Hear from Caroline Bowerman, an experienced and qualified local Travel Consultant, with over 30 years of industry experience. Caroline offers an unrivalled service helping her clients to plan and tailor all types of holiday whilst offering personal assistance before, during and after their trip.
New York or The Big Apple as it’s also more affectionately known is a destination on many people’s bucket list. With the vast number of airlines to choose from and just a 7 hour hop ‘across the pond’, it’s an easy destination to visit for a long weekend break. With careful planning, it’s possible to soak up the vibe and condense some of the fabulous areas and attractions of the city into the space of 72 hours!
I often get asked when the best time is to visit. I’ve been several times and during most seasons and as far as I’m concerned, any time is a good time to visit NYC, but January to March usually offer the most competitive prices. The city can be hot and balmy in the summer months but this can lead to a quieter experience as New Yorkers head out of the city at weekends, and during the winter months you should expect some very cold temperatures but NYC at Christmas is truly special.
This would be my suggested itinerary which includes some of my favourite ‘must see’ landmarks and areas of NYC to squeeze into your stay ….
Day 1:
Morning: Start your day by visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take a ferry ride to Liberty Island and explore the grounds. Don’t forget to book tickets in advance. Alternatively, you can take the Staten Island ferry for free and catch a great view of Liberty herself as you pass by as well as fantastic views of Manhattan Island Skyline.
Afternoon: Head to the nearby Battery Park and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Visit
the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to pay tribute to the victims of the World Trade Center attacks.
Evening: Explore the vibrant neighbourhood of Greenwich Village. Enjoy dinner at one of the many
trendy restaurants and catch a show at a local comedy club or jazz bar.
Day 2:
Morning: Begin your day in Central Park. Take a leisurely walk, rent a bike, or go for a boat ride on
the lake. Visit famous landmarks like Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo.
Afternoon: Head to the Museum Mile on the Upper East Side. Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) or the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Both offer incredible art collections. If Art isn’t your thing, take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Explore the charming neighbourhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and visit Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Evening: Experience the bustling atmosphere of Times Square. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant
and catch a Broadway show or perhaps the legendary Rockettes at The Radio City Music Hall. Don’t
forget to take a stroll through the bright lights and billboards of Times Square.
Day 3:
Morning: Visit the iconic Empire State Building and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the
observation deck. Consider going early to avoid crowds.
Afternoon: Explore the neighbourhoods of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. Visit the High
Line, an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line which is completely free to enjoy! Enjoy the
unique shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants in the area.
Evening: Head to the trendy neighbourhood of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Explore the vibrant streets
filled with street art, boutique shops, and hip eateries. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and
experience the lively nightlife.
