When to Go
When you go to New York City is largely a matter of personal choice- there really are things to recommend the city in every season. However, certain things may bear on your decision. If you are on a budget, it tends to be cheapest to go between January 1 and April 1. If you hate the summer heat, you should avoid July and the beginning of August when temperatures soar. The city tends to be at its loveliest in autumn and spring. In the summer there are open air plays and concerts, and in winter holiday activities abound. It truly is about what works for you.
Getting Around
Getting around New York City is actually very easy. Many places are within walking distance of one another if you don’t mind a bit of a walk, and it’s extremely difficult to get lost because the entire city is on a grid.
If you have a long way to go, the subway runs through all four boroughs and is relatively easy to navigate as long as you know if you are going uptown or downtown. The cost of a single-ride ticket is $2.50; you can get a 10% bonus by putting $10 or more on a metro card at once. They also offer a seven-day pass for $29 which may be a real steal if you plan to ride the subway often.
Cabs are also everywhere if you have room in your budget for them.
Despite common belief, New Yorkers are usually not rude- just busy. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions or help if you need it- in a city or these many people, someone will definitely come to your aid.
What to See
The most important part of any trip to New York is figuring out what attractions to see. There truly is too much to cover in the span of any one article, but a few must-see sights are as follows:
First, Central Park is majestic no matter the time of year. While it is situated in the center of Manhattan, on entering the park it is easy to feel like you’ve stepped back into nature. The park contains several lakes and ponds, an ice skating rink, miles of walking paths, a conservatory garden, and even a wildlife sanctuary. You could spend hours just exploring the pathways. For the more romantically inclined, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park can be a truly magical experience.
Broadway shimmers at any time of night or day and is an essential part of any New York vacation. If possible, you should try to see at least one Broadway show. For those who find this too expensive, try the TKTS Hot Tix booth in Times Square for steeply discounted tickets on the day of the show. Even if you can’t get to a play, enjoy the beautiful lights and stores on Broadway.
Times Square is vibrant and alive at any time of day or night and also should not be missed. The sheer volume of billboards and media located there can be truly overwhelming, and nothing compares to the many languages you will hear spoken if you stop and listen for just a minute.
Finally, take advantage of some of New York’s fabulous museums. If you only have time for one or two, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art are your best picks. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is paying what you can; the Museum of Modern Art currently charges $25 in admission. These truly are two of the best art museums that New York has to offer. You could almost get lost in the vast expanse of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Be sure to also check before you go for any special exhibitions.
Be sure to enjoy your time in this amazing city.
Post by Tony, who runs his own UK travel guide website, along with a London travel blog.
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