High St stores. Get off the Metro at Charles de Gaulle Etoile, see the Arc Di Triomphe and work your way along the hundreds of stores and restraunts.Stores include Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Morgan de Toi etc.
Latin Quarter-Traditionally the student quarter but the Latin Quarter has been expanded and has a range of stores. Gift/souvenir shops are a lot cheaper here than around the Louvre/Rue de Rivoli.As well as clothing/souvenir stores there are several book stores, market stands along the Seine selling paintings and books, a great glove store and several restraunts. Metro stations are plentiful in the area- St Michel, Maubert and Cluny are to name but a few.
Rue de Rivoli- Offers several souvenir shops,art shops, Quicksilver, Etam, H & M and a Pronuptia wedding shop for brides to be. Again, several restraunts are nearby and the underground Les Halles shopping mall.Metro stations-Louvre Rivoli, Chatelet Les Halles, Les Halles.
Also visit, Fabourg St Honore, Galeries Lafayette,Printemps, the Marais.
Tip:Monoprix is a huge store selling food,make up, toiletries etc and there are several around the city.Look out for them as they often sell great clothing/accessories and the sale items are fantastic.
Look out for sales (soldes) when visiting. I managed to get a 40eur bag for 7.50 eur in Monoprix and it's rather lovely :) Other sale items we tracked down include a beautiful floral skirt in Morgan de Toi (45eur to 9eur) and several tops down to as little as 6eur in Morgan de Toi. Sale seasons are (winter) beginning of January and (summer)the end of June and they usually last around 6 weeks.
Must buy's
Compact Mirrors-Buy in the Latin Quarter for about 5eur.There is a huge range of designs and they are all very pretty.
Scarves-Various designs,shapes and textures on offer and prices start from around 7eur.
Food/drink-Wine is wonderfully cheap so stock up and bring home, also you can buy absinthe pretty cheap.Maxim chocolate is gorgeous, beautifully packed and starts froma round 4 eur.
Souvenirs-Get something to mark your visit-an I heart Paris hoody from (25 eur), bookmark(from 1 eur),pen(from 2 eur), eiffel tower keyring(from 6 for 1eur), pictures (from 2 eur)etc.
Also, make up from duty free!
Girly Guide to Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris
Despite being minute compared to it's Floridian counterpart, Disneyland is a good way to spend a day if you want away from sightseeing and the city centre. Disneyland Paris is in Marne La Vallee, about 50 minutes on the RER Line A to Marne La Vallee-Chessy.A few larger metro stations have links to the RER line A and we travelled from Auber. If you decide to travel by Metro and RER, and are staying in the city centre,get a one day 5 zone Mobilis pass from the ticket booth on the day you travel. This costs around £13.85.You may need to have a pass with more or less zones included depending on where you travel from, so ask at the information desk before buying if you are unsure.You can book Disneyeland Tickets online via the Dinseyland website and Viator offer deals with transport from the city centre.I have a link to Viator under the Helpful Webpages section of my blog. Pre-booking saves time and is usually cheaper.Bring ID if you pre-book your tickets.
Disneyland Paris has 2 parks- Walt Disney Studios Park and Disneyland Park.WDS Park is a lot smaller with less rides,however, it's worth going if you can upgrade to a 2 park ticket for £10-15 more. Be prepared to queue for major rides/attractions particularly in the busier seasons, use your fast pass (free) to avoid standing in long lines.
Best of WDS Park:
Cinemagique-A 4d show charting cinemas progression through the years.It funny, clever and shows are regular.This was my favourite WDS Park attraction.
Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror- This is actually terrifying.It's set up like an abandoned hotel and you ride the elevator which basically appears either very broken or very haunted. I was ill on this :P
Aerosmith Rock n Roller Coaster-A rollercoaster which goes from 0-100km/hr in less than 3 seconds.Really fast,really scary and a must do if visiting WDS Park.Look out for band/gig memorbilia on the way to the ride.
Disneyland Park is a lot bigger and will need a lot more time dedicated to getting around everything.We did this in the afternoon after WDS Park as it was open later but check times before you go.
Best of Disneyland Park:
Big Thunder Mountain-A roller coaster which is a lot scarier than it looks, we went on it thinking it was a little old fashioned rickety coaster.And we couldnt have been more wrong.
Space Mountain Mission 2- Another roller coaster, which is the scariest one I went on n Disneyland.A lot of stopping,starting,black holes and very quick turns.
Phantom Manor-A haunted mansion ride which is really well done.It isnt scary but some of the effects (like the dancing ghosts in the ballroom) make it a must-do ride.
Best photo points:
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Alice's Curious Labyrinth
Most areas in Main St USA
Character Greeting points
In between parks, visit Disney Village and have lunch in Planet Hollywood. Disney Village also has several other restraunts, shops, a cinema and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Girly Guide To Paris:For on the Plane
Book:
I Heart Paris by Lindsey Kelk is funny, exciting and a follow-up to I Heart New York which I recommended in my New York Blogs. It follows fictional character Angela Clark's journey around Paris and is like a French Sex in the City.Lovely and I'm half way through it just now :)
Music for your ipod:
U2 - City of Blinding Lights: The lyrics beautifully sum up the city at night and I think of Paris everytime I hear it (they also used it in the Paris arrival scene in the Devil Wears Prada :p).
Edith Piaf- Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien:Lovely, french, dramatic, unspoiled and timeless.Just like Paris.
Ladyhawke- Paris is Burning: Just heard this song and I think it really gives you an insight into the hip,bohemian feel of the Latin Quarter.
Must have's on flight:
In your make up bag:
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
A mini tub of Nivea Soft (hands face and body one)
Carmex Lip Balm
Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara
Barry M Eyeliner (any,they are all great)
Barry M Dazzle Dust (any colour but you only need a tiny amount)
Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse (foundation and blusher)
A small perfume atomizer- fill it with something light and lovely Anna Sui Secret Wish or Dolce and Gabanna Light blue so it's not too overpowering for whoever is around you though :)
Baby wipes-travel pack
Other necessities:
Undies (incase your hold luggage case goes missing)
Map of paris, metro map print out and hotel details so you can plan your arrival and journey from airport
Alcohol gel for hands-if you plan on using the metro and also because I have yet to find a flight toilet with soap that doesnt smell disgusting.
