The New York High Line

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Deep in New York’s trendy Meatpacking District, lies an elevated railway line that’s been converted into a walkway. The High Line opened to the public in 2009 after two years of renovations, which saw a desolate eye-sore transform into a retreat for the locals. Two new sections have been opened since, completing the 2.3km track, which runs from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street. Walking along the timber walkways, encased by architecturally designed gardens, you have a view of the New York Skyline on one side and the Hudson and Jersey shore on the other. For the best experience, get up early so you can wander around in what seems like an abandoned city, or head out after dark to catch a glimpse of the city lights. The best part? It’s completely free.

 

Central Park Performers

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Most people head to Broadway to see a show, but some of the best performers in New York are right under your nose. Central Park is the home of buskers, as up-and-coming talents show off their skills. If you’re in the mood for some choral singing, head to the Bethesda Fountain and you’ll find a collection of choirs, who will send shivers down your spine. If dancing and acrobats is more your speed, the main avenue is lined with various dance groups who will knock your socks off and have you wondering why you can’t move like that.

 

Bryant Park Holiday Markets

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Everyone knows you can hit the major brands on 5th Avenue, Madison Avenue, in Soho and at Century 21. For those who prefer to shop outside the mainstream, the Bryant Park Markets offers smaller designers to showcase what they’ve got, meaning shoppers can find unique and one-off items at low prices. The Markets are set up during the holiday season - December through to January - and host a range of boutiques specialising in fashion, jewellery, decorative goods and local food. Whether you’re craving organic soaps, handmade jewellery or a churro, you’re bound to find something here. The good news is, if you’re travelling with someone who doesn’t particularly like to roam around the shops, they can be kept busy by ice-skating in the ice rink. To take the experience up a notch, roam around after dark and let the fairy lights guide you through the maze of stalls.

 

Little France

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New York is a cultural hotpot, shown by the various cuisines buried within the boroughs. Most people will head to Little Italy or Chinatown, but did you know that you can take a trip to France too? Between 6th and 7th Avenues, lies a row of French-themed restaurants. You’ll be eating croissants and baguettes in the middle of New York, which can definitely create a bit of confusion when your friends look at your food snaps on Instagram.

 

Mmuseumm

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If the art displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim isn’t really your speed, then you should check out the Mmuseumm, nicknamed the ‘Modern History Museum,’ in Tribeca. It’s a micro museum located in a 60-square-foot freight elevator, which has a few shelves lining the walls to hold displays of contemporary curiosities, such as one of the infamous shoes that were thrown at President George W. Bush in 2008. Even if you turn up when the museum is closed, you can still view the exhibition through the peephole.