New York holidays are full of bucket list adventures, from its panoramic skyscraper views to its Fifth Avenue shopping sprees and horse drawn carriage rides in Central Park. Split into five boroughs, there’s plenty to explore in the ‘City that Never Sleeps’. First up is Manhattan, which you probably recognise from big-screen hits, Elf and Spider-Man. It’s also home to unmissable attractions such as Times Square, the American Museum of Natural History and the Empire State Building. Over in the Bronx, you can catch the legendary Yankees in full swing before heading over to Coney Island in Brooklyn for fairground fun. But that’s not all this hotspot is renowned for. A taste of its famous deep-pan pizza will have you running back for more.
Speaking of food, Queens boasts some of the finest Asian and Greek restaurants in the Big Apple. For dessert, grab a Cronut (a glazed pastry filled with cream and rolled in sugar) and take a stroll around the innovative art at Socrates Sculpture Park. Lastly, while on your way to greet Lady Liberty, make a pit stop at Staten Island. Here you can visit the historic Richmond Town before indulging in a picnic at one of its picturesque parks. Some of New York’s diners are open 24/7 - ideal if you’re a bit jet lagged and want a 5am breakfast or 3pm dinner.
Weekend breaks to New York
Wondering how to cram in all of the city’s biggest allures with a weekend break to New York? It’s easy! Whether you’re travelling for three to four or even five nights, you can tick off world-famous sights such as the Top of the Rock, the Metropolitan Art Museum, and a Broadway show all in one go, thanks to their close proximity.
After all, it only takes 45 minutes to walk from the Empire State Building to Lower Manhattan. Along the way, you’ll discover SoHo’s designer boutiques, including Alexandra Wang and French fashion house Chloé. That’s when you’re not taking in the scenic vistas of the Hudson River, of course.
And New York city breaks aren’t complete without Instagram-worthy snaps of its skyline. Make your way up to the 102nd floor of the One World Trade Center for unforgettable panoramic views. Top tip: Head here on a Friday or Saturday evening when the observation deck is open until 9pm to witness the city light up under the stars.
Things to do
As America’s largest city, the Big Apple has plenty going on (hence its nickname, the City that Never Sleeps). Food fanatics, in particular, will appreciate Time Out Market. Here, you can make your way through street food-style stalls sampling culinary treats from the area’s greatest chefs and biggest restaurants. But if corndogs and cotton candy are more your cup of tea, Coney Island is a must. And don’t forget to ride its jaw-dropping Cyclone rollercoaster (maybe not after filling your face at Time Out Market)!
Superman fans can marvel at movie hotspot Grand Central Station and its awe-inspiring architecture. But for rare artefacts, paintings and books dating back 4,000 BC, The Morgan Library and Museum is a time capsule of historical relics. When evening falls, it’s all singing and dancing over at Broadway with all-time favourites Phantom of the Opera and Beetlejuice hitting the stage. Or, you can catch a Knicks’ game at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.
Great sights
The first time you visit NYC it almost feels like you’ve been there before due to its cinema screen fame. From the Statue of Liberty in the Day After Tomorrow to the Chrysler Building in Men in Black and Central Park Zoo in Madagascar, New York city breaks are packed with familiar sights. And if you want a sneak peek of where these blockbuster hits were filmed, a movie tour is the answer.
Famous culture
Whether you’re tucking into a hearty stack of American pancakes, downloading the latest hip-hop, jazz and soul tunes to your Spotify playlist or building your knowledge on Harlem’s Renaissance movement, New York holidays are rich in culture. And the best place to soak up its heritage is through lectures at the New York Public Library. Or at events such as its iconic St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Year-round destination
For those of you who’ve watched Home Alone: Lost in New York or a Miracle on 34th Street, you’ll know how magical the Big Apple can be over winter as it gears up for the festive season. From Macy’s Thanksgiving street processions to the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony and Christmas shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue. But summer is just as impressive as you swap ice-skating in Central Park for picnics by the Green Lawn duck pond and rooftop cocktails on soaring skyscrapers.
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