A hairband/bobble and bursh (again incase your cases go missing)
Pen, ipod, scrap paper,phone and camera (as above :p)
Girly Guide To Paris: Using the Metro
The metro is Paris' underground system and it's cheap, fast and easy to use. Walking is the best way to get around Paris purely as it's more scenic,however, if you're only in Paris for a few days and you have a lot to see then you should get a metro map before you go and get used to it. The metro can be used to transfer from the airport and to get to all the main attractions. The metro system covers around 380 stations and there is also the RER which you can use to travel further out, for example to Disneyland Paris, at an increased cost. If you are in Paris for a few days then buy a carnet(pronounced un car-nay) of tickets. This is 10 tickets for about 12eur and top up if you need to.Transfers of lines between the one station is free. Also, if travelling to Disneyland Paris buy a one day mobilis pass, if staying in the city centre you will need a 5 zone pass, this is around 13.85 eur.You have to buy tickets before boarding as you enter the tickets on the machines beside the turnstiles. Tip: if travelling with luggage and the metro can be busy so try to avoid peak travel times. Also, it's considered bad manners to sit of the fold up/down seats when the train is particularly busy so following cue from other travellers. Also, beware of pickpockets when on the metro although we have never experienced this. Avoid Pigalle station particularly at night as this isnt the nicest of areas.If in doubt, take a taxi.I will try and post the nearest metro station to any hotels/attractions etc I post about.
http://www.aparisguide.com/maps/metro.htm -Metro Map.
Friday, 30 July 2010
Girly Guide To Paris
Paris is my favourite European city break destination so far, as it manages to maintain it's stunning, intricately detailed, historic architechture yet remain completely up-to-date, modern and accessible.I fell in love with how Paris managed to radiate n old fashioned charm while also appearing effortlessly cool. Paris is broken up into 20 arrondissments, each unique in it's attractions,views and atmosphere.We arrived in Beavuvais airport, meaning we had to travel by bus to Porte Maillot in the 17th arrondissment and despite no major attractions being in the immediate area, within a minute of our taxi ride we had seen the Arc Di Triomphe and Champs Elysees.Paris is so compact that you can see several attractions within a short space of time. However, every individual sight is so impressive that it's worthwhile actually dedicating time to making sure you visit and explore each properly.Here's my Girly Guide to Paris:
Must See Sights
1. Eiffel Tower-Instantly reognisable as Paris' most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower (or Tour Eiffel when in Paris) stands at 324m tall and is in the Champs de Mars area in the 7
th arrondissment. It's impossible to return from a visit to Paris and not have someone ask you "did you go up the Eiffel Tower?" .Its worthwhile going up for the stunning views of Sacre Coeur, the Seine and Arc Di Triomphe. I have visited the Eiffel Tower on all 3 of my visits to Paris because I love the views and it' also worth a visit at night when the tower is lit up.It costs about 8.20eur to go to the 2nd floor and 13.20 eur to the 3rd floor by elevator. You can take the stairs (to the 2nd floor only) for 4.50eur. Under 24s get a discounted rate so bring ID. Queues are notoriously long for the Eiffel Tower (up to a few hours), so book your tickets online and arrive for it opening, if possible. Also, several Seine Cruises depart from the Seine just across the road from the north pillar so it's a good idea to combine the two in your itinerary.
th arrondissment. It's impossible to return from a visit to Paris and not have someone ask you "did you go up the Eiffel Tower?" .Its worthwhile going up for the stunning views of Sacre Coeur, the Seine and Arc Di Triomphe. I have visited the Eiffel Tower on all 3 of my visits to Paris because I love the views and it' also worth a visit at night when the tower is lit up.It costs about 8.20eur to go to the 2nd floor and 13.20 eur to the 3rd floor by elevator. You can take the stairs (to the 2nd floor only) for 4.50eur. Under 24s get a discounted rate so bring ID. Queues are notoriously long for the Eiffel Tower (up to a few hours), so book your tickets online and arrive for it opening, if possible. Also, several Seine Cruises depart from the Seine just across the road from the north pillar so it's a good idea to combine the two in your itinerary. Nearest Metro- Bir Hakeim or Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel
2. Arc Di Triomphe- An arched monument that stands at the western end of Champ
s-Elysees, the Arc Di Triomphe is 160ft tall and stands on the historical axis of Paris which runs between the Louvre Museum and Arche de la Defense. Visitors can also go to the top of the Arc for views of Paris including Champs Elysees and Sacre Coeur. If you want to visit the actual monument and not just photograph it from Champs Elysees you have to take one of the underpasses as crossing the road is too dangerous and not allowed.Make this part of your itinerary by incoprorating it with a shopping visit to Champs Elysees or if you are going to see Le Lido cabaret.
s-Elysees, the Arc Di Triomphe is 160ft tall and stands on the historical axis of Paris which runs between the Louvre Museum and Arche de la Defense. Visitors can also go to the top of the Arc for views of Paris including Champs Elysees and Sacre Coeur. If you want to visit the actual monument and not just photograph it from Champs Elysees you have to take one of the underpasses as crossing the road is too dangerous and not allowed.Make this part of your itinerary by incoprorating it with a shopping visit to Champs Elysees or if you are going to see Le Lido cabaret.Nearest Metro- Charles de Gaulle Etoile
3.Notre Dame Cathed
ral- A stunning cathedral on the east side of Paris, Notre Dame stands on Ile de la Cite in the 4th arrondissment. It is widely considered as one of France's best examples of Gothic architecture and is worth visiting whether you intend to go inside of not as both building itself and the views from the top are equally breathtaking. The cathedral was made further famed by Victor Hugo's the Hunchback of Notre Dame which has been made into countless films and even a Disney adaptation. And for those of you familiar with the story, yes you can go and see the bell tower :) Notre Dame is near the Latin Quarter which is a great shopping area so plan your trip around the two. Again, prepare to queue so arrive early, if you decide to climb the tower and be sure to photograph the tower's gargoyles.
