Classics and new attractions in NYC
If you haven’t visited New York City recently, you’ve got some catching up to do, from the observatory at One World Trade, to the new Whitney Museum, to happening neighbourhoods far from Manhattan.
Here’s a look.
WHAT’S NEW
For the newest bird’s-eye view of New York, head to the top of One World Trade. The ride up is so smooth, your tummy won’t even flip.
A time-lapse video in the elevator shows the evolution of the cityscape over centuries, including a glimpse of the twin towers melting in and out of view.
Once you’re up, the initial views are dominated by New Jersey. You’re looking at Manhattan when you spot the Empire State Building. Live guides are available to answer questions, including this one: Which bridge is the Brooklyn Bridge? (It’s the one with the double Gothic arches.)
The city’s other just-opened standout is the Whitney Museum, south of 14th Street, on Gansevoort Street near 10th Avenue. But the best part of this museum isn’t the art – it’s the outside spaces.
Take the elevator up and walk down using exterior stairs where possible. The terraces offer a thrilling, visual urban jazz of people-watching, outdoor art and views of everything from the Hudson River to old tenements and new towers.
CLASSIC ATTRACTIONS
New York’s an expensive city but many must-sees are free: Times Square, Central Park, a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, which provides terrific views of the Statue of Liberty.
Two more spots that opened in recent years have quickly become among the city’s most popular (and crowded): the 9/11 Memorial, a park with pools in the footprints of the twin towers, and the High Line, a park built on an abandoned rail line that lets you see the city from nine metres up.
The observatory at One World Trade is glassed-in but if you prefer the wind in your hair, go old-school with the Empire State Building. Another option for a look from high up is Top of the Rock, at Rockefeller Center, which has the advantage of offering views of both One World Trade and the Empire State Building.
A Broadway show is also a must for many visitors, while top museums include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Modern Art, which is hosting an extraordinary exhibit (through September 7) of Jacob Lawrence’s paintings of the early 20th-century Great Migration of African-Americans from the South to northern cities. The Guggenheim Museum is best-known for its architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
For immigrant history, check out the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and Ellis Island. For fresh air beyond Central Park, take the ferry to Governor’s Island.
You can hardly walk a block in New York without being tempted to buy something, but favourite neighbourhoods for shopping include 34th Street, anchored by Macy’s; SoHo, known for pricey boutiques as well as mass-market emporia like Uniqlo; and 14th Street-Union Square, where a veritable palace of shoes, DSW, reigns over a strip of trendy but affordable retailers.
TIPS
The subway is old, dirty, crowded and noisy, but it’s the fastest, most efficient way to get around. Consider buying a $US31 ($A40), seven-day Metro card (plus a $US1 fee for the card), which covers unlimited rides for a week.
Since individual rides are $US2.75, the card pays for itself in 12 rides. The subway is relatively safe, but be prepared for panhandlers, the homeless, loud musicians and the occasional preacher. If one car on a crowded train is mysteriously empty, there’s inevitably an unpleasant reason that you’re better off not discovering – just squeeze into a different car and call it a day.
The subways can also be confusing. Every train car has a framed paper map and many have digital guides, too. One of the best websites for point-to-point directions is Hopstop.com, but most New Yorkers know the lines fairly well and can give basic advice if asked.
Free maps are available from manned booths inside subway stations. Trains are sometimes rerouted on weekends; check the MTA.info/weekender website for guidance.
HANGING OUT
Spend some time outside Manhattan. Among the many Brooklyn neighbourhoods worth a visit are trendy Williamsburg, DUMBO and Bushwick. Coney Island has the beach, an old-time amusement park and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.
In Queens, there’s Greek food in Astoria plus many museums there and in nearby Long Island City: Museum of the Moving Image, Socrates Sculpture Park, Noguchi Museum and PS1 with its fabulous eatery, M. Wells Dinette.
For the beach in Queens, take the A train to Rockaway. The Bronx offers the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden (Frida Kahlo exhibit through November 1) and Italian food on Arthur Avenue.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
9/11 memorial america high line Manhattan new jersey new york new york city one world trade statue of libertyLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.