Here is a throwback to December 2023, when I finally made it back to New York after my last visit in 2009! It was a truly special experience shared with a good friend. We kicked off the adventure by checking off a major bucket list item – seeing the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. The city was sparkling with holiday magic! We got our adrenaline pumping at an ice hockey game at Madison Square Garden, then took a deep dive into history and science at the Intrepid Museum. Our sightseeing journey also led us to the breathtaking ONE World Observatory, where we got sweeping views of the city. A scenic ferry ride gave us a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty, and one of the highlights was definitely the Dyker Heights Christmas Light Tour, where we marveled at the stunning holiday displays. In between, we found time to embrace our inner geeks at the Nintendo and Harry Potter Stores. The trip also included a whimsical highlight: a Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea at The Cauldron. It felt like stepping into a magical world, blending perfectly with the enchanting charm of the season. Every corner of the city radiated holiday magic, making this journey an unforgettable celebration of the season and a treasure trove of memories for years to come.

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Accommodation

Flushing Hotel
36-38 Main St, Flushing
NY 11354, US
+17188888668
flushinghotelnewyork.com

Day 1: Sightseeing & Harry Potter Afternoon Tea

The first day in New York was all about sightseeing and it didn’t disappoint! We started the day with a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, taking in the stunning views of the city skyline and the East River. From there, we made our way to the Twin Towers and paid our respects at the 9/11 Memorial Pools, a truly moving experience.

At 13:00, we had an exciting reservation for a Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Cauldron. It was magical! The Harry Potter-themed experience felt like stepping into the wizarding world, with delicious treats and an enchanting atmosphere that was totally worth it.

After tea, we ventured over to the Ghostbusters Headquarters, capturing a few fun moments before heading out. We ended our day with some delicious snacks and drinks at a Japanese Izakaya in Flushing, enjoying the warm, cozy vibe and yummy dishes.

☆ The Cauldron NYC Downtown (Harry Potter Afternoon Tea)
47 Stone St, New York, NY 10004, United States
It seems that The Cauldron Downtown is permanently closed…
There is one at 127 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001

☆ Ghostbuster Headquarters
14 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013, United States

☆ Izakaya Nana
141-28 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, United States

Day 2: Intrepid Museum & Ice Hockey Game

Day two in New York brought a little rain, but it worked out perfectly as we visited the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The exhibits were fascinating, offering a deep dive into history, with everything from aircraft carriers to spacecraft. It was a great way to spend a rainy day, exploring some of the most impressive pieces of American history.

In the evening, we headed to Madison Square Garden for an exciting ice hockey game between the New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks. The atmosphere was absolutely electric – I have never experienced a match like this before! The energy from the crowd, the fast-paced action on the ice and the overall excitement made it a next-level experience. It was one of the highlights of the trip and I could not have asked for a better way to immerse myself in the local sports culture.

☆ Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
Weekday 10:00 – 17:00 / Weekend 10:00 – 18:00
Adult $38 / Senior $36 / Child $28
intrepidmuseum.org

Day 3: ONE World Observatory, Statue of Liberty, Harry Potter Store

We started the next day with a visit to the ONE World Observatory at 11:10. I had booked our tickets online in advance, which not only made the process smoother but also saved us a bit of money. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking! From the 100th floor, we had a 360-degree panoramic view of New York City. The interactive exhibits and displays enhanced the experience, giving us a deeper understanding of the city’s history, culture and architecture. The observation deck was spacious and you could easily spend time taking in the sights, snapping photos and just enjoying the vastness of the city.

For lunch, I had prebooked a table at Restaurant ONE Dine, located within the ONE World Observatory. The food was not only delicious but paired with that incredible view, it made the meal even more memorable.

After lunch, we hopped on the Staten Island Ferry for a scenic ride. The ferry ride took about 25 minutes each way and it is free for all passengers, making it a great way to take in views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The statue loomed beautifully in the distance as we sailed past and we couldn’t resist snapping a few pictures. The ride itself was peaceful and relaxing, offering an amazing perspective of the city from the water.

Once back in Manhattan, we headed straight to the Harry Potter Store, which was a dream come true for any wizarding world fan! The store was huge, filled with an array of magical merchandise, including wands, clothing and accessories. I could not resist picking up some postcards and souvenirs to remember the experience by.

