New York is the largest city in the United States. It welcomes more and more visitors every year due to the many must-see places it has. It is also close to other interesting US cities to discover. If you want to visit New York and its surroundings, here are some tips to prepare your trip.
What to do in New York during your trip?
Sightseeing is the best activity to do while traveling in New York. You can for example visit the Statue of Liberty, which is a real symbol in the United States. A gift from France in 1886, this copper statue was designed by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, Gustave Eiffel and Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. It is also possible to go to Central Park, which is a magnificent natural and tourist site of the city. It is a historic and iconic park located right in the heart of Manhattan. You will discover many sumptuous spaces:
- arch bridge,
- sheep meadow,
- the esplanade de Strawberry Field, etc.
You’ll then climb to the top of the Empire State Building, New York’s most famous building. It is a skyscraper that has 102 floors and allows you to have a exceptional view of Manhattan. Other activities to do in New York include boat trips or the legendary Broadway musicals.
Go South: Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington are among the beautiful cities you’ll discover south of New York. You can practice many activities here during your trip, such as visits or walks. Philadelphia is a historic city in the United States where you will make many discoveries. You can for example visit Independence Hall, the place where the country’s declaration of independence and constitution were signed. He also finds other places there, such as the Museum of the American Revolution, which sheds light on key periods in the country’s history.
In Baltimore it is possible to walk on the Inner Harbor which is the biggest attraction of the city. Here you will find one the largest aquariums in the country. The National Aquarium has more than 20,000 animals of various species to admire. There are also several historic ships in Baltimore Harbor that stay moored year-round:
- the sailboat USS Constellation, the oldest ship to serve in the Revolutionary War,
- the Lightship 116 Chesapeake, a lightship that allowed to indicate the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay,
- the USS Torsk submarine, used during WWII.
It is possible to visit them by reservation. Experience Baltimore in all its glory by booking a sightseeing cruise. Then head to the American capital to make the most of your trip to and around New York City. For example, you can go to a basketball or football game. It’s possible trip to Washington from New York taking the train, bus or plane. To get there by train, that’s enough book your ticket online. The price varies from one booking platform to another and according to the period in which you get your tickets.
The bus is slower than the train but remains the cheapest way. To go to Washington by bus from New York you can spend less than 30 euros. As for the plane, it is the fastest solution, but also the most expensive. To get to Washington from New York, I recommend the organized tour. This solution is ideal for making the most of your trip, because it takes care of everything (from transport to visits to tourist sites).
With package tours, transportation between New York and Washington is usually by private bus or minibus. You will choose the solution that’s right for you: one-day circuit (round trip) or several days. The cost of this travel option depends on the number of days you want to spend in Washington. A one-day tour, for example, will cost you just over 70 euros, transport costs and visits included. A professional guide it is also at your disposal for the smooth running of the visits.
Upstate New York, nature in Maine
On your trip to New York, head north for some great Maine vistas. You can visit Acadia National Park to enjoy natural landscapes like forests, rugged coastline, etc. The park is located on the island in the Desert Mountains which offers a variety of places to discover. It is also useful to do a stop in the port city which is the capital of Maine.
You’ll find in Portland an old port, Victorian houses, and old alleyways that give the area a very nice historic charm. South of this port city is a small village which has a beautiful sandy beach. You can go there to admire the town’s artistic works which are grouped together in an art gallery.
Prepare your trip to New York carefully
Traveling to a foreign country requires many steps which can change from one country to another. The formalities for traveling to the United States will not be the same as those to enter Cameroon, For instance. For your trip to New York, make sure all your essential documents are up to date (visa, passport, etc.). If you live in France, you are not required to present a visa before traveling to New York. Simply complete an online form to benefit from the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) if you are eligible.
You then have to book your plane ticket. Do it as soon as possible to benefit from advantageous rates. Once you book your flight, start with establish the calendar of activities to do. This will allow you to fully enjoy your trip. Another important point concerns the budget. You have to pay special attention to it. New York is a very large city with a high standard of living. Plan a big budget by listing your main expenses (accommodation, local transport, etc.). This will allow you not to run out of money during your trip.
