This building (hopefully) needs no introduction. It's almost synonymous with New York, and a trip to its 86th floor observation deck is one of the most quintessential things someone can do on a trip to the Big Apple. If heights don't make your knees too shaky, head all the way up to the 102nd floor – it's a sight to behold.
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NEW YORK
TRAVEL IN NEW YORK
New York, New York! The global epicentre of fashion, art and diversity, this eclectic city is dizzying, dazzling and iconic. This is the city that never sleeps, with its fast-paced lifestyle being one of its most beloved characteristics. The best part? A New York trip can be anything you want it to be. It can be a foodies paradise, giving you everything from haute-cuisine, to creamy cheesecake, to mouth-watering pastrami bagels. It can be the destination to truly unlock your creativity, with districts overrun with avant-garde art galleries and museums, like the Guggenheim Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Art. One thing’s for sure: this all-encompassing concrete jungle has no shortage of thrills that will have you squealing for days.
What makes a trip to New York the ultimate city dwellers delight? For starters, each neighbourhood offers a totally unique atmosphere and array of activities, almost making them cities in their own right. Channel your inner Gossip Girl on the Upper East Side, explore the hipster eateries of the Chelsea Market, shop til you drop in Manhattan or just take a leisurely stroll over the famed Brooklyn Bridge. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to New York without a little culture. The sex museum will arouse your curiosity while the Bloody Mary Festival will make all your brunch dreams come true.You’ve seen it on TV, read about it in books and no doubt fantasised about your own Big Apple adventure, but nothing really compares to the real deal. You may have dreamt of gazing up in awe at the statue of Liberty, but did you picture yourself walking the cobblestoned streets of Greenwich Village, or rowing across the lake in Central Park?
From the break of dawn when you arise the New York way with a coffee and a bagel, til the sunset where you let loose after a few of the city’s craft beers onto Soho’s funky club scene, your NYC tour will likely be filled with pure urban wonderment. Weird, wacky, niche or trendy, New York doesn’t just have it all - it owns it all. This is the city of opportunity, and its cosmopolitan charm is yours for the taking.
FAST FACTS
Airport -John F Kennedy International Airport
Time/cost from airport to city -22 minutes, $85 (taxi), 35 minutes, $15 (train)
Public transport types -bus, train, subway, taxi
Standard subway -single journey cost $2.75 or $6.50 for express
Average taxi rate -$2.50 per 1/5 mile (about four blocks)
Time/cost from airport to city -22 minutes, $85 (taxi), 35 minutes, $15 (train)
Public transport types -bus, train, subway, taxi
Standard subway -single journey cost $2.75 or $6.50 for express
Average taxi rate -$2.50 per 1/5 mile (about four blocks)
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about Contiki
See more about Contiki
THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK
Once a bustling financial hub, the World Trade Center was comprised of the twin towers, part of New York’s impressive roster of silver sky-scrapers. A visit to the sobering site of the world-changing bombings of 9/11 will offer a new perspective of the city during its most vulnerable period. Here, you’ll get the chance to reflect, pay your respects, and learn about the day that changed the course of history forever. The World Trade Centre Memorial honours the lives of the victims that are engraved in the silver lining of the site itself, while the museum offers insight into the global significance of the bombings, and how New York City will never be the same.
Visit the World Trade Center Memorial
See the famous neighbourhoods of New York such as Soho, Greenwich Village and TriBeCa
New York City is defined by the unique personality of each of its neighbourhoods. With Contiki, you’ll get to know the three that have commanded the world’s attention, each of them wildly different. The urban shopping district of Soho is known for its well-preserved buildings and abundant art spaces, whilst Greenwich Village is a hubbub of diversity where the city's creative counterculture movement was manifested. Lastly, we’ll delve into the uber-hip neighbourhood of TriBeCa, with its cobblestone streets, trendy eats and opportunities for celeb-spotting. Having gotten to grips with the ‘real’ New York, you’ll go home feeling like a local.
See Museum Mile including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Guggenheim Museum
This stretch of road along prestigious Fifth Avenue features all of New York’s finest museums and art institutions, and is pretty much the only road you need to visit if you’re pressed for time. Where convenience meets education, this road is your one-stop shop for culture seekers. Museums on this road include the Guggenheim, which will wow you with bold art and inspire you with contorting sculptures against the pristine backdrop of each room, painting the full picture (pun intended) of the artistic genres of our time. Also on Museum Mile you’ll find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which features art, relics, sculptures and artefacts that span both cultures and eras.
