How to make the most out of your trip to NYC

Whether you’re in town for a couple of days or you’re checking into the Big Apple for a big stay, there’s a lot to cram into a visit to New York City.

If you’re to avoid coming home with a dose of regret at missing out, then you need a battleplan. Here’s how to squeeze the most out of your NYC adventure…

Go at the right time

You can get more from your break if you choose your timing carefully. If fashion is your thing, it could be a great experience to be in NYC for either the February or September fashion weeks, for example. Head to New York for Thanksgiving and you’ll have the chance to join in the Macy’s parade – while a visit for New Year’s Eve will let you countdown to midnight with the crowds in Times Square. A winter break, meanwhile, will give you chance to skate on the Rockefeller Center’s famous ice rink.

Get a great view

Manhattan’s magnificent skyline is crying out to be gazed upon – and to serve as the backdrop for the ultimate NYC vacation photo. Make sure you plan ahead to get the best views of it: sign yourself up for a helicopter tour or pre-book tickets to get to the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center.

See a show

Broadway offers some of the very best live theater in the world (only London’s West End even gets close), so you’ll be missing out if you don’t book yourself some show tickets. From pioneering new plays to out-and-out classics, there’s bound to be something showing that can add the finishing touches to the perfect NYC day.

Make the most of the museums

It’s easy to walk the streets of Manhattan with your neck craned up, star struck at the skyscrapers. Yet, it’s also important to dive inside New York’s magnificent museums and explore the incredible exhibits inside. The Museum of Arts and Design is a great example of the sort of high caliber attraction that you’ll struggle to beat anywhere in the world – and even puts on ‘pay what you wish’ entry on Thursday evenings.

Be smart and save some money

Speaking of which, New York can be an expensive city – so if you are on a tight budget it pays to think of ways to make your money go further. Taking in free sights, such as Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge, will give you a break from the spending, while the Staten Island Ferry is also free and gives you a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Also, look out for early evening menu deals in restaurants – by being prepared to eat a couple of hours early you can save yourself a few bucks.

Make your budget go further with some smart planning, book in to see a spectacular show, get a great view, and pick the right time of year – you’ll get that little bit more from a visit to NYC.