One of my personal dream locations is always New York. Full of hustle, bustle and culture – I am in love with the fact that there is always something to learn or soak up from the city. And let’s not forget – it makes for a fantastic honeymoon destination! With that in mind, we’ve asked Jennifer, Travel Expert from McDermott Travel to take us through pretty much everything you will need to know about your New York Honeymoon!
New York City is served by three airports: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty. Visitors can take a yellow taxi (for a flat rate from JFK or for a metered fare from LaGuardia), car service, shuttle bus or public transit to get to Manhattan. Do not rent a car unless you plan to stay outside of the Metro area because street parking in Manhattan is virtually nonexistent and garages charge exorbitant prices.
Getting around Manhattan is pretty easy, especially if you enjoy walking and is probably one of the best ways to see the city. To get somewhere fast, the subway is an efficient mode of transport (and a New York rite of passage!). However, for those who aren’t keen on venturing into the world of public transit, yellow taxis are easy to hail on the street.
About New York
New York, or the Big Apple, has something for just about everyone! Whether it is the cultural attractions, fine dining or even natural beauty, that have drawn you in, there is no doubt that you will have a wide range of options! From Lady Liberty to the Empire State Building, there are enough landmarks to keep you busy forever. And the vibrant nightlife of New York has a place for everyone. It isn’t called “the city that never sleeps” for nothing!
When To Go
The ideal time for most couples to experience New York is during the spring or autumn. Temperatures are usually more moderate and crowds are also manageable. Spring is a fantastic time be in New York as the seasons begin to change over and become a little warmer. Autumn can also be fun (especially towards the end at Hallowe’en) and amazing for shopping if you head around Black Friday (great if you don’t mind crowds).
Outdoorsy Types
Enjoy the great outdoors than with a stroll or bicycle ride through Central Park is simply put, bliss. Be sure to visit Sheep Meadow, the Conservatory Garden, The Reservoir and Strawberry Fields. For a romantic meal in the center of it all, pop into The Loeb Central Park Boathouse for a bite. If you’re looking for something extremely romantic and over the top, treat yourselves to a horse-drawn carriage ride, complete with Champagne.
Culture Seekers
No visit to New York is complete without taking in a Broadway musical. The hot tickets right now are Kinky Boots, Motown and of course the ever popular, Wicked. But these shows will cost you a pretty penny. If you don’t want to blow your entire budget, stop by TKTS for discounted tickets to many of the longer-running shows.
Foodies
Smorgasburg is a giant food market filled with tons of edible treats! It’s a great way to sample several of New York’s greatest delicacies in one place. It’s even worth a trip to Brooklyn! If you don’t feel like heading across the river though, there is a small outpost in South Street Seaport, featuring a few good eats, too. Union Square’s world-famous Greenmarket is also a must visit stop if you’re looking to tickle your taste buds.
History Buffs
For those looking to visit some iconic NYC landmarks, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock are all a good time. Check out CityPASS for a deal if you plan to go to all three! A visit to Grand Central Station is definitely a must also. While you’re here, be sure to check out the famous celestial ceiling mural in the main concourse and then retire to either Campbell Apartment or the Oyster Bar for cocktails. History lovers will also enjoy a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. Be sure to pop into the Planetarium for a Journey to the Stars (narrated by Whoopi Goldberg – how cool is that?). Note: Many museums are closed on Mondays, so plan with this in mind.
Art Connoisseurs
Art enthusiasts will revel in the vast collection of significant art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lovers of modern art can’t miss a trip to The Museum of Modern Art in midtown. If you still can’t get enough art, be sure to check out The Guggenheim, The Frick Museum and The Whitney Museum of Art.
Shoppers
If you’re looking for trendy shops, be sure to take in a stroll around the West Village and SoHo. Take a walk down Broadway to Bloomingdale’s, J.Crew, Forever 21 and Topshop. Then follow Christopher Street toward the West Village. Here, you’ll find high end boutiques like Marc Jacobs, Olive and Bette and Intermix. When you’re done here, head uptown and make your way over to Fifth Avenue to visit iconic department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel.
Hopeless Romantics
Enjoy a photo shoot with Flytographer. Or, if you’re not into selfies but want a gorgeous honeymoon album, snag a local, professional photographer to capture all of your romantic moments in any area of the city you want. You’ll walk away with professional shots and feeling like you and your husband are celebrities!
Where to stay
There are so many wonderful Hotels in New York depending on your budget. Downtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side, Soho, Williamsburg – the options are endless and there can be something for everyone. But, narrowing down the options can be an issue. Places like McDermott Travel will help you find what is perfect for you as a couple taking into consideration what type of honeymoon you want!
Images via Unsplash
