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3 Ways to Discover NYC

New York, New York

Whether it’s rambling around its world-class museums, taste-testing authentic New York pizza or gazing up at cloud-busting skyscrapers, make your NYC trip truly special and tailored to you. There's so many ways to do it but we've narrowed it down to just 3. Check out our recommendations, pick your favourite activities, and make New York City your own!

1. Food & Shopping

new york city holiday guide dining out

New York City is a veritable paradise for foodies and shopaholics alike. With world-renowned brands on every corner and great shopping options to be found in every borough, that New York shopping trip won’t disappoint. Visit iconic landmarks like Macys, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. for a blend of high end and high street. Head to SoHo, Williamsburg, the Meatpacking District and more for shopping as diverse as the city itself.

New York City’s melting pot status makes it a culinary capital with delicious delicacies on every corner. You’ll find every food option under the sun but make sure you try the local specialities like hot dogs, authentic NYC pizza and that famous cheesecake.

Visit Famous Stores

These world-famous department stores and shopping destinations are synonymous with the city itself. When we think of NYC, we think of Macys. One of the largest department stores in the States, you’ll find Macys on Herald Square in Manhattan. Head to Fifth Avenue to check out Saks and Tiffany & Co. Bloomingdales is also a major calling cards for shopaholics.

Shop till You Drop!

New York City is such a good shopping destination it’s hard to know where to start. Almost anywhere you go, you’ll find amazing shopping options alongside those well-known department stores. The Shops at Columbus Circle is a great shopping hotspot right by Central Park. Head to the area around Broadway in SoHo for artsy charm and luxury brands both. The Meatpacking District is a great place to shop too with a great blend of boutiques and brands. You don’t want to miss a visit to New York City's first and only shopping outlet—Empire Outlets. The world-class shopping destination is located at the base of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, just a 20-minute free ferry ride from Manhattan.

Eat Your Fill

You’ll never go hungry in NYC! The range of restaurants and food options on here is staggering, from world-class fine dining to casual eats and street food. Sample the local specialites – head to Junior’s for a slice of that famous New York cheesecake, Nathan’s Famous for a city-standard frankfurter, and make sure you add one of the city’s many authentic pizzerias, bagel joints and delis serving unmistakable local pastrami to your itinerary. For street food head to Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District or Smorgasburg Food Market in Williamsburg.

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2. Soak up the Culture

new york city holiday guide cultural activities

New York City has drawn artists, art-lovers and taste makers from around the world. It’s a world capital and culture for very good reason. From its rich historical heritage, to its amazing museums and entertainment, NYC offers an endless menu of delights for culture vultures.

Live Shows

You can’t visit New York City without paying a visit to Broadway. The name alone conjured up images of best-in-class performers burning up the stage in some of the world’s most beloved shows. See shows like Wicked, Frozen, Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and so much more.

Museums & Art

It’s hard to know where to start with the city’s museums and art scene. Start with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Frick Collection, The Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Tenement Museum – the list goes on and on. And that's just Manhattan. You should also discover all of the amazing museums across the city like the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. Arts and culture lovers will not be disappointed!

History

New York is metropolitan city always on the cusp of the latest trend yet it’s also packed with historical charm, telling the stories of the many people who have lived, laughed and loved here. Visit Ellis Island and see the Statue of Liberty for a flavour of its history of immigration, and pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial. Visit the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt and the awe-inspiring historic architecture at the New York Public Library.

NYC Winter Outing - Get Great New York City Deals

Do you suffer from FOGO? You know, the fear of going out? The struggle is real this time of year, but New York City has the cure. Introducing NYC Winter Outing: a bundle of offers to help you seize the season, including 2-for1 tickets to top attractions and Broadway shows, plus prix-fixe deals at the best restaurants in town, happening January 21 through February 9. Don't miss out on the chance to experience New York City's world-class dining scene with NYC Restaurant Week. And catch some amazing shows with NYC Off-Broadway Week, the perfect night of New York-style entertainment. Read more about it here.

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3. Enjoy the Outdoor & Sports

new york city holiday guide outdoors and sports

Catch a Game

New York City boasts a sports pedigree unlike almost any other city in the world. So many major events happen here it’s hard to know where to start, it’s a real city of sports fanatics and events draw visitors from all over who love nothing more than to cheer from the stands as the excitement of the game mounts. There’s a well-known professional team here for every sport imaginable – Baseball lovers have the Mets and the Yankees, basketball fans have the Knicks and hockey fans have the Rangers. Checking out a game is a sure-fire way for a sports fan to make their trip to New York City truly memorable. Many thousands take part in the world-famous NYC Marathon each year, too. Take part of cheer from the sidelines. The US Open draws top tennis players and spectators each year, worth a look for sports fans too.

Explore on Foot or Bike

Walk the streets of this incredible city and you can truly feel that unique New York minute hustle. Just walking around is one of the best ways to feel the energy of the city. Start with its major boulevards like Broadway and Fifth Avenue, but really anywhere you go there’s something exciting to discover. Walking tours are the perfect way to explore, with a knowledgeable guide to point out hidden details you might not notice yourself. Biking tours are another fantastic way to explore. Hit as many of NYC’s boroughs as you can. While most of the major sights you’ll want to see are concentrated in Manhattan, don’t miss out the hipster credentials of Brooklyn and authentic character of Queens. Go for a stroll along the pier at Coney Island, too. Once you’re done exploring the boroughs, why not take a trip to Governors Island? Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to love it. Soar along the Flywire Zipline, hop on a bike, slide down the longest slide in the city and so much more. That’s without mentioning the breathtaking city skyline views.

Parks, Gardens & the Great Outdoors
 

For all its reputation as the urban jungle to beat all others, NYC is home to some truly beautiful green spots and tranquil corners perfect for escaping the bustling streets if even for just a moment. Everyone knows about Central Park – the verdant heart of Manhattan, Central Park has a beautiful lake, lawns, foliage and stunning spots like Belvedere Castle. In Brooklyn, seek out Sunset Park. This park crests a hill that offers gorgeous views of New York Harbour and the Manhattan Skyline. The High Line is one of Manhattan’s top sights, a converted freight rail line cutting a path of green through the city. Hop on the ferry to Staten Island for a visit to the stunning Chinese Scholar’s Garden, or head to Brooklyn Botanical Garden, 52 acres of green in this exciting part of the city.

Further Afield
 
You’ll probably want to spend most of your NYC trip in the city proper – but if you’ve got the time, why not venture beyond the city limits to some of the sights just outside the city? This could be your chance to see the cascading waters of world-famous Niagara Falls for yourself – these spectacular falls border with Canada and draw huge crowds to look in awe upon this wonder of nature. Closer to home, Long Island offers beautiful beaches galore and the charming town of Beacon is a quietly thriving arts hub close to fantastic hiking trails on Mount Beacon. Nature and outdoor lovers are also sure to appreciate a trip to the Adirondacks or the gorgeous Finger Lakes. Go hiking in Catskill or Watkins Glen – there’s so much to see and do outdoors, you won’t be bored for a second.
 

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About Cassidy Travel

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This blog is powered by Cassidy Travel, one of Ireland’s leading travel agencies. Our team of over 100 expert travel advisors send 1000s of Irish holidaymakers around the world every year. And we love doing it! Visit our website to start planning your next getaway. If you’re Dublin-based, drop into one of our stores. With 33 years of experience we’ve mastered the art of easy booking. Whether it’s a city escape, US adventure or family holiday we’d love to help you plan, book and dream.

 

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