Destination of the Week: New York City

by Shabana Adam | 26 June 2012

New York offers great value this summer for a city break

If you’re looking for a lively break this summer, now may be the perfect time to hop on board a flight to experience one of America’s most visited cities, New York.

Summer is one of the best times of year to take a trip to the ‘Big Apple’, not only to witness its world-renowned monuments such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, or to wander though Central Park and Times Square, or even to watch the famous broadway musicals, but for the many low key (and mostly free) events and entertainment on offer around the city.

Whether you’re a foodie, a party person, an adventure-seeker or just an avid traveller on a budget, looking for something different, exciting and memorable to do in the city that never sleeps, check out NYC & Company’s list of reccommendations for some of the ways to spend your time in New York.

"The restaurant industry is an integral component of New York City’s vibrancy..."

1. Dine out for less during Summer Restaurant Week

Celebrating its 20^th year, New York City’s Summer Restaurant Week extends over 20 days from 16^th July – 10^th August 2012 with a number of great eateries, including Barbetta, Brasserie, Chin Chin, Delmonico’s, Gotham Bar and Grill, Mesa Grill, The Palm, Tribeca Grill, Victor’s Café and Water’s Edge to name a few, taking part.

NYC & Company CEO, George Fertitta , said: “The restaurant industry is an integral component of New York City’s vibrancy and one of the reasons we welcomed more than 50 million visitors to the five boroughs last year.

“We’re proud to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week, providing New Yorkers and visitors with the opportunity to sample some of the finest restaurants in the world at a fraction of the regular price.”

Over 300 restaurants will participate in the promotional period offering the finest and filling three-course meals around the city for just $25 and reservations will open on 9^th July 2012 at www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

2. Enjoy free movies under the stars

New York City is paradise for the stingy cinephile, with no less than 16 summer film festivals offering free screenings under the stars and in interesting venues including parks, hotel rooftops, museums and even the deck of an aircraft carrier. Locations in Manhattan include Bryant Park, Hudson River Park, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and Elevated Acre.

Other screenings take place in Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City, Queens; on Roosevelt Island, McCarren Park and Habana Outpost and in Brooklyn at Bridge Park. Indoor locations include the Museum of Jewish Heritage, which is showing a series of Mel Brooks movies, and the Sony Wonder Technology Lab.

The programme of films ranges from popular favourites including The Wizard of Oz, E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, Jaws and New York classics such as Saturday Night Fever, Ghostbusters, West Side Story and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, plus modern releases including Senna, Bridesmaids, The Help and Cowboys & Aliens.