Some places around the world are, of course, best visited at certain times of the year, something which may mean that you have to rule them out entirely if the ‘season’ doesn’t fit into your schedule. In addition, it can also mean that your visit coincides with those of thousands of other holidaymakers and, with so many others keen to see the same sights, this can impact on your experience of sightseeing. New York, however, is truly a city for all seasons, and with things to attract you all year round you are sure to have a superb time and thoroughly enjoy your stay.

Spring

Spring heralds the start of the warmer weather and, with temperatures just right, this makes it an ideal time for sightseeing. New York, and especially its parks and gardens, really starts to come alive, and with flowers and trees coming into blossom taking a stroll around any one of the many urban oases that the city has to offer can be a wonderfully relaxing experience. Rowing on the stream in Central Park is another lovely way to take in all of the beauty of spring, as well as to view the magnificent skyline of New York City. Coney Island, with its beach, boardwalk, Aquarium and amusement area is alive and buzzing at this time of year, making spring a wonderful time to visit this fantastic landmark and join in all the fun.

Summer

Sightseeing in New York during the summer months offers many exceptional opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and Central Park SummerStage is the place to be for live plays, dance shows and musical events – many of which are free to attend. With films being played in the open air both in Central Park and Bryant Park, you can also take some time out to relax and catch a movie. The warm summer days are also great for taking in the glistening views of New York from up high, and of course the city is not short of famous skyscrapers which afford panoramic vistas for miles around. The observation deck known as ‘Top of the Rock’ at the top of New York’s ninth highest building, the GE Building, for example, provides a breathtaking, 360 degree view over the whole of Manhattan.

Fall

The wonderful colours of the foliage in fall make this a spectacular time for sightseeing. New York, although it is a huge city, has many tree-lined streets and avenues, so wherever you go you cannot fail to enjoy the glorious oranges, yellows and reds of the leaves as you stroll around. Central Park alone is home to some 26,000 trees, making this an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of the season. But if you want to get a birds’ eye view, then the rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum is a great place to head for. With plenty going on around Halloween, and pumpkins for sale in many of the markets, visiting New York during the fall offers loads of fun and some superb photo opportunities.

Winter

If winter is your preferred time for sightseeing, New York offers a superb range of activities and some truly amazing views. If you plan on visiting Central Park in the snow, then don’t forget to take your camera because every shot is likely to be a picture postcard masterpiece. If winter sports are something that you enjoy, ice skating is something that you can do here too. This time of the year also sees the city hosting a whole range of winter markets which offer a wonderfully charming atmosphere. If you would prefer not to be out in the cold then winter is the ideal time to take in New York’s magnificent range of museums and art galleries.

Author Bio: Marta Sanders-Cooper is the New York Destination Expert for Shorex, specialising in unique and unmissable, expert-led tours & excursions in major cities around the world, for the best in city sightseeing. New York tours are custom made and constructed from an extensive menu of activities, attractions and excursions, many of which are unique to Shorex.com.

Category: Travel
Keywords: sightseeing. New York