ral- A stunning cathedral on the east side of Paris, Notre Dame stands on Ile de la Cite in the 4th arrondissment. It is widely considered as one of France's best examples of Gothic architecture and is worth visiting whether you intend to go inside of not as both building itself and the views from the top are equally breathtaking. The cathedral was made further famed by Victor Hugo's the Hunchback of Notre Dame which has been made into countless films and even a Disney adaptation. And for those of you familiar with the story, yes you can go and see the bell tower :) Notre Dame is near the Latin Quarter which is a great shopping area so plan your trip around the two. Again, prepare to queue so arrive early, if you decide to climb the tower and be sure to photograph the tower's gargoyles. Nearest Metro- St Michel, Cite
4.Louvre Museum- Make famous by the Da Vinci Code, the Mona Lisa and the glass and metal pyramids, the Louvre is the world's most visited museum.It is also one of the worl
d's largest museums. Must do's on your visit include visiting the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory and Venus de Milo. Also, visit the pyramid in the courtyard and the inverted pyramid on the inside of the Louvre.You can pre-book your tickets online to avoid queuing which is recommended.Under 18s can go free with ID. Inside the Louvre, there is also a shopping centre- Carrousel du Louvre-which has various shops including Virgin Megastore, Swarovski, Sephora and L'Occitane en Provence as well as several restraunts.If you exit to Rue de Rivoli there are even more shops from gift shops to art shops to clothing shops and more restaurants and cafes.
d's largest museums. Must do's on your visit include visiting the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory and Venus de Milo. Also, visit the pyramid in the courtyard and the inverted pyramid on the inside of the Louvre.You can pre-book your tickets online to avoid queuing which is recommended.Under 18s can go free with ID. Inside the Louvre, there is also a shopping centre- Carrousel du Louvre-which has various shops including Virgin Megastore, Swarovski, Sephora and L'Occitane en Provence as well as several restraunts.If you exit to Rue de Rivoli there are even more shops from gift shops to art shops to clothing shops and more restaurants and cafes. Nearest Metro- Louvre Rivoli, Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre.
I missed out Sacre Coeur even although it's a beautiful building and the views are amazing purely becuase of safety issues and this is a Girly Guide to Travel. There are hordes of men at the bottom of the stairs who are notorious for grabbing visitors and doing the "friendship bracelet scam" where they quickly slip a string bracelet over your hand then become abusive when you dont pay the 100eur or whatever they demand. Tripadvisor has several posts relating to it and it seems to go on all day every day. It can actually be very intimidating and I wouldnt recommend visiting this sight alone or with just a few people in your group. If you do go, remain aware of the gangs-you can't really miss them- and keep your arms folded and keep walking ahead.If they do attempt to accost you just keeping saying NO or ignore them and keep walking, we did this an they were still quite abusive but not physically.
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Paris, J'taime
Just a quick post to state that I am off to Paris today. Actually I leave in less than an hour and shouldn't really be blogging because I'm sitting in my housecoat, with wet hair, almost crying with the stress of picking my flight outfit. Maxi dress or floral mini-dress?I am also facing another crisis, A- I havent eaten yet today despite being up early to organise myself and B- I am covered in completely delectable, but also unedible, Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter. So I am dangeroulsy close to eating my own limbs if I dont get to Prestwick Airport's cafe soon. This is my 3rd trip to Paris but my 1st trp without my fiance. Im going with my sister who has spent too much money on clothes, sunglasses and tooth whitening treatments for the trip and not enough time heeding Ryanair's baggage limitations. So, will update my blog when I'm home with my Girly Guide To Paris :) Au Revoir x
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Girly Guide To A Top Shopping Break
My top shopping destinations for a girly trip away :)
1. New York- As I've stressed in previous blogs it's a must do. Enough variety of shops/markets for any budget, taste and age. Good for bags, shoes, make up and jewellry.
2. London- For non-UK visitors Primark is a big enough reason in itself to visit. Visit Harrods, Oxford Street and Camden Market. Again, London can be as budget friendly or budget busting as you want it to be. Good for cheap buys from Primark, amazing jars of sweets from Harrods and the alternative scene in Camden.
3. Paris- Fashion capital of Europe. Visit Champs Elysees for Dior, Disney Store, Louis Vuitton and just about every other stpre you can imagine. Paris isnt so budget friendly but little gift shops and markets sell beautiful compact mirrors, umbrellas and paintings for a reasonable price. Beauvais airport's duty free section sells Dior make-up for a discounted price so it's worth stocking up.
4.Florida- The Prime Outlets and Premium Outlets at either end of International Drive should be your first port of call. Stock up un pyjamas and undies from Victoria's Secret outlet, gymwear from the Nike Outlet, shoes from the Payless oulet, trainers from the Converse outlet and just about everything else from the hundreds of discounted stores. Florida Mall and Festival Bay Mall are also worth visiting.
Top Tips
1.Pack light if you intend to shop so you dont end up over your baggage allowance.
2.Check what size of shoes/clothes you are in the US/Europe/UK before you go.
3.Shop towards the end of your trip if possible as you will have got used to your destination and what to spend and will know how much money you have left over.
4.Try it on because you cant't take it back.
1. New York- As I've stressed in previous blogs it's a must do. Enough variety of shops/markets for any budget, taste and age. Good for bags, shoes, make up and jewellry.
2. London- For non-UK visitors Primark is a big enough reason in itself to visit. Visit Harrods, Oxford Street and Camden Market. Again, London can be as budget friendly or budget busting as you want it to be. Good for cheap buys from Primark, amazing jars of sweets from Harrods and the alternative scene in Camden.
