This semester is finally over! It’s time to take a break from school and go on a weekend getaway. New York City is just a four-hour drive, or a bus ride, away. Pack your bags and enjoy the big city.
1. Visit the MoMa (The Museum of Modern Art or MoMA PS1)
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Enjoy five floors of sensational artwork! From a wide collection of Monet’s work to contemporary art, this place will leave you feeling inspired. Did I mention it is free to the public from 5-8pm thanks to UNIQLO as well as on the first full weekend if you are a Bank of America cardholder? Students get in for $14 during normal business hours.
2. Central Park
Courtesy of Wikipedia
One of the prettiest urban parks in the U.S., Central Park is made up of 843 acres and will be car free by the end of June 2018. In the heart of it all, there is a zoo, carousel, Loeb boat houses, gardens, and the Belvedere Castle. And if you are a fan of “Gossip Girl”, you know Chuck and Blair got married at the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain in Central Park. Don’t forget to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art and get a picture on the stairs!
3. Visit the High Line
Courtesy of Wikipedia
This 1.45 mile long greenway is built on an old railroad track in the heart of West Manhattan. It features a breathtaking view of the city, and the perfect place to be when it is warm out. Be sure to visit Chelsea Market for a wide selection of delicious food and shops.
4. Dumbo, Brooklyn
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Dumbo, Brooklyn is home of the two infamous bridges: Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. The view up here is great: you can see Randalls and Wards Islands. If you aren’t afraid of heights, the bridges serve as a great backdrop for a new profile picture. If you’re feeling nostalgic, take a ride on the infamous carousel or borrow a Citi Bike and explore the neighborhood.
5. Rough Trade NYC
Courtesy of Wikipedia
My favorite place in Williamsburg and home of the best record store on the east coast! They carry everything that you could possibly want, including limited editions vinyls and hard to find titles. This independent record store also has an in-house café, a venue for concerts, free wifi and ping pong tables. Be sure to check out their store events because they always have album releases parties and free concerts for some of your favorite bands.
6. Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Courtesy of Wikipedia
One of my favorite places in New York City, and the home of Smorgasburg, an outdoor market with over 100+ local food vendors from NYC. It definitely gets really crowded, but the food is 100% worth it. You also can’t go to Williamsburg without running into street art. This trendy, hipster neighborhood is also known for great restaurants, bars, and wonderful shops.
7. Times Square
Courtesy of Wikipedia
The destination is tourist central, but shows an accurate representation of NYC. If it is your first time there, avoid taking a picture with the costumed characters unless you are willing to pay them! Times Square is also home to world acclaimed Broadway shows. Currently there is a musical of “Mean Girls” by Tina Fey at Broadway in NYC.
8. Union Square
Courtesy of Wikipedia
One of the liveliest places in NYC, it is always bustling with people. On Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays, you can find a farmer’s market here with the freshest produce and bakery goods.
9. Soho, Manhattan
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Another must visit place if you are in NYC. All the high end, designer stores are located right here in lower Manhattan. Don’t be alarmed if you run into your favorite celebrity while shopping! Also the home of delicious restaurants and The Bowery Ballroom. Don’t forget to visit Little Italy and Chinatown nearby.
10. Not to be Missed Festivals in NYC:
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Governors Ball Music Festival
Dates: June 1-3, 2018
Location: Randalls Island Park, NYC
Northside Festival
Dates: June 6-10, 2018
Location: Brooklyn
Full Moon Festival
Dates: June 30, 2018
Location: Governor’s Island, NYC
Pinknic
Date: June 30-July 1, 2018
Location: Randall’s Island Park, NYC
Adidas Presents: The Greatest Day Ever: Festival and Carnival
Date: July 14th and 15th, 2018
Location: New York Expo Center
Panorama Music Festival
Date: July 27th-July 29th, 2018
Location: Randall’s Island Park, NYC
Electric Zoo
Dates: August 31st- September 2nd, 2018
Location: Randall’s Island Park, NYC