Whether you stay a few days or stay forever, you'll never be able to
hit all that New York City has to offer. You should plan your itinerary
by interest -- whether that's sightseeing or shopping. If you need an
escape from all the buzzing energy, you can relax and unwind in peaceful
Central Park, which also hosts various events and performances throughout the year.
To save a couple bucks, we suggest picking up a CityPass, a pack of tickets for six of the biggest attractions in the city, including the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, at a discounted price. You can buy one at any of the participating attractions or online, and it is valid for nine days.
It's hard to miss Midtown's bright billboards and large stores (including a huge M&M's World) of Times Square, or postcard-worthy sites like the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal. Travelers also rave about Bryant Park, which sits near Times Square, which you can reach via the 42nd St./Times Square subway stop.
To catch one of the best views of Manhattan, take the train to Brooklyn to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The mile-long bridge connects the two boroughs and was the largest suspension bridge at the time it was built. Today, the giant gothic-style arches are the setting for one of the best strolls in the city.
Southwest of Manhattan on Liberty Island is the famous Statue of Liberty, one of the most well-known icons of America. Although it was closed to visitors after 9/11, the crown reopened to the public in July 2009. You must reserve one of the limited tickets into the crown in advance; you can also reserve tickets to the pedestal and museum. To get to the island, take a ferry from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. The same ferry will get you to Ellis Island.
New York's many museums include the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) to name a few. They are scattered throughout the city and come highly recommended for their impressive and diverse galleries. Many of these museums have free or discount days that can help save some money; call or check their individual websites to find out when.
The most popular museum in Brooklyn and one of the largest art museums in the country is the Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Heights. It is home to a huge range of pieces in art history including colonial works to more modern artists like Georgia O'Keeffe. Park Slope hosts the Brooklyn Children's Museum, which features interactive exhibits, where the little ones can work in a bakery and make music.
For those who are intrigued by the city's subway system, you can head to the Transit Museum, which is filled with a collection of items from the subway over the years.
We highly recommend jumping on the subway to Queens to visit the highly-regarded P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center. The museum's focus is innovation and features experimental artists and works cover nearly every inch of the building, including some of the bathrooms. Nearby is the Noguchi Museum, created by the Japanese-American sculptor who lent his name to the museum. Its highlight is the serene garden, filled with his sculptures.
The liveliest bars and clubs are located Downtown especially in the Lower East Side and Chelsea, where bars and dance clubs of all kinds line the streets.
To save a couple bucks, we suggest picking up a CityPass, a pack of tickets for six of the biggest attractions in the city, including the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, at a discounted price. You can buy one at any of the participating attractions or online, and it is valid for nine days.
- Don't be too shocked if your day of high culture turns into a long afternoon of chicken soup and matzo balls at a downtown diner -- or if your bohemian day runs off the rails when you stumble into a gold mine, and walk out with bags of goodies you didn't realize you needed. Whatever. New York is easy that way." -- Lonely Planet
- Decide on a few must-see attractions, then let the city take you on its own ride. Inevitably, as you make your way around the city, you'll be blown off course by unplanned diversions that are just as much fun as what you meant to see." -- Frommer's
- Consider buying a CityPass, a group of tickets to six top-notch attractions in New York: the Empire State Building, the Guggenheim Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (including the Cloisters), and Circle Line Cruises or admission to Liberty and Ellis Island." -- Fodor's
Sightseeing
The Big Apple is home to some of the most iconic sights in the country, which are also recognizable across the world. The best way to see these attractions is on foot. So throw on some comfy shoes, and get ready to be awestruck.- From the hustle and bustle of Times Square to the sights and sounds of Central Park, the entertainment and New York City travel possibilities are virtually limitless. With so much to see and do, you are only restricted by the amount of time you have to explore New York's treasures." -- AOL Travel
It's hard to miss Midtown's bright billboards and large stores (including a huge M&M's World) of Times Square, or postcard-worthy sites like the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal. Travelers also rave about Bryant Park, which sits near Times Square, which you can reach via the 42nd St./Times Square subway stop.