3. Paris- Fashion capital of Europe. Visit Champs Elysees for Dior, Disney Store, Louis Vuitton and just about every other stpre you can imagine. Paris isnt so budget friendly but little gift shops and markets sell beautiful compact mirrors, umbrellas and paintings for a reasonable price. Beauvais airport's duty free section sells Dior make-up for a discounted price so it's worth stocking up.
4.Florida- The Prime Outlets and Premium Outlets at either end of International Drive should be your first port of call. Stock up un pyjamas and undies from Victoria's Secret outlet, gymwear from the Nike Outlet, shoes from the Payless oulet, trainers from the Converse outlet and just about everything else from the hundreds of discounted stores. Florida Mall and Festival Bay Mall are also worth visiting.
Top Tips
1.Pack light if you intend to shop so you dont end up over your baggage allowance.
2.Check what size of shoes/clothes you are in the US/Europe/UK before you go.
3.Shop towards the end of your trip if possible as you will have got used to your destination and what to spend and will know how much money you have left over.
4.Try it on because you cant't take it back.
Shopping in New York
New York is understandably one of the world's favourte shopping destinations- it has a wealth of shops, there are essential buys and there is something for every budget. It's hard not to get drawn into running up huge credit card bills however, anyone can afford to shop in NYC.
1. A Little Brown Bag from Bloomingdales-Once spotted, it's instantly associated with New York. Plus, you have to visit Bloomingdales even if it is just to use the uber-plush bathrooms, so you might as well treat yourself.
Must Buys
1. A Little Brown Bag from Bloomingdales-Once spotted, it's instantly associated with New York. Plus, you have to visit Bloomingdales even if it is just to use the uber-plush bathrooms, so you might as well treat yourself.
2. An "I Heart NY" T-Shirt-Tacky? A bit. Cheap. Mmmhmm. An essential buy?Absolutely. They are incredibly cheap and can be taken from cheap to quirky when mixed with just about any combination of converse, ballet pumps, gladiator sandals, jeans, skirt, denim shorts, oversized shirt, cardigan, scarf, beanie hat, hairband, bag an sunglasses. It's a wardrobe staple.
3.Shoes- Whether they are from Jimmy Choo or Payless Shoe Source, just being able to say "I got them in New York" when asked about them will give you instant gratification :)
4. Tiffany & Co Jewellry- With Silver pieces starting at around $150 it is possible to buy Tiffany & Co jewellry on a budget. Encased in a tiny blue box, in a tiny blue bag with a cute little envelope encasing your receipt, it's a lovely way to spend an hour and $150+.
5. NYPD/ FDNY Merchandise- Give New York's emergency services a little recognition and buy a NYPD/FDNY t-shirt or hoody. These are cheaper the further downtown you go and in some of the city's markets. They make excellent gym wear :)
Top Shops
Clothing
1. Bloomingdales
2.Macy's
3.Saks 5th Avenue
Food/Drink
1.Hersheys Times Square
2. M & M World
3.Magnolia Bakery
Specialist
1. Tiffany & Co
2.Victoria's Secret
3.Jimmy Choo Shoes
There are also a wealth of markets around the city selling t-shirts jewellry etc so look out for them on your travels. We found one when leaving the Greenwich Village area and heading downtown which sold everything from food to clothing to beauty products. Another benefit of walking instead of using the subway/cabs :)
Safety Tips When in New York
Arriving
Sounds obvious but only go in liscenced cabs, keep your baggage with you at all times and always try and at least sound like you know where you're going. This can make a huge difference and drivers are lees likely to rip you off.Have your hotels street address and email them for a rough taxi fare amount and directions before you go to sound clued up.Also, in case your case is lost/stolen or simply doesnt arrive with your flight it's worth packing undies, essential medication,tooth brush etc in hand luggage and when packing your hold luggage pack half in your case and half in your friend/partners and vice versa so that if a case goes missing you at least have some stuff with you.
In the City
If your hotel has an in-room safe then use it for passports, flight tickets and money. Don't carry excessive amounts of cash and use credit/debit cards where possible. Split your money up when you're carrying it so if someone steals your purse you still have some in your inside pocket, UGG boots, bra, wherever. Wear an over body bag if possible as these are harder for a pick pocketer to grab and run off with. Carry a map, plan your journeys and dont be afraid to ask for directions. Arrange somewhere to meet up if you lose your friends. Pick somewhere central and easy to reach such as Empires State Building, your hotel or outside a specific restraunt in Times Square.Avoid quiet side streets unless absolutely necessary and if in doubt, hail a cab.
Sounds obvious but only go in liscenced cabs, keep your baggage with you at all times and always try and at least sound like you know where you're going. This can make a huge difference and drivers are lees likely to rip you off.Have your hotels street address and email them for a rough taxi fare amount and directions before you go to sound clued up.Also, in case your case is lost/stolen or simply doesnt arrive with your flight it's worth packing undies, essential medication,tooth brush etc in hand luggage and when packing your hold luggage pack half in your case and half in your friend/partners and vice versa so that if a case goes missing you at least have some stuff with you.
In the City
If your hotel has an in-room safe then use it for passports, flight tickets and money. Don't carry excessive amounts of cash and use credit/debit cards where possible. Split your money up when you're carrying it so if someone steals your purse you still have some in your inside pocket, UGG boots, bra, wherever. Wear an over body bag if possible as these are harder for a pick pocketer to grab and run off with. Carry a map, plan your journeys and dont be afraid to ask for directions. Arrange somewhere to meet up if you lose your friends. Pick somewhere central and easy to reach such as Empires State Building, your hotel or outside a specific restraunt in Times Square.Avoid quiet side streets unless absolutely necessary and if in doubt, hail a cab.
New York On A Budget
Money Saving Tips
Despite being extremely expensive for a lot of things, New York can be done on a budget. The key is to work out what you want in your itinerary.
When to go
Shopping,sightseeing and most Broadway shows run all year long however, check before you go if you have a specific show in mind or want to shop during sale times.If you aren't too fussed about ice skating in Central Park in December, missing the heat of the summer or skipping the sales go outwith peak season as flight/hotel prices are generally cheaper.
