New York City Last Minute
The Statue of Liberty near New York City
The grandeur of the one and only New York City will both enchant and fascinate any last minute vacationer. This city, the most populous in the United States and one of the most populous in the world, is a major world hub for culture, entertainment, finance and commerce. With over 8 million residents, 36% percent of whom were foreign born, this unique city is a melting pot of diverse cultures. Nearly 170 language are spoken here, and visitors are drawn to this influential metropolis in incredible numbers: 33 million annually!
New York is divided into five distinct boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Manhattan, the largest and most well known of the five, spans an area of about 23 square miles, and with its amazing architecture, has been the scene of many important American cultural movements. It is also located in one of the wealthiest counties, where in 2005, the personal per capita income was above $100,000. With major news organizations, publications, radio and television companies based here, Manhattan is a busy place. In fact, it is home to the largest number of corporate headquarters in the nation!
But don’t be intimidated by New York’s size because getting around will actually be quite easy, as the city boasts an elaborate mass transit system. The extensive 24 hour subway, as well as taxicabs and other traffic, have contributed to New York’s label of “The City That Never Sleeps.” If tall buildings, endless dining options, incomparable shopping, top notch entertainment, and last minute surprises are your cup of tea, New York is where you want to be.
You won’t have to look far to find history in this great metropolis. Just take a cab over to the Empire State Building, the tallest building in New York City. Completed in 1931 during the Depression, it stood almost empty for a number of years. Now, millions of last minute travelers from all around come to see this massive example of amazing architecture. The fenced in Observation Deck lets you take in the unbelievable city view, and the popular “Skyride” simulates a rooftop flight over the city.
Another way to admire the view is to hop on the Staten Island Ferry. Not only will you be amazed at the cityscape stretched out before you, you’ll be glad to know it’s free! The Brooklyn Bridge, too, lets you take in the city’s sights.
Art lovers will know they have come to the right place, as the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art all have unique collections, which collectively range from modern masterpieces to collections dating back to ancient times. If you go to the Metropolitan on a Friday of Saturday evening, you’ll catch a performance by a string quartet!
The opportunities to enjoy music and the arts is unparalleled in this internationally recognized city. Make sure to check out a performance on Broadway any performance! You will not be disappointed. There are even shows for children and teens, so it can easily be a family affair. If you’re still hungry for more entertainment, head to the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem and check out amateur night, where many famous performers got their start.
Another great last minute travel idea for families is the Bronx Zoo, which can claim the title of the largest zoo in the nation. With 4,000 animals, a children’s zoo, and even a monorail, no other zoo even comes close. Primate fans will wants to head to the newly constructed $43 million Congo Gorilla Forest.
New York City is one last minute destination that will not leave you unsatisfied. Everything you could imagine wanting food, shopping, music, art, entertainment is within reach. And the best part is that the city has so much to offer, you’ll never exhaust your options, making it a great place to visit time and again!