- This over-the-top sensory experience [in Times Square] clusters chain shops, restaurants, and tawdry attractions under sparkling neon lights - steer clear of the tourist traps and just spend some time ogling the spectacle." -- Sherman's Travel
- When walking around the city, don't miss the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building, classic examples of art deco architecture. The hustle and bustle of Grand Central is worth seeing, as are the skaters at Rockefeller Center in winter." -- National Geographic Traveler
- The iconic art deco marvel is one of the city's favorite landmarks -- and New Yorkers are particularly protective of [the Empire State Building] since it regained its status as the city's tallest building after Sept. 11, 2001. The observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors provide the city's best views." -- Washington Post
To catch one of the best views of Manhattan, take the train to Brooklyn to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The mile-long bridge connects the two boroughs and was the largest suspension bridge at the time it was built. Today, the giant gothic-style arches are the setting for one of the best strolls in the city.
- For Manhattan skyline views, take an A or C train to High Street, one stop into Brooklyn. From there, you'll be on the bridge in no time: Come above ground, then walk through the little park to Cadman Plaza East and head downslope (left) to the stairwell that will take you up to the footpath. … It's a 20- to 40-minute stroll over the bridge to Manhattan." -- Frommer's
- One of the most dramatic views of the bridge (from underneath) is free if you stay on your toes -- during the summer, the John J. Harvey fireboat occasionally gives free rides from its dock in Chelsea Piers." -- New York Magazine
Southwest of Manhattan on Liberty Island is the famous Statue of Liberty, one of the most well-known icons of America. Although it was closed to visitors after 9/11, the crown reopened to the public in July 2009. You must reserve one of the limited tickets into the crown in advance; you can also reserve tickets to the pedestal and museum. To get to the island, take a ferry from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. The same ferry will get you to Ellis Island.
- Even if you've already purchased tickets, arrive as much as 30 minutes before your desired ferry time to allow for increased security procedures prior to boarding. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes." -- Frommer's
- You're allowed access to the museum only as part of one of the free tours of the promenade … or the observatory. … The tours are limited to 3,000 participants a day; to guarantee a place, particularly on the observatory tour, you should order tickets ahead of time -- they can be reserved up to 180 days in advance, by phone or over the Internet." -- Fodor's
Central Park
One of the most impressive features of New York City is Central Park, a large verdant park in the upper part of Manhattan, which provides a relaxing escape from busy city life. The 843-acre park features fountains and ponds along with large stretches of green grass and trees, as well as the Central Park Zoo and ice skating rinks (in the winter).- Sunbathe, rock climb, or drop your fishing line in Harlem Meer Pond in Central Park. This vast urban green space offers almost every outdoor amenity. Keep an eye out for one of the many free concerts or plays performed primarily during the warmer months." -- National Geographic Traveler
- This 843-acre urban oasis -- 'the lungs of New York City' - is full of treasures like the Central Park Zoo, lakeside Bethesda Fountain, and Loeb Boat House, where rowboats and bicycles are available for rent." -- Sherman's Travel
Museums
New York has one of the most impressive collections of museums and galleries in the country. While the majority of them are located on the island of Manhattan, the other boroughs won't disappoint if you have the time.- Get an early start on your day. Check opening times for museums and attractions and be there as soon as they open to avoid the crowds. It's no fun waiting on lines or peering over throngs of people to view exhibits. So remember the early bird gets the worm, and the uncrowded attraction!" -- Frommer's
New York's many museums include the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) to name a few. They are scattered throughout the city and come highly recommended for their impressive and diverse galleries. Many of these museums have free or discount days that can help save some money; call or check their individual websites to find out when.
- Do not overlook such top destinations as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim. Another popular spot, the Museum of Modern Art, presents visitors with the chance to see works by world-renowned artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali." -- AOL Travel
- New York City's blockbuster museums are the Met, the MoMA, and the Museum of Natural History--and they are indeed world-class. But don't limit yourself to these three; the city is home to an almost embarrassing number of high-quality museums, many of which would, in most places, be considered peerless." -- Let's Go Mid-Atlantic
- If you like a day filled with culture, start with the exhibit of German expressionist Kokoschka at the Neue Galerie, before ducking through Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the current display of Afghani treasures from the National Museum in Kabul. Round out your afternoon with a wander through some contemporary creations at the Studio Museum in Harlem." -- Lonely Planet
The most popular museum in Brooklyn and one of the largest art museums in the country is the Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Heights. It is home to a huge range of pieces in art history including colonial works to more modern artists like Georgia O'Keeffe. Park Slope hosts the Brooklyn Children's Museum, which features interactive exhibits, where the little ones can work in a bakery and make music.
