New York City

Introducing New York City

New York can be anything you want it to be. It’s why countless people have pinned their dreams on the place, thrown caution to the wind and shown up on its doorstep.

If you like a day filled with culture, start with the exhibit of German expressionist Kokoschka at the Neue Galerie, before ducking through Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the current exhibit of Robert Frank's 50th anniversary photographs from his book The Americans.

Round out your afternoon with a wander through some contemporary creations at the Studio Museum in Harlem.

If you rather your city a little grittier, spend some time in the hidden, restful Trinity Church cemetery, then cross to the Lower East Side where the Tenement Museum paints an evocative portrait of early migrant life on the island. Grab a hot dog from a street cart and stroll around the recently renovated Columbus Park, watching the mah jong and domino players compete against a backdrop of basketball.

Just don’t be too shocked if your day of high culture turns into a long afternoon of chicken soup and matzo balls at a downtown diner – or if your bohemian day runs off the rails when you stumble into a gold mine, and walk out with bags of goodies you didn't realize you needed. Whatever. New York is easy that way.

It’s why visitors keep streaming in from all corners of the globe, grasping at their silver-screen visions – and finding them – but discovering plenty more on the way. If you are willing to approach New York with a combination of organization and openness, you’ll be met with some staggering and unexpected rewards.

Make it happen

Ready to go? These recommended tours make it easy:

• take a day trip to Niagara falls by air
• see New York City at your own pace with the New York Pass
• take in shows, concerts & sporting events
• organise your transport & transfers

Want more? Choose from a wide selection of similar trips in New York

Last updated: Oct 22, 2009