A trip to New York can be the trip of a lifetime, but as well as the famous landmarks there are real pieces of culture and community to see.
For many people a visit to the big apple can be a lifetime ambition, we’re bombarded with images of the most famous city in the world from childhood.
New York City features in movies, music videos and some of the most iconic art in the world. Seeing the skyline line and walking the streets can turn a holiday into the trip of a lifetime.
There is more to do in the city that never sleeps than you could get through in a lifetime, never mind a week. As one New Yorker put it, he could do a new thing in his city every day until he died and he still wouldn’t get close to seeing it all. Of course there are the mandatory tourist sites that first time visitors have to see, no trip would be complete without heading up the Empire State Building, taking the ferry out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or staring in awe at the bright lights of Times Square.
If you plan a summer break take time to catch a New York Yankees game, or if you’re there in winter stop by Madison Square Garden to watch the New York Rangers ice hockey team.
No trip in August would be complete without taking in one of the shows at the New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC). It is the largest arts festival in North America, lasting 16 days and attracting over 200 companies from around the world. There are over 1,200 performances and 200 shows hosted by more than 20 venues. Now in its 16th year, FringeNYC takes place from August 10 to 26, so although it may seem a bit last minute, there are still lots of deals on New York package holidays up for grabs. The festival attracts a staggering 75,000 audience members and 5,000 artists but you can also register to be a volunteer and as a bonus you get to see the shows for free.
As there are only two full time members of staff it takes 2,000 volunteers to make FringeNYC happen. There are a variety of volunteer options available, but for every two-hour shift you work, you get to see a show for free. The positions available are concierge, box office and general volunteer so there’s bound to be something to suit you. One of the most amazing things about New York is the different boroughs in the city, although they all offer great hotels so before you decide where you want to stay why not check out the last minute New York hotel deals.
One fantastic borough is Harlem; the area even has its own week dedicated to it. Harlem Week began in 1975 as Harlem Day, a tribute to the history of the area and the community there. Despite what the name suggests, Harlem Week is spread over July and August with around 122 events taking place to celebrate the culture of the borough and the successes of Urban America. With everything from children’s festivals, live music on the streets and senior citizens lunches, Harlem Week is as diverse as the people it celebrates.