Booking your trip
If you are in the UK, Dialaflight offer great deals on hotels and flights and this can be paid up monthly before you go if you dont have a lump sum to hand but want to do it quicker and cheaper than visiting a high street travel agents
http://www.dialaflight.com/
You can also tailor-make your holiday by booking you're own flights and hotel if you know when you want to go. Continental Airlines, British Airways and Virgin all fly to New York. Going from midweek to weekend can save you money as airlines often assume you are a business traveller if you travel on the monday and return on the friday.
https://www.continental.com/web/en-US/default.aspx?POS=GB&SID=B951510F28C24B40946F45355ACDC7F2
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/index.jsp
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/globalgateway.jsp/global/public/en_
If booking your hotel online make sure you use a reputable website like Trip Advisor to check reviews, ratings and customer photos as all isn't always as it seems on the hotel website. Use sites such as Hotels.com or lastminute.com (links under helpful webpages) or the hotel's own website to book, making sure you search around for the best deal. Where you can, get breakfast at the hotel as this can take up a huge chunk of your spending money when you're there. Hotels for any budget:
Low Budget- Hotel Wolcott, 4 W 31st St Between 5th Ave & Broadway. Budget accomodation with some rooms having a view of the Empire State Building (it's literally across the street). With free muffins and coffee for breakfast, an on-site fitness suite and amazing location it's hard to beat the value for money this hotel offers. Iron, in-room safe, hairdryer and shower/bath all in room and there is a choice between twin, queen, junior suite and triple rooms depending on your needs. It's close to Penn Station and Macy's. We plan on staying here on our return visit.
http://www.wolcott.com/
Middle of the Road Budget-Trump Soho New York, 246 Spring St New York. Featuring a spa, fitness suite and various treatments this is the perfet hotel for a girly trip away. Well located near Greenwich Village, home to several Sex and The City locations and the Friends Apartment. Room include complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and LCD TV's.
http://www.trumpsohohotel.com/
Blow-Out Budget-The Peninsula New York, 700 5th Ave at 55th St. Close to Central Park, Tiffany & Co and Bloomingdales, the Peninsula is well located and heavily priced. The hotel has a sauna, spa, steam room and beauty services Rooms include designer toiletries, bathrobes, complimetary water, plasma TV's and a games console.
http://www.peninsula.com/Peninsula_Hotels/en/default.aspx
Food & Drink
Eating out can be as cheap or as expensive as you want in New York. Chain restraunts such as Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe are pricier than in some other locations but worth the visit if you like the experience. Street vendors sell hotdogs starting from $1 for a quick lunch. There are Burger King's and McDonald's everywhere, if budgeting, use them for breakfast. Visit Walgreens or Duane Reade and stock up on water/soft drinks as they can be expensive when at attractions. Eat outwith Times Square to save a bit of money.
Free Attractions
As said in my prevous posts many Sex and the City locations are free to visit such as Carries apartment (66 Perry St), Magnolia Bakery, Brooklyn Bridge and New York Library. You can also visit the Friends apartment for free. Staten Island Ferry is free and gives great views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan Skyline. A walk through Central Park, Times Square, China Town and Little Italy are all free. See the Grand Central Station for free.
Travel
Walk wherever you can and where you can't use the subway. Cabs can be really expensive. Have a look at a subway map before you go to familiarise yourslef with it.
http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm
Despite being extremely expensive for a lot of things, New York can be done on a budget. The key is to work out what you want in your itinerary.
When to go
Shopping,sightseeing and most Broadway shows run all year long however, check before you go if you have a specific show in mind or want to shop during sale times.If you aren't too fussed about ice skating in Central Park in December, missing the heat of the summer or skipping the sales go outwith peak season as flight/hotel prices are generally cheaper.
Booking your trip
If you are in the UK, Dialaflight offer great deals on hotels and flights and this can be paid up monthly before you go if you dont have a lump sum to hand but want to do it quicker and cheaper than visiting a high street travel agents
http://www.dialaflight.com/
You can also tailor-make your holiday by booking you're own flights and hotel if you know when you want to go. Continental Airlines, British Airways and Virgin all fly to New York. Going from midweek to weekend can save you money as airlines often assume you are a business traveller if you travel on the monday and return on the friday.
https://www.continental.com/web/en-US/default.aspx?POS=GB&SID=B951510F28C24B40946F45355ACDC7F2
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/index.jsp
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/globalgateway.jsp/global/public/en_
If booking your hotel online make sure you use a reputable website like Trip Advisor to check reviews, ratings and customer photos as all isn't always as it seems on the hotel website. Use sites such as Hotels.com or lastminute.com (links under helpful webpages) or the hotel's own website to book, making sure you search around for the best deal. Where you can, get breakfast at the hotel as this can take up a huge chunk of your spending money when you're there. Hotels for any budget:
Low Budget- Hotel Wolcott, 4 W 31st St Between 5th Ave & Broadway. Budget accomodation with some rooms having a view of the Empire State Building (it's literally across the street). With free muffins and coffee for breakfast, an on-site fitness suite and amazing location it's hard to beat the value for money this hotel offers. Iron, in-room safe, hairdryer and shower/bath all in room and there is a choice between twin, queen, junior suite and triple rooms depending on your needs. It's close to Penn Station and Macy's. We plan on staying here on our return visit.
http://www.wolcott.com/
Middle of the Road Budget-Trump Soho New York, 246 Spring St New York. Featuring a spa, fitness suite and various treatments this is the perfet hotel for a girly trip away. Well located near Greenwich Village, home to several Sex and The City locations and the Friends Apartment. Room include complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and LCD TV's.
http://www.trumpsohohotel.com/
Blow-Out Budget-The Peninsula New York, 700 5th Ave at 55th St. Close to Central Park, Tiffany & Co and Bloomingdales, the Peninsula is well located and heavily priced. The hotel has a sauna, spa, steam room and beauty services Rooms include designer toiletries, bathrobes, complimetary water, plasma TV's and a games console.
http://www.peninsula.com/Peninsula_Hotels/en/default.aspx
Food & Drink
Eating out can be as cheap or as expensive as you want in New York. Chain restraunts such as Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe are pricier than in some other locations but worth the visit if you like the experience. Street vendors sell hotdogs starting from $1 for a quick lunch. There are Burger King's and McDonald's everywhere, if budgeting, use them for breakfast. Visit Walgreens or Duane Reade and stock up on water/soft drinks as they can be expensive when at attractions. Eat outwith Times Square to save a bit of money.
