Travel

New York through my Lens!

 

newyorkcity

New York City – the land of dreams and opportunities… the city that truly never sleeps… you could describe it in so many ways! It is a place that can make any stranger feel at home. You can choose to get lost in the crowd or sit alone in a park contemplating about things… this city welcomes everyone with open arms!

The one thing that always fascinates me about this city is how you always get to see something interesting every single day you go there. I figured out that I have so many photos of New York, that I need to at least post a few of them on my blog. It is not just a glimpse of the city through the eyes of a tourist but also through the eyes of an occasional passerby. I will be posting the photos in a series of blog posts because I don’t want all the photos to get jumbled up in one single post.

The iconic Times Square is a must visit on your trip to New York. It is what defines New York! The liveliness of Times Square just gets into you. You can feel it in the air the moment you make your way towards it. There is something mesmerizing about it.

times-square

Maybe it’s because of the hundreds of huge billboards flashing, the bustling activity all around, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and roasted peanuts & chestnuts wafting through the air… I could go on! But most locals will try to avoid it while heading to work or during the rush hour because of the super ginormous crowd. Make your way up the famous red stairs and get ready to pose for your camera! And oh… who can forget the famous ball drop on New Year’s Eve for which people from all over the world come to witness it. 

Times-square-NYC

Rockefeller Center located in the heart of midtown Manhattan and just minutes away from Times Square, is an attraction not to be missed. 

rockefeller-center

As winter approaches the area is turned into a skating rink while in the summer the Rock Center Cafe is spread out across that area. (I have been a witness to a couple of sweet, romantic proposals on this very ice skating rink… how adorable, right?!) Whatever season you come, it will surely create magical memories in your hearts. 

rockefeller-center

Rockefeller-center-newyork

rockefeller-center

I would highly recommend making your way to the ‘Top of the Rock!’ It’s a lovely experience and although people say you gotta go up the Empire State, many locals say skip it and go to the Top of the Rock because you get the view of the Empire State straight across from there. 

Newyork

One tip that I would like to share is that whenever you’re going to get a view from atop, try and check the sunset on the day you are visiting and book an hour before sunset. That way, you will get to see the city in daylight, catch a scenic sunset with all its glory, as well as view the city brightly lit up that looks like jewels on a crown.

Head over to the magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral which is right across the street from the Rockefeller Center. 

st-patricks-cathedral

Amazing and grandiose architecture awaits you as you make your way inside it.

st-patricks-cathedral

Whether you stay in or around  NYC, or whether you have already visited it, I hope I tickled your memory just a bit. And for those of you who have it in your bucket list, I hope you got intrigued even more! Like I said, I will be making more posts as time goes by so that I can give justice to all the beautiful places in the ‘Big Apple.’ Meanwhile, you can also check my post on Central Park which I wrote some time back.

Happy Blogging & Keep on Smiling!

MummyTravels
Travel Monkey

XOXO

Smiling Notes

 

140 Comments

  • Reply

    1world2feet

    November 22, 2015

    Awesome NYC photos!

  • Reply

    tetaventures

    November 22, 2015

    I love NYC, and i love this post. Hope I can visit this place one day. God willing. Good pictures!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 22, 2015

      Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I’m sure you will get to visit it soon!! Best wishes! ?

  • Reply

    Jim

    November 22, 2015

    wonderful pics

  • Reply

    The Thought Card

    November 22, 2015

    I am a New Yorker and support your statement that you can see and experience something different everyday. On tonight’s train ride, a man decided to light a cigarette and smoke in the car (totally illegal) . It was so bizarre, but totally random just like NY.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 22, 2015

      Haha omg so bizarre yet random like you said! My hubby takes the subway everyday too and he says the same thing about it ?

  • Reply

    MyKabulKitchen

    November 22, 2015

    Loved reading your perspective on NYC, and your pictures are stunning! I lived in NY a few years, and interestingly this is a city that has never captured my heart…a bit too flashy, crowded and commercialized.
    My favorite spots in the city are SOHO and the Upper East Side, like most people in NY I avoided Times Square, but your pictures capture the wonder and pleasure of the crowd and lights that make NY so special 🙂

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 22, 2015

      SOHO and upper east side are truly lovely! And yes you are right in the sense that often people who stay in New York or go there regularly sometimes end up not appreciating it… The crowd and the traffic can sometimes get too much! So glad you liked my post ?

  • Reply

    Freda @ Aromatic essence

    November 22, 2015

    beautiful captures Shamira! I got a chance to visit most of the places, except Rockefeller Center 🙁 We went at a good time to the Empire state building, got to see the view in daylight, sunset and brightly lit city 🙂

  • Reply

    Afrika Bohemian

    November 23, 2015

    Your pictures are incredible, thanks so much, now New York is on my bucket list

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      That’s so good to know sweetie!! Thank you so much!! ? hope you visit New York soon!

