The Happy Jetlagger

Tag: New York

Top of the Rock in New York: Tips for Watching the Sunset

It just had to be a New York sunset. And especially from the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. As I’ve gotten more into photography, my travel habits while on location have changed more and more. When I’m searching for the perfect light, no time of day is too odd for me. Like that time, for example, when I left the hotel at 4:30 a.m.—still in the dark—to catch the perfect sunrise over the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Sunrises—and sunsets, for that matter—are always amazing anyway!

➜ Buy a ticket for Top of the Rock in advance*

Top of the Rock: The Best View of New York

Especially with a view that’s so fascinating and surreal at the same time, you finally get to see it in person from the Top of the Rock observation deck. I’ve seen this skyline thousands of times—in American TV shows, on posters, in movies, and on Instagram. Every kid knows the Manhattan skyline, and without even thinking, you know right away: That’s New York.

From the Top of the Rock, you have the perfect postcard view of the Empire State Building and southern Manhattan.

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Top of the Rock: The Most Beautiful Sunset in New York

And even if, in the end, it’s just a cluster of towering skyscrapers in an even more massive city, teeming with people and traffic: watching the sunset in New York from the Top of the Rock is one of the most magical moments of my entire travel career.

At Top of the Rock in the evening: Goosebumps at the sight of the Empire State Building.

Sunset over Manhattan: Magical.

By the way: You’ll find lots more tips on my New York blog.

Information & Tickets for Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center

Top of the Rock is the observation deck at Rockefeller Center. Located on Fifth Avenue, it’s impossible to miss, thanks to the statue of Atlas struggling to hold up his globe.

However, the entrance to Top of the Rock is tucked away on a side street (50th Street) between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The tickets are time-stamped, which means you can only go up at a predetermined time.

It wasn’t very busy in January, and since I was just passing by by chance, I bought a ticket right away and didn’t have to wait long. During busier months (which, in New York, means pretty much every month except January and February), it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance.

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Top of the Rock: Tips for Saving Money!

Please note: Tickets for the sunset viewing are $10 more expensive when purchased on-site or on the Rockefeller Center website! Get Your Guide offers flexible tickets for this event, which you can then exchange for a timed ticket on-site.

➜ Flexi-Ticket for Top of the Rock*

At GetYourGuide, there’s actually only one price, but at Top of the Rock itself, there’s an additional sunset surcharge of a full 10 US dollars for late-afternoon time slots (they know why people like to come in the late afternoon).

How much time should you set aside for the Top of the Rock?

Although you’re assigned a time slot, it can still take a while to finally make it to the top. I was down at the ticket counter about an hour before sunset, and it worked out perfectly. So it’s best to plan enough time if you absolutely want to catch the sunset from the very beginning (it’s worth it!). Once you’re up there, though, you can stay as long as you like.

That worked out well for me, because I’d actually only intended to take a quick photo—and in the end, it took me nearly four hours before I could tear myself away from the spectacular view. Seeing the lights of Manhattan twinkling in the darkness after that perfect sunset was just too beautiful. New York at night: indescribable.

24/03/2019
Best Things to Do in Coney Island, New York
Ah, New York. I’ll probably never get tired of this city, even the fresh breeze on Brighton Beach in Coney Island couldn’t harm me. In January, I flew to New York again. In nine months on the long haul I was there three or four times, I think. This is a special circumstance, because I have actually always made sure that the destinations in my roster do not repeat themselves too much. I wanted to see as much as possible of the flight schedule in the short time available.

But for New York, I made an exception to my resolution. New York is never too much. But the stays were always short and I had to fight with my mixture of exhaustion and jetlag, so that at the end of a good 24 hours on site minus long bus rides to the hotel and a bit of sleep there was never much time. So it was clear: I would have to go back to New York again with more time. And so I packed my bags.

By the way, you can find even more inspiration for your trip to New York here
Facts about Coney Island
- Coney Island is located in the southern part of the New York borough of Brooklyn
- At the beginning of the 20th century, Coney Island was famous worldwide for its amusement mile
- Rides such as theWonder Wheel, built in 1920, andthe wooden roller coasterThe Cyclone, which opened in 1927, were revolutionary
- The Mermaid Parade, a large street parade that marks the start of the summer season, takes place every year
Coney Island in winter

Three factors then came together at the beginning of the year: I had plenty of time off, I still had a vacation flight left over from last year, and best of all, there was a direct flight from Berlin to New York, which was always empty. Long-haul flights from Berlin are always a rarity, and many routes do not survive more than one season. (The flight to New York is no longer available either). I hate changing planes, especially at large airports. You have to walk a lot, the hustle and bustle is stressful and noisy. That’s why a direct flight from a smaller airport right on your doorstep is a real gift.

