In New York on business travel? Here’s how you can enjoy your stay

Who doesn’t want to take a bite out of the Big Apple? It is known for being the playground of some of the biggest business moguls, the heart of fashion, and the capital of corporate New York will forever be at the top of the list for travellers, and if you are really lucky, you’ll get to head there for work. So when it comes to how you can enjoy your stay, it’s more like – how can you not?

First of all, location matters. You might think a hotel will give you everything you need, but actually fully-furnished and equipped apartments in New York fit the bill better. They give you more flexibility and freedom to settle down and actually start to feel like a local. Mid to long-term stays are taken to another level. These kinds of spaces come with everything you need to be able to get work done.

So how do you make New York work for you?

Enjoying a business trip is two-fold. It is a bit about how you prepare, and a bit about where you go.

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

Travelling well

When it comes to travelling well, you have to keep a few things in mind. Your luggage, connecting with others, and routine. A hard thing about travel is that you can miss the first day or two of your trip due to jet lag. Then after that, because you aren’t at home, you feel lost without your routine. If you stay in an apartment, you can keep to your typical routine as much as possible – which is great. Luggage wise before you travel, consider carefully what you are going to actually need. The chances are it isn’t going to be almost everything you own ‘just in case’. Cut it back to two casual outfits, one or two smart-casual and maybe a suit if you know you’ll need it. By packing lighter, you won’t have the hassle of dragging a heavy suitcase around with you.

If you are in New York for business, you can reach out in advance to friends and colleagues to arrange to meet up for coffee and drinks. This means that you aren’t going to be alone for long, and can make connections while you are there, which will make you feel more at home.

Things to explore

It’s unlikely to go to New York City and not prepare some great things to do in advance.

Food

When it comes to filling your belly with goodies, New York has an endless selection of cuisines. If you watched and loved When Harry Met Sally, then Katz’s is for you. The table they sat at in the movie is clearly labelled, but you might be a hard push to snag that seat. Even if you don’t, opting for one of their monster sandwiches is a must.

Queens Night Market is non-negotiable. There are 80+ countries represented by their cuisine. It is an open-air bazaar that is open from 5pm – midnight every Saturday. There is always a range of live performances so it is an immersive experience for the senses.

If you have a sweet tooth, then Peter Pan Bakery is a must. This isn’t about gold leaf and delicate chocolate swirls – this is purely about taste and freshly baked goods. They are made with machines from the 1950s, too – so you might say your combining history and flavour.

Cloisters

If you want to take a minute away from the busy streets and chatty food establishments, then you can find that at the Cloisters. It’s a museum that is set in a park that overlooks the Hudson River. It is home to medieval art and architecture collections from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There is a walking path that winds through the grounds to a castle that feels much older than it really is. So if peace and art are your bag, this is your spot.

Prospect Park

If you like the idea of a stroll, or some star gazing, then Prospect Park is perfect. If you are particularly outdoorsy, then you can get your fix, or your morning run here. For some extra relaxation, think about renting a paddleboat and head out onto the water. Although if it’s wintertime when you’re in NYC, then it will be an ice rink.

New York Botanical Garden

So, if this hectic city has you desperate for some green and serene time, the NYBG is it. No matter when you visit, you will be surrounded by flowers and trees.

There you have it. That is how you can enjoy your business travel in New York City. A few places will give you a full tummy, others will provide you with a feast for the eyes. Enjoy your own personal version of New York City from the comfort of your home away from home.