Ah, New York, New York, and I am hoping that I am not the only person on the planet that has not visited this amazing city…. I do plan on doing so, in the next year or so and NOT as a family trip but as a “girls only” weekend away. That is why I am living vicariously through my friend who recently went to New York with 4 of her closest friends for a “Sex and the city” weekend. Don’t take me literally here as I am not suggesting that anyone plan on going away for an affair – they booked their trip with the MOVIE theme in mind.
The vast amount to do in the city is probably the biggest challenge you will face and most people go more than once because of this. It’s a great destination for a girls’ weekend away or a romantic trip with your husband. Based on that you would probably do different things for each trip.
New York City can keep you busy for weeks. Most people visit on a long weekend which is hardly enough to scratch the surface of the amazing city. The biggest expense will be accommodations – even moderate hotels are around $300 a night. For short trips, plan your trip according to your interests. It is easy to walk, but also to get lost.
Here’s why New York is one of the best cities for a girls’ getaway:
- Direct flight to NYC from major Canadian Cities
- Only 1.5 hr flight from Toronto
- Check out flights from Buffalo (try JetBlue) where flights are often cheaper than Canadian destinations
- There is something in NYC for everyone
- City is very easy to get around, no need for car rentals and stressful driving
If you really want to treat yourselves, check out these higher end, trendy restaurants:
Tao
Asian fusion
One of the most popular restaurants in New York
Visited by many celebrities
Buddakann
Asian fusion
Nobu
Two New York locations (along with one in London)
Japanese
Bice
Worldwide locations
Italian cuisine
NOTE: All require reservations weeks in advance, particularly for Friday and Saturday night
Lower fare:
Stroll along little Italy and chose any of the family run restaurants lining the streets. You can have a three course meal, including wine, for as little as $40. Be prepared for some fabulous homemade pasta.
Sex and the City Tour:
Visit many of the popular locations where the TV show was filmed. Stops are made at Carrie’s front stairs, the famous Magnolia bakery where you stop for a delicious cupcake, and Steve and Aiden’s bar where tasty Cosmos are served. Even if you aren’t a huge fan, you get to see the city, and the tour shows video clips of the scenes shot at the visited locations.
Shopping
Of course, a trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a shopping expedition or two! A short walk from Little Italy will take you to the crowded streets of Chinatown. On Canal Street you will find any knock-off you desire from Tiffany jewelry to Coach purses and Chanel sunglasses. Most of the good stuff is hidden in backrooms. Just put one foot into a shop and you’ll quickly be asked if you want Gucci or Prada and then you’ll be escorted to a hidden back room that is a mecca of designer knock-offs. Don’t be afraid to bargain and thoroughly check out the merchandise for zippers that don’t work, outside labels that are poorly attached and spelling mistakes (like “Guci” instead of “Gucci”).
For regular shopping, you can basically shop anywhere in New York. Two major areas are along 5th avenue and in SoHo.
The park is beautiful but huge – getting through it on foot would be a challenge. The best way to explore is by horse-dawn carriage or bike carriage. The bike carriage is smaller and hence has better access to the smaller roads in the park so you will see more. In the park there is a zoo, many sports fields, ponds, an outdoor theatre and the famous boathouse restaurant among many more interesting things to do.
Times Square
The pinnacle of American Advertising and a must see location. Bustling 24 hours a day with enough lights to rival Las Vegas. Food and lodging in this area can be pricey (and noisy).
Other notable things to do:
- Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island (all immigrants to North America had to pass through this Island control centre)
- Museums: Natural History Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Van
- Courtland House Museum
- the Museum of Sex (!),
- Catch a show on Broadway or marvel at the United Nations building or Rockefeller Centre
New York is one of the most popular destinations for AIR MILES Collectors to use their reward miles to help with the cost. Call one of our Package Vacation & Cruise experts at 1-888-AIR MILES (247-6453) or in Toronto 416-226-5171 (You do not need to be an AIR MILES Collector.)