The famous Wonder Wheel Ferris wheel is the landmark of Coney Island

Brighton Beach: The Beach of Coney Island

It became clear pretty quickly during my time on the long-haul route: I like New York, I like traveling far away—but I’d rather do it for personal reasons than for work. Having more time in America again for the first time, without being plagued by total exhaustion and various emotional distractions, was so relaxing and pleasant. And all that time on the ground! I spent almost an entire day driving from Coney Island all the way to Brighton Beach and enjoying a sunny day by the sea. Weather-wise, it was a real treat.

Perfect for swimming in summer: The wide beaches of Coney Island

And everything is so beautifully nostalgic. The boardwalk, the food stands, the famous Wonder Wheel, which is one of Coney Island’s most impressive attractions. Everything is closed during the winter; no wonder, since winters in New York are sometimes so harsh that you don’t want to leave the house for weeks on end. Still, on a clear winter day, Coney Island offers a complete change of pace from the urban jungle of Manhattan, and you can let the fresh Atlantic breeze clear your head.

Are you a USA fan?
Here you can find even more inspiration for city breaks in the USA

Amusement parks in Coney Island

If you want to experience Coney Island in full swing, with all its food stands and rides, you should visit between spring and fall: The season in Coney Island runs from late March to late October. For a ride on the legendary Wonder Wheel, head to Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park; for the nostalgic Cyclone roller coaster, head to Luna Park.

Coney Island is kind of like a cabinet of curiosities from days gone by: Every year, the Coney Island Art Center organizes quirky events like the Mermaid Parade. Mainly during the season, of course—you can find all the dates here.

The famous hot dogs of Coney Island

Nathan’s Famous is said to have the best hot dogs in town, and definitely the most famous. Founded in 1916 by Polish-Jewish immigrants, the initially small hot dog stand became a popular fast food restaurant in Coney Island.

In the 1970s, the annual hot dog eating contest was invented, which brought Nathan’s Famous even more popularity. This well-attended and very popular event takes place every year on July 4, Independence Day, a major national holiday in the United States. It is held at the large flagship location on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues.

But even if you can’t make it to the big eating contest (and you like meat, because unfortunately there aren’t too many options for vegetarians), you should definitely stop by the main branch and try one of the legendary hot dogs in a stylish ambience.

Popular since 1916: the hot dogs from Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island.

The Coney Art Walls are also just around the corner. The freely accessible open-air gallery consists of several colorful murals and reminded me a bit of the Wynwood Walls in Miami. Very worth seeing and another beautiful photo spot in Coney Island.

Frequently asked questions about Coney Island

Are you planning a trip to New York? Coney Island isn’t necessarily the very first place you’d think to visit in New York, but it’s still well worth seeing. Plus, Coney Island is relatively easy to get to. Here, I’ll answer the most important questions so you have a good overview.
08/04/2018
New York: Sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge

Get up really early, be on the Brooklyn Bridge in time for sunrise, and then listen to Frank Sinatra’s ultimate New York anthem or, alternatively, “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys: that was the plan. For the absolutely bombastic, ultimate New York feeling.

Incidentally, the Brooklyn Bridge offers a fantastic view of the southern tip of Manhattan, where you can see New York’s most famous skyscrapers, such as the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. For me, this view is one of the most beautiful in New York, alongside the panorama from the Top of the Rock.

The Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise: one of the highlights in New York!

Sunrise New York: From Brooklyn to Manhattan

I don’t know why you’re not allowed to wear headphones on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Music on your ears is probably too distracting – the pedestrian path is too narrow for all the crowds of visitors and joggers that populate the Brooklyn Bridge every day after sunrise. And on the cycle path side, cyclists just shoot back and forth. Music on your ears can be so distracting that collisions are inevitable. But this rule doesn’t actually help much – because the real distraction is the view from the Brooklyn Bridge itself.