Free Attractions
As said in my prevous posts many Sex and the City locations are free to visit such as Carries apartment (66 Perry St), Magnolia Bakery, Brooklyn Bridge and New York Library. You can also visit the Friends apartment for free. Staten Island Ferry is free and gives great views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan Skyline. A walk through Central Park, Times Square, China Town and Little Italy are all free. See the Grand Central Station for free.
Travel
Walk wherever you can and where you can't use the subway. Cabs can be really expensive. Have a look at a subway map before you go to familiarise yourslef with it.
http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Girly Guide To New York- Get Yourself Excited
Nothing gets you more excited than when you read,hear or see something about New York and think...."I'm going there soon!". So just incase you aren't experiencing palpitations and sleepless nights like I did in the run up to my New York visit, here's my list of New York related music, tv, films and books to get you in the zone :)
Music
1. New York, Alicia Keys & Jay-Z- I dont really like the song to be honest but it really sums it all up and will inevitably get you pumped up about going :)
2. Manhattan, Kings of Leon- Good song and it reflects the vibrancy of the city and the cool, underground nightlife scene.
3. New York New York, Frank Sinatra- I promise you will sing this to yourself at least once before you go. It's unavoidable.
TV
1. Sex and the City- If you arent already hooked, watch it in the run up to your trip and make yourself ridiculously excited about seeing Carrie's house, Magnolia Bakery and the several other SATC related sights.
2.Friends-Made New York synonymous with coffee houses, cool twenty/thirty somethings and being able to command $1,000,000 an episode. Visit the apartment block.
3.Ugly Betty- Still running and lots of the outdoor shots are of sights you can visit. Good for exploring the bitchy but beautiful New York fashion scene.
Also,Will and Grace, Gossip Girl and Nurse Jackie.
Movies
1.Breakfast at Tiffany's- Watch it, cry a lot and then create your own Hepburn moment and stand outside Tiffany & Co, looking fabulous and munching a croissant.
2.The Devil Wears Prada- Ugly Betty for the silver screen and will also put you in the mood for visiting Paris ;)
3.When Harry Met Sally-If you havent already seen it then you should have. Enough said.
Also, Sex and the City Movie, Ghostbusters and West Side Story.
Books
1.Catcher In the Rye, J.D Salinger-Absolute classic an a must read. This was the book that kickstarted my desire to visit New York.
2.I Heart New York, Lindsey Kelk-Funny, girly and very Sex and the City. The book is about a girl who spontaneously moves to New York on finding out her partner is cheating and follows her New York adventure. There is a guide to New York in the back of the book.
3.Sex and The City, Candace Bushnell- The book which went on to become on of the most popular TV shows about New York. You know the story....
Girly Guide To New York-The Essentials
Things that are worth noting when travelling to New York.
1.If you use GHD'S (newer ones) they may have a 2 pin US plug inside. Unscrew the plug and there should be a 2 pin plug insde, saving you the use of a travel adaptor.
2.Bring a travel adaptor anyway for your mobile/ipod charger, iron etc. Email your hotel before you go if their website does not state whether or not they have a hairdryer/iron in-room.
3.Taxi's can be expensive in New York. Familiarise yourself with the subway system using an online map before you go. The subway is cheap, quick and stations are plentiful around the city.
4.Check where you are flying to and see what is the quickest and/or most cost effective way to reach your hotel. Newark Airport is in New Jersey, not Manhattan, making it more expensive to arrive by taxi than if you land in JFK.
5.Look up the prices of any sights you want to visit, things you plan to buy before you go and work out how much money you need. New York is expensive but can be done within most budgets if well-planned. I'll put up budget tips later on.
6.Pack for the weather. Use a website such as Accu Weather a few days before you go and get a 10 day forecast. Plan what you pack around this. Essentials in any weather are a map, alcohol gel for hands (while using subway,out sightseeing ,if you plan on eating on the go), photocopies of your passport, camera and enough money to keep you going but not so much that you will be left with nothing if you get robbed/pickpocketed (although this is unlikely).
7.You now need to complete an ESTA form (part of your visa) before you go. This can be done for free online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_cDA8B77A1-9572-283F-DC83-B27E434CBC4E_k24C6ED77-ABD6-8E89-AB22-20ED9DA9F150
8.Make sure you have travel insurance before you go to avoid big medical bills hould you fall unwell. Also, pack enough of any medications you are on.
9.Remember hand luggage restrictions. Check with the individual airline/airport before you go. Usually you are only allowed a small amount of make up and toiletries (fluid based) which must be under 100mls each and should be able to fit in the small clear big that you will be issued with at the airport.
10. Take decent walking shoes. You will do a lot of wlaking in New York and a lot of standing in queues if you visit the main attractions and while heels are very flattering and very Carrie Bradshaw, they are also completely impractical. Keep your heels for dinner/a Broadway show.
1.If you use GHD'S (newer ones) they may have a 2 pin US plug inside. Unscrew the plug and there should be a 2 pin plug insde, saving you the use of a travel adaptor.
2.Bring a travel adaptor anyway for your mobile/ipod charger, iron etc. Email your hotel before you go if their website does not state whether or not they have a hairdryer/iron in-room.
3.Taxi's can be expensive in New York. Familiarise yourself with the subway system using an online map before you go. The subway is cheap, quick and stations are plentiful around the city.
