New York City Blooms in Spring

The thriving metropolis typifies the United States’ “Land of the Free” moniker; packing activity, culture and opportunity into every nook and cranny of every street and alleyway.

There is no ‘bad’ time to visit The City That Never Sleeps… A constantly evolving calendar of events sees New York always engaged with things to see and do. However, to experience the Big Apple in all its splendour, it’s hard to beat spring in the city.

Plates on the Pavement

As winter thaws out, alfresco dining fills New York’s sidewalks, patios, decks, rooftops and terraces with chattering friends, spilling drinks and heaped plates. 

Enjoy cocktails and sushi overlooking the West Village from Sushi Samba’s rooftop bar. Casual and quirky Yaffa’s in Tribeca is a New York institution, open 24/7 with outdoor tables offering a great vantage point from which to spot celebrities. Shake Shack’s Madison Square Park outdoor court brims with social burger fiends—the store is so popular that its website helps guests “check the line and save time” with a ‘Shake Cam’. 

The Yard at the Soho Grand is one of the city’s hippest and most coveted outdoor spaces; the perfect place to bask in the sun and indulge in plates from the grill. New American-style dining is presented against a stunning backdrop at Bryant Park Grill on a glorious sun-drenched rooftop. Closed for the winter, The Loeb Boathouse comes to life in the spring, with an outdoor terrace perfect for marvelling at couples adrift on paddle boats on Central Park’s famous Lake.

Film Frenzy

The city is also set abuzz in spring by the famous Tribeca Film Festival. Taking its name from one of New York City’s trendiest neighbourhoods, the festival – founded by Robert De Niro – sees lower Manhattan explode with creativity and expression.

Showcasing over 200 movies, screened at venues scattered throughout downtown, the film festival highlights the talent of emerging and established film makers; encourages the public to experience the power of film; and promotes the city as an important filmmaking centre. 

Costumes and Couture 

Nicknamed the “Oscars of the East Coast”, The Costume Institute Gala (commonly known as Met Ball) and is also a highlight of New York’s spring calendar. The annual ball, hosted by Vogue magazine’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, celebrates the opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s (The Met) annual fashion exhibit.

The red carpet evening sees celebrities – like Victoria Secret models Miranda Kerr and Heidi Klum, pop divas Rihanna and Beyonce and heartthrobs George Clooney and Bradley Cooper – dress to the nines for the fashion industry’s “Night of Nights and New York City’s top social event.

While tickets may be out of most people’s budget – ranging in price from $5000 to $15,000 – there’s plenty of opportunities to watch the arrivals from the street and The Met steps.

A City in Bloom 

Enjoy the rainbow-coloured, perfumed oasis of the Macy’s Flower Show. Held at Macy Herald Square, the show parades over 30,000 flowers varieties, and designs by famous American homemaker, Martha Stewart.

Day trip to the Bronx and explore the New York Botanical Garden’s 250-acres—home to one of the world’s greatest collections of flora. A fifth of the size, but still spectacular the Brooklyn Botanic Garden also features an assortment of international plant varieties, and is particularly known for its display of Japanese cherry blossoms.

Central Park shines year-round; however the world-famous sanctuary truly sparkles in the springtime, erupting with daffodils, tulips, cherry blossoms and magnolias. 

Yankee Doodle Dandy

Spring not only sees the rebirth of nature, but also the start of baseball season. Witness the world’s most famous baseball team return to action, when The Yankees find their way back to the Bronx ballpark at the end of March—spurred on by cap wearing, foam-finger toting, cold brew drinking, and hot dog eating fans.

On Your Bike

As the weather and streets return to their bustling glory, there’s no better way to discover the city then by bike. Biking around New York is a rare treat, which spring great awards.

How to Get There

• Experience all that New York City has to offer this spring… Together with partner airlines Delta and Virgin America, Virgin Australia operates flights to New York City, via Los Angeles, from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. 
• Make planning your trip away easy, Virgin Australia’s holiday partner Virgin Australia Holidays offers great value New York City holiday packages, which include flights, accommodation and much more.