The glittering lights, bustling
streets, and enduring magic of Manhattan
have made it one of the most visited destinations on the planet. Home to some
of the most impressive cultural institutions in the United
States, Manhattan also has a grittier side, found in the bodegas and alleys
of its bountiful and diverse neighborhoods. The city is the backdrop and sometimes
even the star of countless films, and visitors may stumble across a movie in production,
or an episode of CSI: NY in the throes of filming. Some may get a thrill from
walking in the footsteps of Woody Allen, recalling his iconic cinematic romance
of the city, simply titled Manhattan.
While there are many typical
routes to follow, particularly around Times
Square where tourism is a thriving industry, the key to really enjoying
a weekend in this famed metropolis is hatching a loose plan and taking plenty
of restful breaks (a city block can be rather long). That said, the city has
a pulse and energy all its own, due mostly to the millions of dynamic and intriguing
folks who call the small island home. In order to garner the most from a short
trip, listen to the locals: their stories will rivet, delight, and fascinate.
They're also likely to share some well-kept island secrets.
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| The
Brooklyn Bridge Twinkles at Night1 |
ARRIVAL
Whether arriving during
the day or night, the sight of the iconic Manhattan skyline is breathtaking,
with its impressive buildings nestled tightly between the Hudson
and East
Rivers. Most flights arrive at two major airports, JFK
and La
Guardia, with scores of taxis
queuing up to take passengers into the city. Depending on traffic and the time
of day, it can take up to an hour to reach Midtown,
which can be a blessing with all there is to see from the window of the taxi.
Accommodations
are as varied as the city itself, featuring everything from deluxe suites at
the finest hotels,
to cozy Upper
West Side bed
and breakfasts. Manhattan is made for walking, so bring comfortable
shoes and prepare to be surprised and dazzled at every turn. The subway
is also user-friendly, with clearly marked stops throughout the city. Many of
the new cars also have digitally enhanced maps on board, making navigation from
Midtown to the Lower
East Side and beyond a snap.
WEEKEND MUSTS
Whether exploring for a
weekend or seeking a mid-week cultural getaway, the following sights and experiences
will help visitors take the biggest bite possible of the famed Big Apple in
just a couple of days.
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| A
Young Girl Marvels at the Met2 |
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Marvel at the Met
As one of the
most established and respected museums in the world, the Metropolitan
Museum of Art boasts a spectacularly large collection of works, from
Renaissance paintings, to contemporary, to a new gallery devoted entirely to
urban photography. The museum is impressively large, with ornate columns and
grand sweeping staircases, so it's key to reflect beforehand which exhibits
are most desirable. Otherwise, the museum could take upwards of a month to see
from top to bottom. Be sure to take some time on the dazzling roof of the building,
which affords spectacular views of Central Park and is a favorite swooning spot
for couples. In addition, (and this is a well-guarded local secret), the suggested
donation of $20 is just that: a suggested donation.
Times Square
Even during the
darkest of nights, Times
Square dazzles with its brilliant lights and non-stop visual oddities.
For those in advertising, the space is some of the most sought after real estate
in the world. The famed square is also home to the New
Year's Eve countdown, during which upwards of one million people cram
into the area to take in the spectacle. Some of the top names in entertainment
can be seen on this night, their voices mingling with the smoky scent of chestnuts
roasting on the bounty of nearby vending carts. Nearby, the theater district
with its glittering auditoriums and plush seats beckons visitors to take the
time to relax and take in the glorious Broadway
musicals and dramas on offer.
Hipsters Dining and Music
The Lower
East Side has long been home to artists, musicians, and diverse ethnic
communities. From the tony galleries along Rivington Street, to the vibrant
Essex
Street Market, this bustling neighborhood is a dynamic and inspiring
place to spend a slice of the day (and night). Schiller's
Liquor Bar is
packed at all hours, with its eclectic menu, free Wi-Fi, and funky restrooms.
Try the mac and cheese, paired with one of the impressively affordable wine
selections. The Bowery
Ballroom is a legendary indie music hot spot, complete with an interesting
crowd, while the Mercury
Lounge is both a popular music venue and hang out for the scores of
musicians who flock to New York, following in the footsteps of Lou Reed. After
a long night of carousing, head to Rush
Hour for some comforting tater tots and burgers.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across
the Brooklyn
Bridge is an experience not to be missed at any time of night or day.
With its distinctively famous design, this New
York City landmark is also a great spot to view the Manhattan skyline
from a distance and snap some photos. Winds can swirl out of nowhere, so in
the cooler months, it's best to dress appropriately and hang on tight to any
valuables.
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The Dakota Residence, from Central
Park3
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A Walk in the Park
Spanning 843 acres
(341 ha) Central
Park is the city's largest park, offering a welcome oasis in the heart
of the city. Attractions abound, from the summer Shakespeare
in the Park festival, to leisurely horse-drawn carriage rides,
which take passengers on a romantic and rustic ride along the winding roads.
At night, the park comes alive with raccoons and various nocturnal animals,
and lovers stroll hand in hand over the famed footbridges that span the lagoons.
Snap Up Style
Manhattan
is brimming with well-heeled fashionistas, with good reason. From high end fashion
boutiques to funky Lower
East Side consignment shops,
there is a wealth of shopping to enjoy. Century
21 is a Mecca for fashion-savvy bargain hunters, and Canal
Street bustles with street vendors hawking designer knock-offs. A word
to the wise: recent government crackdowns mean many of the purse vendors work
in teams with walkie talkies warning one another of a pending raid. They will
quite literally pack up their wares in seconds and vanish without a trace. That
said, some of the most convincing replicas can be found in this teeming stretch
of pavement, just don't expect a refund or return policy.
Chelsea Girls and Boys
Chelsea
is an arts hub, with scores of galleries brimming with a wide range of visual
goodness, from the distilled works of established artists, to the raw works
of emerging talent. The first Thursday of the month, galleries throw a cornucopia
of openings, many with complimentary food and beverages (arrive early to avoid
disappointment). The area is also home to the famed Chelsea
Hotel, one time residence to some of the most alluring and elusive names
in music and the arts, from Patty Smith to Sid Vicious and Leonard Cohen. A
short walk to the water yields the Chelsea
Piers, a newly developed waterfront park, with a state-of-the- art sports
facility. Kayakers may be seen challenging the East
River, while local residents walk their dogs along the wide paved pathways.
Come on, Take a Free
Ride
Not only does
the Staten
Island Ferry provide some of the best views of Manhattan
and the Statue
of Liberty from the water, it's also free as the wind. Over 20 million
people take advantage of this service, making it one of New York's most popular
attractions. Pack a lunch from any number of the delis
that line the streets of the city, find a perch on the deck of the boat, and
take in the gorgeous vistas.
If you enjoyed this
feature, please take a look at these other great Worldweb.com articles:
• A
Weekend in Las Vegas
• A
Weekend In Toronto
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- c/o Roberta McDonald:
Brooklyn Bridge; Brooklyn, NY,
USA
- c/o
Roberta McDonald; Marvelling at the Met; Manhattan, NY, USA
- c/o Roberta McDonald;
The Dakota; Manhattan, NY,USA
United States