4.Check where you are flying to and see what is the quickest and/or most cost effective way to reach your hotel. Newark Airport is in New Jersey, not Manhattan, making it more expensive to arrive by taxi than if you land in JFK.
5.Look up the prices of any sights you want to visit, things you plan to buy before you go and work out how much money you need. New York is expensive but can be done within most budgets if well-planned. I'll put up budget tips later on.
6.Pack for the weather. Use a website such as Accu Weather a few days before you go and get a 10 day forecast. Plan what you pack around this. Essentials in any weather are a map, alcohol gel for hands (while using subway,out sightseeing ,if you plan on eating on the go), photocopies of your passport, camera and enough money to keep you going but not so much that you will be left with nothing if you get robbed/pickpocketed (although this is unlikely).
7.You now need to complete an ESTA form (part of your visa) before you go. This can be done for free online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_cDA8B77A1-9572-283F-DC83-B27E434CBC4E_k24C6ED77-ABD6-8E89-AB22-20ED9DA9F150
8.Make sure you have travel insurance before you go to avoid big medical bills hould you fall unwell. Also, pack enough of any medications you are on.
9.Remember hand luggage restrictions. Check with the individual airline/airport before you go. Usually you are only allowed a small amount of make up and toiletries (fluid based) which must be under 100mls each and should be able to fit in the small clear big that you will be issued with at the airport.
10. Take decent walking shoes. You will do a lot of wlaking in New York and a lot of standing in queues if you visit the main attractions and while heels are very flattering and very Carrie Bradshaw, they are also completely impractical. Keep your heels for dinner/a Broadway show.
Girly Guide to New York
Landing in Newark Aiport to be faced with long queues at the immigration control desk following a 7 hour flight was hardly the adrenaline filled, glamourous start to my New York adventure that I had spent years dreaming about.However, following an overpriced ($120), maniacally driven, taxi ride I arrived on Broadway/ West 50th Street and breathed in the polluted, musky scent of New York, every few minutes also picking up on the scent of hotdogs from the street vendor's carts. It was impossible not to feel butterflies gazing along towards Times Square and noting the huge Mamma Mia sign smiling down on me from above the Wintergarden Theatre. We paused breifly at a Duane Reade to pick up essentials-root beer and Payday bars, me standing outside with our cases and despite the flight, early airport check-in and the fact that the excitement of the trip had given me 3 days of insomnia I suddenly felt alert, excited and desperate to start sightseeing.New York is like a movie set and is an incredible experience travel experience. The hustle and bustle of Times Square is a stark contrast to the scenic and, at times, ambient Central Park. Here's my Girly Guide to New York:
Sightseeing In New York
My recommended sights (in no particular order).
1.Empire State Building- Located between 5th avenue and West 54th street, the Empire State Building's 86th and 102nd floor observatories offer panoramic, dizzying views of t
he city.The Empire State Building is one of New York's most instantly recognisable landmarks. Get there early, book your tickets online and expect queues. Making it even more worthwhile, Macy's is within walking distance so plan your itinerary to incorporate the two :)
http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_visitorinfo.cfm?CFID=38986407&CFTOKEN=51390133
2. The Statue of Liberty-One of New York's most iconic sights, the Statue of Liberty should be part of every itinerary when visiting New York. Seeing Lady Liberty in front of me was a "butterflies" experience an honestly left me quite awe struck. It's was one of those moments where you know you're in New York. If you plan to do New York on a budget, and that budget is centered around leaving as much shopping money as possible then take the Staten Island ferry. This is the free way to see the Statue of Liberty and it means no lengthy queues, saving time and money. The Staten Island Ferry offers also offers views of the
lower Manhattan skyline.
http://www.siferry.com/
http://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm
3.Brooklyn Bridge- Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is well worth seeing, even if the only thing it represents to you is that Miranda and Steve from Sex and the City got back together there. And you cried at that part of the movie :) We walked the Brooklyn Bridge on a particularly clear, warm day and it was one of my favourte sights. A wonderful spot for picture taking and it gives you a good view of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walk it! It's free, enviromentally friendly and gives you the chance t
o burn off some of those $1 hotdogs.
Things to Do
Not exactly sightseeing but fun things to do when in the Big Apple.
1. Visit the Magnolia Bakery- Made famous in Sex and the City, this quirky bakery in Bleecker Street sells New Yor
k's cutest and possibly most iconic cupcakes. Prices started from about $2.50 when we visited in 2009. This is a must do for Sex and the City fans as it's a free way to see some of the places the the show put on the map. The tiny bakery offers a huge range of gorgeous cupcakes in little white cake boxes and Sarah Jessica Parker is apparently often spotted at the park nearby. So buy a cupcake and relax in park, however, not before stopping at 66 Perry Street which is just minutes away. This is the home of Carrie Bradshaw and you get a chance to take pictures at her famous steps. This was one of the highlights of my tour and I became ridiculously excited. The apartment from Friends is also nearby, if you're a fan, it's on the corner of Grove and Bedford, Greenwich Village. Print off a map of the area from Google maps before you go to keep you right.
http://www.magnoliabakery.com/
2. Visit Madame Taussauds- Okay, you can do this in a lot of major cites but it's a fun way to kill a few hours if you have time on your hands on a cold/wet/snowy day in New York. Located in Times Square, Madame Taussauds is a display of wonderfully lifelike waxworks of major celebrities and politicians. Pose with Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt and pretend that's who paid for your Tiffany & Co jewellry, it'll ease off that credit card guilt.
http://www.madametussauds.com/NewYork/
3. Visit Times Square-This is possibly the busiest place in Manhattan, with a con
stant stream of tourists, locals and people trying to sell tickets to comedy shows, Broadways shows etc. Visit Toys R us and see the 60ft ferris wheel. Eat in Planet Hollywood or The Hard Rock Cafe. Stock up on sweets at the Hersheys Store.You will find yourself stopping to look up at the sky scrapers or take a picture, the only thing is, you stop but the rest of Times Square doesnt and you will find yourself being walked into so take advantage of the steps and chairs around the middle of Times Square (near tkts booth) for photos.
