A City Guide To New York City
Heading to New York City in the near future? There’s no lack of things to do in the city that never sleeps, which can sometimes make planning your stay a little overwhelming. Let us help you get started with the following three recommendations.
TIMES SQUARE
There may not be a more iconic place in the entire world than Times Square. Technically, it’s just an intersection, but Times Square has come to be known for so much more than that.
If nothing else, it is absolutely the most popular place to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve. Every year, more than a million people will travel here for the spectacle.
Major buildings in Times Square that you may wish to stop by during your visit include:
- 1 Astor Plaza
- 810 7th Avenue
- The Bowtie Building
- 1500 Broadway
- AXA Center
- Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
- Bank of America Tower
- The Orion
- New York Times Tower
- Paramount Theatre
You also won’t have trouble finding a hotel near Times Square. The following are right on the intersection:
- Crowne Plaza Times Square
- Hotel Carter
- Doubletree Guest Suites
- Sheraton new York
- New York Marriott Marquis
- W Times Square
- Millennium Broadway
- Renaissance Hotel Times Square
- Hotel Edison
Of course, there are countless more within walking distance, too.
In terms of entertainment, Broadway should be the obvious choice. A close second would be people watching. There is also an abundance of restaurants in the area.
THE VILLAGE
For a complete change of pace, head downtown to the Village. Greenwich Village is legendary for being a creative neighborhood of bohemian artists. You’ll find everything from comedians to musicians to performance artists and more in the Village.
Tourists also flock to the Village for Washington Square Park. While most people associate the Big Apple with Central Park, many locals prefer the calm, serenity and beauty of Washington Square Park. Plus in the summer time you’ll often be lucky enough to find talented jazz musicians playing live.
You should also take a minute to stop by Washington Square Arch, which has become sort of the unofficial landmark of the Village. This beautiful piece of marble architecture has stood since 1892. It commemorates the centennial of President Washington’s inauguration.
If you visit the Village during Halloween, you can enjoy the area’s annual parade, the largest of its kind in the entire world.
Foodies also love coming to Greenwich Village because of restaurants like Shuko, Minetta Tavern, Carbone, Blue Hill and ZZ’s Clam Bar. Whatever type of food you’re into, there’s a menu to be found somewhere in the Village that will give you one of the best meals of your life.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (often called, simply, “the Met”) is world famous. It also holds the distinction of being the largest museum of art in the entire country and one of the most visited in the entire world.
Depending on when you visit, various touring art shows could be featured at the Met. However, there will always be more than two million permanent pieces on display. In total, there are 17 curatorial departments.
You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but most guests agree it’s worth at least spending some time looking at the pieces from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity. Also, nearly every European master you’ve ever heard of is represented at the Met.
Since 1870, this museum has been a vital part of the international art world. Even if you’re not usually a big fan of art, it’s still worth stopping in for an hour or two.
Whole books have been written about all the things you can do in New York City. However, we heartily recommend you give these three a visit.