New York Neighborhoods Guide

By Casey Makovich

Planning a trip to New York City? We've put together a handful of the top attractions, places to see, and which neighborhoods in New York to visit during your vacation.

Downtown

Financial District (a.k.a. Wall Street)

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Better known as Wall Street, the financial district encompasses the entire southern tip of Manhattan and is considered the economic capital of the country. Below are a few suggestions for fun activities. For more, check out our post on things to do in Lower Manhattan.

Things to Do in the Financial District

  • Head to Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan for a stroll through flower gardens and waterfront landscape. Catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to learn about immigration to the United States through NYC.
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  • Explore the moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum, located on the former site of the World Trade Center. Here you'll find a monument to the lives lost in 1993 and 2001, and learn about the brave history of those who lived through the tragedy and helped to rebuild this iconic part of NYC.
  • Experience the excitement at the headquarters of the New York Stock Exchange. Stop by the impressive Federal Hall building and be sure not to miss 40 Wall Street, the “Crown Jewel of Wall Street."
  • Take a picture with the famous Charging Bull Statue on Bowling Green, which optimistically symbolizes a bull market (constantly rising). A guided walking tour of Wall Street is one of the best ways to make the most of your visit to the area.
  • Head to the Manhattan side of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and rent a bike for a cycling tour to some of New York City’s most notable sights.
  • Explore the harbor on a speedboat thrill ride, a nighttime water taxi statue cruise, or an express Statue of Liberty cruise.

Little Italy & Chinatown

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Little Italy and Chinatown are two distinct neighborhoods representing two different cultures with an emphasis on one common thing: delicious, ethnic food. Make the most of your time in this neighborhood and let the pros show you around on a SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour.

Things to Do in Chinatown

  • Check out Mott and Grand Streets for exotic food stands, busy markets, and little shops.
  • For a little cultural perspective and for a better understanding of Chinatown, the world’s largest Chinatown outside of Asia, visit the Museum of Chinese in America.
  • Stop by Canal Street, famous for knock-offs, bargain souvenirs, and cheap merchandise.

Things to Do in Little Italy

  • Check out the boutique shopping scene in NoLIta (North of Little Italy).
  • Taste your way through the rich Italian culture at any of the popular restaurants along Mulberry Street and poke around the specialty shops to see all the imported Italian treats.
  • Head to the Italian American Museum for a cultural account of Italian immigration to the United States.
  • Visiting New York in September? Be sure to check out the Annual Feast of San Gennaro, an 11-day festival celebrating the Patron Saint of Naples.

Tribeca

If you know the meaning of this neighborhood’s name, you’ll be able to find its location; the Triangle Below Canal Street. Tribeca is home to many celebrities who now live in Tribeca’s renovated factories and warehouses and plays host to the famous annual Tribeca Film Festival.

SoHo

SoHo, or South of Houston Street, is an impressively fashionable, well-known neighborhood of cobbled streets, narrow sidewalks, restored buildings, trendy restaurants, and even trendier boutiques.

Lower East Side

The Lower East Side has a truly American history, home to a melting pot of immigrants, from the early Eastern European Jews, to the more recent Latino and Asian immigrants. Although trendy restaurants and shops have begun popping up in the area, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum is a popular attraction dedicated to preserving the neighborhood’s history, immigrant culture, and more.

Greenwich Village (East and West)

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In Greenwich Village (both east and west) you’ll find New York’s thriving counterculture of writers, artists, activists, musicians, and bohemians. Allen Ginsberg resided in East Village in his day, and the Beat poets began their revolutionary art in West Village coffee houses. Expect everything to have a proud, independent vibe in this part of town.

Things to Do in Greenwich Village (East and West)

  • Visit the 9/11 Tribute Center and see exhibits that showcase personal accounts of grave losses, bravery, survival, hope, and patriotism associated with 9/11. Guided tours are led by 9/11 family members who lost loved ones, rescue and recovery workers, civilian volunteers, lower Manhattan residents, and 9/11 survivors who escaped from the towers.
  • Visit the storied Washington Square Park, the heart of New York University’s “campus” and view the iconic Washington Square Arch.
  • Explore diverse collections of contemporary creative works (with a particular focus on American artists) at the Whitney Museum of Art.

Midtown

Flatiron District

This district takes its name from its architectural centerpiece, the historic Flatiron Building, an iconic triangular-shaped skyscraper. Head here for designer shopping and to check out Union Square, the center stage for many political rallies.