4. See a show on Broadway- A visit to New York wouldn't be complete without seeing a Broadway Show.The tkts booth in Times Square offers discounts on tickets for Broadway shows on the day if you're visiting New York on a budget. Be prepared to queue and show up early. It's well worth it to see one of the spectular shows such as Mamma Mia or Wicked. If you want to get your tickets in advance, look up what you want to see in advance and look online for discounts.
http://www.broadwaybox.com/
I'll update asap with more advice,tips and info on New York :) x
Sightseeing In New York
My recommended sights (in no particular order).
1.Empire State Building- Located between 5th avenue and West 54th street, the Empire State Building's 86th and 102nd floor observatories offer panoramic, dizzying views of t
he city.The Empire State Building is one of New York's most instantly recognisable landmarks. Get there early, book your tickets online and expect queues. Making it even more worthwhile, Macy's is within walking distance so plan your itinerary to incorporate the two :)http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_visitorinfo.cfm?CFID=38986407&CFTOKEN=51390133
2. The Statue of Liberty-One of New York's most iconic sights, the Statue of Liberty should be part of every itinerary when visiting New York. Seeing Lady Liberty in front of me was a "butterflies" experience an honestly left me quite awe struck. It's was one of those moments where you know you're in New York. If you plan to do New York on a budget, and that budget is centered around leaving as much shopping money as possible then take the Staten Island ferry. This is the free way to see the Statue of Liberty and it means no lengthy queues, saving time and money. The Staten Island Ferry offers also offers views of the
lower Manhattan skyline.http://www.siferry.com/
http://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm
3.Brooklyn Bridge- Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is well worth seeing, even if the only thing it represents to you is that Miranda and Steve from Sex and the City got back together there. And you cried at that part of the movie :) We walked the Brooklyn Bridge on a particularly clear, warm day and it was one of my favourte sights. A wonderful spot for picture taking and it gives you a good view of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walk it! It's free, enviromentally friendly and gives you the chance t
o burn off some of those $1 hotdogs.http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g60827-d102741/Brooklyn:New-York:Brooklyn.Bridge.htmladvisor.com/Travel-g60827-d102741/Brooklyn:New-York:Brooklyn.Bridge.html4.Grandadvisor.com/Travel-g60827-d102741/Brooklyn:New-York:Brooklyn.Bridge.html
4.Grand Central Station- This was a sight I had been desperate to visit since reading Catcher in The Rye. The
Grand Central Station is the world's largest train station and is known for it's stunning main concourse with floods light pouring in from the huge arched windows and the famous zodiac mural on the ceiling. Also, be sure to visit the Whispering Gallery, stand at the opposit corner of the gallery from your friend and whisper. The acoustics provided by the ceramics mean you can hear each other perfectly :) There is also an old fashioned shoe shining service inside.This is another free sight that is easily incorporated into your trip if you plan on using the train/subway and it's worth noting that the New York library (Carrie and Big's original wedding venue) is within easy walking distance.
http://grandcentralterminal.com/
5. Central Park- Central Park is picturesque, diverse and huge, taking up 6% of Manhatta
n. Relax and picnic in the summer or ice skate in the winter, just make sure you visit. Beatles fans can visit the Imagine Mosaic, a tribute to John Lennon. Visit the Carousel, as mentioned in Catcher In The Rye, or the Central Park Zoo. The park is in close proximity to the American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art and St. Patrick's Cathedral. However, if you're more interested in shopping than visiting the museums Bloomingdales, Tiffany & Co and Abercrombie & Fitch and all nearby.
Things to Do
Not exactly sightseeing but fun things to do when in the Big Apple.
1. Visit the Magnolia Bakery- Made famous in Sex and the City, this quirky bakery in Bleecker Street sells New Yor
k's cutest and possibly most iconic cupcakes. Prices started from about $2.50 when we visited in 2009. This is a must do for Sex and the City fans as it's a free way to see some of the places the the show put on the map. The tiny bakery offers a huge range of gorgeous cupcakes in little white cake boxes and Sarah Jessica Parker is apparently often spotted at the park nearby. So buy a cupcake and relax in park, however, not before stopping at 66 Perry Street which is just minutes away. This is the home of Carrie Bradshaw and you get a chance to take pictures at her famous steps. This was one of the highlights of my tour and I became ridiculously excited. The apartment from Friends is also nearby, if you're a fan, it's on the corner of Grove and Bedford, Greenwich Village. Print off a map of the area from Google maps before you go to keep you right.http://www.magnoliabakery.com/
2. Visit Madame Taussauds- Okay, you can do this in a lot of major cites but it's a fun way to kill a few hours if you have time on your hands on a cold/wet/snowy day in New York. Located in Times Square, Madame Taussauds is a display of wonderfully lifelike waxworks of major celebrities and politicians. Pose with Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt and pretend that's who paid for your Tiffany & Co jewellry, it'll ease off that credit card guilt.
http://www.madametussauds.com/NewYork/
3. Visit Times Square-This is possibly the busiest place in Manhattan, with a con
stant stream of tourists, locals and people trying to sell tickets to comedy shows, Broadways shows etc. Visit Toys R us and see the 60ft ferris wheel. Eat in Planet Hollywood or The Hard Rock Cafe. Stock up on sweets at the Hersheys Store.You will find yourself stopping to look up at the sky scrapers or take a picture, the only thing is, you stop but the rest of Times Square doesnt and you will find yourself being walked into so take advantage of the steps and chairs around the middle of Times Square (near tkts booth) for photos.4. See a show on Broadway- A visit to New York wouldn't be complete without seeing a Broadway Show.The tkts booth in Times Square offers discounts on tickets for Broadway shows on the day if you're visiting New York on a budget. Be prepared to queue and show up early. It's well worth it to see one of the spectular shows such as Mamma Mia or Wicked. If you want to get your tickets in advance, look up what you want to see in advance and look online for discounts.
http://www.broadwaybox.com/
I'll update asap with more advice,tips and info on New York :) x
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