  • Reply

    mopana

    November 23, 2015

    NY is on my BucketList 🙂

  • Reply

    anroworld

    November 23, 2015

    Fantastic post about NY…I love it. This city is really special! Great! Keep on smiling and have productive week!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Yes NY is indeed special! Thank you so much! Have a lovely week ahead too! ?

  • Reply

    Traveling Rockhopper

    November 23, 2015

    it’s great! You take really amazing pictures!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Thanks a lot!! Really appreciate your sweet comment ?

  • Reply

    Margaretha

    November 23, 2015

    I feel like I have just visited! Thank you!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Aww.. That’s the best compliment! Thank you so much!! ?

  • Reply

    Erika Kind

    November 23, 2015

    I definitely have to check St. Patrick’s Cathedral the next time I am in NYC. I have been to Manhatten three times and I love it. Thank you for these insights! You brought up beautiful memories!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Thank you so much Erika!! Yeah next time you should definitely go to St. Patrick’s cathedral! Really happy to know that you liked the post ?

  • Reply

    BunKaryudo

    November 23, 2015

    Love the photographs! It looks to me that you caught both the excitement and the beauty of the city very well.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Thanks a lot for your sweet comment..really appreciate it! ?

  • Reply

    tareakrahman

    November 23, 2015

    superb

  • Reply

    simplygailg

    November 23, 2015

    Beautiful photos! Although I’m in NY, I like to pretend I’m a tourist whenever I visit Times Square. ?

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Hahha I do the same whenever I go to Times Square too! It’s fun that way! ? thanks a lot for your sweet comment ?

  • Reply

    Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    Some stunning photographs of New York by Smiling Notes. Great photography.

  • Reply

    dgkaye

    November 23, 2015

    Beautiful descriptions and photos. I came to visit from Sally’s blog. 🙂 Shared!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Welcome! Thank you so much for visiting and glad you liked the post! 🙂

  • Reply

    Ben Redgell

    November 23, 2015

    Your pictures have made me miss being in New York so much! One of my favourite things I did whilst I was there was get the subway over to Brooklyn and walk down to the water and look back at the incredible skyline at night. I only had my phone so got no photos to do it justice but I would definitely recommend it if you are ever in the area!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Wow! That would have been so amazing! I always watch the skyline whenever I get a chance and view it from the Hoboken riverfront which is the closest to me but yeah the view from Brooklyn must be indeed amazing!! Thanks for sharing and for checking out my post ?

  • Reply

    Gigi Sedlmayer

    November 23, 2015

    Great pictures, now I know how NY looks like, Never been there. thank you

  • Reply

    Karen

    November 23, 2015

    Really great photos. We went to a wedding reception at the top of the rock and you are right about the view at sunset and then as it gets dark…just wonderful.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Wow!! It must have been a beautiful wedding!! Thanks a lot for checking out my post..glad you liked it ?

  • Reply

    ddr_74

    November 23, 2015

    Cannot. Wait. To. Go. Back. Loved the post so much! Thank you for sharing the amazing photos!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      And New York cannot wait for your visit once again! 😉 Thank you so much for your sweet words… really made me happy!

  • Reply

    Jessie

    November 23, 2015

    Lovely photos! Hope to visit nyc someday

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Thanks a lot dearie… Hope your dream comes true soon! ???

  • Reply

    any1mark66

    November 23, 2015

    Great advise. I love the idea of seeing the Empire State Building from the “top of the rock”. Great pictures as well. I’m more about the lonely place, but your post gives me hope about going there. ?

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Yes, sometimes even I prefer lonely places over crowded cities but sometimes it’s fun to get lost in the crowd too ? Glad you liked the post. Thanks a lot ?

  • Reply

    beefyisfeebz

    November 23, 2015

    I just returned to DC from New York. Saw the Broadway musical with Deaf cast “Spring Awakening” with some friends on the weekend. 🙂 I am beguiled by NYC.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Wow I haven’t seen that musical yet.. it must be pretty amazing right? Thanks a lot for visiting my blog ?

  • Reply

    lorieb

    November 23, 2015

    I have only been to NYC once, and just for a short visit. You just reminded me why I want to go back someday!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 23, 2015

      Thank you so much… Hope you get to visit again soon!! ?

