For many people, New York City is the greatest travel destination on the planet, and it’s not hard to see why. It offers bags of attractions, history, and culture, all wrapped up in an easily-navigable city that features some of the most beautiful buildings on the planet.
Part of what makes New York so special is that it caters to all types of traveler. It’s possible to experience the city on a budget if that’s your preferred travel style, and it’s also absolutely possible to experience the luxury side of life if that’s what you’re looking for. In fact, we can’t think of a city that packs in as much luxury as the Big Apple.
It’s that side of the city we want to focus on today. If you’re planning a trip to New York and want to make it extra special, then this age is for you. We’ll run through a bunch of tips to make sure your visit is one that you’ll never forget. Even taking one or two of our tips would make your trip special, but if you take them all? Well, that’ll be the trip of a lifetime.
Plan to Visit In The Spring or Fall
When people talk about how to make a trip to New York extra special, they often forget to mention that when you visit the city, it can be just as important as how you visit it. It’s possible to have a great time in the Big Apple at all times of the year, but it’s easier during some periods rather than others.
In general, it’s best to plan your visit for spring or fall, when the weather is at its most pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. While you can have a luxury experience during the height of summer or winter, it’s more difficult when you’re so hot that you need to take three showers per day, or so cold that you just don’t want to go outside.
Choose Smart Flight Times — And Upgrade Your Seats
New York is well-served by airports from across the world, which means you’ll likely have a choice of when you fly. One mistake people make is choosing inconvenient flight times that have them arriving in the city tired and drained. That’s fine for destinations where you’ll be spending a couple of weeks, but not when you’re visiting New York, which will only be for a few days.
Arriving in the Big Apple fresh and energized really is an underrated way to ensure you have a trip to remember. Choose flights that depart and land at sensible times, and then pay to upgrade your seats. Even having extra legroom can make a difference to how you feel when you land.
Book Extra Special Accommodation
Most visitors to New York think about all the sights and attractions they’ll see around town, but it’s worthwhile taking the time to choose extra special accommodation. That’ll set the tone for your trip, as well as provide a central location that’s perfect for effortless exploring. There are luxury hotel suites across the city, including in the popular Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Greenwich Village neighborhoods, which offer premium amenities and residential-style comforts that can provide the perfect base for your trip to the Big Apple. There’s nothing quite like stepping out of a next-level hotel into the bustling Manhattan streets, knowing that you have a great day of exploring ahead of you — and that you have an outstanding hotel suite to return to once you’re done.
Opt for Before-Hours Museum Visits
No trip to New York is complete without visiting the city’s best museums and art galleries. The only problem is that visiting those cultural attractions can feel anything but a premium experience, since there are so many other people around.
One smart way to see the city’s highlights is to book a pre-hours visit. You’ll pay more — a before-hours ticket to the MoMA is around $100, for instance — but, if you’re an art lover, then it’ll be worth it. There’s nothing quite like getting the chance to view artistic masterpieces with virtually no one else around.
Splash The Cash On NYC’s Best Dining Experience
New York’s food scene is phenomenal, and it’s absolutely possible to eat delicious meals even on a budget. However, it can also be worthwhile setting some extra money aside to enjoy a meal at one of the city’s best restaurants. There are world-class restaurants in all corners of the city, and across all food types. If you’re simply looking for the best of the best, then check out Theodora, The Corner Store, Zou Zou, Lilia, or any of the other restaurants mentioned on this list of the best eateries in New York City.
And Swing By The City’s Best Bars For a Drink
There’s no shortage of brilliant bars in New York, but some are slightly more special than others. The old, luxury bars offer a level of quality and sophistication that can be difficult to find outside of New York. The city excels in cocktails, so take a look at making a reservation at one of the best in the city, such as Attaboy, Double Chicken Please, or Superbueno. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed, stylish start to the evening before moving on to one of the city’s famous jazz clubs.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
New York City can be intense, especially if you’re visiting for more than a few days. One way to give yourself a premium reset is to treat yourself to a spa day. While known for its fast-paced culture, New York actually has some of the best spas in the country. You’ll find a host of options in Manhattan, including AIRE Ancient Baths, ZZ Day Spa, and SoJo Spa Club. If possible, try to book your spa experience for late afternoon, following a day of exploring. It’ll be just what you need at that moment, and once you’re done, you’ll be able to enjoy an evening of cocktails and fine dining, feeling fully pampered.
