Central Park Attractions For New Tourists In NYC

Visitors in New York City have plenty of things to explore including its impressive museums, architecture, food joints and shopping centers. However, people who visit the city and adjoining areas for the first time do not miss out Central Park. This comprises of 843 acres in the island of Manhattan. On an average, 25 million people visit this place a year to enjoy its numerous attractions. It is ideal when you want to soothe your mind and body amidst patches of greenery while touring NYC. Both single travelers and people with family can have a nice time here.

Accommodation Options near Central Park

If budget is not a problem, you may pick from several hotels overlooking the region. It would be prudent to book a room in a hotel located at the park's southern part. It will be useful to get easy entry to the park and you will be able to reach some restaurants and museums.

Central Park Attractions for Tourists

There are several attractions that lure the tourists to the Park. It was the USA's first artificially landscaped park. It would be a good idea to download a map of the region before you start exploring it.

• The Zoo

If your kids loved the animated flick 'Madagascar', they are going to love the zoo, referred as wildlife center. There are animals and birds like polar bears, sea lions and penguins. The kids will like to explore a section meant for them where they can watch cows, sheep and goats up close.

• Mother Goose Statue

Nearly every visitor to the region admires the Mother Goose sculpture. The statues of legendary figures like Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep and Humpty Dumpty will be familiar to you. Another sculpture worth visiting here is Alice in Wonderland. Kids can explore and climb the beautiful statue.

• Strawberry Fields

The Strawberry Fields was commissioned to commemorate the memory of legendary Beatles singer John Lennon. The Rock maestro stayed in adjacent Dakota apartment building. Fans can place flowers and tributes in the garden.

• The Great Lawn

Thirteen acres of greenery invite you to the Great Lawn which contains basketball courts, baseball fields along with space for leisure activities and sports. If you happen to visit NYC during the summer months, this is the place where you can enjoy free concerts and movie screenings.

• Belvedere Castle

Lovers of architecture will appreciate the stone castle with a 19th century origin. From its tower, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the City. In this castle you can also explore Henry Luce Nature Observatory featuring wildlife and bird exhibits.

• Sheep Meadow

Walking in the vast stretches of Central Park and exploring numerous attractions can make you fatigued after some time. To relax and enjoy some moments amidst serenity and greenery, head to Sheep Meadow. This is one picturesque, green meadow offering amazing skyline view. Some tourists pick this spot for picnics as well. You can enjoy sunbathing sitting in this patch of greenery where herds of sheep used to graze several decades back.

Budapest, an Unforgettable Experience for Many International Travelers

Hungary was a socialist state, run by the Socialist Workers' Party under influence of the Soviet Union; it regained its independence on October 23, 1989, and is now a member of the European Union. Currently, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a very modern city, but there are hundreds of buildings that capture the architectural grandeur and majesty of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Tourist Attractions

With population of over 2 million, Budapest is a city having a lot to showcase for visitors, especially the museums, churches, theatres, parks, and the famous mineral hot springs and baths. Gone are the remnants of the Soviet occupation; today, Budapest is the mirror image of any European city with the best shopping, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and diverse cultural activities. Some of the most important tourist attractions include the famous bridges that traverse the Danube; some of these include the Megyeri Bridge, the Elizabeth Bridge, the Margaret Bridge, Liberty Bridge and the Chain Bridge, which is one of the most photographed bridges in Europe. To make the most of your trip, choose the right accommodation during your stay. For instance, the 3-star rated Tulip Inn Budapest Millennium is a good choice and is centrally located.

Excellent Cuisine Outlets

Hungary has always been famous for its paprika and the paprika-flavored goulash, but there is a whole range of food styles that is available in Budapest including French, Chinese, Magyar, Italian, etc. Restaurants specializing in East European food include the Muzeum and Tigris; international cuisine is available at the Klassz wine restaurant and Italian cuisine - at the Hemingway; healthy vegetarian cuisine is available at Eden, and their menu includes vegetarian platters, stews and ragout which contain no fat, preservatives or sugar.

Monuments and Museums

For visitors keen on gourmet food, they can dine at the Onyx, which is a Michelin starred specialty restaurant catering to modern Hungarian cuisine and bistros and brassieres like Gerloczy serve up light meals and assorted cheeses. Places to see around Budapest include the Jewish Quarter, the Parliament Building, Castle District, Memento Park, Holocaust Memorial Center, the Buda Hills, Margaret Island, the various museums, the Royal Palace, etc.

Shopping Privileges

There are many pawn shops and second-hand shops selling china, antiques, trinkets, textiles, etc., like the Bav, while arts and crafts are on display at Herend Village Pottery with a variety of items of home furnishings and decoration which are for sale. The best period to visit Budapest is usually between May and September when the weather is perfect for traveling and with excellent transport facilities, visiting places would be easy.