Chelsea

Although formerly a working-class district, this area now boasts a vibrant art scene and has recently been attracting a large gay population. With the influx of artistic pursuit, the neighborhood is now host to many chic restaurants, galleries, theaters, and shops.

Things to Do in Chelsea

  • Browse through the trendy Chelsea Market for some good eats and local-artisan shopping before taking a stroll on the High Line, a beautifully landscaped, elevated path through Manhattan’s West Side.
  • Catch a comedy show at the famed Upright Citizens Brigade Theater.

The Garment District

NYC’s Garment District sets the trends for America’s billion-dollar fashion industry. It’s the designers here who decide what you’ll most likely be coveting in seasons to come. Most of the actual clothing production no longer happens in Manhattan, but you’ll still find New York's famous Macy’s, the largest department store in the world.

Hell’s Kitchen

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Generations ago, Hell’s Kitchen was predominantly a residential area inhabited by Irish immigrants and notorious for being a rough area. In the past few decades however, gentrification and an influx of upscale bars, restaurants, and nightclubs have helped this neighborhood flourish.

Things to Do in Hell’s Kitchen

  • Head to Pier 86 to experience all things sea, air, and space at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
  • Go on a cruise starting in the Hudson River for a unique view of the city’s top sights: the Best of NYC Cruise.

Broadway & Times Square

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The focal point of Broadway and Times Square is the entertainment business. Glitzy, and full of flashing lights, Times Square is home to tons of music studios, record labels, and production companies. Over 20 theatrical stages can be found on Broadway Street alone. Times Square is the world’s most visited tourist attraction, with well over 300,000 people passing through daily. Here are some ideas on what to do there. If you want some more suggestions then check out our post on things to do in Times Square during your trip.

Things to Do in Broadway & Times Square

  • No trip to NYC is complete without catching a Broadway show. Insider tip: head to the large TKTS booth right in Times Square to see which Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals, plays, and dance productions are offering same-day discounted tickets.
  • Explore all things weird and abnormal at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
  • Rub shoulders with the celebs at Madame Tussauds New York, a fascinating collection of hyperrealistic wax sculptures.
  • Feel like a giant at the unique Gulliver's Gate, a lovingly recreated display of miniaturized attractions from all over the world, including many iconic spots in NYC.
  • Get above all the action and check out the impressive views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and more from the Top of the Rock. Visitors can also go on a tour of Rockefeller Center, the “hub of Manhattan.”
  • Visit the greatest collection of modern art in the world and experience the New York museum scene at the Museum of Modern Art.

Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is Manhattan’s shopping mecca lined with high-end shops, many of which provide excellent opportunities for window-shopping (or, if your budget allows, a special purchase). Although the avenue is much longer, the destination shopping is concentrated in the area of Fifth Avenue between Bryant Park on its southern end and Central Park on its northern end.

Things to Do on Fifth Avenue

  • Shop ‘til you drop! Fifth Avenue is host to world-famous brands such as Bergdorfs, Van Cleef & Arpels, Henri Bendels, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Emilio Pucci, and some more affordable brands such as Gap, Zara, UNIQLO, Banana Republic, and more.
  • If you're beginning at the lower end of the shopping district, you can also snap a photo of the famous stone lions of the New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (or pop inside to see the gorgeous reading rooms).
  • One block west is Sixth Avenue, where many attractions in the Times Square area are.

Uptown

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Central Park

At the heart of Manhattan is Central Park, an 843-acre historic park. Central Park is complete with beautiful landscaping, wide open green space, an expansive playground, a children’s zoo, boathouse, seasonal ice skating rink, and more.

Things to Do in Central Park (from North to South)

  • Check out the Conservatory Garden, a formal garden that represents three distinct European garden styles.
  • Pack a picnic and head to the Great Lawn in the heart of Central Park for some lazy day lounging and people watching.
  • Take a quick hike up to the Belvedere Castle for a lookout on some of the best views of the park and the city skyline that surrounds it.
  • Browse through art and grab a light bite to eat and a cocktail at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s roof garden café and martini bar for sweeping city skyline views.
  • For more artistic inspiration, head to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum.
  • Visit the American Museum of Natural History, one of the largest museums in the world, famous for its expansive collection of dinosaur fossils and skeletons.
  • Rent a model sailboat and race a friend at the Model Boat Sailing pond.
  • Grab a friend and sign up for an hour row boat rental on the Lake at the Loeb Boathouse.
  • Check out the wildlife at the famous Central Park Zoo, an activity that’s fun for all ages.
  • Rent a bike and make your own itinerary or follow a bike tour to see the best of Central Park and beyond.

