New York City is a huge town with thousands of attractions that would take more than a few weeks to fully experience and appreciate. But if you are only visiting for a weekend, you have to narrow that list down to a handful of key attractions that you must visit. With so much culture, art, and entertainment to choose from, where do you start? Read on to discover some of the best places to go for a weekend trip to The Big Apple.
1. Central Park
One of the biggest hot spots in New York is 843 acres of green space in Central Manhattan. The park spans from 59th to 110th Street sandwiched by Eighth and Fifth Avenues. Daytime is the best time to visit this outdoor attraction. Experience the Conservatory Garden for a quiet spot of relaxation. It has six acres of greenery arranged in styles of English, French, and Italian. Another serene area is mid-park, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Jogging New Yorkers enjoy running past this 106-acre body of water dedicated to the former First Lady. Five visitor centres are located throughout the park.
2. Broadway Show
You won’t find a better theatrical performance than on The Great White Way in Midtown Manhattan. To make the most of your weekend trip, purchase your tickets in advance. There are many diverse shows to choose from like “Torch Song”, “Time and the Conways”, “A Clockwork Orange”, and “Michael Moore: The Terms of My Surrender.” If you would rather not attend an evening performance, matinée shows are available on Saturdays and Sundays. You’ll laugh, cry, sing, and love the heart and soul of great American theatre. Nearby neon-filled Times Square is another fun attraction to see before or after a show.
3. National September 11 Memorial and Museum
This site is a tribute to the almost 3,000 victims of the terrorist attacks in 2001 and the six from the 1993 bombing. Twin reflecting pools represent where the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers once stood. The 1-acre pools bear bronze panels with the victims’ names. The museum stretches over 100,000 square feet. Shawn Harris, head concierge at the WestHouse Hotel New York says, “What was knocked down, we rebuilt… It’s gorgeous inside even though a little sombre.” Accessible daily from the Fulton Street subway stops, memorial admission is free. The museum is $24 for adults, $18 for college students, seniors, and veterans, and $15 for kids 7 to 17.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
An iconic landmark in New York City is the Brooklyn Bridge. One of the United States’ oldest suspension bridges, it has six lanes of travel across the East River to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. Also, there is a pedestrian and bicycle walkway. Tourists enjoy walking across the bridge to experience the view of the two boroughs. Some people opt to take the A or C train to the High Street stop in Brooklyn first. Then, they walk across the bridge back to Manhattan. It’s a 30-minute walk either way.
These awesome activities are ideal for a weekend trip to New York City. Some are free of charge and give you views of other attractions while in route. The Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty are excellent choices also, but they can be pricey and very crowded. To truly maximize your time, plan ahead and allow for flexibility.
