Little girl on a traditional Easter egg hunt.

What to do on Easter Weekend in New York City

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

Easter is a great time to visit New York, as the east coast shakes off its winter chill and the city bursts into colorful, vibrant life with a riot of tulips, cherry blossom and forsythia. Then, of course, there’s the Big Apple's annual Easter Parade, when a flamboyant forest of the biggest, boldest (and downright wackiest) bonnets you’ve ever laid eyes on weaves its way through Midtown Manhattan. Egg hunts, too, make for a cracking Easter day out for kids aged three to 93 and, who knows, you might even get a chance to meet the Easter bunny herself. So, pack your spring layers, brace your sweet tooth for joy, and read on for our eggs-pert guide to all things Easter in NYC.

The Big Apple in Bloom

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If flowers float your boat and plants set your heart aquiver, there may be no better time to visit New York than over the Easter weekend, when many of spring’s best-loved blooms will be out in force. Central Park is as good a place as any to start your olfactory odyssey. Hit up the Bridle Path at 90th Street, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and the aptly-named Cherry Hill at 72nd Street for your cherry blossom fix – the pretty pink blossoms opposite the fairytale folly that is the park’s Belvedere Castle make for some of the finest spring selfie opportunities in town. If the weather plays ball, rent a bike to explore all of the park’s hidden nooks, or take a rowboat out onto the tranquil lake.

Image of Flower,

The brief but beautiful annual cherry blossom explosion continues over at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where 26 species ensure good coverage from March through May. Meanwhile, the New York Botanical Garden adds a fragrant themed display of thousands of blooming orchids to the 200-or-so flowering cherry trees within its 50-acre forest.

Want more? Take a spring stroll along the High Line (with a tour guide, if you so wish), where colorful wildflowers meet hip outdoor art installations and picnic spots are alive with the sound of birdsong and chattering squirrels. You’ll spot pretty Lady Jane tulips, Sunburst witch hazel and Virginia bluebells along this elevated former railway line on Manhattan’s west side. Or tiptoe through the tulips on Park Avenue: tens of thousands of the colorful blighters burst into bloom along the boulevard every spring.

New York Easter Parade

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Put a great big hat-shaped marker in your diary for Easter Sunday, the eggstraordinary pinnacle of Manhattan’s Easter calendar. For today is the day that New Yorkers from across the state converge at 49th Street to follow the short Easter Parade route along Fifth Avenue, clad in some of the most outlandish headgear you’ll see in this galaxy, or any other. Yes, we’re talking about the annual festival of Easter bonnets, in which you can expect to see people in everything from period costume (a hat-tip to the parade’s 19th-century origins) to iconic New York landmarks in hat form (you may well lose count of the Empire State Buildings and Statues of Liberty), flamboyant flower-festooned fashion statements, and – for the very brave – pyramids of carefully balanced (real) eggs pointing precariously skywards.

There are no prizes to be won, just the fawning admiration of your peers as you strut your stuff along Fifth Avenue in your eggstravagant Sunday best. It’s free to join and you can spend all day mingling with behatted fellow revelers along the half-mile route, with somewhere in the region of 30,000 people expected to turn up most years, weather permitting.

Easter Egg Hunts in NYC

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Whether you’ve got kids or not, there’s surely no better way to spend your Easter weekend than mingling with the Easter bunny, having your face painted in a rainbow of colors and, of course, getting your sticky paws on some sweet, sweet Easter candy. You’ll find plenty of events taking place in parks and playgrounds across the Big Apple over Easter weekend. Note that while there are dozens to choose from, NYC Easter egg hunts are extremely popular so book ticketed events well in advance and turn up early for free hunts to avoid disappointment.

Hit up East Harlem for the admirably punny annual NYSoM Easter Eggstravaganza, a free event that includes timed egg hunts, plus egg painting, a street fair and photo opportunities with the Easter bunny and pals.