Visit fashionable Fifth Avenue & see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center & Tiffany’s
Evoking a little ‘breakfast at Tiffany’s’ glamour, we’ll head to the heart of New York high fashion: Fifth Avenue. Ok, your pockets may be a little tight, but style is an attitude daaarling. We’ll window shop til we drop, marvelling at designer bags and even paying a visit to Tiffany's to gawk at a few diamonds (they are a girl’s best friend, after all.) To inject a little culture into the afternoon, we’ll wander over to St Patrick’s Cathedral, it’s intricate Gothic decor a shocking contrast to the contemporary high-rise buildings that surround it. Last up, the Rockefeller Center, famed as the venue for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree (and that scene from Home Alone 2).
Visit the Statue of Liberty
What would a trip to New York be without a visit to lady liberty herself? This iconic neoclassical statue that stands in New York Harbour is an emblem of freedom and opportunity, but not many people are aware that this is actually the handiwork of the French (that talented bunch.) Nevertheless, there are few experiences more rewarding than standing in front of this awe-inspiring green female icon. With a tour around the statue and a pop into the monument museum, you’ll have all your pressing questions answered (including how the hell did they get it up there?) and leave feeling satisfied.
Take the elevator 86 floors up to the Empire State Building Observation Deck
The spectacular nature of the world-famous Empire State Building will likely be the highlight of your New York tour. As well as being an obvious bucket list tick, climbing the 86 floors of this 1930’s art-deco skyscraper is a pretty epic experience in itself. You haven’t experienced New York until you’ve gained a panoramic view of the entire city, offering a new vantage point of this concrete jungle and channelling ‘King Kong’ vibes. You’ll also get to know the history of the buildings in the built-in exhibits to expand your understanding of the city. Vertigo sufferers, you can maybe sit this one out…
Grab a gourmet bite to eat at the famous Chelsea Market
On paper, New York’s Chelsea Market is the city’s meatpacking district. But in reality, it’s so much more than that. This enclosed urban food court, grocery store and shopping mall in the heart of Manhattan is home to some of the city’s best eats including authentic German currywurst, creamy gelato, decadent lobster and of course, New York’s favourite: pizza by the slice. Aside from the flurry of high-end stores (think Anthropologie) the exposed brickwork and quintessentially rustic New York interior will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. But the constant ever-changing hub of pop-ups and samples will ensure you’ll always find something fresh and new here.
Channel New York’s most famous foursome on a Sex and the City tour
On your Contiki tour, it’s more than likely that you may have already found the Samantha to your Carrie - or vice versa. But nowhere else in the world can you truly channel the female power of this dynamic foursome than in their hometown, New York City. What exactly does a Sex and the City tour involve? We hit up all the pivotal and most recognisable spots from the show including bars, apartment stoops, cupcake shops and of course boutiques, all washed down with a classic cosmo (or 3.) You’ll be so inspired you’ll likely want to watch the show all over again…
Start your day with a stroll over historic Brooklyn Bridge
The New York bridge is one of the city’s most instantly recognisable landmarks, and one of the country’s oldest roadway bridges, spanning the East River and connecting the trendy neighbourhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn. While of course the bridge is covered in cars, it's more pedestrian friendly that you’d expect. Exploring on two feet will offer you an unbelievable skyline view. With your pastrami bagel and coffee in hand, why not kick off a perfect day with a leisurely stroll? For added magic, an early rise will mean perusing the bridge at sunrise and seeing the city basked in a warm glow.
Row through Central Park
Who said being in the middle of a city means we can't reconnect with nature? Central Park is 843 acres of gorgeous urban park life and another iconic New York landmark. It’s the perfect place for a stroll, but a romantic alternative is to hire a rowing boat on the mini lake in the centre of the park. As well as being a workout for your arms, you can even hire boats that accommodate four people if you and your travel squad just can’t bear to be separated. You'll be able to get a closer view of the parks teeming wildlife, including herons and waterfowl.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN NEW YORK
Is it really any wonder that NYC plays host to so many exciting festivals year on year? Not to us. No matter your beat, you’ll find a festival that gets you vibing with like-minded people. In fact, very few weeks pass without some form of eye-catching event popping off. It’s simply always a party in NYC.
Five Boro Craft Beer Fest, 272 Meserole St, Brooklyn, 11206
A beer festival unlike any other, this is the festival where everyone is a VIP with multiple tastings, filling snacks and a real-life look into #brewerylife. In order to avoid queues tickets are limited, so act fast. You won’t want to miss out on the best of the good stuff, presented by all 5 of New York’s unique neighbourhoods.
The Bloody Mary Festival, 263 Prospect Ave Brooklyn
Your favourite cocktails in your favourite city celebrated with a festival - have you ever read a sentence so perfect? This liquid brunch favourite is celebrated in all its forms, serving you the most innovative takes on the cocktail to the backdrop of live music. If you’re a serial brunch-er, you’ll have no shortage of enthusiasm...
Taste of the Lower East Side, Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St.
