10 Things to Do During Your New York City Travel Nursing Assignment

The Big Apple—home to a culture that never sleeps, world-class cuisine and theater, and too many attractions to check out over just one 13-week assignment. Before you head out on your New York City travel nursing assignment, be sure to plan ahead. To ensure you catch the most popular—and many of the most awe-inspiring–spectacles in NYC, here are 10 recommendations from the New York-focused recruiters at Health Carousel Travel Nursing.

1. EXPLORE THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

The largest museum in the Western Hemisphere, The Met holds a collection of over two million works, from antiquity to present, with enough to keep you busy for days, if not weeks during your travel assignment. Highlights include incredible works by masters like Rembrandt, Botticelli, and Vermeer, and the Egyptian Collection.

2. TAKE A WALK IN CENTRAL PARK

A walk in the park is a great way to enjoy some people-watching while squeezing in some exercise, and there may be no better park in the world to do it in than Central Park. You never know who you might spot with locals, including celebrities, spending a lot of time here, too.

3. REVEL IN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF TIMES SQUARE

As the cinematic epicenter of tourism in the Big Apple, Times Square is a must-visit after dark. It’s most exciting around midnight, when it really comes to life with its dazzling array of twinkling neon lights. If you’re working night shifts, life in the city that never sleeps may feel like a comfortable change of pace.

4. VISIT THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING LATE AT NIGHT

Another great late-night thing to do in NYC (ideal for swing shift workers), is to visit the city’s most iconic landmark, the Empire State Building. During the day, lines are long, but if you go after midnight you’ll miss the crowds and be mesmerized by the New York skyline illuminated in all its glory.

5. SEARCH FOR TREASURES AT THE BROOKLYN FLEA

Treasure seekers can find just about anything at the Brooklyn Flea. This is the place locals love to shop, with over 100 vendors and a wide range of items from antiques and clothing to handcrafted goods, jewelry, and fresh, locally-made fare.

6. SOAK UP IMPRESSIVE VIEWS FROM THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

One of New York City’s most recognized landmarks, the Brooklyn Bridge links Manhattan and Brooklyn, stretching over the East River. Walk across the elevated boardwalk to enjoy jaw-dropping views that include the Manhattan skyline, Governor’s Island, and the Statue of Liberty.

7. SPLURGE A LITTLE (OR A LOT)

Many visitors to New York City come just for the shopping, so you might as well take advantage while you’re here, perhaps rewarding yourself for all that hard work in the hospita. Fifth Avenue—think Gucci, Tiffany and Saks—is considered a high-end shopper’s paradise.

8. FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF ELLIS ISLAND IMMIGRANTS

At the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, located adjacent to the Statue of Liberty, you can follow the footsteps of the millions that came to the U.S. in search of a new life through taped oral histories, photos, artifacts, and more.

9. PAY YOUR RESPECTS AT THE 9/11 MEMORIAL

Paying your respects to those who died in the 9/11 attacks at the site where the World Trade Center once stood is a sobering but memorable experience.

10. CATCH A GAME AT YANKEE STADIUM

Catching a game at Yankee Stadium is something that’s on the bucket list of nearly every baseball fan. Even if you aren’t a sports fanatic, it’s a great way to get to know New Yorkers while enjoying a good time.