Over on Governer’s Island, there are hunts tailored by age group, with a whopping 10,000 painted wooden eggs to be found across 120 acres. Expect magic shows and puppetry as well as arts and craft stalls and a beer garden for the grown-ups.

You can even make it educational. CMoM (the Children’s Museum of Manhattan) runs a fun Easter Egg scavenger hunt that’s included with your admission ticket. Set your little bunnies loose to seek out the cute critters hiding in eggs around the museum. There are prizes for successfully completing the challenge and Miffy – a close relative of the Easter bunny – may also make a guest appearance on the day.

Easter Brunch in NYC

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Brunching is practically a religion in New York so, if the above activities sound just a little too taxing for a relaxing Easter weekend break, feast your eyes on these beauties for some of the finest Easter brunches in town. And remember to book in advance!

  1. The Dutch NYC. This SoHo stalwart promises long boozy brunches fueled by some of the best pre-noon cocktails in Lower Manhattan. Pair heaving platefuls of cornmeal blueberry flapjacks and avocado toast with a reviving Matcha Sour, or a punchy Oaxacan Sunset, with tequila, mezcal, hibiscus, lime and cassis.
  2. Jacob’s Pickles. Hit the dive bars a little too hard last night? This Upper West Side diner has you covered, with comfort food classics including heart-stopping biscuit-and-egg breakfast sandwiches and fluffy pancakes with buttermilk fried chicken. Wash down with a Bloody BLT – vodka, bacon and a jalapeño-pickled egg.
  3. Balthazar. The Oyster Marys at SoHo’s Balthazar are worth the entry price alone, but stick around for the divine eggs florentine and uber-comforting corned beef hash.
  4. The Garden @ The Standard. This East Village garden lets you tuck into oysters, steaks and mimosas in your own private yurt. There’s even an adult Easter egg hunt, with prizes including an overnight stay at The Standard. Ideal if you’ve overindulged in cocktails and chocolate eggs.
  5. Wynwood. For a family friendly option complete with epic brunch buffet, egg hunt and Easter bunny photo opportunities, make for Wynwood on Staten Island. Grateful grown-ups get a mimosa or bellini on arrival.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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New York a novembre
Blog

