1. Central Park is in blossom
Central Park is the lungs of Manhattan, and though the leafless trees and dusting of snow are beautiful in their way, the park is at its finest in the spring when its thousands of trees and bushes are in bud, and the first blossoms come out. Do as the New Yorkers do and explore the park by bike, or with a run around the lakes.
2. You can stand outside on the Staten Island ferry
The Staten Island ferry is free, and offers the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Take the journey in the winter months and the freezing winds will chill you to the bone, but come March and April, when the sun comes out and temperatures start to rise, the boat ride is utterly glorious.
3. Garden produce is ready to eat
It’s a little-known fact that the Waldorf Astoria has its own rooftop kitchen gardens, lovingly tended by the hotel’s chefs. In the springtime the first baby vegetables ripen, the herbs come into leaf, and the honey bees in the garden’s hives start producing their sweet honey. You can sample these delights in the hotel’s restaurants, and in gourmet Chinese restaurant La Chine in particular, where nothing possibly can beat the taste of shavings of foie gras with honey.
4. It’s great weather for walking
Although New York City in its entirely is a sprawling metropolis, you can explore much of Manhattan and neighbouring Brooklyn on foot. In springtime it’s one of life’s great pleasures to walk up the eastern side of Manhattan, cross the Brookyln Bridge, and then to stroll through the riverside parks of Brooklyn itself.
5. The city is relatively quiet
In the summer holidays, New York is heaving. In the autumn, for Thanksgiving and the Macy’s Parade, it’s heaving. In winter, because the sales and New Year on Time Square, the city is heaving. In spring, however, the city takes a breather, and visitor numbers are a little lower than at other times of the year. You can take advantage of this and get reduced price flight tickets and hotel rates, and enjoy the big name sites with smaller crowds.
Images: Sophie Ibbotson