For dinner, we headed back to the Flushing area and enjoyed a Japanese BBQ at Restaurant Gyu-Kaku. Though it was a bit on the pricier side, the experience was well worth it. We had the option to choose from various all-you-can-eat menus.

☆ ONE World Observatory
117 West St, New York, NY 10007, United States
Daily 09:00 – 21:00
Buy tickets online to save time and money!
oneworldobservatory.com

☆ Staten Island Ferry (free)
4 South St, New York, NY 10004, United States
Timetable: nyc.gov

☆ Harry Potter Store
935 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, United States
Daily 09:00 – 21:00 (Sunday until 19:00)

☆ Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
40-52 Main St floor 2, Flushing, NY 11354, United States
Daily 11:30 – 22:00 (Fri & Sat until 03:00)

Day 4: Japan Village & Dyker Heights Christmas Light Tour

I started the day with a delicious breakfast of soufflé pancakes at Flipper’s, a spot I know from Japan. It was the perfect way to begin the day with its light, fluffy texture and sweet syrup. After breakfast, I spent some time shopping around the area, checking out Korean and Japanese cosmetics and picking up some Heattech clothing from Uniqlo – perfect for the chilly weather.

Later, we headed to Japan Village in Brooklyn, a hidden gem that offers a taste of Japanese culture and cuisine right in New York. The village had a variety of shops and eateries, making it a great place to immerse yourself in Japanese food, snacks and other goods.

After exploring, we made our way toward the Dyker Heights Christmas Light Tour in the evening. Our tour was scheduled for 18:45 and we had prebooked a walking tour for $35, which lasted about 90 minutes. However, after about 30 minutes of walking through the area, we accidentally lost the group, lol. Thankfully, we quickly realized that Dyker Heights is very easy to explore on your own and we took our time walking through the neighborhood, marveling at the over-the-top Christmas light displays. The houses were decorated to the nines, with thousands of twinkling lights, giant inflatable Santas and elaborate Christmas scenes, creating a magical winter wonderland atmosphere. It was like stepping into a holiday movie. Dyker Heights is famous for its incredible holiday decorations and every block had something unique and special to see. The Dyker Heights Christmas light display was undoubtedly the highlight of my trip!

After the tour, we were ready for dinner and stumbled upon a fantastic sushi spot (Abe Sushi) in the area. The sushi was incredibly fresh and tasty, making it the ideal way to wrap up a day filled with adventure and festive spirit.

☆ Flipper’s
337 W Broadway Unit A, New York, NY 10013, United States
Weekday 09:00 – 17:00 / Weekend 08:00 – 18:00

☆ Japan Village
934 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232, United States
Daily 11:00 – 20:00 (Fri & Sat until 21:00)

☆ Dyker Heights Christmas Light Tour
1072 80th St 1st. Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11228, United States
We booked a tour online for $35 but you can also explore the area on your own.
dykerheightschristmaslights.com

Day 5: Nintendo New York & Christmas Tree at Rockefeller

On the fifth day, we headed back to Manhattan for some souvenir shopping. We stopped by Little Italy for a pizza and it was easily one of the best I have ever had! The thin, crispy crust and the topping made it unforgettable. After that, we made our way to Nintendo New York, a must-visit for any Nintendo fan. The store was huge, with a variety of gaming merchandise to unique collectibles. It is a paradise for gamers and anyone who loves the world of Nintendo. Fun fact: Did you know that the doors at the Nintendo New York store are still the original ones from the Pokémon Center from the 2000s? It is a neat little piece of history that adds to the charm of the store!

As the store was right next to Rockefeller Center, we could not miss another chance to see the iconic Christmas tree. It was just as magical as before and the atmosphere around the area was so festive, with ice skating happening at the rink nearby and all the windows beautifully decorated for the season. The whole area had a wonderful holiday vibe that made it even more special.

In the evening, we went to Times Square and had dinner at the Marriott Marquis, which a friend had recommended for its amazing view of the bustling square. We originally wanted to go for brunch, but we could not find an available slot, so dinner it was – and it turned out to be an excellent choice! The meal was fantastic and the view of Times Square lit up at night was absolutely stunning.

After dinner, we made our way back to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and the light shows. The grand display was a perfect way to wrap up the day, and as our last days in New York were approaching, we soaked in every moment of the holiday magic.

