IN HONOR OF ROYAL VISIT, NYC & COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS ACTIVITIES FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS THAT ARE FIT FOR A KING

12/1/14


IN HONOR OF ROYAL VISIT, NYC & COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS ACTIVITIES FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS THAT ARE “FIT FOR A KING”



As British Royal Family Prepares to Visit New York City, NYC & Company Suggests Must-See Activities—



New York City (December 1, 2014) —NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, is highlighting must-see activities in time for Sunday’s arrival of the duke and duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate. With its iconic sites and hidden gems, New York City has plenty to offer first-time visitors like the royal family.



“First-time visitors such as Their Royal Highnesses have a lot of exciting activities to choose from, especially during the City’s festive holiday season,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company president and CEO. “We are delighted to welcome the royal family to New York City’s five boroughs and hope their first visit inspires them to come back to explore even more of the City in the future.”



Their Royal Highnesses and fellow first-time visitors should be sure to include these must-see activities in their NYC itineraries:



Enjoy a Broadway show: Known for the bright lights of Broadway, New York City’s theater scene is a must-see for both first-time and repeat visitors. From classics such as The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera to new hits like The Book of Mormon, Broadway has something for everyone to enjoy. For more information and to book tickets, go to nycgo.com/broadway.



Head to The New York Botanical Garden: A quiet oasis in the Bronx, The New York Botanical Garden offers visitors the opportunity to explore a greener side of New York City. Throughout the holiday season, visitors can see the famous Holiday Train Show, with model trains zigzagging through replicas of New York City landmarks. More information can be found at nybg.org.



Wander The Metropolitan Museum of Art: During their stay, Their Royal Highnesses will be joining many other first-time visitors to New York City at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The largest museum in the nation, the Met is known for its extensive permanent collection and changing exhibitions. For fashion-forward visitors such as the duchess, the museum’s Costume Institute is a must-see stop. To learn more, visit metmuseum.org.



See Matisse at MoMA: Visitors who missed the Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs exhibit at the Tate Modern in London can head to the Museum of Modern Art, where the works are being presented through February 8, 2015. The exhibition includes approximately 100 cut-outs, in addition to related drawings, prints, illustrated books, stained glass and textiles. For more information and to buy timed tickets, go to moma.org.  



Check out the Chinese Scholar’s Garden: The Chinese Scholar’s Garden at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in Staten Island is an unexpected cultural gem. One of two such gardens in the United States, the site has been a venue for weddings, photo shoots and more—and is perfectly suited for royalty. Visit snug-harbor.org to learn more.



Explore the High Line: On Manhattan’s far west side, first-time visitors can walk along the elevated park, built on what used to be a railway trestle. The third and final phase, the High Line at the Rail Yards, opened in September, extending the park from 30th Street to 34th Street. Visitation to the park is free. For more information, go to thehighline.org.



Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Already on the royal couple’s itinerary, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan plays an important role in the history of New York City. The museum, which opened in May, tells the story of the events of 9/11 through artifacts, multimedia displays and first-person accounts. Outside, visitors can pay their respects at the two reflecting pools set in the footprint of the Twin Towers. To purchase advance tickets for the museum, go to 911memorial.org.



Go to the Queens Museum: Home to the New York City Pavilion at the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs, the Queens Museum has a long-term exhibition featuring more than 10,000 objects from the two expositions. Having undergone a recent renovation that expanded the space by more than 100,000 square feet, the museum is a must-see, with additional exhibitions including a Panorama of the City of New York that takes up 9,335 square feet. To learn more, go to queensmuseum.org.



Head uptown to the Apollo Theater: A historic landmark in Harlem, the Apollo Theater is a must-see on a visit to New York City, known for its rich history and famous performers, including Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Throughout the month of December, the Apollo will host a variety of holiday-themed performances. For more information, go to apollotheater.org.



Catch a game: During their visit, the royals will be attending a Brooklyn Nets game at the world-renowned Barclays Center, a 675,000-square-foot state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue that opened in 2012. Visitors can attend games at other stadiums, including Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, the Richmond County Bank Ballpark and Madison Square Garden. To see an extensive sports calendar, go to nycgo.com/sports.



Shop ’til you drop: From flagship retail stores to smaller boutiques, shopping should be on the agenda for all visitors to New York City. During the holiday season, visitors can stroll down Fifth Avenue, enjoying the festively decorated windows at some of the City’s most well-known luxury retailers, such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. In Herald Square, visit Macy’s flagship location for shopping and visitor information at NYC & Company’s Official NYC Information Center. For boutiques, head to NoLIta (“North of Little Italy”) in Manhattan, or Cobble Hill in Brooklyn. Visit nycgo.com/shopping for more information.



Monkey around with Curious George: If the royal couple chooses to bring Prince George to New York City, he will be in good company with NYC & Company’s Official NYC Family Ambassador, Curious George. Family visitors can find kid-friendly travel materials; guides to NYC’s zoos, aquariums and museums for children; must-see New York City parks; and more at nycgo.com/curious-george.



For additional suggested itineraries, visit nycgo.com/itineraries.   



About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For all there is to do and see in NYC, visit nycgo.com.   



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Contact: NYC & Company / Chris Heywood 212-484-1270
          NYC & Company / Britt Hijkoop 212-484-1270