48 hours in New York City
There is little doubt that New York is one of the world’s most iconic cities. Epic skyscrapers and those famous yellow taxis are just some of the reasons as to why over 62 million people visit the American city each year. But whilst New York has plenty of amazing attractions, it can be a little problematic in trying to fit everything into a weekend break. So if you have booked a couple of days to visit the Big Apple, here are a few things that could be well worth checking out. Here’s a short list of what to do in New York
Experience the fun of Times Square
If you want a great place to get started in New York, then just take the subway to Times Square. As soon as you walk up the steps to street level, you will be stood in the middle of one of the world’s most famous squares. Be careful to avoid the often chaotic swarms of tourists and traffic, but you will be rewarded with all of the flashing neon lights and epic skyscrapers that you could dream of. Times Square also makes a great starting point for visiting the theatrical legacy of New York, as it is located just off Broadway.
Take a trip up the Empire State Building
Whilst you could happily spend an entire weekend gawping up the skyscrapers, things get even more impressive when you take a bird’s eye view of the city. What better way to do this than by taking a trip up the Empire State Building? Don’t worry, you won’t have to traipse up the 102 floors of the skyscraper, as there are plenty of lifts for tourists who don’t mind the heights. As this is one of New York’s premier attractions, there’s always a huge queue and the price is fairly steep. But once you see the epic views of the surrounding boroughs, it’s all worthwhile. Don’t forget that you can also see the iconic Statue of Liberty in the distance too.
Visit the world’s greatest shops
New York is a true shopper’s paradise. Whether you are looking for a chic boutique find in Greenwich Village, or are looking for second-hand vintage gems on the Lower East Side, there’s something for everyone. But for the true NYC shopping experience, you’ll need to take a walk up Fifth Avenue. This has all of the deluxe designer boutiques that you’d expect, plus there’s also world-famous department stores like Bergdorf Goodman that everybody must visit at least once. But no matter where you go in New York, you’ll always find something to buy.
Relax in Central Park
Whilst New York is well-known as being a city that never sleeps, it’s also true that New Yorkers also know how to relax in style. One of the best places to do this is to take a couple of hours to unwind in Central Park. This famous park is surprisingly large, and it’s easy to find a quiet place to find a good spot for a picnic here, so be sure to visit one of the city’s amazing delis to stock up first. Central Park is so huge that it manages to have many distinct attractions lurking in its confines that include a zoo, an ice rink and even Strawberry Fields – the memorial to John Lennon.
Hanging out in Greenwich Village
If massive skyscrapers and luxury department stores aren’t your thing, then be sure to head down to the chic streets of Greenwich Village. This might have lost some of its rough and ready charm of the 1960s, but it still manages to retain its slightly bohemian allure. With plenty of cool clothes shops and relaxing cafes, it’s a great spot to spend an afternoon. Be sure to check out some of the legendary music venues where folk stars like Bob Dylan plied their trade, and make a quick detour to take a breather in Washington Square Park.
Get a selfie in front of the Brooklyn Bridge
New York isn’t short of amazing attractions, and Brooklyn Bridge is easily one of the most recognisable sights. But how do you go about getting the ultimate selfie in front of this famous landmark? We’d recommend taking a subway over to the riverside neighbourhood, Dumbo. From here, you won’t just get an awesome photograph of the Brooklyn Bridge, but you’ll get chance to explore the vibrant borough of Brooklyn. With some of the best nightlife in New York, and plenty of seriously impressive restaurants, it’s easy to see why Brooklyn has become one of the hippest places on Earth.
Visit the world’s greatest museums
If you visit New York during the winter months, the weather can be more than inclement, and the summer in the Big Apple can be unbearably hot and humid. So be sure to use this as excuse to visit some of New York’s best museums. Art fans are in for a real treat as places like The Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim are packed with some of the most famous paintings in the world, whereas the American Museum of Natural History is a great place to take the kids. Be sure to take the time to visit the 9/11 Memorial for a sobering insight into one of the 21st century’s most significant events.
Eating your way around New York
Whilst New York has all of the skyscrapers, museums and shopping opportunities that you could wish for, you’ll need to stay fully fuelled so that you can pack everything in. Thankfully the Big Apple is a real foodie’s paradise. There’s plenty of fun in seeing how all of the different neighbourhoods serve up their own distinct cuisine. Whether it’s grabbing an epic slice of pizza pie in Little Italy or grabbing some noodles on the go in Chinatown, you won’t go hungry in New York. We’d also recommend visiting one of the city’s famous delis for the ultimate sandwich treat. And with some of the best coffee in the world, you’ll have plenty of energy for making the most of this dynamic and fun loving city.
Be the first to comment