It’s that time of year again – in just a few short weeks, the Super Bowl will be making its triumphant return, and football fans everywhere are feeling the anticipation.
Whether you plan on seeing the game live at MetLife Stadium across the river or will pack into a crowded sports bar in Manhattan, paint on your face and proudly pull on your jersey, it’s likely you’ll find yourself in New York City come game time.
For those planning a whirlwind trip to the city, here’s a rundown of the top five things to see, do, eat, and drink when the game’s not on.
Walk along Super Bowl Boulevard
Kick-off your Super Bowl extravaganza with a visit to the Super Bowl Boulevard: a free, interactive football-themed experience to be held on Broadway from 34th to 47th Streets.
Set to be an event of massive proportions, highlights will include autograph sessions with current and former NFL players and a toboggan run designed to commemorate the first-ever cold weather, open-air Super Bowl.
Hop on the Staten Island Ferry
No longer a best-kept secret among locals, the Staten Island Ferry is the perfect way for visitors to get a first-person tour of some of New York’s top landmarks – all for free.
The ferry, which runs regularly between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, also happens to chug past some of the prettiest spots in New York Harbor. See the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the skyline on your way over. Once you reach Staten Island, turn around and do it all over again.
Take a FREE tour of the Brooklyn Brewery (and maybe spot a hipster or two)
Manhattan getting too crowded? Take some time out in the surrounding boroughs, and visit the vibrant Williamsburg, Brooklyn where the famous Brooklyn Brewery is located.
On Saturdays, the brewery runs free tours of its facilities every hour, while the on-site bar has an ever-rotating selection of speciality brews. There’s nothing that goes better with football than beer, after all.
Sup at a genuine New York sports bar
Put your newly acquired beer expertise to the test, and head on over to The Keg & Lantern in nearby Greenpoint, where football fans and beer snobs merge to watch the game.
Or, if you’re missing Manhattan already, cross back over to the East Village and drop in at Croxley Ales – where enthusiastic locals promise to be celebrating the Super Bowl in a big way. Expect face painting, cheap beer, and even cheaper wings.
Grab at bit at Katz’s Deli
After all that boisterous beer and sportsmanship, you must be starved. Thankfully, the iconic Katz’s Deli is close at hand, serving up good old-fashioned pastrami sandwiches and hard-to-beat hot dogs. You can see a picture of the world-famous Reuben here.
There’s no better way to get back your energy – and soak up all the beer.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose Paris guide cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
Feature image: Anthony Quintano, Super Bowl XLVIII Preparations at MetLife Stadium January 31, 2014 via Flickr CC BY 2.0