  • Reply

    Love Served Daily

    November 23, 2015

    Such great pics

  • Reply

    Lynz Real Cooking

    November 24, 2015

    Wow your photos are quite amazing! I have only been to the airport haha on the way to Saudi! These pictures do make me want to visit. It has never held any interest for me because it seems scary and big but it does look very exciting through you lens!! I might think about it!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 24, 2015

      Thank you so much Lynn!! You should definitely visit someday.. although it’s crowded and can be a little too busy for some people, I’m sure you will love it!! ?

  • Reply

    Linda

    November 24, 2015

    Great photos! Love NYC!! I try and visit there once a quarter 🙂 Thanks for the reminder!! 🙂

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 24, 2015

      Thanks a lot Linda… glad you liked my post! 🙂

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  • Reply

    themissshweta

    November 24, 2015

    You know how much I adore your pics 🙂 Keep the awesomeness coming ?

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 24, 2015

      Yes girl…and I know you wanna visit New York! Hope your wish comes true soon! And Thanks a lot for your sweet words ?

  • Reply

    Vajeea

    November 24, 2015

    beautiful pics and description!

  • Reply

    shanx

    November 24, 2015

    Nice captures and a good post Shamira 🙂

  • Reply

    macjam47

    November 24, 2015

    Wonderful post. Your pictures are beautiful.

  • Reply

    maynotbesoanonymous

    November 24, 2015

    I have always wanted to go to NYC but unfortunately, I’m on the other side of the globe. In the near future though, I will. Your post just made me want to there right now and be enchanted personally by this concrete jungle. Thank you!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 24, 2015

      Thanks a lot for visiting my blog…glad that you liked my post! I hope your wish comes true and you get to visit NYC soon!! ???

  • Reply

    Rachel Ann

    November 25, 2015

    Visiting NYC this spring. My hubby hasn’t ever been before. 🙂 Great list!! I appreciated your tid bit about “Top of the Rock,” vs. Empire State Building!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 25, 2015

      Yay for NYC visit! Hope you guys have a lot of fun..especially more coz like you said, it’s your hubby’s first time here! Glad you like that little piece of info.. it is what most locals say although some people go all out and go on top of both 😀

  • Reply

    Arielle

    November 25, 2015

    Gorgeous pictures! Your post make me want to go back to NYC so much 🙂

  • Reply

    dray0308

    November 29, 2015

    Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
    Meet Smiling Notes!!

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  • Reply

    kirapebbles

    December 1, 2015

    My mum and I have had our heart set on visiting New York for so long, only ever been to York unfortunately!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      December 1, 2015

      Hope you get to visit New York soon honey!! ?

      • Reply

        kirapebbles

        December 1, 2015

        I hope so, it’s expensive to travel to America I guess, we went to Florida in 2011, we missed it as soon as we got home. We didn’t miss the food! ?

  • Reply

    Tikeetha T

    December 4, 2015

    Beautiful blog. I found you on Dream Big Dream Often’s Meet and Greet.

  • Reply

    60-TheNew40.com (@CoolTweed)

    December 8, 2015

    Thanks so much for sharing these gorgeous photos of New York. Really good photography that makes me feel like I am with you seeing it all. Oh well one day maybe 🙂 .
    Kathleen, Pit Stop Crew

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      December 8, 2015

      Thank you so much for your words of appreciation 🙂

  • Reply

    gwyncurbygodwin

    December 8, 2015

    What wonderful photos and tips of where to go. NYC is on my Dream List of places to visit.

  • Reply

    patriciaruthsusan

    December 10, 2015

    Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures of New York City. 🙂 — Suzanne Joshi

  • Reply

    brickthomas

    December 10, 2015

    That was a great tour! Thanks. Your photography is fantastic and the concept for your blog most interesting. I have never visited NYC but will but until then I’ll be following your blog. Also thank you for stopping swinging by my blog.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      December 10, 2015

      Thank you so much! I’m really happy that you find my blog interesting! You have a wonderful blog!! Hope to stay connected with you ?

  • Reply

    Ann

    December 13, 2015

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts and pictures of one of my favorite cities in the world :-).

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      December 13, 2015

      Thank you so much for checking out my post.. Glad you liked it ?

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  • Reply

    Monika

    January 2, 2016

    I came back from NYC on 1st dec 2015.. Was staying in 44th street.. stayed there for 3 months.. me and my husband used to sit on the red stairs of times square, sipping coffee and chitchatting once every week ? we used go for walks everyday in 5th and 6th avenues.. loved this post of urs.. Love NYC.. miss NYC.. would love to settle there sometime ?

  • Reply

    Monika

    January 2, 2016

    The empire state experience was breathtaking.. visited during sunset.. and it was truly the best view ever ?

