I’ve been to New York 200 times – my best kept secrets for top city views and cheap late night pizza
A FLIGHT attendant who has been to New York hundreds of times has revealed her best kept secrets for tourists heading to the city.
Aer Lingus cabin crew member Susan has visited the city 200 times, as well as lived there until she was 10 years old before moving to Dublin.
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Having worked with the airline for seven years, she shared some of her top tips for people wanting to get the most out of their holiday.
Susan said a slice of pizza is a "must try" while in New York.
When it comes to the best place, she said her favourite was Joe's Pizza off Times Square.
She said: It’s the first stop my Aer Lingus crew and I make when we land at night, because it’s open late and is the perfect jet lag cure."”
She also said: “For breakfast, you have to get a bagel, nowhere else in the world does bagels like New Yorkers.
"My personal go-to is a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel, but there are hundreds of options.
When it comes to dinner, she said the best places both Little Italy and Chinatown, rather than American chains.
She finished by saying: "It’s great to finish your day with some of the world’s best Italian or Chinese food.
Little Italy and Chinatown are perfect for casual dining - I dream of the Chinese and Italian in New York when back in the UK.
For something a bit fancier, Susan said both her and the crew like is Smith & Wollenski on 49th and 3rd for reliable options including steak."
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While Susan admits everyone should go to places like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, the museums also shouldn't be missed.
She explained: "There are incredible museums to visit like the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Natural History.
"If you visit in winter months, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre and Bryant Park are my favourite.
"Go ice-skating, watch a Broadway show, walk the Highline in Manhattan - you can do so much especially when using the hop-on and hop-off bus."
The views of the city come from her "secret" spot.
She said: "While you can get a great view from The Edge, my ideal location to view The Empire State Building is an amazing rooftop bar called 230 fifth."
Want to explore a trendy neighbourhood? Head to Astoria in Queens.
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Susan said: "It’s an up-and-coming neighbourhood for bars and food.
"There is a great family-owned restaurant called Pomeroy, the food and cocktails are amazing.
“New York is a city I could never get sick of.
"It’s filled with amazing Skyscrapers, cultures, and insanely delicious food from all over the world, in one lively location.
"New York is home to the best restaurants, theatre, fashion and music, which makes it one of the most popular destinations for tourists.”
We also spoke to travel expert Nicole Lawson who visits at least six times a year, who has some other money-saving tips.
And Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor, revealed her budget New York tips.
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