Better weather is fast approaching and, as you know, travelling is one of my passions and even more so during the spring. The sun, the warmer temperatures and the soft breezes make us feel so much more active and make us want to pull our suitcase out of the closet. Springtime in New York is incredible, so today I bring you 4 things to do in the city that receives more than 60 million tourists a year.
DISCOVER NYC’S HIDDEN HOLIDAY GEMS
Shopping at Times Square
In recent years Times Square has been choked with construction work. Finally, this year you will be able to enjoy a long afternoon’s shopping in the improved pedestrian square without so many traffic cones and fences everywhere. Visits to the giant M&M and the Toys R Us store come highly recommended. Once you get used to the legendary hustle and bustle, go find a spot on the red stairs with view of the square or maybe have a bite at the legendary Hard Rock Café. If you are looking for a dining experience to remember, try the revolving buffet-style restaurant The View. A glass of wine with your view is non-negotiable.
Shakespeare in the Park
One plan for late spring and summer that never disappoints is an open-air performance of some of Shakespeare’s most beloved works. Running from 23 May to 13 August, tickets are free and available on the day in the park itself. This year the Delacorte company is putting on Much Ado About Nothing until mid-July and then King Lear later on in the season. You can’t say no to some free culture!
Museum Days
If you’re in New York, you simply have to visit a few museums. If you want to see the works of Picasso, Van Gogh or Matisse in relative peace, we recommend going early in the morning during the week. If you want to visit MoMA for free, Friday afternoon is your best bet. Come prepared with a bit of patience though: all great minds think alike and it can get crowded. One must-see art exhibition that takes place on the first Monday of May is at the Metropolitan. This year the exhibition is dedicated to the designer Rei Kawakubo and more than a hundred of his dresses made for Comme des Garçons will be on show.
See ‘Manhattanhenge’
What is the Manhattanhenge? It occurs only twice a year in May and July. Also known as the Manhattan Solstice, it is the effect you can see when the sunset lines up perfectly between the city skyline. A perfect candidate for that special snapshot you want of the city, thousands of people congregate in the streets to admire and immortalise this truly magical moment. And where best to catch this incredible scene? The best way to see it is from the city’s less crowded streets: 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd or 57th. And of course arriving with some time up your sleeve! Don’t miss out!
By Noemelia.com