Four Days in New York

Planning to spend four days in New York City and wondering whether it’s enough time to see everything? One of the world’s most intense and invigorating, energetic, and ever-changing cities in the world, the sprawling metropolis has so much to offer, you could live there for a year without seeing and experiencing everything. However, four days in New York is enough to see all the top attractions and get a feel for the city. While you’ll have your work cut out for you and will end up walking a good few miles, it’s just enough time for you to take a bite out of the Big Apple and fall in love. So, what to see and where to go? This four-day itinerary will guide you through the top sights and food spots you simply can’t miss on a visit to New York City. Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to New York City With just four days in New York, time is of the essence, so here are a few tips to help make the most of your stay. Comfortable shoes are essential! New York City is best explored on foot, and you’ll spend a lot of time walking around. It’s essential to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your four-day adventure. Expect long lines at popular places New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world and is busy year-round. Prepare for long lines at the top attractions. Get the 7-Day Unlimited Ride Metro Card New York City has an outstanding public transportation system that provides a quick way of getting around the city. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride Metro Card is worthwhile if you plan on using the subway. For only $33 you’ll have unlimited access to the metro for seven days. Now that you’re prepped, let’s hit the streets! Four-Day Itinerary for New York City Day 1 Morning in Central Park Your first stop on your Big Apple adventure must be Central Park. One of New York’s most recognized attributes, Central Park is the lush green heart of Manhattan. Designed by the award-winning landscape architect team, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park spans 843 acres and is home to everything from a lake to an ice-skating rink. You could spend the entire day in the park and not see everything, so why not use your pass to rent a bike from Central Park Full Day Bike Rental on two wheels! Visit the most popular attractions in the park like the picturesque Loeb Boathouse, the historic Belvedere Castle, Sheep's Meadow, and the rolling Strawberry Fields. When you’re done exploring, head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of New York’s top museums. Founded in 1870, the MET is home to over two million pieces of art spanning 5,000 years. Don’t miss Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies and Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat. If you prefer archeology over art, head to the American Museum of Natural History on the border of Central Park in the Upper West Side. Use your pass to gain access to the museum and marvel at the incredible collection of natural wonders. Don’t miss the life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life. Afternoon in Midtown After lunch, it’s time for a bit of retail therapy on one of the best shopping streets in the world! Head down Fifth Avenue to browse the stunning window displays of the top luxury brands in the world and do some shopping if your credit card will allow it. Make a stop at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral along the way. Hailed as one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the Neo-Gothic style cathedral took 21 years to complete due to the Civil War. Use your pass to enjoy express entry into the cathedral where you can wander around in awe of the breathtaking architecture. Evening in Times Square Times Square is one of New York’s most visited attractions and can’t be missed during your NYC sojourn. Brace yourself for the massive screens and neon lights lighting up the night sky. Be prepared for crowds – Times Square heaves with tourists, especially at night, but it’s an experience of a lifetime that will leave lasting memories. Another must-do when in New York is to catch a Broadway Show if you can afford it. Broadway Shows are an integral part of New York and even if you’re not the greatest theater fan, watching a show like The Lion King or Wicked on Broadway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Use your pass to enjoy a Broadway and Time Square Walking Tour. Walk in the footsteps of stars as you visit legendary Broadway locations like the Edison Hotel and Shubert Alley. Day 2 Morning in Greenwich Village When in New York, do as New Yorkers do and grab a bagel for breakfast. You’ll find plenty of bakeries and cafés selling mouthwatering versions – try salmon and cream cheese if you really want to be a New Yorker. The best way to explore this charming neighborhood is on a walking tour. Use your pass to join a Greenwich Village Walking Tour and enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the ‘birthplace of American Counter-Culture.’ Visit Washington Square Park, the symbolic heart of Greenwich Village and a gathering place for avant-garde artists and students from NYU. Eat your bagel on the steps of the fountain and watch street art performers and musicians ply their trade. Discover film locations (Friends and Mozart in the Jungle) and learn about the area's famous residents like Edgar Allan Poe and John Wilkes Booth. Visit the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ Movement in America, the Stonewall Inn. Afternoon in Soho, Little Italy, and Chinatown Your next stop is the neighboring areas of SoHo (South of Houston Street), Little Italy, and Chinatown. Save some time by using your pass to enjoy a SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour and dive right into the heart of Manhattan. Enjoythe ritzy shops and their museum-worthy window displays in SoHo and shop until you drop. Venture into Little Italy and be prepared to salivate as you wander around NYC’s tastiest neighborhood. Discover the rich history of Chinatown and explore its secret underground tunnels. Evening in Chelsea As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden that now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry’s IAC Building. When you’re done walking the High Line, pop into Chelsea Market for something to eat. The world-famous food hall is home to a mix of restaurants and shops selling an array of mouthwatering gourmet goodies. Day 3 Morning at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and One World Trade Center Visiting New York City without spending a few hours in the 9/11 Memorial and Museum would be remiss. Based next to the overwhelming might of the monolithic One World Trade Center, the museum details the horrific events that took place on that day and honors the almost 3,000 victims of these attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others. Use your pass to gain entrance to the museum and be prepared for a deeply moving and reflective experience. Join a 9/11 Museum Workshop with your pass where you’ll learn about the nine-month recovery period after the events of 9/11 and the people involved. Don’t miss the never-ending waterfall that cascades into twin reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of victims of both the 1993 and 2001 attacks are engraved in stone around the waterfall. Afternoon in Wall Street and Brooklyn As you wander towards Wall Street and the Financial District, be sure to check out the architecturally significant and rather curious design of the Oculus Mall, which is like the spine of a long-forgotten fish. Walk around the Financial District and see the iconic New York Stock Exchange. Have a photo taken with the famous Charging Bull and admire the historic Trinity Church. Next stop, the famous Brooklyn Bridge and the charming neighborhood of DUMBO. Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the country and one of New York’s most iconic attractions. A lovely way to explore this area is on a Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Walking Tour. Stroll across the architectural icon and be sure to take tons of photos – it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in NYC. Learn the history of the bridge from your guide as you soak up spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Stroll around the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood called DUMBO which is famous for its art galleries, high-end boutiques, and scenic waterfront views. This is the place for out-of-this-world New York pizza, so find a spot for dinner! Day 4 Morning at in the Diamond District Your first stop today should be the beautiful Grand Central Station. Take in the breathtaking design and the grandeur of the celestial ceiling of the central terminal. Grab breakfast and a coffee in the food hall downstairs. A short walk from Grand Central Station is the Museum of Modern Art. Fondly known as MoMA, the striking Yoshio Taniguchi-designed building houses one of the most significant collections of modern art in the world, with works by world-renowned, such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Cézanne, Magritte, Pollock, Matisse, and Warhol. Use your pass for free access to the Museum of Modern Art and spend the morning marveling at masterpieces. Afternoon at the Empire State Building You can’t leave New York without visiting the Empire State Building. This world-renowned building is a short walk from Bryant Park and is the perfect place to see the sunset over Manhattan. Built during The Great Depression, Empire State Building is a glorious example of Art Deco design with a magnificent lobby boasting 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf ceiling murals. Use your pass to gain access to the Empire State Building and head up to the 86th floor to get a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Take in the city from the observatory deck and see Connecticut and Pennsylvania more than 80 miles away on a clear day or watch the city lights begin to twinkle as it gets darker. Evening at Madison Square Garden Spend your last evening in New York watching a Knicks basketball game or the New York Rangers on the ice at Madison Square Garden. The 20,000-seat venue in the heart of Herald Square witnessed Marilyn singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to JFK and hosted two Ali-Frazier fights. If you aren’t lucky enough to get tickets, you’ll find plenty of top-notch restaurants in and around the square for your last NYC dinner.
Alex Birungi
Statue of Liberty
Blog

