As the nights get darker and the weather gets soggier, there's no better time to beat those winter blues by bagging a bargain and heading across the pond to New York City.
Here, in association with our friends at TravelSupermarket, Sports Mole suggests ten ways to spend your time in the Big Apple.
1. Take in an NFL game
Like most major cities, New York has a wealth of sporting options to choose from. The New York Yankees are the most successful team in MLB history, while in their shadow are the New York Mets, who themselves are becoming a major force in baseball. Madison Square Garden has hosted the biggest names from boxing, basketball, ice hockey and wrestling - not to mention music - while the MetLife Stadium is your answer if you want to experience an NFL game.
Both the New York Giants and the New York Jets share the 82,000-seater venue - the second largest in the NFL and the most expensive stadium ever built. As expected, then, it is state of the art and a sight to behold when packed with passionate fans of either side who play there. It is also unique in the sense that it is the only shared ground in the league, meaning that there is an NFL game to experience more often than anywhere else. The only downside is the location, as getting to and from the New Jersey-based stadium can be a chore.
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The Giants are steeped in history as the only remaining original member of the NFL, while their eight titles overall, four of which came in the pre-Super Bowl era, puts them third in the all-time list. If available, matches against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers or Jets would be the pick of the choices. The Jets themselves have won the Super Bowl just once - way back in 1968 - but their fans are no less passionate and games against the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins or, of course, the Giants, are sure to cook up a fiery atmosphere. [BC]
2. Have a stroll down the High Line
Chances are that during any visit to Manhattan you'll be hitting more than four figures a day on your pedometer. While walking the streets is always an adventure - watch out for those potholes! - a more scenic alternative route through the centre of town is available via the High Line.
Opened in 2009 and inspired by a similar project in Paris, the High Line is an abandoned railway line above the city transformed into an attractive public walkway awash with greenery, artwork and activities. Join the line at its Southern-most point at Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and follow its 1.45-mile length up to 34th Street, a stone's throw from Times Square.
Save at least two hours in your schedule for the journey as you'll find plenty to distract yourself with along the way - be it admiring the beautiful array of foliage, treating yourself to an ice cream or frozen cocktail from the stalls that dot its length, or having a quick pitstop on one of the many sunloungers. [NW]
3. Hit up NYC's iconic landmarks
It is an obvious one, but for good reason. No guide to New York would be complete without a mention of the major landmarks, and even if the stereotypical tourist thing isn't for you, there is sure to be something of interest in the Big Apple. The most obvious is the Empire State Building, one of the most famous structures in the world and a great chance to see New York from a height for a reasonable price. The Rockefeller Center also offers that opportunity and is considered by many to be a preferable option to the Empire State Building as it tends to be marginally less busy at 'The Top of the Rock'.
There aren't many more iconic sights in the world than the Statue of Liberty - a symbol of America's stance as the 'Land of the Free'. A short boat ride out to Liberty Island lets you get up close, and there is also the option to climb up into the crown and get a great view of the Manhattan skyline. While in the Southern area of the city, the 9/11 memorial and museum is a must-see, while the newly-built 1 World Trade Center is also an impressive structure.
The hustle and bustle of Times Square is always an experience - not to mention perfect for any shopping needs you might have - and should that get too much then you can always escape to the tranquil peace and quiet of Central Park - the feature that arguably makes New York the most unique city there is. A sunny day is perfect for lounging around and forgetting that you are in one of the busiest places on earth, yet there is no shortage of things to do in the park itself either.
The list of landmarks goes on - the Brooklyn Bridge, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Flatiron Building, Grand Central Terminal, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Public Library, the Stock Exchange etc. Simply put, if sightseeing is up your street then there are few places better suited to you than New York. [BC]
4. Enjoy some classic NY grub
New York offers some of the best dining opportunities anywhere in the world (locals would argue the best in the world) but with so many options available, it's easy to find yourself settling for the mediocre. Avoid the more obvious tourist traps you'll find around the likes of Times Square and take the time to hunt out some less-travelled gems.
Like burgers in London, everyone has their own opinion on the best pizza in New York. Our personal favourite is the classic cheese pizza pie at 8th Avenue's Pizza Suprema, while a slice of pepperoni at Gino's (83rd & 1st) is worth a trek up to the Upper East Side. Ditch the knife and fork to eat like a true local, folding each slice in half and tucking in.
Make sure you pay a visit to The Meatball Shop (six locations around the city) to enjoy another NY staple. The menu is simple: pick your meat (a veggie option is also available), pick your sauce and pick your bun. In our opinion, the buffalo chicken balls with blue cheese sauce is worth a trip across the pond in itself.
For good old American BBQ favourites, we can't think of any place better than Southern Hospitality (45th & 9th), which boasts Justin Timberlake as one of its founders. Enjoy platters of baby back ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket washed down with some Brooklyn Lager or Blue Moon - or take on some deadly moonshine if you're brave enough. We advise investing in clothing with an elasticated waist prior to your visit.
For a classy weekend brunch, Hell's Kitchen is also your place to be. We recommend 44&X (44th & 10th - clever!) where you can enjoy the likes of eggs benedict and crab cakes over a bellini or two while being served by waitstaff who would be right at home on the catwalk of Fashion Week. Nearby you'll find trendy hangout VYNL, with a menu boasting breakfast classics and cocktails such as the Phil Collins and the Michael Buble. [NW]
5. Hear John Lennon classics at Strawberry Fields
A compulsory stop for any Beatles or John Lennon fan that wants to pay tribute to the Liverpudlian. Lennon made New York his home in 1971 and quickly fell in love with the city, regularly going on walks in Central Park despite his worldwide fame and, at times, controversial stance on political issues. The Dakota building, where he lived with Yoko Ono, stands right on the edge of the park on 72nd street and is a landmark in itself for the city.