For those who are intrigued by the city's subway system, you can head to the Transit Museum, which is filled with a collection of items from the subway over the years.
- Seek out the [Brooks Museum]'s works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, George Bellows, Thomas Eakins, and Milton Avery -- all stunners. Also check out the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, which hosts traveling exhibits in addition to serving as the permanent home to Judy Chicago's installation The Dinner Party (1974-79)." -- Fodor's
- Guided group tours of the permanent collection [of the Brooklyn Museum] are $13, $10 for students and seniors. Tours of special exhibits are $16, $13 for students and seniors. Reservations made three weeks in advance are required." -- New York magazine
We highly recommend jumping on the subway to Queens to visit the highly-regarded P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center. The museum's focus is innovation and features experimental artists and works cover nearly every inch of the building, including some of the bathrooms. Nearby is the Noguchi Museum, created by the Japanese-American sculptor who lent his name to the museum. Its highlight is the serene garden, filled with his sculptures.
- If you're interested in contemporary art that's too cutting-edge for most museums, don't miss this MoMA affiliate museum. ... You can expect to see a kaleidoscopic array of works from artists ranging from Jack Smith to Julian Schnabel; the museum is particularly well known for large-scale exhibitions by artists such as James Turrell." -- Frommer's
- The [Noguchi Museum] is about a mile from subway stops; check the Web site for complete directions. On Sunday a shuttle bus leaves from the northwest corner of Park Avenue and 70th Street in Manhattan, hourly, beginning at 12:30; the round-trip costs $10." -- Fodor's
Shopping
Consider dressing up just to go shopping; this is a city where appearance is certainly important, and the assortment of shops prove it. Manhattan's establishments include funky and artsy in the Lower East Side to high-end and pricey along Fifth Avenue in the Upper East. For trendy fashions, some visitors shop in SoHo. Generally, the Upper East Side features expensive designer stores, while Downtown hosts more of a variety.- For clothing, there are bargain spots aplenty, with stores like Filene's Basement, Century 21, Loehmann's and H&M high on the radar screens of local bargain shoppers looking for knockoffs and discounted labels. You can also try your luck at designers' sample sales." -- Lonely Planet
- Whether you're actually looking to buy or you're mainly out for a stroll, New York is a shopper's paradise. You’ll find everything from strictly vintage wares to the highest high-end merchandise." -- Let's Go Mid-Atlantic
Nightlife
Night owls will find whatever they're looking for in Manhattan -- from world-renowned Broadway shows and swanky bars to dive bars and some of the hottest clubs in the country. If you can, travelers particularly recommend catching a showing of the Lion King. If you aren't too picky about what show you want to watch, you can save money by purchasing same-day tickets that can knock up to 50 percent off the original prices. The Theatre Development Fund operates three TKTS Discount Booths, located in Times Square, the South Street Seaport in the Financial District and off the Lawrence St-MetroTech subway stop in Brooklyn. Get there early as availability is limited.The liveliest bars and clubs are located Downtown especially in the Lower East Side and Chelsea, where bars and dance clubs of all kinds line the streets.
- New Yorkers seldom wait for the actual weekend to party -- in fact, many prefer to do it during the week (Thursday's particularly popular) when there's not a thicket of hormone-drenched singles prowling. ... If word gets out that a hot band is playing in a bar on a Tuesday, or if a well-known DJ takes over a dance club on a Wednesday, you can be assured these places will be packed." -- Fodor's
- In general, most of the nightlife worth going out for in New York City takes place below 34th Street, and the super-chic crowd that once descended upon the Meatpacking District (MPD) and Chelsea has left their bottle service behind for the less-mega clubs of the East Village, West Village, and the Lower East Side." -- Concierge.com
- Visitors may choose between a pricey Broadway extravaganza or one of the city's many free parades. Adventurous theatergoers eschew Broadway for off- and off-off-Broadway while those seeking to express themselves haunt the city's many nightclubs. Meanwhile, divas and drag queens prove nightly that cabaret is not a thing of the past." -- Travel Channel
No comments:
Post a Comment