NYC Museums: Where Art Happens!

In the heart of New York City, where the dreams are big and the lights are bright, lies a world of wonder and beauty, waiting to be explored. Here, amidst the bustling crowds and towering skyscrapers, you can find some of the greatest treasures of humanity, preserved for all time in three of the city's most magnificent museums.

The first of these is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a temple of culture that towers over Central Park like a beacon of inspiration. Here, in the shadow of the majestic Great Hall, you can lose yourself in a maze of galleries and exhibitions, where the treasures of the world's great civilizations await. From ancient Egypt to modern America, from the Renaissance to the present day, the Met is a testament to the power of human creativity, a celebration of the beauty and diversity of our shared history.

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Next on our list is the Museum of Modern Art, a shining jewel in the crown of contemporary art. Here, in the heart of Midtown, you can immerse yourself in a world of bold colors and daring ideas, where the boundaries of what is possible are pushed to the limit. From Picasso to Warhol, from Van Gogh to Pollock, the MoMA is a testament to the power of the human imagination, a celebration of the avant-garde and the cutting edge.

Finally, we come to the American Museum of Natural History, a true wonderland of science and discovery. Here, in the shadow of the soaring blue whale, you can journey through time and space, exploring the mysteries of the universe and the wonders of the natural world. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of the cosmos, the AMNH is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry, a celebration of the beauty and complexity of our world.

 

These three museums are more than just buildings filled with artifacts and art. They are gateways to new worlds, places where the imagination can soar and the soul can find peace. So if you find yourself in New York City, be sure to visit these three great treasures, and experience the wonder and beauty that they offer.

Reasons to Visit the World’s Most Famous Park, Central Park in New York

Central Park is packed with amazing features and it's truly no wonder why it's one of the most famous and most renowned parks in the world. Central Park comprises 843 acres of rolling meadows, boulder-studded outcroppings, elm-lined walkways, manicured European-style gardens, a lake and reservoir—not to mention an outdoor theater, a memorial to John Lennon, an idyllic waterside eatery and a famous statue of Alice in Wonderland. Download the Central Park Travel Guide and Offline Map to plan your next picnic at this wondrous green space.

1. Central Park Zoo

This compact zoo within Central Park is just small enough for a short, hour or two visit, but just large enough that everyone will seriously enjoy the exhibits. The children’s zoo, included with your admission, is hands-on and oh-so-fun, while the red panda exhibit will draw out every adorable “ahhh” from your vocabulary. this small zoo is home to penguins, snow leopards and lemurs. Feeding times in the sea lion and penguin tanks make for a rowdy spectacle.

2. Take a Stroll

It may seem obvious, but one of the best things to do while visiting Central Park is to just stroll through the beautiful grounds. With over 58 miles of trails, plenty of open spaces, stunning vegetation, animal encounters, rocks to climb, and sights to see, taking a walk through Central Park is the epitome of a New Yorker’s park experience. Be sure to wear comfy shoes, dress in layers, and plan on tackling one section of the park at a time.

3. Loeb Boathouse

Enjoy the park from the waterfront with rowboats (or gondolas) on the lake at the Loeb Boathouse, open spring through fall. This perfect warm-weather activity is a photo-op jackpot, so be sure to dress the kiddos in cute clothes. Loeb Boathouse also has a restaurant for one of the most idyllic settings for a meal in Central Park. Don't forget to try out their crab cakes--we hear they're exceptional!

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Get Lost in Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

When we say get lost, we literally mean you way just experience that as you weave your way through the world's largest permanent collection of art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art of fondly called simply as the MET has over two million individual collections of paintings, artifacts, and textiles from around the globe. Now, if that's not enough to entice art lovers and visitors to visit this museum we don't know what will. Download the Metropolitan Museum of Art Travel Guide and Offline Map and be even more enticed to visit!

1.     The First and Seconds Floors

The first floor of the MET is a vast Egyptian collection that is unmatched anywhere else. You might as well have taken a trip to Egypt when you walk through the Temple of Dendur. Built at around 10 BC and now relocated from Egypt in 1978 it is one of the must-sees in the museum. The second floor is dedicated to European paintings from the 13th to 20th century, while 15 rooms showcase a massive collection of Islamic arts and artifacts.

2.      The American Wing

As if the name itself isn't a dead giveaway to what this wing offers--the American Wing houses decorative and fine art from across US history. Other galleries in this wing are devoted to classical antiques such as sculptures dramatically illuminated by natural daylight. It also houses Asian art, modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures. And truly, you just have to visit to believe how extensive their collections are.

3.     Art Installations

If visiting April through October, head up to the excellent roof garden, which features rotating sculpture installations by contemporary and 20th-century artists--through the grand city and park views are the real draw. Enjoy a sundowner cocktail from its on-site bar. And if you're coming with kids, fret not, they will also be entertained. There's a specially designed brochure and map for kids, and events listed on the website.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Eat Your Way Around NYC: Best Hot-dogs in New York City

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council is real and it knows everything about hot dogs.According to the Council’s most recent data, Americans consume roughly 9 billion hot dogs a year – and that’s just what they’re buying from retail stores. They estimate that if you add other places where hot dogs are served like a baseball game, local fairs, and carnivals, the number is actually closer to 20 billion.

And the city with the largest appetite for hot dogs? The city that never sleeps, or in this case, never stops eating hot dogs, New York City.

If you want to see the city in its most authentic, download the New York Travel Guide and Offline City Map app and take a bite of gastronomic history with this list of the best hot-dogs in NYC from eTips.

Nathan’s Famous

As iconic as its original location in Coney Island is its annual Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. The current record is held by competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, who ate 70 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

New York Travel Guide and offline maps

Gray’s Papaya

If you want a no non-sense New York hot dog, Gray’s Papaya on the Upper West Side at the corner of Broadway and 72nd Street is open to satisfy your taste buds, 365 days a year, 24/7. A must-try is their much beloved Recession Specials - $4.50 for two hot dogs and a 14 ounce drink.

New York Best Hot Dogs

Crif Hot Dogs

An open mind and a recklessly adventurous palate is what’s required if you’re eating at Crif Hot Dogs. Long way from traditional, toppings for its bacon-wrapped hot dogs consist of pineapples, cream cheese, eggs, avocado among others. And, of course, slathered in copious amounts of melted cheese.

Katz’s Delicatessen

A sign where Meg Ryan sat in the movie When Harry Met Sally reads: "Where Harry Met Sally... Hope You Had What She Had! Enjoy!" And what she had was their classic pastrami sandwich, meant to be eaten with mustard – and only mustard. It’s been on top of every Best Pastrami Sandwich in New York City list. Put simply, it’s delicious – and there’s no faking that.

Papaya King

At first glance, the odd combination of tropical fruit drinks and a beef frankfurter doesn’t make any sense – but it does. When you’ve got a drink made by New York’s first juice bar and a hot dog topped with a delicious red onion sauce, everything makes absolute sense. Curious? Drop-by their flagship store at the corner of 86th Street and 3rd Ave in Manhattan.