Sights and activities in New York City
Times Square – arguably the focal point of the entire city. This meeting of Broadway and Seventh Avenue is a great place to soak up the feeling of being in the Big City. While there is shopping to be done here, Times Square is about the people, the colour – and the sounds! The site of innumerable films and a landmark featured in pop-culture everywhere, you’re bound to feel like you’ve been here before. Pick up tickets to a Broadway show or head south to Bryant Park and enjoy a coffee on the Great Lawn of the New York Public Library, the largest branch in the city with its cavernous main reading hall.
Grand Central Station – yet another New York City sight featured in film and television that is bustling with locals and tourists alike, day and night.
Statue of Liberty – jump on the subway to the southern tip of Manhattan to see this historic building standing tall in New York harbour.
Views of New York City – for a breathtaking view over the city, head skyward to the viewing decks of the Empire State Building or the less crowded but equally dizzying Rockefeller Center where high-speed elevators whisk you hundreds of metres into the air for a bird’s-eye view.
Central Park – after all the sightseeing you might need a moment to relax and this green haven of New York City is the perfect place, where locals come to stroll, run and bike beneath the neighbouring skyscrapers.
Shopping in New York City
If you want to shop, you’ve come to the right place. New York City’s avenues offer everything from luxury brands to consumer goods and the latest in street fashion.
5th Avenue – home to almost every prestige brand imaginable along with Saks Fifth Avenue and the iconic glass cube Apple store.
Herald Square – Macy’s department store dominates here with the best of American and international fashion on display over 11 floors. Don’t forget to show your passport for a further discount.
Times Square – big names and flashy billboards tell you there’s shopping to be done. Don’t expect the best bargains here but do experience some amazing and, at times, over the top shopping experiences.
Century 21 – located just behind the new One World Trade Center, this outlet store is a must for bargain hunters, offering a wide selection of clothing brands at low prices.
SoHo – centred around Canal Street, this up-and-coming area is home to the brands you know and love, focusing on fashion and street apparel.
Greenwich Village – quaint finds can be made here amongst the many bookstores, record shops and antique stores.
American food and drink in New York City
Long known as a melting pot of cultures, food and drink in New York City is also a melting pot of flavours. If you’re craving it, it can be found.
Hot dogs – a New York City staple best picked up from a street cart and topped with your favourite extras. Halal and vegetarian options are widely available.
Pizza – sold by the slice in a multitude of flavours, these are available all over town and make a great snack while out and about.
Pretzels – get them hot and salty to power your sightseeing adventures. A typical food of New York City.
Asian – many options can be found including Chinese, Thai, Korean and Japanese. Sushi is very popular and Korean barbecue is gaining popularity.
African – bringing the spice and flavour of the African continent, you can find for example Senegalese, Nigerian and Ethiopian fare. Spicy lamb dishes and vegetable creations are a particular specialty.
Latin American – migration from the Latin American countries has a long history in New York City and these immigrants brought with them their traditional cuisine. Diverse flavours abound in meat and fish dishes, especially with a hint of chili.
Middle-eastern – traditional favourites like kebab and kofta are easy to find as are many other examples from the Middle East.
Coffee – available everywhere, anytime. Major chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts are found throughout the city along with countless charming and trendy cafés. All the usual styles are available.
Beer – basically any beer brand can be found including American favourites and many offerings from the State’s burgeoning craft beer scene.
Sights and activities near New York City
Brooklyn – while technically a part of New York City, the borough of Brooklyn is an inspiring destination in itself. This former industrial centre has become a focal point for artists, musicians and other creative types.
Atlantic City – just 2 hours away in neighbouring New Jersey, Atlantic city is all about glitz and glam. This seaside city is known for its famous boardwalk, which at more than 6km long and lined with casinos is truly a thing to see near New York City.
The Hamptons – getaway of the rich and famous, while also offering a lot to visitors willing to make the short trek out from downtown Manhattan. Beaches and the small-town feel mix with mega-mansions and luxury cars in this sunny little seaside resort.
Philadelphia – about 2 hours away by car or train lies Philadelphia, another big city with a big history. The Declaration of Independence was signed here, forming the nation we all know today. Not surprisingly, there is an absolute wealth of historical sites to be seen. If that isn’t your cup of tea, enjoy the buzz of downtown with its countless shops and eateries.
