Grand Central Terminal was built by the New York Central Railroad in the prime time of American long-distance passenger trains. Since the decline in popularity of train travel, the terminal has become a booming attraction, home to five superior restaurants and cocktail lounges, including the world famous Oyster Bar and 20 casual eateries. The Grand Central Market is also housed in the terminal. Besides having specialty food stores, restaurants, accessory boutiques and more; the market is home to some big names in the shopping industry. Aveda, Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole, L'Occitane, M.A.C Cosmetics, Origins and Swatch are all available here.
Get an up-close look at the Brooklyn Bridge while you hang out at the 85-acre, waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. The park stretches across the waterfront in the vicinity of the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges on land that was overlooked and inaccessible for decades. Although the park is still under construction, the Pier 1 and Pier 6 sections are open to the public – meaning you can enjoy beautiful views of the city right next to the bridge. The park is set to be 66% completed by 2013.
Get an eyeful of art at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, considered to be the "flagship cultural institution of the Bronx." The museum was founded in 1971 and features contemporary and 20th century artwork created by culturally diverse, American artists. There are more than 800 paintings, sculptures, photographs and works on paper in the museum's permanent collection.
Fans of music, jazz in particular, will enjoy an excursion with Big Apple Jazz Tours. New York City's historic roots have a hold in the jazz industry as well, with famous musicians like Billie Holiday linked to the city. This tour will take you to NYC's modern-day jazz hangouts where you'll see the genre's best talents performing.