We bought 2-day unlimited use New York Pass for US$ 129.99 and today would be our first day of use. New York Pass allows you to see as many attractions as you like from the list of over 80 eligible places during 2 days. If you are not into partaking in activities meant for tourists and are more of a "explore local neighborhoods and people-watch" kind of person, this pass is not for you.
https://www.newyorkpass.com/En/new-york-attractions/
Of course, we gotta factor in all the travel time so we had to prioritize the few attractions we would see with our two-day pass. We visited 12 places in total. I honestly think the pass is an amazing deal though. We had already recovered our pass cost of US$ 129.99 on our first day alone!
Day 1 Overview
1/ Top Of The Rock
2/ Rockefeller Centre Tour
3/ Radio City Music Hall Tour
4/ The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
5/ Circle Line: Harbor Lights Sunset Cruise (2 hours)
6/ Empire State Building Observation Deck
I know 1st stop and 6th stop were both viewpoints from the city's skyscrapers but we wanted to enjoy both day and night views of NYC. Since Empire State Building opens till 2am, that was the place we picked as last stop of the day.
Gloomy day
With 30 min train delay when we left home around 8:45 am, the day wasn't looking great for us.
We were absolutely excited for Top Of The Rock visit but our spirits were dampened by the gloomy weather without a glimpse of the sun. Initially, we pondered on swapping the morning activities of Day 1 and Day 2. That would however meant similar activities packed into a day with 2 ferry rides on Day 1 and 3 walking tours on Day 2. Additionally, if the weather was indeed gloomy, I would rather be on solid ground than on a ferry among treacherous waters heading to the Statue of Liberty. Even if we go to the ferry dock, cruises might not even be in operation due to unfavorable weather conditions.
So yes, we sticked to our plan although I couldn't help but lament on the wasted opportunity to properly experience 360 degree unobstructed view of the Big Apple, without being freezed to death. It was so windy even on the ground level so can you imagine how frosty it would be on the 70th floor outdoor deck?
Central Park
(Although I would still come back up here to witness vibrant fall colors of Central Park, sometime in the future)
Can you fathom just how many photos I took, to get one decent picture? These continuous gusts of wind didn't help either. Such weather probably deterred many tourists from coming here so there were very few people whom I could ask for help with photo-taking. That's where selfie stick came in handy :D
The good thing about dreary weather? Few visitors which also meant fewer photobombs in your shots!
After an hour spent at Top of the Rock, we took the lift down to lobby to join the 11am Rockefeller Tour. There are tours departing every 30 minutes and it worked out well for lazy bums like us whose attention span wasn't just long enough to quietly read and absorb the fascinatingly rich history behind the iconic landmark in NYC.
We thoroughly enjoyed the 75 min enlightening tour of the illustrious Rockefeller Centre. Our rumbling tummies then reminded us the time was 12:15 pm, surely time for lunch. Radio City Music Hall Tour would start at 1pm so there wasn't time for laidback lunch. Our choice then was Chipotle Mexican Fast Food Chain, located just a short 5-min stroll away.
With marvelous interiors, the awe-inspiring grand stage as well as stunning beautiful Rockettes, this 75-min tour was great way to spend a rainy afternoon indoor. Theatre lovers would especially appreciate this tour. If you do not have a NY Pass however, I suggest you can skip this tour in favor of Rockefeller Centre as the latter was unquestionably more enthralling.
To Be Continued...
Are you guys fans of shows like The Devil Wears Prada as well as Sex and the City? Then you would require no introduction for Magnolia Bakery & its classic baked goods like cupcakes.
Striking golden panoramic mural in the Eastern Airlines Building
This outstanding mural displays the history of transportation, from steam-powered trains and ships to planes.
Fascinating relief on the west side of the International Building
As this commercial complex was constructed during the Great Depression, the developer had to attract international businesses for its success. This panel depicts Mercury - the Roman god of commerce and travel, figures to represent art, science and industry as well as various regions of the earth (ocean, whale's fluke, palm trees, mosque, Aztec temple). The trade ship in the middle was also portrayed as traveling from the old world to the new world in the west direction.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Atlas Statue
In Greek mythology, Atlas defied the gods and was condemned to hold up the heavens on his shoulder for eternity.
Atlas & St. Patrick's Cathedral
Even with the weight of heavens on his shoulder, he refused to knee. This statue was strategically placed in front of the St. Patrick's Cathedral. Was that a show of defiance against the Catholic Church?
As symbolized by the British coat of arms, this decorative door forms part of the British Empire Building. Golden human figures represent various trades of the commonwealth (tobacco, sugar, coal etc). The sun represents the enormity of their once-expansive empire with the phrase "The sun never sets on the British Empire."
Notable gilded statue of Prometheus in front of the GE building (also known as 30 Rock)
Prometheus defied Zeus by giving mankind the gift of fire. My next photo about wisdom could also be found in the above shot of Prometheus. It was located directly above the gilded statue, but was unfortunately blocked by the metal structure in the photo. Otherwise, you could have been viewing the famous moment in ancient Greek mythology - Prometheus delivering the fire while being banished from Mt. Olympus by Zeus.
Spectacular relief called "wisdom" at the main entrance of the GE building
Chipotle Mexican Grill
International Council Shopping Centre
129 W 48th Street, New York, NY 10020
Radio City Music Hall Tour
Opened in 1932, this was the first building to be opened in the Rockefeller Center and was noted as the world's largest indoor theatre with 6200 seats at the time of its opening.
Opened in 1932, this was the first building to be opened in the Rockefeller Center and was noted as the world's largest indoor theatre with 6200 seats at the time of its opening.
An engineering marvel of its time, the Great Stage is equipped with 4 elevator platforms which could be moved together or independently by a pair of hydraulic cylinders. Such flexible arrangement allows the artists to be creative in presenting their work.
Powder Room
I know it doesn't look that elegant or grandiose in today's terms. However, considering its opening in 1932, it must have set the bar high for other theatres with its classic, unassuming beauty.
Can you spot foot paddles next to each sink?
Before the advent of sensor-triggered sinks, foot paddles were a way to bypass having to touch the tap to wash hands.
Even the lift is beautifully decorated.
A mannequin sporting one of Rockettes' many dazzling outfits
With marvelous interiors, the awe-inspiring grand stage as well as stunning beautiful Rockettes, this 75-min tour was great way to spend a rainy afternoon indoor. Theatre lovers would especially appreciate this tour. If you do not have a NY Pass however, I suggest you can skip this tour in favor of Rockefeller Centre as the latter was unquestionably more enthralling.
To Be Continued...
Adios!
xoxo
Miss N
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