New York City is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. With more than 40 million tourists visiting the city each year, you can expect to find something to meet all of your entertainment, shopping, relaxation and sightseeing needs.
It is easy to become overwhelmed when planning a trip to the City That Never Sleeps, but with some pre planning you can make the most of a weekend or a week in Manhattan without breaking the bank.
Begin your planning by sitting down with your travel companions to discuss what you would all like to get out of the trip to avoid any arguments or confusion while away. There will almost always never be enough time to do everything you'd like while in the Big Apple, so the trick is to choose a few of your must-haves and enjoy them to the fullest.
First you will need a place to stay in the city. Accommodations can be expensive and busy, especially during high season. Try staying outside of Manhattan for more affordable hotel rates, or consider a Bed and Breakfast or perhaps renting a vacant apartment. You can try searching on apartment swapping websites to find availabilities for the time you will be in the city.
One of the biggest obstacles while visiting Manhattan is getting around to all the places on your must-see list. As a city with excellent subway and bus routes, you can feel comfortable relying on the transit system. Try purchasing a daily Metro Card to get you all around the city at an affordable rate during your stay. Another popular choice for first-time visitors is buying a day pass for one of the many double-decker bus companies. They have multiple drop-off and hop on spots all over the city, and they will give you a birds' eye view of many popular neighborhoods and architectural delights around the city. If you're planning on doing a lot of walking, make sure to keep a map handy to avoid getting lost.
Home to treasures such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, and the Museum of Modern Art New York has some wonderful architectural and cultural marvels. Many of these spots require admission, but if you are planning on seeing a few popular sights during your stay there are discount passes to be purchased so you can take it your must-see city sights at the best prices. It would be wise to visit these attractions early in the day to avoid crowds and lineups and buy tickets ahead of time so you can spend more time taking in the sights than waiting in lines.
Depending on the time of your visit, you are sure to find some seasonal attractions and events to enjoy in the city. Take a look at a few events calendars to learn about any cultural festivities, plays, parades or celebrations that you can check out. New York is a world-class city when it comes to live performances on and off Broadway, so if you are a big fan of the performing arts there are many options for dramatic, dance or musical performances all at a variety of costs.
A trip to the Big Apple would not be complete without dabbling in some shopping and culinary activity. With hundreds of highly acclaimed restaurants all around the city, there really is no shortage of places to eat. Whether you are hoping to indulge in some Italian, Japanese, Mexican or Fusion tastes ask some friends for their favourite NYC restaurant recommendations or even take a queue from one of your favourite Manhattan-based films or TV shows to dine like a celebrity. A wise tip would be to book your reservations before departing on your trip, not only to ensure you will get a table at a popular spot, but also to male sure you won't be spending your previous vacation time searching for a place to eat on an empty stomach. If you are looking to revamp your wardrobe, you've found the right place. One of the shopping Mecca's of the world, the city is filled with flagship department stores and one of a kind boutiques and vintage stores. Knowing your budget and style is key when shopping in the city, as the many neighbourhoods are home to designer boutiques and family owned shops with the latest trends.