6 Things You Must Do In NYC

Museum madness

It’s no secret that New York City is a haven for the culturati. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (or simply The MET) is one of the world’s most-visited art museums – spend hours here in the company of works by master artists. Hop over to MoMA for a dose of Picasso and a peek at Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. A variety of galleries and institutions offer the best of history and culture – pick from The Guggenheim, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, National September 11 Memorial and Museum and Madame Tussauds New York. Science junkies can spend a day at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and get their geek on while experiencing the best of military and maritime history. What’s not to love about NYC’s museums?

Pleasures of the parks

A walking city that it is, New York is home to gorgeous gardens and parks that will make even the most dedicated of homebodies want to step out and get a taste of the sun. From Central Park and Bryant Park in Manhattan to Prospect Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, NYC’s open spaces are to die for. Head out with a book, a friend, a meal, your iPod, or just your own company, and make the most of the city’s green scapes. And Friends fans, don’t miss the Cherry Hill fountain in Central Park, that’s a replica of the one in the sitcom’s opening credits!

Foodie central

What’s a city without its devourable meals? New York’s food gems dot the city, and there’s something to appeal to every tastebud. Hollywood rom-com fanatics would be familiar with Katz’s Delicatessen and its delicious pastrami sandwiches (you can also sit in the very place Meg Ryan sat during the scene in When Harry Met Sally). Buttermilk Channel tempts with its spread of fried chicken, and for some East-European cuisine, Veselka is a great bet. Those who drool for crepes and delectable hot chocolate, make Max Brenner your second home, and Cafe Luxembourg transports you to Paris with its French vibe. A tip: round off a meal with a visit to Magnolia Bakery, and stock up on cupcakes of every flavour!

Broadway delights

Times Square may be that place everyone recommends, but if you’re heading there, definitely catch a theatre show on Broadway. Take your pick from Alladin, Wicked, School of Rock – The Musical, Phantom of the Opera and everyone’s childhood favourite, The Lion King. Spectacular sets, foot-tapping music, larger-than-life shows and some breathtaking performances – a night at Broadway isn’t one you’ll forget easily. If you leave NYC without this experience, you may regret it!

Bridge the gap

We’re not those who advocate for too strenuous a vacation, but there are just some things that one has to do to make the trip just worth the while. If you’re staying in either burrough of Brooklyn or Manhattan, venture out to walk across Brooklyn Bridge to the other end. It’s around a 20-minute walk at a normal pace, and offers phenomenal view of the city. As you reach the centre, you’ll spot street artists at work, and can even pick up a sketch or two for your home. For the less-adventurous, board the Staten Island Ferry to view the city from the sea, and of course, for a fantastic view of the Statue of Liberty.

United we stand

You can’t visit USA without enjoying a dose of history. If it’s too hot to spend a day outdoors, head to the United Nations Headquarters by the sea. Sign up for a 30 minute tour of the organisation, and learn about the five main bodies, with a visit to each room (the General Assembly hall included). Art from around the world dots the building, and your tour will end at the shop where you can take home souvenirs. Since you’ll have your passport on you, you can even get it stamped with the UN logo at the post office. While you’re here, send a cute postcard to a friend anywhere in the world from the only place in USA not administered by the country’s government, but of the 193 member states of the UN!

Read more about what makes NYC such a cultural hotspot, here.