New York City, the "Big Apple" or the "City that never sleeps" whatever you like to call New York City, it sure is anything but boring! Situated on one of the world's largest natural harbors New York City consists of five boroughs, each of which is a separate county of New York State. The five boroughs – Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island – were consolidated into a single city in 1898. New York is the most densely populated major city in the United States. As many as 800 languages are spoken in New York, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world and one of the most interesting. Its very easy to get around New York either on foot, bike, taxi, bus or subway. The streets run in a grid of numbered avenues so you'll have it figured out in no time! There is plenty to do for kids and adults, here's our top 10 that wont cost you a fortune.
1. Head to Times Square to stand among all those creative neon billboards! Watch the buskers and look for the famous near naked cowboy that belts out the tunes barely dressed even in winter! The kids will love M&M World, Hersheys Chocolate shop, Disney Store and the many other fascinating shops. Its easy to spend many hours in Times Square just taking it all in, there is always something happening!. if you are looking for a meal with a difference head a few streets down to Ellen's Stardust Diner where all the waitstaff sing and perform in between taking orders and delivering food. There are street markets with local food and produce in the Times Square area during summer too.
2. Central Park is a must do. Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States as well as one of the most filmed locations in the world. The 843 acre park has a zoo, horse and carriage rides, lakes , restaurants, bike and walking paths, playgrounds, concert venues and more. Hire a row boat and have some fun in the lake or grab some bikes and spend the day exploring.
3. Head over the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn and find the icecream shop under the bridge pillars... grab your favourite flavour and watch the sun go down and the famous New York City skyline light up and come to life! Definetely one of the best places to view the lights of NYC
4. Take the subway to the beach. Coney Island sits on the Atlantic Ocean and is a cute little seaside area that is loaded with amusement rides, restaurants and sideshow games. Its just a 50 minute ride on the Subway and you'll feel like you've taken off for a beach vacatiion. Coney Island is quite famous for its theme park food with hot dogs along the beach being a popular choice.
5. When in NYC you've got to see the Yankees play. The famous baseball team are the pride of New York and a quick subway ride will have you field side in no time. Even if you arent into sports the atmosphere in the stadium with music, games and lots of people having a blast will win you over. General admission tickets can be very cheap to some games and its definetely worth a look to experience American baseball.
6. The Staten Island Ferry is a free commuter ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island return. From the deck of the ferry you will have a perfect view of The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You'll see the skyscrapers and bridges of Lower Manhattan. The one way trip takes about 25 minutes, you can jump off and have a look around or stay onboard for the return journey. Over 70000 commuters a day do use the service though to get to work so avoid travelling early morning or in the afternoon.
7. Hire a bike and hit the The Hudson River Park Bikeway. This bikeway is the busiest in the United States but its long and wide so nice and safe and easy to ride along. The bike path runs the entire length of Hudson River Park from Battery Place at the southern tip of Manhattan to W59th St. where it connects with Riverside Park South. Blue city bikes are available to hire from self service docking stations all throughout NYC.
8. Pier 25 along the Hudson river is one of New York best kept secrets. You'll find lots of sports optoins here including beach volleyball, gyms, swimming pools, but the jewel in the crown is the great Mini Golf with views of sunset over New Jersey and the river for just a few dollars!
9. Strap on your ice skates in winter and head to one of the many ice skating rinks. The most famous ones being the Rockefeller Centre and Central Park rinks.. both amazing spots to hit the ice (not literally)
10. Stroll the streets and just explore! Food carts are on all corners, selling everything from $1 enormous donuts to tacos, pretzels, sweetcorn and more. Look out for iconic places like Central Station, Madisson Square Gardens, Broadway, Macy's and Empire State Building. Plus you'll recongnise many shops, restaurants and landmarks from sitcoms like Seinfeld, Friends, Sex in the City plus hundreds of movie shoot locations.
There is so much to see and do in New York City. Talk to your BYOKids travel consujltant now and we can arrange your family holiday to America and New York City
If you want to getaway to New York call our travel team now 1300 296 543, enquire online, use our webchat or message us via facebook!
