Posted by guest travel blogger New York is one of the most evocative and iconic cities in the world. Due to the number of movies and TV shows that are made there, it might actually seem almost as familiar as your hometown, but what would you do with a weekend in New York? It is the ideal place to break on a journey to other parts of the United States, as well as being one of the best places in the world to spend a long weekend. Here are a few things to consider doing should you find yourself in New York for the weekend.
The skyline and the shopping
The New York skyline is the single most distinctive skyline on the planet, and there is no better way to start your weekend than by getting your bearings and seeing the city from a spectacular vantage point. The Art Deco splendour of the Empire State Building offers panoramic views across the Big Apple and is a fascinating part of the history of this great city.
Any weekend trip to New York would be incomplete without a visit to one of the city’s magnificent department stores. Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are renowned the world over and you will be sure to find something that catches your eye. Younger shoppers might prefer a visit to the Toys R Us store in Times Square where they will even find a Ferris wheel.
History and culture
The history of New York is one filled with the stories of immigrants. You can visit the place where many of those immigrants had their first taste of life in the New World at Ellis Island. The symbol of the freedom they sought stands proudly in the Hudson River; the Statue of Liberty may be the most famous lady in the world, and is open to visitors.
New York City is a treasure chest of culture with galleries and museums that contain some of the world’s greatest works of art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art alone is host to over two million pieces from across the history of humanity.
The Bronx Zoo is the world’s largest urban zoo and has over 5,000 individual animals from approximately 600 different species.
Nightlife
After the sun has set New York actually lives up to its title of ‘the city that never sleeps’, and will provide plenty of venues to occupy the evening, regardless of one’s preferences. The range of bars and nightclubs is unsurpassed anywhere, and there is certain to be a venue that will appeal to virtually everyone.
Broadway is the premier theatre district in the world, and the shows range from serious drama to spectacular musical productions and pretty much everything in between. There are also many ‘off-Broadway’ productions staged nightly which, in most cases, will be substantially easier on the wallet. If you prefer more classical entertainment the Metropolitan Opera is one of the finest in the world, and the New York City Ballet is world renowned for the quality of their productions.
Food and accommodation
You will never go hungry in a city that offers food from all across the globe as well as a few specialities of its own. From a chilli dog bought from a street vendor to a traditional New York deli and on to the finest cuisine sold in the some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere on the planet, there is bound to be something to suit your palate and wallet.
Hotels like the Waldorf-Astoria or the Plaza Hotel are what New York City is famous for, but the city is packed full of excellent accommodation at a price to suit almost any budget. There are many fabulous hotels in the heart of the city, allowing you to step out and absorb the atmosphere of this vibrant place.
If you are planning an all-inclusive holiday in the US, or even just want to take a long weekend break, make it a point stop in New York City and take in all that this wonderful place has to offer. You will not be disappointed.