Things to do at Night in New York City

When the sun goes down, the Big Apple comes alive. Neon lights begin to flicker, restaurants buzz and theaters roll out their red carpets. From outdoor movies in pretty parks to bustling night markets and Broadway shows, when it comes to nightlife, New York has something for everyone! Let's check out what's on the cards when the sun sets in the 'City that Never Sleeps.' Soak up the City Lights from an Observation Deck There is no better way to toast the sunset over New York than from one of the many observation decks dotted about the city. Watch the city lights begin to twinkle as twilight turns to night and see the city like never before. Several Manhattan buildings have observation decks open in the evening where you can take in the city for all its glory. Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center The Top of the Rock takes up the last three floors of Rockefeller Center. It features three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks that offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. The 68th and 69th floors have terraces with glass railings that provide beautiful panoramic views of the whole city. The 70th floor boasts an open-air rooftop deck with no metal or glass enclosures, providing perfect photo opportunities! Enjoy several unique experiences on the way up to the Top of the Rock ranging from the magnificent Joie chandelier and an exhibit of interactive artworks to a sound and light hallway and a time capsule over Manhattan. Use your pass to gain free admission to the Top of the Rock to soak up the incredible 360 ̊ panoramic views. Empire State Building Head up the world-renowned Empire State Building to the main deck observatory on the 86th floor to take in those famous New York City views. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the Empire State Building and whizz up to the open-air observation deck that wraps around the building's spire. Marvel at the endless views, which on a clear evening, can stretch all way across six states! The Edge Cast your eyes over the city from one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the world. Located at 30 Hudson Yards, the Edge is a state-of-the-art platform with a glass floor that extends out into mid-air 100 floors above the ground. Feel like you are floating above the city as you sip a glass of bubbles from the Champagne bar to toast the sunset and take in unrivaled panoramic city views. This one is not for the faint-hearted! Remember to use your pass to gain free access to the Edge. One World Observatory Take in the sunset from the highest point in the city – the top of the One World Observatory. Zip up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds in the astonishingly fast SkyPodTM Elevators while you watch a multimedia display of New York City transforming from unsettled lands into a forest of skyscrapers. Look over the city below through the glass floor of the Sky Portal and enjoy several thrilling audiovisual experiences while you are at the top of the world. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the One World Observatory, as well as an exclusive discount off a signature cocktail from One World Observatory's premier restaurant and bar, One Dine. Cheers! Hit Times Square Times Square is one of New York's top attractions and offers second to none nightlife! It's packed with a wealth of entertainment from bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to theaters and TV recording studios and really comes alive at night. Learn about the famous district on a Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour. Use your pass to enjoy this tour where an experienced actor and director tour guide will take you to all the hot spots. Have a laugh at the LoL Times Square Comedy Club or head to the Bowlmor Times Square arcade for bowling, state-of-the-art video games, and old-school pinball. Use your pass to visit Madame Tussauds and gain free access to the MARVEL Universe 4D cinema experience. Sip cocktails at the Haven Rooftop bar and watch the action on Time Square below. Catch a Broadway Show A quintessential evening activity in New York is catching a Broadway show. While they are expensive, the experience is an unforgettable one and really shouldn't be missed! With over 40 official Broadway theaters in New York, you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Top Tip: The best way to get discounted show tickets is to head to TDF's TKTS Booth in Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway) and wait in line on the day of the show. You can get some fantastic discounts on tickets for most shows. Catch a Different Kind of Show If you prefer something more energetic, use your pass to enjoy the Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show Hosted at the historic Cutting Room on East 32nd Street, this three-hour rock 'n' roll extravaganza features an all-request evening of live music from dueling pianos, fantastic food, and plenty of drinks. If jazz is your thing, head to Harlem, the birthplace of the music genre, to enjoy a classic jazz performance. Use your pass to get tickets to the Harlem Jazz Series, a one-hour performance of classic jazz hits some of the industry's best musicians. Enjoy a Sunset Movie at Bryant Park If the weather is good, why not watch an outdoor movie at Bryant Park? Tucked behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the beating cultural heart of Midtown Manhattan and is famous for its iconic movie nights under the stars. Grab a delicious picnic pack from Perfect Picnic with your pass and find a spot on the lawn for a romantic evening out. Top Tip: These movie nights are extremely popular, so get there when the lawns open at 5 pm to get a good spot. Take in the City Lights from the Ferry Soak up the magical after-dark glow of the Big Apple on a romantic harbor cruise. Use your pass to hop on a Harbor Lights Cruise with Circle Line and enjoy a cruise through the city. There is indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar on board, and an outdoor viewing deck for those Insta-worthy photographs. The narrated cruise offers interesting facts about famous New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as you glide past. Catch a Yankees Game One of the most exciting things to do in New York at night is to watch a Yankees game under the lights. Head to the game a little earlier and use your pass to enjoy a Classic Tour of the Yankee Stadium Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the legendary stadium as you visit areas not usually open to the public, like the dugout and the press box. Watch out for the ghost of Babe Ruth, who apparently wanders around the stadium! Stargaze at the High Line As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden and now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry's IAC Building. You can also enjoy free stargazing evenings at the High Line every Tuesday from dusk until 9:45 pm. Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the park by the Amateur Astronomers Association, who are also on hand to help and answer any questions.
Alex Birungi
New York
Blog

Thanksgiving in New York

The holidays are always magical in New York City, from dazzling decorations to fantastic feasts. Thanksgiving is no exception!
Katie Sagal

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