Generally, I am not one to make a finite travel plan when I head to a vacation destination. I am more the type to go with the flow and enjoy the city as it comes to me. However, now that I am heading out to New York once again, I cannot help but think about the various fun places to go. While I would not pencil every step of your day into your planner, if you can make the time, these five hot spots are well worth it:

1.       Central Park. This is something that you can only see in America. Once you set foot in the park, it is hard to pull yourself out. You can spend an entire day here. Whether you choose to go paddle boating, tandem bicycling or on a carriage ride, you will find plenty of joy in the park. Just make sure that you pack one that matters: the down jacket, because New York can be quite chilly, even in the spring.

2.       Top of the Rock. Grab a hot dog from the street vendors and hit the top of the Rockefeller Center. The Empire State Building might be a bit more popular, but it does not offer the same view. In fact, you look down on the Empire State from the top of the rock. With a 360° view of NYC that stretches up to 100km on a clear day, you have a great view of the park, the Statue of Liberty and the bordering states.

3.       Visit the Museums. New York is famous for its expansive collection of museums. My list of favourites includes: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Guggenheim, The Metropolitan Museum (The Met) and the Museum of Natural History. I remember, the first time I went to NYC, I spent eight hours in the MoMA. Be sure to pack your point and shoot digital cameras, because you are going to want to snap hundreds of photos when you see these awesome museums.

4.       Broadway Shows. Getting last minute deals on tickets at the box office on time square is always good fun. Broadway theatre is as good as it gets and there is always a fun show to enjoy. Whether it is the classics such as the Phantom of the Opera and Chicago or something brand new like Lion King and Spiderman, you are sure to get a great show. Tickets are pricey, but they are well worth it.

5.       Greenwhich Jazz Clubs. Greenwhich Village is one of the most exciting places in New York. It is a hip and happening place that is great for the younger generations. With great shopping, incredible nightlife and an exhilarating music scene, you could spend your entire vacation here if you wanted to. My favourite part of Greenwhich has always been the Jazz clubs. Sit down, enjoy a bite to eat and have a couple of drinks while you discover the sound of a new artist.

Did you know?
Central Park covers 843 acres of land.

-Ranjit

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