This is New York

Visiting the other boroughs

Since there’s so much to do in the city that never sleeps, you could easily spend your entire trip in Manhattan. But to get the full NYC experience, checking out the other boroughs is highly recommended if you have the time. 

Here are some of the top picks from the remaining boroughs of New York:

Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Bridge

Take in beautiful views of Manhattan, the east river, and the waterfront by taking a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge on a walkway specially designed for pedestrians and cyclists. This bridge was the world’s first steel suspension bridge, an engineering feat when it was built, and the breezy walkway is a great place for photo opportunities.

Coney Island

The amusement-filled boardwalk and sandy beach of Coney Island is at it’s peak of popularity during the summer months in New York City. Featuring historic rides such as the Wonder Wheel, a 150 ft tall ferris wheel that first opened in 1920, which provides you with great views of the boardwalk and beach as well as a feel for the history of the area.

Queens

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

This public park was the site of the 1964/65 New York World’s Fair, although one of the only surviving structures makes for the focal point of the park: The magnificent Unisphere, a massive globe surrounded by a fountain. The Unisphere has been featured in countless films, from Iron Man 2 to Spider-Man Homecoming.

Museum of the Moving Image

This museum centred around film, television and digital media is a great day out for all ages, featuring everything from TV and film from video games to props and more. The Jim Henson Exhibition is one of the museum’s highlights, showcasing Jim Henson’s work as the genius behind shows like The Muppet Show, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth. 

The Bronx

Bronx Zoo

One of the largest zoos in America, the Bronx Zoo is situated in Bronx Park and offers visitors a unique experience, with natural habitats, a variety of animals, and a focus on the conservation efforts of native species. The zoo is also located close by to the New York Botanical Gardens, which makes for a relaxing addition to a fun-filled day at the zoo. 

Yankee Stadium

Costing a whopping 2.3 billion dollars to construct, the Yankee Stadium is a must for any sports fan. Apart from watching a game, you can also take part in tours that run daily to get a behind-the-scenes look at the team and the history behind them. 

Staten Island

Chinese Scholar’s Garden

Featuring a bamboo forest path, waterfalls, and a koi-filled pond, the Chinese Scholar’s Garden tranquil atmosphere makes for an unforgettable experience. Beautifully designed to evoke China during the Qing Dynasty of the 18th century, the garden takes inspiration from the Couple’s Retreat Garden in Suzhou, China. 

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry has been operational since 1905, and is the main mode of transport, running 24 hours a day, connecting Staten Island to Manhattan. The ferry offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline from the water. 

When to visit?

One of the most ideal times to visit New York City for decent weather and fewer tourists is in the spring, from April to June. The weather is most preferable around these months, with an average high temperature of 16°C in April, rising to 27°C in June. 

In the winter months, New York comes into its own, between November and December the city is adorned with festive lights, as well as special events and attractions which make for a magical trip. However, New York is also at its busiest during this time, especially in December, with average temperatures as low as 0°C.

Where to stay?

The best place to stay in New York always depends on what you plan to do there. For first-time visitors, mid-town Manhattan is ideal as it plants you right in the middle of everything, with great public transport links and hotels. If you’re wanting to focus your trip on culture, Soho is the spot for you. If you’re travelling on a budget, hotels in Brooklyn are the most affordable while still being close to the main attractions.

Getting around

New York has a fantastic public transport system, so the best way to get around if you can’t walk to your destination is by taking advantage of the bus and rail systems. The subway is open 24 hours a day and is the quickest way to travel around New York. For around $32 you can purchase an Unlimited Metrocard, allowing you to travel as much as you like within a fixed time period for 7 days; other options are available for longer stays. If you plan to visit Staten Island, the only way to reach it is via ferry.

In Conclusion

New York is a brilliant location for an action-packed holiday, with tons of amazing sights, entertainment, museums, food, drink, and shopping; there’s something for everyone in this lively city. If you’re looking for a holiday where every day is different from the last, New York has you covered, all you need to do is set a date.