New York City Travel Agent Specialist

New York City is one of those destinations that seems to have something for everyone. Broadway, music, sports, food, history, shopping, art, architecture, parks and some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world all come together in one city. You can spend the day exploring neighborhoods and end the evening at a Broadway show, a concert, a sporting event or a great restaurant.

Broadway is a big part of the New York experience. With so many shows to choose from, there is an opportunity to see everything from long-running favorites to new productions and, sometimes, a favorite Broadway star performing live. For theater lovers, planning a trip around a particular show can be a highlight of the visit.

Times Square is another New York landmark that most visitors want to experience at least once. The lights, giant screens and constant activity make it unlike almost anywhere else. It is especially fun to see after dark, when the area really comes alive.

New York is also a city best explored by neighborhood. SoHo is known for its cast-iron buildings, shops, galleries and restaurants. Downtown brings you to Wall Street, the Financial District and some of the city's history. The High Line offers a different way to see Manhattan, with a landscaped walkway built on a former elevated rail line. Along the way, you get views of the surrounding neighborhoods, architecture and Hudson River.

Central Park is another essential part of New York. The park offers walking paths, open spaces, gardens, lakes and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the surroundings. Spring brings beautiful blossoms, while fall brings changing leaves. The park can be part of a busy sightseeing day or simply a place to slow down for a while. Nearby, the Upper West Side offers restaurants, shops and a more residential side of Manhattan.

New York's museums offer something for almost every interest. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum are among the city's most well-known. Whether you want to spend hours exploring art and history or choose one museum for a few hours, they are an easy way to add something different to an itinerary.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is another important stop. Located at the World Trade Center site, the memorial and museum tell the story of September 11 and its impact on New York, the country and the world. It is a meaningful visit and one that deserves time rather than being rushed between other attractions.

A visit to New York should also include time around the water. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island offer history, views and an opportunity to see two important parts of New York's story. For another perspective, the Staten Island Ferry provides views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline while traveling between Manhattan and Staten Island. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is another experience worth making time for. Walking across the bridge gives you great views of Manhattan and the East River. On the Brooklyn side, DUMBO is a popular area to explore with its cobblestone streets, restaurants, shops, waterfront views and iconic views back toward the Manhattan skyline.

Food is a major part of New York's personality. Dining options range from neighborhood pizza, bagels and delis to international cuisine, bakeries, food halls and some exceptional restaurants. Every neighborhood brings something different to the table, and trying different foods can be part of exploring the city.

New York is also home to iconic sports and entertainment venues. Baseball fans can choose between the Yankees and Mets, while Madison Square Garden hosts the Knicks, Rangers, concerts and other major events throughout the year. Depending on the season, visitors can build an entire trip around a game, concert or special event.

The city changes throughout the year. Spring brings blooming trees and flowers in Central Park, along with events such as the Easter Bonnet Parade. Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor dining, parks, rooftop views, the waterfront and long days of exploring. Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful color throughout Central Park and other green spaces. Winter brings the holiday season, when New York becomes filled with lights, decorations, holiday markets, department store windows and the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. A Broadway show and dinner can make a great evening during a holiday visit.

There is also plenty of shopping, from the major department stores and Fifth Avenue to the smaller boutiques and shops found throughout the neighborhoods. Observation decks offer another way to take in the skyline, especially around sunset or after dark.

New York offers plenty of ways to create an itinerary around what interests you most. It is a destination where the combination of the well-known sights and the smaller experiences along the way can make the trip memorable.