Budget Travel Intentions

One of the most exciting cities in the world, New York is full of great art, cool historic sites and even gorgeous expanses of green. While it’s hard to pick the best attractions in this amazing metropolis, here are few favourites.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York’s number one tourist attraction, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is home to magnificent art collections and fascinating special exhibits. From ancient Egyptian vases to Renaissance paintings and jewel-like Tiffany stained glass, the vast collections of this amazing museum have something for every age and interest. Check out the history of fashion, furniture from around the world and a long gallery of ticking grandfather clocks. Kids will love the majestic mummies of the Egyptian Room, the magnificent mounted knights in Arms and Armour and the cool vintage baseball cards of the American Wing. Naturally art reigns supreme and the Impressionist gallery holds a legendary collection of works by such masters as Monet and Van Gogh.

Central Park

An incredible man-made urban oasis, Central Park sprawls over 843 acres of lush countryside right in the middle of the city. A maze of wonderful walking trails meanders over rolling fields, lush gardens and sparkling man-made lakes. You’ll feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple as you roam Sheep Meadow or enjoy a picnic on the Great Lawn. Experience the romance of charming Belvedere Castle, take the kiddies to the Central Park Zoo or ride the painted ponies of the Friedsam Memorial Carousel. Winter lures colourful hordes of skaters to the picturesque Wollman Rink while summer is all about outdoor performances in the Delacorte Theatre and Rumsey Playfield. If you’re looking to staying in this area then you can book some great Hostels in New York via HostelBookers.

The Brooklyn Bridge
For a true feel of the energy and excitement of 19th century New York, take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, immortalized in every art form from Walt Whitman’s poems to Sex in the City episodes. Joining the two boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, the bridge was begun in 1867 and opened in 1883. With imposing Gothic-inspired stone pylons and soaring steel cable webs, this historic span has an elevated wooden pedestrian walkway that creates a peaceful strolling spot with awe-inspiring views of the Manhattan skyline. Depending on foot traffic and your walking speed, it takes 20 to 40 minutes to traverse the bridge and it’s fun to stop afterwards for pizza at Grimaldi’s or homemade ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.

Grand Central Station

One of the grandest public places in the country, the historic Grand Central Terminal is far more than just a big railroad station. The main concourse is a palatial expanse of marble floor, soaring windows and gleaming gold-plated chandeliers. Be sure to look up, as the ceiling is an incredible world of its own, a deep blue painted sky studded with the constellations, all glittering with 24-carat gold and fibre-optic lights. You’ll find upscale retail shops and excellent restaurants in the mezzanine and lower levels, including Michael Jordan’s the Steakhouse N.Y.C. and the legendary Oyster Bar and Restaurant. If you bring the kids around Christmas, they’ll love the toy train exhibit and incredible main concourse laser show.

The Museum of Natural History
Four square blocks of incredible collections, amazing 3-D shows and eye-popping multimedia exhibits, the Museum of Natural History is one of the hottest museums in town. A four-story planetarium sphere literally shakes during the thrilling “Journey to the Stars” show narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, while the Big Bang Theatre recreates the birth of the universe. Check out the eye-popping 16-ton meteorite in the Hall of the Universe, marvel at the biggest cut gem in the world and wander through the seasonal Butterfly Conservatory. A 94 foot long model of a blue whale is suspended from the ceiling of the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and magnificent halls of dinosaurs will thrill little prehistoric fans.