Looking for more New York inspiration?
➜ Browse through my New York blog

The music didn’t work out, there were too many policemen buzzing around and on the bridge. And since I am always confused in the USA about what is considered a serious crime and what is not, the headphones stayed in my pocket. Not showing up for your return flight because you’ve just been jailed in New York for violating the earplug ban on the Brooklyn Bridge is only semi-funny in a highly reputable company.

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The view of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge

But who needs background music with this view of the Manhattan skyline? More New York is not possible. First the spectacular, well-known bridge piers themselves. The breathtaking construction made of steel cables. Below you, on the second floor of the bridge, the thundering traffic of a city of millions. The Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island in the distance.

The closer you get to the other side of the bridge, the more the very best Manhattan panorama unfolds before you. With the One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and everything else New York has to offer. Until your heart almost stops in awe and fascination. Oh yes, and all lit up by the most beautiful sunrise ever.

At sunrise, you still have the Brooklyn Bridge to yourself.

Tips for the sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York

Experiencing a sunrise like this in New York is a highlight of any trip to New York. If you have recently arrived from Germany or Europe, jet lag makes it easier to get up early. The time difference between Germany and New York is six hours. While 5 a.m. local time sounds early in New York, it’s already 11 a.m. in Germany. So if you’re spending a long time in New York, I recommend that you start your trip with activities like this one at sunrise in New York.

History of the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge was actually built over 150 years ago by a German, overshadowed by many difficulties and tragic incidents – and is a masterpiece of engineering of the time.

Where to stay in Brooklyn: A budget tip for New York

Maybe you’re staying in Brooklyn like me, in which case this is the perfect start to a day of sightseeing in Manhattan. You’ll find cheaper accommodation in Brooklyn than in Manhattan. What’s more, Brooklyn has become really hip in recent years. The Brooklyn Bridge ends in the south of Manhattan.

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From there, you can see sights such as One World Trade Center, Wall Street and Battery Park. You can also hop on the subway and explore other parts of Manhattan. The New York subway will be your most practical helper when sightseeing in New York anyway. The network is very good, easy to navigate and the best way to get around New York.

➜ Find your place to stay in Brooklyn here

26/07/2017
New York at Christmas time

Is it actually possible NOT to be flashed by New York (especially before Christmas)? This giant city, full of people, full of buildings, full of stories. Every single street corner looks familiar, and probably is, because it’s guaranteed to have been in some movie, some series, some news program. A city as familiar as it is unfamiliar.

Astonished, I walked through the street canyons before Christmas, always with my head on my neck, looking left and right. Sometimes also stunned that my job as a flight attendant actually brought me here. Crazy. After 16 years of short-haul flying, it’s still surreal to get off the plane after work and suddenly set foot on another continent.

The ultimate New York feeling before Christmas

I always want to get to know new places. Nothing where I have already been. The few months that I fly long haul instead of short haul are too precious for that. I want to see something. Only in New York, it didn’t matter. Privately, I had been there before, so I knew sights worth seeing and not so sights worth seeing. I also only had 24 hours to sleep, eat and sightsee – always pretty tight, these East Coast layovers. And it was Advent, everything was already calling for Christmas and I wanted the ultimate Christmas-in-New-York feeling! So I roamed through the over and over Christmas decorated Manhattan around Times Square and Fifth Avenue.

Sea of lights in Times Square

Billboards over and over. Times Square is one big commercial and you are right in the middle of it. Everywhere it lights up and flashes, and even if it is basically just really penetrating advertising: the lights of the big city are still fascinating.

Christmas shopping on Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is really nothing special, and then again it is. The new secret presidential residence – the Trump Tower, the largest Victoria’s Secret store ever, the historic St.Patrick’s Cathedral, famous skyscrapers like the Empire State Building andandand… Everything gathers on Fifth Avenue. Perfect if, like me, you don’t really have time. Start at Central Park, then just head down Fifth Avenue and you’ll feel like you’re in a movie.

Skating at Rockefeller Center

At Rockefeller Center, I actually wanted to go ice skating. But the prices actually put me off a bit. And my probably no longer existing skating skills from childhood days. But: Nowhere was Christmas more than here!

Flatiron Building

My favorite skyscraper, the Flatiron Building. Why? I have no idea. Probably because I always wonder what the rooms look like right at the very front of that narrow tip. A nightmare for interior designers.

By the way, I’m going to New York again soon and I’m curious to see where I’ll end up this time.

26/01/2017

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