One of the world’s most renowned cities, New York is a melting pot of incredible monuments, bustling streets, and never-ending nightlife. Holidays in New York are an amazing experience and there’s no end to what you can do during your stay.
If you’re wondering what should be on your itinerary for a trip to New York, here’s our top picks…
Central Park is 843 acres of parkland bliss, and is where many New Yorkers and tourists spend their spare time. More than just a grassy patch of land, the park is home to many events and attractions, such as the Belvedere Castle, the Shakespeare in the Park series, and Central Park Zoo. With so much open space to explore, you won’t be able to see it all during one trip!
Rockefeller Plaza, or the ‘Top of the Rock’ as it is called, shouldn’t be missed! Observation decks on the 68th-70th floors of this famous building provide fabulous views of the New York skyline, and when you’re done, you can visit the ice skating rink or book yourself into the NBC Behind-the-Scenes tour for a true taste of American TV culture. You may even spot a celebrity!
She’s the symbol of all that is free in America and no trip to New York is complete without a trip to the Statue of Liberty! She has been on Liberty Island since the late 1880s, when she was donated to America by the French. To get up close with her, catch a ferry to Liberty Island, or stop at the nearby Ellis Island for some wonderful views.
It’s where New Yorkers and tourists alike love to spend New Year’s Eve but Times Square has much more to offer. Set in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square is home to Broadway shows, TV studios, huge neon lights and flashing billboards. It’s also one of the most visited attractions in the world, drawing almost 40 million visitors each year so if you don’t like crowds, you may want to avoid it!
If you’re an animal lover, the 265 acres of the Bronx Zoo will amaze you. One of the world’s largest zoos, it has over 600 species of animals to ogle, and popular animals include gorillas, Asian elephants, giraffes, lions and tigers. Rides and exhibits are also in abundance but don’t forget to check out the aquarium!
There are an incredible number of museums to see on your trip to New York, and the American Museum of Natural History is just one of them. From trips into outer space, to splashes into the ocean depths, to journeys back into our dinosaur past, this museum of life on Earth is a marvellous attraction for adults and kids alike.
The Brooklyn Bridge is so iconic that it would be a shame to miss it on your holiday to New York. The bridge was built in 1883 and spans across the East River, connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan. Taking a casual stroll across the pedestrian walkway is a must, and walking tours are also available. You can also catch a ferry across the river for some wonderful views, or simply relax with a meal in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
If sports are your thing, then the Big Apple is the perfect city for you, as New York is home to some of the most recognised sporting teams in the world. The Knicks, Yankees, Giants and Rangers can all be found here!
With different season start and end dates, it can be quite tricky to get to the city and experience as much of their sporting culture as possible. Here are some handy tips to help you plan…
The NFL (American football) season begins in September and runs for approximately 17 weeks. New York’s home team is the Giants, and their home ground is MetLife Stadium which is located about 30-45 minutes west of Manhattan. A NFL game runs for just over three hours, so make sure you consider this before buying tickets!
The NBA (basketball) season starts in October and usually comes to an end in June. The NYC basketball team is the New York Knicks, their team colours are orange and blue, and their home stadium is the world-famous Madison Square Gardens which is located just south of Time Square. Basketball in America has an electrifying atmosphere that doesn’t stop throughout the game, which is around 2.5 hours long. There is usually a lot of entertainment between quarters to keep the crowd excited, so you won’t be bored when seeing a game.
Maybe baseball or ice hockey is more your thing? The New York Rangers are the local hockey team and the season begins in October, whilst the Major League Baseball season runs from April through to the end of October so this is when you can attend Yankee or Met games.
There is always something to see or do in the city that never sleeps, so be sure to plan your trip well so you don’t miss anything. Why not let a Travellers Choice agent do all the hard work, and put together a memorable holiday package for you?