  • Reply

    vanbytheriver

    January 2, 2016

    Saw your link on the DBDO Meet and Greet. I love NYC. You’ve captured some of my favorite places. ☺ Beautiful photos. And because the city is not for everyone….https://vanbytheriver.wordpress.com/2015/12/29/urban-anxiety/

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      January 2, 2016

      Thanks for visiting my blog.. I’m happy that you liked my post 🙂

  • Reply

    Michelle Malone

    January 2, 2016

    Great post! Thanks for sharing. I hope to make it to New York sometime this year.

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  • Reply

    Benjamin Tietjen

    January 18, 2016

    Well done, my dear.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      January 18, 2016

      Thanks a lot Benjamin! Appreciate your comment 🙂

  • Reply

    Kat

    January 19, 2016

    As usual, pictures of New York take my breath away. I have never been to NY, in fact, my boyfriend is on his way to NY now for a 2-week work conference but I’m not able to join him because of my busy work schedule 🙁 Hope I get there some day… #MondayEscapes

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      January 19, 2016

      Thank you so much for visiting my blog.. so happy you liked my post. Hope you get to visit NY soon! 🙂

  • Reply

    Tanja

    January 19, 2016

    great photos! I wish to visit NYC!#monday escapes

  • Reply

    MummyTravels

    January 19, 2016

    It’s too long since I was last in New York – your post has brought back lots of happy memories, and I must try to get back soon with my daughter to see yet another side of the city. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      January 22, 2016

      Thanks a lot for such a great platform to share travel posts 🙂 glad you liked my post!

  • Reply

    Wander Mum

    January 20, 2016

    You have definitely tickled my memory! Love New York – not least because it is where I got engaged (in Central Park)! We went to the top of the Rock but I don’t think we were savvy enough to get the day & night slot – good tip! Thanks for linking to #citytripping x

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      January 20, 2016

      Wow.. you are so lucky to get engaged in Central Park!! Glad you liked my post. Thank you for your sweet words 🙂 I recently came across your blog and love it.. the linky parties are awesome! 🙂

      • Reply

        Wander Mum

        January 20, 2016

        Thank you! Glad to have discovered your blog too. Thanks for joining in the linky fun! Xx

        • Reply

          Smiling Notes

          January 20, 2016

          Always a pleasure. Looking forward to staying connected with you 🙂
          xoxo

  • Reply

    mytravelmonkey

    January 29, 2016

    I love NYC, having been twice. I don’t think you could ever get bored of it? Great photos, you really capture the atmosphere of this buzzing city. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes hope to see you again – p.s please could you add our badge next time 🙂

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      January 29, 2016

      Thank you so much..! True.. I don’t think anyone can ever get bored of it ? will definitely love to add your badge .. Doing it now ??

  • Reply

    Cath

    February 5, 2016

    I loved your post and would love to revisit NY. I was last there in 1980something! and I remember my dad being so worried about us getting mugged that he wouldn’t let us walk anywhere without him being two steps behind us!!! My daughter was there a few years ago and my son was there last October and raved about the place and the people….I really want to go back and see the places that I missed!!
    Thanks so much for sharing on Fun Friday Favourites with Cath@Home.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 5, 2016

      Thanks for stopping by and I’m so happy to share my post on ‘fun Friday fav’
      I hope you get to visit NY again soon.. I’m sure you will have a lovely time!! Thanks a lot once again ? hoping to stay connected with you!

  • Reply

    Marie-AZ

    February 6, 2016

    I have always loved visiting NYC! We had an awesome time in 1986 when the Statue of Liberty was re-dedicated for its anniversary after a thorough cleaning, and there was the most incredible city-wide celebration including tall ships and explosive, dramatic fireworks. We were there a week, and loved every minute. Been back a number of times. You’re right…you see something new each time you go. Just walking past Tiffany’s I looked in a display window and saw Empress Josephine’s crown jewels! It blew me away! Only in New York!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 6, 2016

      Wow! That must have been an incredible experience Marie! Thanks for sharing.. I can only imagine the excitement during that time! Thanks a lot
      For stopping by!!

  • Reply

    Holistic Wayfarer

    February 14, 2016

    Fabulous photos…of my old stomping grounds. I went to high school in the City, too. I’m glad not to be raising my son there, though!

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  • Reply

    Vlad

    February 22, 2016

    LOVING YOUR BLOG POST AND PHOTOS. Always enjoying seeing a city I haven’t been to yet!:).

  • Reply

    Priya

    February 22, 2016

    This is such a nice read. I am planning a visit there soon so this post does help a lot! Thanks.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 22, 2016

      Thanks a lot Priya… I’m really happy you liked it. Thanks for stopping by.

  • Reply

    Simply Save

    February 22, 2016

    Great pictures! Looks like a fun time!

  • Reply

    Lovely photos!

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