Everybody thinks about Manhattan when they say they are going to NYC 🗽 but, in fact, there is much to see in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and NJ. Besides NJ, the other boroughs are pretty accessible with the subway – however, I say that – and yet, I have barely done any of these things myself – and in many ways, this list is not too different from the yet-to-come list, the only difference is that here the emphasis is on outside of Manhattan. To get to NJ, there are a few subway stations where you take the PATH train. Seems easy enough…

New Jersey

There are several things on my bucket list in NJ, but I have yet to make it to other places than Newark Airport (which is a nuisance if you have too much luggage – see Transport, entry #2). Just across the river, on the other shore, besides offering a great skyline view, several places seem worth visiting.

On the other side of the southern part of Manhattan is Liberty State Park, from where there is a nice view of the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Science Center. A museum that is high on my list to visit (https://www.lsc.org/). If you have a Bank of America account, you can get in for free during the first full weekend of each month. The downside to free days is that they often tend to be overcrowded.

There is also a Grammy Museum if you are into music – another thing on my Wishlist, and I hope to make it there in the near future – then I will report back/update this entry. For now, you can check out their online exhibitions: https://www.grammymuseumexp.org/virtual-exhibits/

Brooklyn

Having spent much time in Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn, I have seen quite a bit between there and Brooklyn Bridge… But Brooklyn is huge, and there are many areas I have yet to wander. Prospect Park is the Central Park of Brooklyn and also has a cute little Zoo, which is less crowded than the Bronx Zoo, and a lot more accessible. There are also peacocks walking between the tables, begging you to share your lunch, or goats you can feed (not near the lunch tables...). It is a lovely little retreat. Adjacent to the park is Brooklyn Museum, which houses contemporary and ancient art. A little for everybody. I have heard that the Children’s Museum in Brooklyn is pretty cool, and I will have to stop by someday.

Brooklyn has a bit more European vibe to it, as it isn’t as tall, it is super walkable, and the brownstone houses often have front yards (even if it is just concrete and a few steps…) - all of which allows for a completely different level of community and neighborhood charm. They also stoop - that is, people simply put things they do not need out in from their gate or on the steps, and as you walk by, you can glimpse through it and take what you like. As they say, one man’s trash, another man’s treasure. We have found a lot of treasures - as well as contributed as much for passersby to pick up, including the golden birthday balloons for my birthday one year. I have picked up some neat books and some cool Native American lamps, and the kids have found loads of toys, including practically unused Duplo Legos and a batmobile, just to mention a few!

Coney Island at the end of the F line should be worth a visit and is crowded if you go on a hot summer day. I can inform you that my shark tracker app tells me that the waters around NY and continuing south leaves little interest in me entering (which is entirely irrational) - I am sure I am the only one feeling that way... A fun fact is that the sharks have always loved this coast, and just down in Maryland and by the Chesapeake Bay, you have the best chance at locating fossilized shark teeth dating back some few million years – which I love doing! So, if you want a real trip out of the city – go look for shark teeth. You might even be lucky to find a megalodon tooth!

Brooklyn, particularly Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, and Cobble Hill, offer many opportunities for cozy dining, including sidewalk seating. You may spot a few celebrities who generally can walk unnoticed, or at least undisturbed, around these areas. Some Celebes spotted are Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Peter Dinklage… and then there are all the ones I would not recognize!

Queens

The Queens is on the other side of upper East Manhattan, with Roosevelt Island in between (see entry #3). Some notable locations include the NY Historic Landmark of Louis Armstrong House – where he lived with his wife until he passed away in 1971. Being one of the most iconic musicians of his time, this is a must-visit. The Museum of the Moving Image is located in historic Astoria. As the name implies, the focus is on immersive media, so you should visit if you are interested in films. Queens Museum, in addition to being affordable compared to many other art museums, is known for having NYC’s largest panorama/diorama model! So, a stop in Queens could easily be a full-day excursion.

Upper Manhattan/Bronx

Located on the Hudson River, the Met Cloisters are worth a visit. Five medieval French cloisters have been quarried to build this spectacular castle housing the Met Museum’s medieval art and architecture collections, including famous Unicorn Tapestries. There is also the Bronx Museum of the Arts, which in addition to being free, has contemporary art installations and seems like a worthwhile outing.

The Bronx Zoo – this zoo is giant! There are free tickets every Wednesday (see https://ticketing.wcs.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=WEDBZ&c=BXWED), but you need to book these in advance, and capacity may have been reached, so even if you show up willing to pay, you may not be able to get in. The zoo has a bunch of add-ons, but even without paying extra, there is a lot to see. However, I recommend the tram ride through the park as an excellent way to view animals and get a good overview. Parking can also be a bit of a hassle, and you might be better off catching a ride there!

Something for kids

Having spent much time in New York with little kids, I have a few recommendations; however, these are not necessarily budget-friendly and could require more planning or car access.

There is no shortage of zoos: Central Park, Prospect Park, and the Bronx Zoo -all worthwhile. If zoo’s are not your thing, but you love animals; alternatively, there are animal farms, such as https://www.whitepostfarms.com/, where you can feed carrots to giraffes or where you hold a stick with seeds on and the colorful birds come and sit on your shoulder or finger while eating. Quite entertaining, and not least feeding the goats, donkeys, and zebras - the food you draw in a machine for 25 cents.

A few hours north of NYC, there is a newly build Legoland. A quick search will also offer local Playlands. There are old, beautiful carousels in Central Park and in Dumbo (just across Brooklyn Bridge). It seems there are playgrounds on any open square, and you do not have to walk far. The quality might differ a bit, but a nice trend is that most, if not all, have soft padding – so the children don’t hurt themselves as much if they fall. Likewise, many have a designated area where water sprays during the summer which is truly fantastic as it gets so hot and humid. Some are timed, some run constantly, and some come with a button. Just bring a spare set of clothes. Central Park along 5th Avenue has one playground after the other.

Governor Island is also fun for the kids, not least the ferry trip, just like going on the Staten Island ferry, which offers a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Other than that, there are Lego stores, firefighter museums, boating on the lake in Central Park for kids over 3 years old, and many other activities 