NEW York is the envy of every city in the world. Everybody knows New York and nearly everybody wants to visit it. So during your stay in the Big Apple, make the most of it!
It's a historic, cultural and artistic city that can offer you so much more than just some pretty views. This guide outlines some of the best places for you to go as well as some of the most enjoyable things you can do while spending time in New York City. If you need a cheap hotel for your visit, they are easier to find than you think.
It only makes sense to start with what's probably the most notable landmark in the city; the Statue of Liberty. Perhaps the biggest attraction in the city is this giant statue that was a gift to the US from France. Visiting Liberty Island lets you see and experience this wonderful monument, which symbolises a new age of freedom and democracy. You'll learn that the torch she holds in her right hand represents knowledge while the tablet in the left hand is there to symbolise the Declaration of Independence. The statue is one of the main reasons to enjoy New York's waterways. This is a key part of American history and is simply a must-see during your visit.
Of course, there is also the Brooklyn Bridge, yet another world-renowned architectural feat. The Brooklyn Bridge has been depicted in many photographs, paintings and films and has become known to represent the success of US industrial designs. Opened in 1993 and designed by John Augustus Roebling, the Brooklyn Bridge is a place of interest for any tourist passionate about history and architecture. There's no toll fee and you can travel over the bridge in car, on foot or on bicycle.
Equally of interest are the many museums situated in New York City. You have a wide choice of subject area including history, art, and science. Perhaps one of the most famous museums is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum doesn't charge you to enter and works solely on a donation system, though do expect to pay a few dollars for specific exhibitions. The exhibitions in the museum are always changing, but some of its pieces are priceless and well worth the time and effort of going. The Met, as it is commonly known, is probably the most conventional and popular art museum in the city but for those who are interested in modern art in particular, then the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) provides an insight into the world of experimental and avant-garde artwork.
Other museums include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of The City of New York, The Indian Museum and the Immigrant's Museum. There's really something for everyone!
For those who are interested in the world of television and media, New York provides you with the unique opportunity to sit in the audience of a live television recording. You can obtain tickets to sit in audiences for free, although do expect to book the seats a couple of weeks in advance. You should try and book the tickets with the broadcasting companies before you go on holiday to prevent disappointment.
The television shows you can go to watch include chat shows and panel shows. If you're really interested in this, then you might be lucky enough to have the chance to be an extra in a film. There are movies being shot in New York City all the time, and hence a little research as to what's happening in the area might be able to land you a minor role in an up and coming production.
Like sports? You won't be disappointed in this respect, either. New York's the hub of baseball and perhaps one of the most exciting things you can do during your stay in New York City is watch a baseball game. Make an effort to see the New York Mets or the NY Yankees and you won't regret it. You'll find a Mets game in Citi Field, Queens, while you should find a NY Yankees game in the Bronx. For tickets to the events, do some research on Major League Baseball fixtures.
Just remember, every seat at a baseball game is a good seat. The cheapest you can find will still have you in the heart of the action within a passionate and bustling crowd of fans.
Then we have the centre of the city. It's known as the 'lungs' of the Big Apple due to the expanse of green trees, grass and plants. It's obviously Central Park, and this is perhaps one of the most well known parts of New York. The park is larger than 850 acres and includes lakes, tennis courts, museums, Central Park Zoo, ice rinks and more. It's the greenest part of the city and acts as a getaway from the bustling activity of the city's streets. Some of the very best apartment buildings and New York hotels in the US's largest city will overlook this grand expanse of green space. Book these hotels in New York and you can make your experience that little bit more luxurious. It's worth noting that your accommodation is a key part of the experience and while there are many luxurious hotels, there are just as many cheap hotels. If you need to book an inexpensive accommodation, you'll be pleased to learn that there are many sensibly priced and comfortable hotels available.
Central Park is really easy to get to whether you're walking or taking a cab. Once you're in the park, perhaps one of the best ways to get around and see most of it is to use one of the bicycle-powered taxis that are in abundance within the park. This way you get to see more of the park in a shorter period of time and you can get off whenever you want!
Obviously, downtown still has plenty of things to offer you. During your visit, make sure you check out the many different Manhattan neighbourhoods which include Little Italy, Chinatown and the Jewish area of Lower East Side. The multiculturalism and diversity within the city is really admirable and provides interest and attraction for thousands of tourists each and every year. Make sure your trip truly is worthy of the status 'once in a lifetime'. Do everything you can while you're there and make the most of it while staying in luxurious New York hotels.
