New York City may be the country’s most densely populated urban area, but it has a surprising amount of recreational attractions and green spaces. Whether you are a New Yorker, visiting on business or a tourist keen on seeing all that the Big Apple has to offer, there are many ways in which you can get away from the fast-paced lifestyle that NYC is so famous for. If you are ready to see the best side of New York, here are a couple of interesting ideas.
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Visit a Spa
We all love to be pampered every once in a while. What better way to do that than by visiting one of the city’s many spas? You’ll feel refreshed and renewed. Whether it’s a skin rejuvenation treatment, microdermabrasion or facial, a spa not only lowers your stress levels, but also leaves you looking and feeling younger.
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Pedicab Tour in Central Park
If you want to enjoy the outdoors, but don’t have the time to tour the city, going on a Central Park pedicab tour is a reasonable compromise. Sit back, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the best people-watching as you get to see famous landmarks and the beautiful scenery. If you engage the services of a fun and experienced tour guide, this is one tour that will let you see New York in its splendor within the shortest time.
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Boat Tour
Sometimes, being up close can make you miss out on the bigger picture. Seeing New York from the water by going on a boat tour is a great way to appreciate the size and architectural diversity of the city. The stylish boats have all the amenities to make the experience cozy and relaxing, so you can concentrate on having fun. There are attractive discounts for groups which is a great money saving method, but it’s still pretty affordable for individuals.
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Helicopter Ride
Boat tours provide a nice panorama of New York, but if you are one of those people who want to go further and get a bird’s eye view, a helicopter ride should be on your bucket list. It also isn’t as expensive as some might think. You are unlikely to forget the exhilarating feeling of flying over the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island or the iconic Statue of Liberty.
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Bus Tour
You don’t really get to know a city until you walk its streets like the everyday people that live in it. The only problem is that New York City is huge. Unless you are free for weeks on end and have the energy to do so, a walk isn’t always a realistic option. The next best thing is a bus tour.
You get a taste of everything the city has to offer as you visit not just Uptown and Downtown Manhattan, but also the boroughs of Brooklyn and the Bronx, as well as cultural enclaves such as Little Italy and Chinatown. Check out the options available via Topviewnyc.com.
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Attend a Baseball Game
New York City is the epicenter of business in the United States and arguably the most important financial center on the planet. Despite its reputation for a cut-throat no-nonsense approach to work, New Yorkers love their playtime. Few events will be more popular than a baseball game featuring the Yankees or the Mets. Sitting in a packed stadium as you enjoy some cotton candy and peanuts is something you must find time to do before you leave.
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Metropolitan Museum of Art
Referred to as ‘The Met’ by New Yorkers, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is home to some of the most exclusive sculptures and paintings in the world. The 2 million pieces represent 5,000 years of human history. So vast is the museum that planning ahead is necessary to avoid roaming its corridors for days. There are plenty of stunning and exotic works of art that will intrigue you whether you visit alone or as part of a group.
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Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest and best known zoos in the US. With about 4,000 animals, it’s a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. One of the things you must do is take the Wild Asia Express, a monorail that snakes above a savanna populated by rhinos, tigers, elephants and other wildlife species.
New York is massive and I’ve deliberately stayed away from recommending its most predictable attractions such as Times Square and the Empire State Building. Indeed, the breadth of options can make planning difficult. The trick is developing a plan that will allow you to see as much of the city within the time you have.