That's a pretty fun list right there if you ask me. Want even more? Then head over to our list of popular things to do in Central Park and nearby areas. Central Park is always a great visit with kids or teenagers as well, so take them with you.

Upper East & West Sides

The Upper East Side and the Upper West Side (bordering Central Park on opposite sides) boast luxurious apartments inhabited by some of the city’s most affluent residents and many of the city’s museums and most-visited attractions.

Things to Do in the Upper West Side

  • Just south of the Upper West Side is Lincoln Center, the world’s most famous performing arts venue. Go on a tour and learn all about New York’s music and dance scene.
  • Spend a little time exploring history specific to NYC at the New York Historical Society Museum and then head over to the iconic American Museum of Natural History. The two attractions are conveniently located next door to each other.

Things to Do in the Upper East Side

  • Visit Museum Mile and check out the Met and the Guggenheim Museum.
  • Explore the outdoor art scene in the Bronx on the Hunts Point Street Art Walking Tour.

Harlem

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Renowned as a hub of African American culture and history, including the Harlem Renaissance of the ‘20s and ‘30s, Harlem gave the world such icons as Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. Browse through rows of beautiful brownstones and a plethora of churches.

Things to Do in Harlem

  • Learn about graffiti and street art on a 2 1⁄2 hour walking tour around Harlem. You’ll discover a new appreciation for the role Harlem has played in the history and evolution of hip hop culture.
  • Catch a show at the legendary Apollo Theatre performance hall, one of Harlem’s most famous icons.

Save on Attraction Admission in New York City Neighborhoods

If you're exploring New York neighborhoods, you're bound to do a little NYC sightseeing - make the most of your time and save on admission to popular attractions, tours, museums, cruises, and more with The New York City Explorer Pass. Many of the great activities and attractions mentioned in this post are available on our New York attractions passes, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate.

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2013 World Science Festival in New York City

