New York, the city of dreams, where you can tour like a local and get a real experience of being in a New Yorker’s shoes. The city is a melting pot of vibrant cultures, family fun, solo travels, and a buzzing nightlife. For obvious reasons, you would not stop at visiting the Empire State Building or the Statue of liberty, as New York has much more than that to offer. Apart from the conventional shutter sessions, New York has a mélange of fascinating cultures and a diverse history to enthrall you.
Follow my guide to a streamlined exploration of the city that never sleeps.
A summer day picnic at the Central Park
Central Park, the heart of the city, is bustling with people enjoying their walks and fitness regimes and even more lively with tourists, picnicking and sightseeing. You can visit the zoo, the fountains, the monuments, the bridges, even a castle and gaze at the beautiful scenery in the park. To immerse yourself in the experience, get yourself a picnic box ordered and have your share of fun in the middle of the greens.
A footslog on The Brooklyn Bridge
The 6000-footbridge with tourists walking over it and cars conveying beneath the bridge is a perfect spot to stroll, praise the grandiose skyscrapers and a flawless city view. For party cravers, keep a check for Silent Discos that are organized regularly under the very Brooklyn Bridge.
An evening at The Times Square
Times Square, often known as “The Centre of the Universe”, or the “Great White Way” is the most energetic area in New York. Experience the true spirit of New Yorkers here. It is the fulcrum of Broadway Studio District and is the spot of the New Year’s infamous Ball drop. Get yourself a theatre show and flow away into the glitz.
An ode to 007 at the brand new Spy Museum
A brand new spy museum, The Skyscape, provides a captivating collection of intelligence, surveillance, hacking, cyber warfare, and special ops, all for the visitors to explore. More exciting as it can get, it also demonstrates special ops tunnels and laser mazes for the tourists to test their agility.
Know the history and culture at the Museum of Natural History
A large number of the priceless specimens and cultural artifacts are put on public view. The Museum of Natural History boasts of some of the most exciting dinosaur fossils. The Hall of Ocean life and 14 other permanent exhibit halls are truly captivating. Spend a whole day knowing your world around and don’t miss the 94-foot long Blue Whale model suspended from the ceiling.
Some Opera sessions, Music festival, and Ballet at the Lincoln Centre
The Lincoln Centre of performing arts showcases the arts from organizations, which are renowned all over the globe. You can visit even without a ticket. You will be mesmerized by the gorgeous look of the halls. Also, catch some magnetizing show of your interest for free at the Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera house or at the New York Ballet.
A walkabout to the West Village
The Western part of Greenwich Village in Lower Manhattan is the West Village. The rustic view of the apartments, shops, cafes with tables laid on the sidewalk gives a European feel. Sip your favorite coffee or an aperitif and feel the peace around.
Take a break and lunch at the City’s best rooftop bar and restaurant
Charming Terrace-garden at its best, The Gallow Green, a roof-top bar and restaurant in Mckittrick Hotel in Chelsea is the finest eating destination. Provided with a plethora of cocktails and signature punches, you can relax and have a time of your gourmet life. The ambiance and the cuisine are a no-miss.
Take a moment for the memories of 9/11 at the 9/11 Memorial
Reminding the ghastly event of 9/11, a terrorist attack on the Twin Towers that happened in September 2011, a memorial in the shape of two large poles stand where once the Twin Towers had been. Engraved on the surrounding bronze walls, are the names of the 3000 victims of the attack. It also displays the artifacts that tell every victim’s story, situated in the memorial downstairs.
A soothing walk on the High line
The high line park is a classic example of the urban rebuilding of abandoned areas. Once a railway line, this 1.45-mile stretch was re-established into a walking park in 2006. The beautiful vegetation and a joined effort by the community to make it aesthetically attractive are quite visible at the park. Take a walk of tranquility in this park for a restful day.
Cruising around the Statue of Liberty
Getting to the Statue of Liberty and posing for photographs is one option, but cruising around it is one-of-a-kind experience. Get on to the ‘free’ daily ferry to Staten Island, to capture the enchanting view of the Statue of Liberty.
Live Jazz performance in Greenwich Village
Even though you are not one of those music lovers, you will remember this truly engaging evening. Head to any destination of Live Jazz performances in any one of the dining places in Greenwich Village, the place known as the hub of artists from all around the globe.
