Summer solstice and views from the sky Manhattan style
With one of the most famous skylines in the world, New York is best seen from a height – and as soon as summer hits there are so many ways to capture the electric horizon. Whether it’s seeing the first glimpses of New York on the flight before touchdown, as the plane casts over the long strips of long island beaches which surround the city, or from a sunny spot of grass on the High Line, elevated three stories above the sidewalk, there is the opportunity to be awe-struck at literally every level!
Located in the heart of the city and surrounded by towering skyscrapers, The Hotel @ Times Square provides the perfect base from which to enjoy New York. Situated close to a plethora of venues with rooftop bars (and scheduled to open its own in the autumn), there are plenty of ways to see the city clearly from this central hub – and so many landmarks to spot!
For those wanting to step away from the bar scene this summer, why not get a view of the Empire State Building from the air, with a trapeze session from the Trapeze School New York? Recently reopened for the summer, this dynamic company is dedicated to making flying trapeze available to anyone who seeks inspiration, challenge, fitness or just a couple hours of unique fun!
And if that’s not enough height, nothing provides the same adrenaline rush in New York as a helicopter tour around Manhattan. While the city can be very crowded, busy and loud from street level – it’s completely different from above, and a helicopter tour offers a quick and comfortable way to see famous landmarks, parks and buildings from a new perspective.
However, when is the best time to see Manhattan at its most beautiful? Few people know that while the UK celebrates the summer Solstice - when the sun rises in perfect alignment with the pre-historic stones of Stonehenge, signalling the change of season, for Manhattan that special day comes twice a year. For 2013 ‘Manhattanhenge’ falls on 28 May and 13 July, when the setting sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a radiant glow of light across its streets, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the borough's grid.
Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan The Hotel @ Times Square offers free child stays, complimentary continental breakfast, wi-fi and phone calls nationwide. Based on two sharing, prices start from $254.99 per room (approx. £83 per person, per night) in May and $204.99 per room (approx. £64 per person, per night) in July. For more information or to book visit thehotelattimessquare.co.uk. Flights and accommodation taxes excluded.