Everyone knows New York is one of the best places in the world for art, culture and entertainment, but did you know that NYC is big in the science scene, too? There are plenty of science-oriented New York City attractions available this spring, including the 2013 World Science Festival. Hosted in New York each year by the Science Festival Foundation, this year’s festival is from May 29 to June 2, 2013, and will be held in locations across the city. The Science Festival Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the wonder and significance of scientific discovery with the general public. This series of events is perfect for any visitor or local interested in learning more about our world. Sessions span a variety of topics, formats, and styles, including everything from conventional lectures and multi-media presentations to pie-making, film-viewing, and a science themed StorySLAM. Here’s a selection of just a few of the many sessions available during the 2013 World Science Festival. Big Picture Questions One of the great things about modern science is just how much exciting and groundbreaking work is being done in labs, universities, and research facilities around the world. These sessions feature cutting-edge topics and big questions that humans have always asked about themselves and the universe. Spooky Action: The Drama of Quantum Mechanics Speakers: Brian Greene, Maia Guest, Carl Howell, Michael Roush Wednesday, May 29, 2013 / 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Also available on Thursday during the same time slot in the same theater. The New Victory Theater This popular session is all about the mysteries of quantum mechanics, from Einstein’s day to our own. Learn how quantum theories radically changed the ways scientists understood the fabric of the universe. Perfect for the aspiring astrophysicist or Michael Crichton fan. Image courtesy of the Science Festival Foundation Architects of the Mind: A Blueprint for the Human Brain Speakers: Bill Weir, R. Douglas Fields, Kristen Harris, Murray Shanahan, Gregory Wheeler Friday, May 31, 2013 / 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College You’ve probably heard the metaphor of the body as a machine – well, your brain may be the computer that runs it! Speakers at this session debate past and present theories about the functioning of the human brain, trying to figure out what makes our brains more than “an elaborate organic computer.” Of course all this raises the provoking question: if our brains are computers, then will the advanced computing systems in our future count as sentient? Infinity Speakers: Keith Devlin, Raphael Bousso, Philip Clayton, Steven Strogatz, W Hugh Woodin Friday, May 31, 2013 / 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM NYW Skirball Center for the Performing Arts It doesn’t get any more “big picture” than this. From math to art to philosophy, the concept of infinity has been a huge part of human culture for centuries. In this session, modern scientists and philosophers will debate the possibility of infinity as something that actually exists in our tangible world. The source of some of the most profound and most controversial ideas in human history, the idea of infinity is a truly fascinating topic. Science and Food Some of my favorite sessions this year combine the human love of food with the science that produces it. Learn all about the science behind some of your favorite snacks and beverages, alongside a history of the ways in which advances in modern technology have changed both our diet and our relationship with food as a culture. Cheers to Science! A Drinkable Feast of Beer, Biotechnology, and Archaeology Speakers: Sam Calagione, Patrick E. McGovern Thursday, May 30, 2013 / 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM The Bell House The art of brewing beer dates back to 9000 BC, making it quite possibly the oldest use of biotechnology in human history. Beer was also influential in shaping the human diet, agricultural industry, and scientific progress. Explore ancient ales, and even try a few samples! When else can you say you’ve tried a 3,500-year-old Nordic Grog recipe? (Grog tastes a lot better than it sounds.) Image courtesy of the Science Festival Foundation The Taste of Science Speakers: Dave Arnold, Maxime Bilet, Owen Clark, Wylie Dufresne, Rachel Dutton, Stuart Firestein, Kent Kirshenbaum, Michael Laiskonis, Harold McGee, Amy Rowat, César Vega Thursday, May 30, 2013 / 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Astor Center This session is being billed as “part science lab, part cocktail dinatoire.” Hosted by chefs and culinary scientists, this event is a multi-course tasting experience that reflects the endless possibilities of science in the kitchen. Did you know that a lot of scientific discoveries have been made by experimenting chefs? The Science of Food: From Geek to Chic Maxime Bilet, Anne E. McBride, Harold McGee Friday, May 31, 2013 / 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM The Institute of Culinary Education If “The Taste of Science” looks interesting to you, you’ll probably love this one, too. This session features two groundbreaking books by Harold McGee and Maxine Bilet as the heart of a conversation about the relationship between science and cooking. Think of it as a great retrospective on the culture and technology of food science. Family-Friendly Sessions Because the World Science Festival offers such a diverse selection of events and talks, there are a few that aren’t designed with kids in mind (see above: “Cheers to Science!”). Fortunately, Festival planners are putting on a bunch of great events that kids and families will enjoy. The Dance of the Planets: An Evening Under the Stars Saturday, June 1, 2013 / 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park This is the event for kids who love to stargaze (the ones with glow-in-the-dark stickers on the ceiling, too). This outdoor party beneath the Brooklyn Bridge will be a great opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky alongside leading astronomers. There will be live music and plenty of telescopes to go around (although you’re encouraged to bring your own if you have one). Amateurs and professionals all welcome! [Tip: If your kids love stargazing here, visit the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History for more astronomical fun.] Cool Jobs Speakers: Baba Brinkman, Katherine Isbister, Michelle Khine, Amanda Kinchla, Edwin Olson Sunday, June 2, 2013 / 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts As part of the Science Festival Foundation’s dedication to spreading an interest in science, this session is all about the cool jobs across the science fields available today. If your kids are really into robots, show them the possibilities of a future in engineering design! Other highlighted jobs include everything from ecology to biomedical engineering. The perfect opportunity to inspire a life-long love of science. Of course, this is just a small sliver of what’s going to be on tap at the World Science Festival this year. Visit the Festival website for more information on the schedule; some exhibits and sessions have yet to be announced. And don’t be discouraged if something you really want to see has been sold out – there are a limited number of tickets available only at the door. If your visit to the World Science Festival piques your curiosity, consider a visit to some of the other science-themed New York City attractions, like the American Museum of Natural History (home to one of the best collections of dinosaur bones in the world, plus the famous Hayden Planetarium) and the Intrepid Museum (actually on an aircraft carrier!) and Space Shuttle Pavilion.
Katie Sagal
Top of the Rock vs Edge
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Top of the Rock vs Edge - Compare Observation Decks