☆ Nintendo New York
10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020, United States
Daily 11:00 – 20:00 (Sunday until 19:00)

☆ New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, United States
Book a table online @ Broadway Lounge!
broadwaylounge.nyc

Day 6 & last Day: Shopping & Cinema

On the last day, I spent some time shopping, and surprisingly, I felt much more comfortable in the Flushing area than in the hustle and bustle of the city! I think it was because there were so many Asians, which gave me a sense of familiarity (almost like being back in Japan HAHA). The region was vibrant, filled with various Asian restaurants and unique stores that made it a fun place to explore.

We also had a spontaneous idea to go to the cinema, and it turned out to be an amazing experience. We went to see the latest Hunger Games movie at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Lower Manhattan and it added another highlight to the trip. I had never experienced a cinema like this before! The seats were incredibly comfortable, with adjustable footrests and we could even order (XXL!!) food and drinks, which were brought directly to our seats. It was literally awesome!

To wrap up our final day, we treated ourselves to a delicious Korean BBQ at San Soo Kap San, the perfect way to enjoy our last evening in New York. The food was amazing and the whole experience was the perfect end to an unforgettable trip.

☆ Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Lower Manhattan
28 Liberty St Suite SC301, New York, NY 10005, United States
drafthouse.com/nyc/

☆ San Soo Kap San Korean BBQ
138-13 Union St, Flushing, NY 11354, United States
Daily 10:00 – 22:00 (Sunday until 00:00)

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Useful Travel Tips for New York

Entry Requirements for Swiss Citizen
Swiss citizens with a valid passport are entitled to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for tourism, business or transit purposes for stays of up to 90 days.

Swiss citizens must apply for an ESTA (valid for 2 years or until the passport expires / $21 USD) online before traveling! Official Website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Currency
The currency of New York is the United States Dollar (USD), often symbolized by the “$” sign. As of January 2025, one USD is approximately equivalent to 0.97 EUR or 0.91 CHF.

Adapter
The power sockets in the United States are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.

Transportation
https://new.mta.info/fares
New York City’s transportation system, operated by the MTA, includes the extensive 24/7 subway and bus networks, which can be accessed using OMNY (contactless payments via credit/debit cards, mobile wallets or OMNY cards) or traditional MetroCards, while taxis, rideshares, ferries and bike-sharing services like CitiBike also provide convenient travel options throughout the city. We had the 7-day pass, which costs 34 USD, if I am not mistaken.

Sightseeing & Attractions
New York City’s attractions are diverse and spread out, so be prepared to explore by foot to fully experience the city’s vibrant landmarks and cultural spots!

• Statue of Liberty – Iconic symbol of freedom, located on Liberty Island, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
• Empire State Building – Famous Art Deco skyscraper with observation decks providing panoramic views of Manhattan.
• Central Park – Expansive urban park offering walking paths, lakes and recreational activities in the heart of the city.
• Times Square – Bustling commercial and entertainment hub, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters and vibrant atmosphere.
• Broadway – The world’s most famous theater district, offering a variety of musicals, plays and performances throughout the year
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art – One of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, housing over two million works spanning 5,000 years of history.
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Renowned for its vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso and Warhol.
• Brooklyn Bridge – A historic suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering breathtaking views of the skyline and a scenic walking path.

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During Christmas Season

• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – See the iconic Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
• Ice Skating at Bryant Park – Enjoy ice skating on the rink, surrounded by holiday kiosks offering food, gifts and hot drinks.
• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights – Visit this Brooklyn neighborhood to see the over-the-top holiday light displays that transform the area into a festive wonderland.
• Fifth Avenue Window Displays – Stroll along Fifth Avenue to admire the incredible holiday window displays at major department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman.
• Central Park in Winter – Walk through snow-covered Central Park, or ice skate at Wollman Rink for a quintessential winter experience.
• Holiday Markets – Explore holiday markets at locations like Union Square, Columbus Circle and Bryant Park for unique gifts, crafts and festive treats.
• The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center – Experience the classic holiday ballet performance, “The Nutcracker,” a beloved NYC tradition.
• Winter Lantern Festival – Attend the stunning Winter Lantern Festival at Snug Harbor, featuring colorful Chinese-inspired lanterns.
• Christmas at the New York Botanical Garden – Visit the annual holiday train show, where model trains wind through a miniature New York City made of natural materials.
• Holiday Lights Tour – Take a guided tour to see the best holiday light displays across the city, including Dyker Heights and other festive neighborhoods.