The New York City marathon is one of the most popular events in the city, and millions of people flock to the Big Apple every year to cheer on the runners and be in the middle of the action. The 26.2 mile course winds through every borough and ends up in the famed Central Park, where runners are met with a roar of cheers in true New York spirit. Plan your New York City trip carefully to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer.
Since the marathon snakes through all five boroughs, there is a range of choice when it comes to lodging. The Gallivant is one of the most comfortable properties in the city due to its upscale accommodations and proximity to attractions. The Gallivant is only steps away from Broadway, and just a short train ride away from the best sights in the city.
There is so much to see and do in New York City that you'll probably want to book a return trip. Take the New York City Subway, an attraction in itself a little farther uptown and visit the famed "Museum Mile," home of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum for African Art and the Museum of the City of New York, to name a few. Traveling with the family? The Museum of Natural History is a not-to-be missed attraction. Make a stop at the historic Grand Central Terminal and take trip back in time. Admire the breathtaking painted constellation that lines the ceiling, complete with twinkling "stars," or visit the Transit Museum for an inside look at the New York City subway's history and future.
One of the best things about visiting New York for the annual marathon is that you will enjoy Central Park at the tail end of fall foliage season, when the leaves are at their peak color. Enjoy a stroll through the park while being awash in deep reds, yellows and oranges. On marathon day, there will plenty to see and do while you wait for the runners to sprint by. Make a sign and cheer on the runners or participate in one of the many post-race parties at nearby bars and eateries.
When it comes to visiting NYC, there are a few standby favorites that you don't want to miss. A trip to Katz deli is a bucket list favorite. Enjoy an authentic New York slice of pizza, paired with a Coke. Stop by one of the many food trucks and sample dishes from around the globe. From lamb gyros to waffles to dumplings and even grilled cheese, you can find whatever tempts your taste buds on an NYC food truck. Did you know that New York City has more French restaurants than France? Because of the diversity of the city's residents, you can find any type of food you can imagine, from Thai to Vietnamese, Ghanaian to Brazilian. Enjoy a light lunch overlooking the lake at the Boathouse in Central Park, or head uptown for southern favorites at Red Rooster in Harlem. The possibilities are endless for the food lover who visits New York.
The marathon takes place during the first weekend in November, so expect chilly temperatures for your visit. Leave extra travel time to get to your destinations within the city, as streets are blocked off and are often packed with spectators. Use subways whenever possible and avoid cabs when traveling to the marathon. Many people visit the city from around the globe for this event, so the best lodging will fill up quickly. Act fast if you want to snag one of the more popular hotels. When planning where to stay for the NYC marathon, it pays to plan ahead.
While the NYC marathon is a destination and attraction there are an endless array of things to do when visiting this world class city. Book your trip today.