Five Ways to Escape the Hustle and Bustle of NYC

New York is a busy city – with about 60 million people a year flocking to the streets of the Big Apple to see what the fuss is all about. Whether it’s the bright lights of Times Square, the top class shops of Fifth Avenue or the tourist magnets of the Empire State Building – you’ll have to contend with a lot of other people while you’re spending time in NYC.

But, it is possible to take a change of pace and escape the hustle and bustle. Consider these five ways you can re-charge your batteries and recover before you head back into the crowds of the big city…

Relax in the park

New York is blessed with one great advantage for the weary visitor – Central Park. This 843-acre public park is sprinkled with 25,000 trees, seven bodies of water, 250 acres of lawn and 58 miles of walking paths. While there will be lots of people here, there will also be plenty of opportunities to find a spot to relax. If walking, jogging and cycling is your thing, this is a great place to head to, away from the busy traffic of the streets of Manhattan.

Rooftop bar

One of the joys of New York is its iconic skyline – the backdrop to countless films and TV shows over the years. The best way to fully appreciate the view is to get up high – and this can also be a useful way to escape the hustle and bustle on street level too. Rooftop bars have everything you need to relax – great views, a bit of distance from the crowds and, of course, a cocktail fit the occasion. This guide from Time Out looks at the best rooftop bars to check out while you’re in town.

New York is a busy city – with about 60 million people a year flocking to the streets of the Big Apple to see what the fuss is all about. Whether it’s the bright lights of Times Square, the top class shops of Fifth Avenue or the tourist magnets of the Empire State Building – you’ll have to contend with a lot of other people while you’re spending time in NYC.

But, it is possible to take a change of pace and escape the hustle and bustle. Consider these five ways you can re-charge your batteries and recover before you head back into the crowds of the big city…

Relax in the park

New York is blessed with one great advantage for the weary visitor – Central Park. This 843-acre public park is sprinkled with 25,000 trees, seven bodies of water, 250 acres of lawn and 58 miles of walking paths. While there will be lots of people here, there will also be plenty of opportunities to find a spot to relax. If walking, jogging and cycling is your thing, this is a great place to head to, away from the busy traffic of the streets of Manhattan.

Rooftop bar

One of the joys of New York is its iconic skyline – the backdrop to countless films and TV shows over the years. The best way to fully appreciate the view is to get up high – and this can also be a useful way to escape the hustle and bustle on street level too. Rooftop bars have everything you need to relax – great views, a bit of distance from the crowds and, of course, a cocktail fit the occasion. This guide from Time Out looks at the best rooftop bars to check out while you’re in town.

Greenwich village

Manhattan can be pretty intense – but there are also pockets of calm amid the chaos. Why not check out Greenwich village? This neighborhood – which contains Carrie’s home from Sex and the City – offers a very different vibe to Times Square. It also contains a branch of the Magnolia Bakery, which is a great place for a sweet treat as you spend some time away from the hustle and bustle.

Escape in the theater

The stars and the shows of Broadway offer a great escape for visitors to New York, with a wide range of world class shows that can transport you into another world entirely. Book yourself in to see a show for a change of pace, as well as an evening of great entertainment. There’s always something fresh to see so take a look at what’s new before you go.

Take in some culture at museum or gallery

Similarly, step off the sidewalk and into one of the many world class museums and art galleries that New York has to offer. A spot of culture can offer variety from shopping and sightseeing, as well as a change of pace. Check out the Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and The Met – all great choices you’re bound to enjoy.