A multi-cultural mass of contrasts, New York is loud, energetic and enticing with interlocking neighbourhoods, all brimming with their own unique style. Months could be spent exploring the ‘city that never sleeps’, but highlights can be conquered in three days.
Stay in Midtown East or West
With the subway, endless taxis and wide footpaths, New York is easy to explore from most districts. For tourists making short stopovers, Midtown West encompasses Times Square and the theatre and garment districts, with Columbus Circle providing an interesting gateway to Central Park.
Midtown East offers Fifth Avenue’s crowded opulence, the Rockefeller Centre, Empire State Building and Little Korea.
Central Park and the Rockefeller Centre
A morning’s itinerary can include a stroll up Fifth Avenue, stopping at the Rockefeller Centre and finishing at Central Park.
Enjoy lunch at ‘Tavern on the Green’ with its views and dazzling gardens before ambling around the city’s magical park, home to wildlife, fountains, lakes and gardens.
Only a short taxi ride away, the Empire State Building’s 102nd floor observatory deck is best seen at sunset. After watching the twinkling lights of the city burst into life, head to the bustle of Times Square to bask in the neon lights and frantic energy. Theatres such as The Biltmore and Ambassador are just steps away and discounted tickets are on sale in the centre of Times Square.
After the shows, restaurants come alive with excited theatre-goers, all within walking distance of the famous performing arts district.
Statue of Liberty and Little Italy
Take the subway, taxi or bus to Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park to view the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Circle Line ferry leaves every half hour.
Stop for lunch at the South Street Seaport before exploring Exchange Place, discount giant Century 21 and viewing Ground Zero, all within easy walking distance of each other.
For world-class dining, Little Italy’s Mott and Mulberry streets are a short taxi ride away, bursting at the seams with Italian restaurants and alfresco dining in warm weather.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) on the Upper East Side warrants months of exploration but a few hours, at the very least, gives a good overview of its expansive collections.
Nearby, a favourite lunch stop for locals is Beyoglu restaurant, for Turkish/Middle Eastern meals, served on sidewalk tables in summer.
With historic buildings and romantic streets, Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Soho provide relaxing settings to idle away the afternoon, or shop for souvenirs, after an action packed stopover in the Big Apple.
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