Whether you’re traveling to New York for a business meeting, a romantic weekend or a family vacation, there’s no shortage of sights to see. From the Empire State Building to One World Observatory, New York’s attractions are bound to be a highlight of your trip. Visiting the Met Museum, Guggenheim Museum, and Museum of the City of New York are also essential New York activities. If you have limited time, consider renting a car to explore the city.
Business travelers
For business travelers, the city has a wide array of hotel options, ranging from $50 per night to thousands of dollars. The city is known for its fine hotels, but today’s discerning travelers are seeking more from their accommodations. Business travelers in New York can also choose to rent an apartment or stay in corporate housing. While the hotel experience in the Big Apple is unmatched, corporate housing is often more affordable. In Manhattan, you can choose from more than 200 hotels, from luxury to economy-class, from cozy, to elegant.
The city offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, as well as an endless supply of meeting venues. The city is a major leisure destination, drawing over 65 million visitors each year. With so much going on, business travelers to New York can enjoy a variety of different activities and events. For those traveling on business, there are several events to attend throughout the day. In addition, New Yorkers are known for dressing professionally. There are endless opportunities to network and enjoy the city’s renowned nightlife and entertainment.
Tourists
According to the Department of Tourism, tourists spent $44 billion in New York City in 2017. The percentage of international visitors is growing and the city’s tourism industry is contributing a significant amount to the city’s economy. According to the department, domestic and international tourists make up nearly 65% of the city’s total tourism spending. However, despite the burgeoning international presence, domestic visitors still account for the majority of tourists’ spending, with Chinese visitors making up nearly 40% of that number.
As a tourist, you should always be respectful of other visitors, as they may have different priorities from natives. When you’re on the sidewalk, do not stack up to four friends in a row. Similarly, don’t pile up in front of your friend to take a picture of a picturesque scenery or a friend’s sky-diving feat. Slow-moving tourists tend to cause a blockage, slowing down other visitors.
Meeting and convention travelers
The city offers a variety of activities to meet the needs of convention and meeting attendees. Consumer Days, held annually, will feature an international and domestic exhibition of travel and tourism products, as well as cultural pavilions and cruise lines. Attendees can attend dozens of timely seminars by leading travel experts. Special events and group tours will be arranged throughout the city. For more information on meeting and convention events in New York, visit NYC & Company.
According to a report released by the U.S. Travel Association, four out of five business travelers expect to attend a trade show or convention before the end of the year. The numbers may seem high, but these travelers are vital to the economy of the country. In fact, they make up 40-60 percent of the total lodging and air revenue in the U.S., according to U.S. Travel. While business travel is expected to bounce back by the end of this year, the pace of the recovery will remain low until then.
Budget travelers
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or planning a long-term stay, there are plenty of things to do in New York on a tighter budget. For starters, you can visit Central Park, which is free to visit and a great place to get some exercise. While the city’s other attractions, like the Empire State Building and the Met, are more expensive, you can always make do with the free attractions.
The subway system is extensive and easy to use, and there are probably several stops near your hotel. It’s easy to navigate and if you plan to ride the subway for multiple days, you can purchase an MTA pass to ride the subway for unlimited time. Purchasing a MTA pass will save you money on tickets and other transportation. Then, you’ll have all of the time you need to enjoy the city’s top attractions.
Holiday travelers
In early fall, temperatures in New York City remain comfortable and mid to upper-sixties. Hotels are more affordable in November, when the city is filled with Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade goers. Earlier in the month, you can also enjoy a holiday picnic in Prospect Park, Central Park, or Coney Island Boardwalk. In the summer, head to the Coney Island Boardwalk, America’s first amusement park, for a day of rides and games. In the spring, visitors can visit the Statue of Liberty and the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, which draws up to forty thousand spectators each year.
But as the holiday season approaches, the city is facing its own problems. The omicron COVID variant, which causes flu-like symptoms in humans, is affecting New York City in a fast-growing number of cases. The city’s famous Rockefeller tree remains lit, but the infection has spread throughout the city. Travelers should take extra precautions when traveling and gathering with family and friends. Experts recommend taking the necessary vaccines and staying away from places where the virus is widespread.