Big Apple offers food, arts, culture
New York City is one of the most visited destinations for travellers globally, constantly ranking high in top destination lists. Its John F. Kennedy International Airport welcomes more international passengers than any other airport in North America, with visitor numbers increasing each year.
New York City is one of the most visited destinations for travellers globally, constantly ranking high in top destination lists. Its John F. Kennedy International Airport welcomes more international passengers than any other airport in North America, with visitor numbers increasing each year.
For Hong Kong travellers, the numerous airlines providing daily direct flights ensures its popularity when choosing to visit the United States.
Autumn is the best time to visit. The swelter of summer has passed, but it is still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, and it is visually stunning with the leaves of trees turning intense shades of orange and red, best demonstrated at Central Park.
Midtown (Manhattan), the commercial, entertainment and media centre, and a growing financial centre, is, for many, quintessential New York. It is the heart of the city, home to the majority of the city's most famous buildings, such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, plus Broadway and Times Square, and high-end shopping and art.
The coffee is served from a tap like beer, complete with foamy head, and Measure serves nitro, regular and innovative coffee cocktails.
The urbane lounge is also noted for its contemporary American cuisine, including a monthly-changing, three-course lunch (only US$29).
Another draw of Midtown is its central location, which means that it is within walking distance (or short train ride) of many other noted neighbourhoods and sights of interest.
Culturally, autumn is a time of openings, from new seasons on Broadway, to performance openings, and the start of new exhibitions in galleries.
One of the first major performances it will host is an all-female interpretation of Shakespeare's Henry IV from November 6.
The hot ticket at the Museum of Modern Art (moma.org) is Picasso Sculptures, which opened last month, showcasing more than 100 sculptures from Pablo Picasso. It is the first time such a collection has been shown in the US in more than 50 years.
Watch from the pavement or join the parade itself (if in costume).
Make a trip to famous neighbouring states
New York City (NYC) is a good departure point for exploring the neighbouring states of New Jersey and Connecticut.
New Jersey begins across the river (Hudson) from NYC, and is home to Newark Airport (18km away). It is known for the seaside resorts of Atlantic City (approximately 203km from NYC) and the Jersey Shore. It has the third-largest state park system and is noted for its natural attractions, such as The Palisades (by the Hudson River), famous for stunning views of NYC, the near vertical cliffs rise as high as 152 metres.
The New Jersey Pinelands is a biosphere reserve measuring over one million acres. Depending on the destination, getting there may involve ferry, train, bus, or a flight.
Connecticut is home to New Haven (Yale University, museums and a vibrant dining scene), the capital Hartford, (Mark Twain's house and art galleries), the popular seaport destination Mystic, and fossilised dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur State Park (Rocky Hill). It is also becoming known as a wine-producing region, with 25 wineries forming the Connecticut Wine Trail.
New Haven is 95km from NYC and it is about 188km to Hartford, so the best transport option from NYC depends on the destination.