What exactly does the Lower East Side taste like, you might be wondering? A full list would take us hours, so we’ll leave you with one word: variety. Every year, hundreds of food-crazed participants flock to this vibrant event for a taste of the city’s top grub. The best part? Money raised at the event goes straight to local communities.
Governors Ball Music Festival, Randall’s Island Park
The Governors Ball is THE go-to NYC event for two reasons: firstly, it features all of the world’s hottest artists over three glorious days (think Halsey, Travis Scott and Eminem). Secondly, it takes place on an island - yep, you read that right - slap bang in the middle of the East River. Need we say more?
Tribeca Film Festival, Spring Studios, 50 Varick Street
The glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s elite, gathering in the edgy urban hubbub of Manhattan. A match made in heaven, if you ask us. This prestige event celebrates groundbreaking modern cinema, keeping you one step ahead of the newest releases and film trends. Catch it each year in April, this is any film buffs delight.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS IN NEW YORK
The calibre of museums in New York is simply unrivalled. No matter what peaks your interest, be it art, food, or you simply want to be shown something a little out of the ordinary, New York’s got you covered. Out of a pretty varied roster (including a sex museum), these are the five cultural hotspots you’d be a fool not to swing by…
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
With art, relics, sculptures and artefacts that span cultures and eras, this fifth-avenue wonderland is a one-stop shop for culture junkies. The art comes alive in these exciting halls, and you’ll come out likely having unlocked another 15% of your brain. Clear your schedule, this place deserves a full day’s worth of your time…
The Guggenheim New York
Set in an unusually spherical building, it’s impossible not to get enticed into the Guggenheim from the exterior alone. Inside, you’ll be wowed by bold art and inspired by contorting sculptures against the pristine backdrop of each room, painting the full picture (pun intended) of the artistic genres of our time.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
This is the museum to set off your creativity, with over 220,000 works of art housed in this exciting building. Here, you’ll be exposed to new artistic concepts and photography, as well as cutting-edge performance art that will have you utterly transfixed (even if you don’t quite ‘get it’).
Museum of the Moving Image
While it may have a somewhat confusing title, this museum is all about animation, video and claymation. Pretty much all forms of moving image are displayed here. The museum offers artistic installations, enthralling exhibitions and screenings of films that showcase examples of digital animation. Sucker for Disney Pixar? You’ll never want to leave.
Museum of Sex (MoSex)
Now now, no blushing. The museum of sex is here to celebrate the human (and even animal) sexuality in all its forms, presenting fascinating, thought-provoking topics surrounding sex and erotica through the most artistic mediums. Where else in the world could you spend an afternoon on a bouncy castle of breasts?
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FOOD IN NEW YORK
It was the immigration boom of the early 1900’s that shaped New York's dining scene, and the city’s diversity permeates through its flavours, from the Jewish influences in the sandwich shops to the Italian style flair of the delicatessens. Only making the journey will open your eyes to everything that makes this city one of the most exciting destinations for foodies.
Cheesecake
Oh, New York cheesecake. Creamy, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, how we love thee. Tasting New York cheesecake is simply a rite of passage for new visitors, and your best bet for the real thing is Junior’s, a cosy diner nestled in Brooklyn. You’ll never be able to enjoy supermarket cheesecake again.
Pastrami and Corned Beef Sandwich
New York knows its beef and at Katz’s, you’ll find it slow-cured for 30 days. This is the height of no-frills, all flavour New York cuisine. As you tuck into the famed and ridiculously tender pastrami and corned beef sandwich, you’ll wonder how you ever ate anything else…
Coal-Oven Pizza
When you think of New York, you think of pizza. Distinctly different from European pizza, New York pizza is decadent and loaded with delicious toppings. John’s Pizzeria is no exception, serving up true New York style pizzas fresh from the coal oven. Want to sample while you see the sights? Opt for a single slice, rather than the whole shebang.
Best eaten at - John’s Pizzeria, 278 Bleecker Street
Best eaten at - John’s Pizzeria, 278 Bleecker Street
Bagels - Absolute Bagels
How do New Yorkers start their day? With a warm bagel, most likely from Absolute Bagels. Don’t be put off by the line going out of the door; it moves quickly as the bagels are churned out, and you’ll soon be chowing down on your own cream-cheese filled pocket of heaven.
Best eaten at - 2788 Broadway, nr. 108th St.
Italian Ices
Court Pastry shop in Brooklyn is the true essence of Italian-American fusion cuisine, in the form of delectable pastries. The shop churns out handmade cannoli, biscotti and other handmade sweet treats, but their bestsellers are their fruity Italian ices, the perfect antidote to a sweltering summer day in the city.
Best eaten at - Court Pastry Shop, 298 Court St, Brooklyn
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