Extended Weekend Getaways Are you planning a weekend trip to New York at some point soon? If you are, or if you’ve been thinking about it but you were on the fence, this is your sign to go ahead with it. New York is such a beautiful place full of culture and wonder, and it’s well worth the trip, even if you only have a few days there.
If you’ve never been before and you don’t know too much about it, you might be wondering what there is to do there, as you don’t want to spend your weekend trying to figure out what to do. The good news is that we’re here to help. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the best things to do while you’re visiting, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.
Visit Central Park
Have you heard of Central Park? We’re sure that you have seeing as it’s one of the most famous parks in the world. While you’re in New York, we strongly recommend that you take a walk through Central Park, admiring the beauty that’s there, having a seat on one of the many benches and listening to the musicians play, trying a tasty treat from one of the vendors, and generally just soaking it all in.
Chances are that it’s going to be super busy, and this doesn’t get any less busy at night. But, there are times during the day and the evening where there are less crowds, so if you’re trying to find a calmer time, you’ll need to time it just right.
The Statue Of Liberty
The famous Statue Of Liberty is another popular tourist spot. Gifted to the US by France, this statue is now seen as the symbol of New York, and has been featured in many different movies throughout the ages. The great thing about it is that it can be whatever you want it to be. If you just want to see it, head to the top and admire the view, then you can do this. Or, if you want it to be a romantic spot for a date, it can be that too.
Book your tickets in advance if you want to get up to the top to avoid any kind of disappointment.
See A Broadway Show
Also, visiting New York without seeing a Broadway show is a cardinal sin. Even if you’re not the musical kind, Broadway is magical in a way that you have never experienced before, so it’s well worth the time and money to see whatever is on. But, it can be tough to get tickets for Broadway seeing as it’s so popular, and some of the alternative purchasing sites are a little dodgy. However, if you’ve found one, a quick search should help you see if it’s legit or not. You can search queries such as ‘is Broadway.com legit’ and other sites to double check before you purchase.
New York City is one of the global hubs of international finance, politics, communications, film, music, fashion, and culture. Alongside London it’s one of only two universally acknowledged to be “World Cities” – the most important and influential cities on Earth. It’s home to many world-class museums, art galleries, and theaters. Many of the world’s largest corporations have their headquarters here. The headquarters of the United Nations is in New York and most countries have a consulate here. This city’s influence on the globe, and all its inhabitants, is hard to overstate, as decisions made within its boundaries often have impacts and ramifications across the world. Visitors to New York City in the winter months will be comforted with experiences from picturesque snowfalls to lovely hotel fireplaces (best accompanied with hot cocoa), as well as rare moments such as shorter lines at museums, easier-to-book restaurant reservations and other conveniences unique to the cold-weather months. Winter 2017 will also be the most affordable value period ever for travelers, with deals on dining, attractions and live theater, and hotels offering their lowest room rates of the year.
At the center and western edge of New York City is the borough of Manhattan, a long, narrow island nestled in a natural harbor. It is separated from The Bronx on the northeast by the Harlem River (actually a tidal strait); from Queens and Brooklyn to the east and south by the East River (also a tidal strait); and from the State of New Jersey to the west and north by the Hudson River. Staten Island lies to the southwest, across Upper New York Bay.
The term “the city” may refer either to New York City as a whole or to the borough of Manhattan alone, depending on the context. The other boroughs, which are Brooklyn, The Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens, are sometimes referred to as “the outer boroughs.” The term “upstate” generally refers to any part of the State of New York north of the city limits of the Bronx, but not neighboring New Jersey or Connecticut.
Each of the City’s five boroughs is a unique destination in itself, where free and affordable hidden gems and one-of-a-kind winter experiences await. A sampling of itineraries that feature indoor and outdoor activities by borough—all easily accessible by the City’s affordable 24-hour subway system are as follows:
• Enjoy an espresso and feast on authentic Italian food along Arthur Avenue, the “real Little Italy,” located in the Bronx’s Belmont neighborhood. The area is easy to get to on the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. Also consider exploring the Bronx Museum of the Arts, which is one of the City’s many free museums.
• Bring the family to Prospect Heights in Brooklyn, via the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q and R subway lines, where they can build snow forts in Prospect Park and then explore global exhibitions in the Brooklyn Museum. While in Brooklyn, walking the Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic free activity enjoyable in all weather.
• In Manhattan, after ice-skating at Central Park’s Wollman Rink, the Rink at Rockefeller Center or the Winter Village at Bryant Park, head to the Museum of the City of New York to learn about the City’s history and future at the New York at Its Core exhibit. When hungry, warm up at one of many popular food halls, including the Great Northern Food Hall in Grand Central Terminal or the latest Eataly in Lower Manhattan.
• Stay in Manhattan and head uptown to catch the latest jazz, dance or theatrical performance at Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater, easily reached by the A, B, D and other major subway lines. Visitors can then enjoy a great soul-warming dinner at nearby Sylvia’s ‘Soul Food’ Restaurant.
• Take a ride on the free and enclosed Staten Island Ferry to St. George, with frequent departures from Lower Manhattan, and explore the new Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, or warm up to an evening performance at the historic St. George Theatre. Both are a short cab or bus ride from the ferry terminal.
• Hop on the 7 subway line (sometimes referred to as the “International Express”) for a Queens winter adventure, where Himalayan, Indian and Latin American cuisine are part of an authentic Jackson Heights experience, or head to Flushing and see an incredible scale model of New York City at the Queens Museum. Or, admire great art and skyline views from Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City. Many of the City’s retail store
s throughout the five boroughs offer great sales during the winter months. Those looking to snag a deal can enjoy new shopping destinations including the CityPoint shops in Downtown Brooklyn and both Brookfield Place and Westfield World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan; or they can browse one of the City’s many iconic department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Century 21. In addition, shoppers can enjoy boutique shops on Fifth Avenue, including Tommy Hilfiger, as well as the Shops at Columbus Circle, among others.
With more than 113,000 hotel rooms throughout the five boroughs to choose from, visitors will find a wide variety of cozy accommodations that are close to many only-in-NYC winter experiences. The lowest hotel room rates of the year are typically offered in January and February, another reason for visitors to plan their winter vacations now. For the best available rates, visit nycgo.com/hotels and reserve through NYC & Company’s exclusive hotel booking partner, Booking.com. And for more ways to save when visiting New York City, our Free in NYC guide can be found at nycgo.com/free.