It was on the step of the Dakota that Lennon was fatally shot by Mark Chapman in December 1980, just hours after signing a copy of his album Double Fantasy for the crazed fan. The sight remains a rather macabre tourist attraction, but a more fitting memorial is nearby on the outskirts of Central Park. Strawberry Fields, named after Lennon's song about his childhood in Liverpool, is an area dedicated to arguably the greatest singer-songwriter of all time and is always busy with fans looking to pay tribute to the former Beatle.
It is easy to while away the hours sat on a bench listening to acoustic versions of Lennon's classics being played. There is usually at least one person there with a guitar and, while some renditions are admittedly questionable and you should be willing to hear Imagine on numerous occasions, it is a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon and you will often find yourself singing along with your fellow fans. Yoko, who scattered Lennon's ashes in the area, is a regular visitor. [BC]
6. Watch the Knicks in action at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden has already cropped up a couple of times in this piece, but the world's most famous arena deserves a standalone mention. You may not be lucky enough to be visiting New York while a headline boxing match or showstopping gig is on (and even if you were, tickets are like gold dust), but a more regular treat is a trip to see the New York Knicks.
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The likes of American football, baseball and ice hockey all have their perks as a spectator sport, but there is nothing quite like the breathlessness of watching a basketball game in the flesh. The end-to-end nature of the sport ensures constant entertainment and action, which is somewhat lacking from many other options. The NBA regular season runs from October to April, and there are a plethora of options available to any wannabe visitors with 41 home games to choose from in that time.
The Knicks are the second-most valuable franchise in the league, but they have struggled in recent years with just one Division title since the turn of the century and no NBA Championships since 1973. However, in Carmelo Anthony they have an eight-time NBA All-Star and one of the standout players in the league, crucially fit again after missing the end of last season. Tickets can be relatively pricey, but if you've never watched a live basketball match before, we would strongly recommend it. [BC]
7. Visit Grand Central Station
A few blocks east of Times Square lies arguably the world's most iconic railway station, Grand Central Terminal. It serves as a key transport hub for travel in and out of the Big Apple - it boasts a global-record 44 platforms and covers 48 acres - but the station is also an attraction in its own right.
One of the most striking features of the station is its opulent ceiling, which includes an astronomical mural depicting 2,500 stars in the main concourse, and, in the run-up to Christmas, themed light shows in the early evenings.
Head here for a bite to eat in the dining hall on the lower concourse, where you'll find stalls serving up a wide range of cuisines from around the world, with everything from pizza to noodles and burritos. For a more classy meal, head over to the Oyster Bar for a choice of 30 varieties of oyster.
On your visit we recommend a visit to the luxurious Campbell Apartment, a 1920s-style cocktail bar that is often voted as one of the best bars in the US. With plush interior, low lighting and a period soundtrack, customers are transported back to the decadence of high society in the Prohibition era. Our choice of tipple? The signature 'Prohibition Punch', a potent blend of passion fruit juices, rum, brandy and champagne. [NW]
8. Watch a Broadway show
The lights of Broadway are rivalled only by London's West End, and you'd be hard-pressed not to find something that takes your fancy during your stay.
Fans of musicals are well catered-for, from classics such as Les Miserables, The Phantom Of The Opera and Chicago to more modern productions such as the record-breaking Wicked and the deliciously-dark Book of Mormon.
No matter the time of year you visit, you're guaranteed to find some top-name stars treading the boards. Over the next few months you have the opportunity to see the likes of Al Pacino (China Doll), Bruce Willis (Misery), Jennifer Hudson (The Color Purple) and Matt Broderick (Sylvia).
To completely be certain of making your show, book in advance online. However, to grab yourself a potential bargain, head to the TKTS booth in Times Square on the day or up to a week in advance for last-minute offers. [NW]
9. Hear your waiters belt out classic tunes at Ellen's Stardust Diner
If, for any reason, you are unable to make it to a broadway show then the next best thing is a visit to Ellen's Stardust Diner. Located just off Times Square and within easy walking distance of Central Park, the Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, this 1950s-style diner is the perfect stop-off point on a sightseeing trip but can also act as a sole event in itself.
Beware that the queue often runs around the block, but there is good reason for that. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, but the main selling point for the Stardust diner is the singing waitstaff. All aspiring broadway stars - be it performers in between shows or those looking for their first taste of the bright lights - they turn breakfast, lunch and dinner into a spectacle and a memorable experience. Don't be surprised if this turns out to be the highlight of your entire trip.
With songs ranging from The Temptations to Taylor Swift and Les Miserables to The Beatles, there is something for everybody in any age range to enjoy. The 'Stardusters' are fun, friendly and manage to juggle their performances with good, prompt service to customers too. The only danger is that your food will get cold because you spend too much time singing along! [BC]
10. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
There's more to New York City than Manhattan, and visiting one of the other boroughs offers an opportunity to take a scenic jaunt across one of the city's many bridges. The most famous is the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects Downtown with the south of Brooklyn over the East River.
Set aside a couple of hours for a leisurely stroll over the pedestrian walkway that rises above the bustle of the traffic below and make the most of the photo opportunities as you look back at the city.
Once you're across, treat yourself to pizza at the famous Grimaldi's, located under the bridge itself on Front Street. Considered by locals to be a tourist trap - queues often stretch around the block - there's still no denying that the pies are among the tastiest you'll find in New York. The jukebox plays non-stop tunes from Frank Sinatra, and legend has it that ol' blue eyes had Grimaldi pizzas flown out to him in Vegas. [NW]
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Neil Wilkes
