9 Great Ideas for a New York City Staycation
When your heart says “go” but your bank account says “no,” consult our nine great ideas for a New York City staycation. A beach getaway, European escape, and more adventures can be found much closer than you might think. Set up your “out of office” message—you’re going on a staycation.
1. Have an Asian-inspired spa day at the Mandarin Oriental
Spa, Health Spa
2. Explore the real Little Italy on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx
Park, Building
3. Learn to cook Italian food at Eataly’s La Scuola
Greengrocer, Market, Restaurant, Grocery Store, Bar, Charcuterie, Butcher, Fishmonger, Cheesemonger, Italian
If you like to get your hands (and not just your plates) dirty, learn to prepare your favorite pasta dishes, cheeses, and more at an authentic Italian cooking class. Surrounded by fine Italian products, Eataly’s La Scuola offers a mouth full of Italian in the heart of Manhattan. Classes like “Hands-On Fresh Pasta Intensive Workshop” and “Lots of Mozz(arella)” are the staycation experiences you’ve been craving.
5. Experience a not-so-urban jungle at New York Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden, Museum, Park, Zoo
6. Discover Staten Island
Park, Building
7. Have a timeless night out at the Metropolitan Opera House
Opera House
8. Pretend you’re on Cape Cod aboard the Frying Pan
Bar, Restaurant, American
Fly above the city on a helicopter tour
Is it technically still a staycation if you have to board a flight? We’ll let you decide, but one thing is certain: soaring above one of the world’s most famous cities and enjoying a bird’s-eye view of icons such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park feels like the most epic escape you’ve never considered.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.