Do you know what's better than one observation deck overlooking Manhattan? Two observation decks overlooking Manhattan. That's right, we're talking about Top of the Rock and Edge. Double trouble. The gruesome twosome. Now imagine, if you will, that these two static buildings suddenly came to life. No, please don't click away. So they're alive, right? And they have to, like, fight and stuff. Who would win? Well, let's explore their strengths and weaknesses as Top of the Rock faces off Vs. Edge. Let's get ready to rumble! Top of the Rock Vs. Edge: A brief history You'll find Top of the Rock at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. If that combination of words sparks recognition in that withered brain of yours, it's likely due to the hit sitcom 30 Rock, which takes place within its walls. The Plaza is nearly 100 years old, being built back in 1933, so it's certainly the older of the two. It's also been home to some of America's biggest companies, including General Electric, Comcast, and NBC - 30 Rock's network, funnily enough. Edge, on the other hand, is the baby of the two. It's a newly-established observation deck at the newly-renovated Hudson Yards, which has evolved from a shipping district to a cool, gentrified neighborhood. It's named as such due to its proximity to the Hudson River. But other than that, there's not much more history to cover. Top of the Rock Vs. Edge: The view As you'll find both, there are bound to be landmarks you'll see from both Top of the Rock and Edge. So, let's explore each in more detail, so you'll know what to point your camera at! From the Top of the Rock observation deck, you'll get clear views of the Empire State Building, the whole of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty (on a clear day, but don't count on it), Times Square (more likely a night due to all the LED light), and the Chrysler Building. So, plenty to see! From Edge, you'll also see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and maybe Lady Liberty on a good day. But what else will your eyes gaze upon? Well, you'll see the One World Trade Center, The Vessel (an interactive art installation in Hudson Yards, and the Hudson River. What can you do at Top of the Rock? Yes, there is the observation deck, but we'll get to that. Patience is a virtue, after all. Why are we making you wait? Well, because there's more to 30 Rock than just the observation deck. Start at the bottom, where you'll find multiple exhibits dedicated to the building, the area, and New York in general. You'll see video footage of the Rockefeller Center's historic 10-year construction during the Great Depression in the 1930s. You'll even learn more about the life and times of the building's namesake, John D Rockefeller. Drink all that in, and then it's time for the ascent. The ride up itself lasts but a minute, shooting you up into the sky like some kind of advanced catapult - though a lot more comfortable. Then, you'll exit the elevator and be hit by the view. Get your camera or phone out and get snapping. Snap like there's no tomorrow. Snap like your life depended on it. After that, you're done! Feel free to head back down and explore Manhattan! What can you do at Edge? No messing around here. Head straight in, and take the elevator up to the 100th floor. Then, step out onto the open-air viewing platform and see for yourself. When you're up there, you can drink the view. Ah. Just sip it so it lasts longer. Delicious view. In the middle of the observation deck, you'll find a glass floor. Why is that there? Well, it's for daredevils like you to walk on top of, so you can see the ground hundreds of feet beneath you! Then, when you're done, head back down and take a mosey around Hudson Yards. It's not just newly built flats but an entire ecosystem of shops, restaurants, bars, and parks to explore. How to get to Top of the Rock There are several ways to get to Top of the Rock. These are them! If you're going on the subway, the B, D, F, and M lines stop at the 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center station, just a short walk from Top of the Rock. Alternatively, take the 1, E, or C subway lines to the 50th Street station. If the bus is the best boy, you're in luck; several routes head into the area, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M27, M50, and M104. If you're driving, there are several parking garages in the area. However, traffic downtown can be utterly brutal. So maybe leave the car at home. You could always get a taxi if you want it to be someone else's problem! Then, when you're there, purchase a ticket or show your pass to beat the queue and get in straight away. How to get to Edge If you plan on taking the subway, the closest subway station to Hudson Yards is the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station (funnily enough), that's served by the 7 train. From the subway station, you can walk to Hudson Yards in a few minutes. If you're taking a bus, several routes serve the Hudson Yards area, including the M12, M34, and M34A. If driving's your poison, you'll find several parking garages in the area. But parking in Manhattan can burn through cash quicker than a bad habit, and driving around there isn't much better. Then, when you're there, purchase a ticket or show your pass to beat the queue and get in straight away. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And now you know everything anyone ever need know about Top of the Rock faces off Vs. Edge. Rather than pick just one, go to both to make the most of the differing views and experiences! Does booking both sound expensive? It needn't be. With Go City's All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can head to both, as well as tons more of New York's best bits, for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Blog

