“The Big Apple” is America’s biggest city. Also known as “The City which Never Sleeps”, New York is one of those places which have to be visited at least once in a lifetime. The city consists of five boroughs and accommodation is much more expensive in Manhattan than anywhere else. Still, most visitors come here to explore only Manhattan.
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Each of the city’s boroughs has something to offer the visitors. However, with the limited time we have for our vacations, most of us only manage to visit the landmarks. The Statue of Liberty is, without a doubt, New York’s symbol. You can visit the museum at the base of the statue. Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. Don’t be shy and explore at least bit of Brooklyn and make sure to try some of the incredible pizza. Walk back to Manhattan and enjoy the view of the island. Times Square is the heart of Manhattan and if you like the fast-pace life then you’ll enjoy spending some time here. Especially during winter, Rockefeller Plaza is a place you should check out. While the Christmas Tree won’t be here for too long, the skating rink is open during the entire winter. And there’s always a lot of shopping to do. And, of course, Central Park is definitely a place to visit, where you just plan to relax or want to visit the Zoo.
Planning the budget
No matter how you look at it, a vacation in New York is bound to be expensive. The city is expensive and it takes quite a lot to find a cheaper place to stay and which is located in a decent area.
New York vacation packages are available and you can end up saving some money especially if they comprise show tickets or discounted admission to landmarks.
But you can also create your own package. New York City area is served by three large airports. If you come from outside the US, chances are you’ll be looking for flights into JFK . The airport is located just 12 miles from Manhattan but with the crazy traffic it might take up to an hour to get to your hotel. If you fly from another US city, chances are that you’ll find cheap flights into either LaGuardia or Newark Liberty International Airport.
And speaking of expensive vacations… New York is known for the high hotel prices. Although the economic crisis has pushed the rates slightly down, it’s still hard to find cheap hotels in New York . You can forget about Manhattan if your budget is low but you can try to other boroughs. Read the reviews carefully so that you won’t end up in a dodgy area.
What to do in New York in January
Such a large city doesn’t lack events and festivals, regardless of the time of the year when you travel.
If you like shows, then you can watch Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theatre from the first of the month until January 18, 2010. It is a music ideal for families and especially fort those who like the movie.
Another good choice for those who live shows is West Side Story (NY) which can be seen at Palace Theatre during January. And Cirque du Soleil : Wintuk takes place at WaMu Theatre (Madison Square Garden) during January 2010 from 11 a.m.
If you prefer concerts than you can choose among: Titus Andronicus (Mercury Lounge), Gogol Bordello (Webster Hall), Ludacris (Apollo Theater) and Patti Smith and Her Band (The Bowery Ballroom).
Where to stay
Finding a cheap place to stay in such a popular city can be quite an adventure. Most visitors prefer Manhattan because that’s where the popular landmarks are located. Don’t be shy to explore the near-by boroughs or look for hostels in New York.
Hostelling International New York is located just one block from Broadway Avenue and is the largest hostel in New York. The hostel offers free linen and towels , as well as free in-room lockers and wi-fi access. Rates start at $40 per person per night in a 4 bed dorm and $25 per person per night in a 10 bed dorm.
Jazz on Lenox is located in Upper Manhattan and offers both private rooms and dorms. There’s free wi-fi in the Lounge. Guests can use the fully equipped kitchen area. Bed rates start at $24.50 per night per person in a twin private room and $10 per night per person in a 12 bed mixed dorm.
Pink Hostels: Female Only is the first and only female only hostel in New York. It is located a block north of Central Park and offers a kitchen area, a lounge, washers and dryers. The suggested age limit is 55. Bed rates start at $50 per person per night in a twin private room and $19 per person per night in a 10 bed dorm.
International Student Center is located near Central Park and offers 50 dormitories. The guests must be between 18 and 35. Free linen is offered by the hostel. There’s a kitchen the guests can use and a lounge. Bed prices start at $20 per night per person in any dorm.
The Wanderers Inn West is located in the historic Harlem, just three blocks away from Central Park. All dormitories have their own bathrooms. During summer all rooms have AC. Free breakfast is offered by the hostel and there’s free wi-fi in the lobby. Prices start at $41 per person per night in a double bed room and $22.25 per person per night in a 12 bed mixed dorm.
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