About New York & Atlantic City - Big Apple Adventure
New York
It has been said that "If you’re bored in New York, it’s your own fault." In fact, there is so much to see and do in New York that there's little chance of you becoming bored. It's nearly impossible to experience everything New York has to offer in one visit and with world-class museums to iconic landmarks on offer, there are more than enough reasons to visit the Big Apple.
Art and History
Some of the country's best museums are located in New York, giving you a chance to soak up a dizzying amount of art and history during your visit. Manhattan offers the opportunity to check out the fossilized dinosaur bones and other wonders of the natural world at the Museum of Natural History and then head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see works from ancient Egyptian art, paintings by masters like Caravaggio and modern pieces from celebrated artists like Jackson Pollock. For even more visual treats, head to the Museum of Modern Art, the architecturally impressive Guggenheim Museum, the Brooklyn Museum or any of the numerous small contemporary galleries in the area.
Population and Diversity
The population of New York in 2010 totalled over 8 million, making it America's most populous city by a landslide. This means that there is literally no other place in the United States where you'll be surrounded by so many people. Because people from all corners of the globe live in and visit this area, travelling to New York gives you a chance to come in contact with a variety of different cultures. There are approximately 200 languages spoken in New York, and you can sample regional cuisine from faraway places such as Korea, Africa, India and France.
Christmas in New York
New York is a top travel destination over the winter holiday, offering a variety of Christmas-themed activities. Don't miss the impressive Rockefeller Center Christmas tree with its 30,000 lights, or the decorations at Macy's, famously featured in the classic movie "Miracle on 34th Street." For more Christmas fun, go ice skating in Central Park, visit the famed FAO Schwarz toy store, see the New York City Ballet production of "The Nutcracker," or just wander the city and enjoy the lights, decorations and creative window displays.
Sightseeing
Whilst in New York, you'll get a chance to see such iconic American sights as Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, the New York Public Library and, of course, the Statue of Liberty. The iconic Empire State Building features stunning 80-mile views from the observatory on the 86th floor. For more city views, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park and have your picture taken with Manhattan's skyline as the backdrop.
Road Trips
If you hop in the car and drive a mere 30 minutes or so outside Manhattan, you'll find yourself passing through quaint small towns as well as through breathtaking scenery. In the autumn, head to New York's Hudson Valley and visit towns such as Sleepy Hollow or Cold Spring to experience the autumn coloured foliage, or visit one of the many parks in the area such as Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park or Hudson Highlands Gateway Park. When the weather warms up, take a trip to the Hamptons, Fire Island or scenic Montauk to relax by the water.
Atlantic City
After the Camden and Atlantic Railroad was built in the mid-19th century and grand hotels sprang up along the seafront, hordes of visitors arrived in “America’s Playground” for its beach, sophisticated entertainment, quirky attractions and undercurrent of sin. Though A.C. has suffered a few turns of fortune over the past century and a half, the old excitement is back. A new generation of casino-hotels offer not just gaming, but a dizzying range of diversions, from early-morning yoga to late-night burlesque. Whether you want glitz or kitsch, it’s all packed into just under 12 square miles. Get some five-star R&R at a luxurious spa, dine at restaurants helmed by some of the country’s top chefs and take in a world-class show (everyone from Ol’ Blue Eyes to Beyoncé has played here). Or head inland for a steak at one of Nucky’s old hangouts, and save a bundle on holiday shopping at the city’s outlet stores. With apologies to Boardwalk Empire’s Senator Edge: You can expect to have everything.
The close proximity of Atlantic City to New York City and Philadelphia make it an appealing destination for people seeking a short excursion and there are plenty of reasons to go to Atlantic City. Whether your tastes run toward sightseeing or if you prefer more exciting activities, such as gaming, Atlantic City provides options for every type of traveller, all within a relatively small, easily accessible area.
Historic Attractions
A stroll along Atlantic City's seaside boardwalk and visitors can't help but notice the abundance of historic architecture, including Boardwalk Hall, a Prohibition-era structure known for its Art Deco facade and massive arching rooftop. However, there are more historic attractions in the city than can be found along the boardwalk. Gardner's Basin, located just off North New Hampshire Avenue, offers sightseers a glimpse of the city's rum-running past through a series of small museums, guided tours and boating excursions. In addition, visitors can also tour the Civil War-era Absecon Lighthouse, former speakeasies such as the Knife & Fork Inn restaurant, and Lucy the Elephant, a six-story-tall structure in the shape of an elephant that served as a beacon for rum-runners during Prohibition.
Shopping
Atlantic City offers a variety of shopping venues, whether you're looking for designer clothing, souvenirs or saltwater taffy. Most of the shops are concentrated along the Boardwalk and in the Tanger Outlets along an area known as The Walk. However, newer areas such as The Piers Shops at Caesars and The Quarter at Tropicana also offer shopping opportunities for designer clothing and specialty items. Clothing and shoes purchased in Atlantic City are not subject to sales tax, but people coming from out of state might have to pay sales tax on larger purchases upon their return home.
Beaches
One of Atlantic City's biggest draws is their beaches, which are free to visitors and offer a variety of activities such as kayaking, fishing, volleyball and surfing. In addition, there are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants along the beachfront, so food and refreshments are close at hand. Lifeguards are on duty from July 1 until Labor Day and most beaches are served by a District Station, which provides first aid and EMT services in the event of an emergency.
Gambling and Nightlife
Gambling and nightlife are synonymous with Atlantic City with good reason; the city features more than a dozen casinos and numerous night clubs, bars and dance halls. Many of the casinos found throughout Atlantic City also include bars and night clubs, so it's possible to take advantage of both without leaving your hotel and, unlike many other cities, Atlantic City bars are open 24 hours a day, so there's no last call.
Notes:
The advertised price is subject to availability and is based on flights from London Airports. The cost of flights from other UK airports could vary and this will be reflected in the final price. Airport transfers are in shared transport.