New York in February

Wondering what to do in New York this February? Don’t worry – we've got you covered with the most exciting events, activities and attractions to make memories that should last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to see the sites, attend a film festival, or go ice skating right in the center of Central Park, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. If you’re planning to make the trip, have a look through our comprehensive guide of all that the city has to offer. Make the best out of your travel experience with our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less. See the Sites Don’t let the cold weather keep you stuck inside! The city is home to some of the most revered cultural amenities in the world. Built into an authentic subway station that was shut down in 1936, the New York Transit Museum is the biggest repository in the United States dedicated to public transportation. A great stop for history buffs, the museum houses a unique collection of archival artefacts, old photographs and reading materials explaining how the city’s transit system has changed over the years. Fascinating and unique, the institute is a great educational experience for those of all ages. Why not warm up this wintertime by visiting some of the best museums that New York has to offer? Situated in Lower Manhattan, the Museum of Chinese in America seeks to present the living history, heritage, and diverse experiences of the city’s largest minority culture. Interesting yet not overwhelming, the museum houses a unique collection of ancient pottery, black and white photographs, and works by renowned fashion designers, all pertaining to Asian American history. Through immersive exhibitions, educational programs, and Chinatown walking tours, visitors can learn more about how Asian immigrants have contributed to the American narrative. One of the best things to do on a chilly New York afternoon is to go to visit a quintessential landmark up close. Situated in a district of the same name, the Flatiron Building is most certainly a sight to behold. Designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and constructed in 1902, the building’s distinctive triangular shape originally served to allow it to properly fill the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. Today, the dramatic structure stands as an iconic symbol of the city, drawing in millions of visitors each year. Get Cultured Since New York is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States, it's no surprise that the area presents many great festivals celebrating the area’s diversity in culture. A spectacular fiesta of fun and festivities, the Lunar New Year parade marches down Mott and Canal Street each year, eventually culminating at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Lively and totally over-the-top, the event features stunning floats, traditional dancing, and delicious food. With its incredible atmosphere and so much to see, we couldn’t think of a better way to experience the city. If you’d like to experience the cultural prowess of New York City on your trip, we recommend looking into Off-Broadway Week. That’s right – in the wintertime, one of the city’s most famous creative amenities spreads its wings to offer theater fans something a little different. Running from the beginning of the month, visitors should be able to find a wide array of interesting performances taking place at intimate New York venues. From comedies and dramas to musicals and Cirque du Soleil performances, there’s a little something for everybody here. February is Black History Month, with many of the city’s best cultural institutes celebrating in style. Running for three weeks, the Lincoln Center hosts its New York African American Film Festival, recognizing the community’s finest creatives and resounding resilience through the arts. Showing a broad selection of classic fictional narratives, short films, and documentary pieces, there's more than enough to choose from. Those who are particularly interested in African American filmmaking can also attend workshops, public talks, and discussions with the filmmakers. Find Fun Activities Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of February in New York is attending Winter Jam NYC. Totally admission free and set against the urban wonderland that is Central Park, this annual snow sport extravaganza is the perfect family day out. As joyful as it is memorable, the extravagant pop-up includes ice-skating, sledging, snowboarding and more. In addition, eventgoers can enjoy live ice carving, a sculpture garden and bobsled and snowcat photo opportunities right in the city center. Hey, what’s not to love? New York is well-renowned for its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action, check out New York Restaurant Week. Running from the start of the month, the event grants visitors with the opportunity to eat at favorite NYC restaurants at bargain prices. A total dream for any gastronome, the festival features a broad array of cuisines including French, Korean, Mexican and much, much more. Whether you’re looking to try out one of the city’s fine dining establishments or grab a bite at a unique Brooklyn bistro, you’ll be able to find some great deals. Amateur Night at the Apollo is the ultimate New York entertainment experience. Since its establishment in 1934, the classic talent competition has gained wide recognition for launching the careers of many world-renowned performers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill, and Machine Gun Kelly. Eclectic and serious in its intentions, the competition attracts performers from all around the globe working across a wide variety of art forms – meaning you never know what you might get. Here’s how it works: artists take to the stage and are subject to the harsh critique of the audience. If people applaud, they continue. However, if the public boos, they must leave the stage. Presenting an incredible atmosphere and a fun interactive experience, there’s no way you’ll want to miss out on this one! The air is brisk, the nights are long, and the crowds have thinned out – but that’s never stopped New York from having a good time. Sure, the colder months aren't exactly known for music festivals and hitting the shores, but February brings a whole host of interesting activities, exciting events, and world-class attractions for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to see a play, taste some of the finest cuisine in the area or crush the cold at one of the city’s famous museums, New York offers so much to do well beyond the holiday season. Make the most out of your travel experience and create unforgettable memories with our All-inclusive pass and Explorer pass. To find out more, check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

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