New York City is also a really great place for street art.  From the typical to the wildly different, like the city’s inhabitants, the street art scene is varied, fun and offers a little something for everyone.

I absolutely love this shot of the massive “LOVE” sculpture on 55th Street.  The best part – check out the t-shirt the girl’s wearing.  What a great capture – double the love for New York!

Photo credit: ForsterFoto

This is a great shot of one of my favourite types of street art – the chalk drawing.  There’s something really special about watching art in the process of being made, and the fleeting nature of these pieces.  The minute the rain (or street cleaner) comes along, they’re gone forever, so it’s important to enjoy them while they are there to be appreciated.  The best part is that there will be new pieces quickly popping up where the old ones once were.

Photo credit: Ed Yourdon

I love the smugness of this little guy who was spotted in the East Village, along with his big heart!

Photo credit: SliceofNYC

Dr. Spock in drag?  Sure, why not?  This is a great reminder of the “anything goes” mentality of New York City where you can go to reinvent yourself and anything is possible!

Photo credit: dandeluca

I’ve saved the best for last today.  Check out this interactive, mobile and “personal” installation by artist Agata Olek.  A Polish artist specialising in hand-crocheted pieces, Olek created quite a stir with her head-to-toe crocheted bodysuits made especially for the “Art in Odd Places” festival in 2009.   While the piece itself is certainly eye-catching, perhaps my favourite part of this photograph is the guy sitting next to it.  In a total “only in New York” type of moment, he sits there as though there’s nothing out of the ordinary whilst reading his Michael Jackson book.  The whole scene, including the subway map in the background, is just fantastic.

Photo credit: See-ming Lee 李思明 SML

I had to include another photo of one of Olek’s human pieces because the reactions of the passers by is just priceless.  I know I’d probably react the same way if I stumbled across this unusual and unique street art in New York!

Photo credit: See-ming Lee 李思明 SML

Head to New York City this summer to enjoy all the city has to offer and spot some of your own favourite street art while you’re at it!  Direct return flights from London to New York City start at only £361 this June.  Consider me there!

Photo credit: leppre

Taking its name from the Irish “fionn uisce” which means “clear water,” Phoenix Park contains huge areas to explore and enjoy, especially when the weather is nice.  There are plenty of open areas for picnics, as well as some interesting monuments and other things to do and see. The Wellington Monument (below) is a huge obelisk that celebrates the victories of the Duke of Wellington.

Photo credit: dusi_bbg

One of the main attractions in the park is the Dublin Zoo, which is actually one of the most popular tourist sites in all of Dublin.  Home to hundreds of species and open since 1831, the Dublin Zoo attracts nearly 1,000,000 visitors a year and also plays a key role in endangered species conservation.

Photo credit: gordonflood.com

If you’re a fan of animals in their natural habitat, you’ll be delighted by the large herd of fallow deer that have called Phoenix Park home since the 1700’s.

Photo credit: infomatique

The Park is a fantastic place for hikes, running and walking and appreciation of nature and greenery in general.  With a reported 351 different plant species in the park, it’s a great place for aspiring botanists and people who love plants and trees.

Photo credit: John_Brennan

Looking for some urban park exploration yourself?  Take this opportunity to go to Dublin to check out all that Phoenix Park has to offer.  Fly from London to Dublin for a long weekend in the end of April from only £28 return.  Flights from Manchester to Dublin the same weekend also start at £28 return, and from Birmingham to Dublin are again only £28 return.  These are fantastic deals all around that will allow you to discover this beautiful park and of course all of the other the sights and sounds of Dublin!

Fly from Paris to Glasgow from only £9! (via @FlyFromParis)

Photo credit: Spiros 2004

For a nice break in Scotland, Glasgow is a great option.  A city since prehistoric times due to its location on the River Clyde, Glasgow is full of history, culture and has plenty to do for a weekend away.  Try one of the many theatres like the Theatre Royal to take in some culture, stroll around town to appreciate the historic and interesting architecture or head to Merchant City for some shopping.

Fly from London to Frankfurt from only £10! (via @FlyFromLondon)

Photo credit: Moe_

For a quick escape from London, why not try Frankfurt?  The financial and transportation centre of Germany, Frankfurt is a good place to sample all that Germany has to offer.  From the old, historical sites like St. Paul’s Church and the Römerberg to the newer Zeil shopping street, Frankfurt has a host of activities that will keep you busy and entertained on your visit.

Fly from Frankfurt to Bratislava from only £9! (via @FlyFromFRA)

Photo credit: daniela.bartosova

If you’re looking for new experiences, heading east to Bratislava is a great idea.  The capital of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava is an up and coming area which lies on both sides of the Danube River.  Bordered by both Austria and Hungary, Bratislava benefits from its unique geographic location and the diverse cultures that have had an influence on its history, culture and cuisine.  Enjoy the historic castles, unique building styles and of course don’t forget to stroll through the Old Town and enjoy some of the local cuisine.

Fly from Madrid to Paris from only £14! (via @FlyFromMadrid)

Photo credit: Trodel

If you’re looking for some romance, look no further than Paris, the City of Lights.  With no shortage of fun things to see and do, first time visitors will delight in seeing the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in person, while those looking for a bit of relaxation can enjoy Paris’ café culture and linger over a glass of delicious French wine whilst watching the Parisians stroll by.

Fly from Milan to Krakow from only £9! (via @FlyFromMilan)

Photo credit: Giorgio Tomassetti

If you’re looking for delicious food and a bit of history, Krakow’s the place for your next city break!  Take advantage of one of the city’s free walking tours to see the historical highlights or set up shop in the historical city centre for some delicious pierogies and other Polish delights. Krakow is a beautiful place to go and with a favourable exchange rate will cost less than some other European cities.

Don’t see the spot you’re looking for?  Head on over to our main Travelfusion website to search for more fares from your city.  Or, if you have a destination you’d like me to cover, feel free to leave a comment here or on Twitter and I’ll make sure to put it on my list!  Happy travels!