Attractions not to miss in New York City
Like any great world city, New York has a wealth of magnificent attractions. Tourists should roam around Soho, Greenwich Village, Times Square, Wall Street and take the Staten Island ferry to get a good feel for the city.
The following are among the most popular tourist attractions in the New York City.
Statue of Liberty
One of the world’s most famous cultural icons, the Statue of Liberty is a beloved image to millions of American immigrants. It’s a must-see for newcomers to the city. For security reasons, the upper section is no longer open to the public but it’s still worthwhile to visit Lady Liberty if only to marvel at her mammoth size. The museum at the statue’s base is a popular attraction while the observation deck provides a magnificent view. Visit nearby Ellis Island for the Immigration Museum’s moving exhibits on immigrant life.
Central Park
Flying over Manhattan gives tourists a breath-taking view of Central Park, one of the most beautiful sights in New York City. With 843 acres of lush lawns and gardens right at the center of the borough, the park is a stark contrast to the tall skyscrapers and busy streets of the urban jungle. It’s filled with joggers, museums and simple city-dwellers seeking refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle. Weekday afternoons are the quietest time at Central Park. The silence is broken only by the sound of the forest and the occasional park musician. During winter, the park is a haven for sledding and cross-country skiing.
Times Square
Times Square, at the corner of 42nd Street and Broadway, has a new image: family-friendly. That’s the message you get from the theme park, hotels, restaurants, theaters and heap of LED signs and video screens. The seedy element is still around, but it has moved to the Port Authority Bus Terminal area.
Grand Central
Constructed in 1913, Grand Central Station is a historic transportation hub that serves millions of commuters a week. With its many shops, cafes and restaurants, Grand Central has become a favorite meeting place of friends. Its souvenir outlets, fashion shops and celebrity hangouts like Metrazur and Michael Jordan’s Steak House are tailor-made for tourists. Another attraction there is Vanderbilt Hall, which often hosts art exhibits and concerts. There are free groups tours on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Empire State Building
Located at 350 Fifth Ave at 34th St, Midtown, the Empire State Building is a world-famous landmark that dominates the skyline of New York. The building rose to fame thanks to the original “King Kong” movie. Built during the Great Depression in a span of only 410 days, this skyscraper was conceived to be a mooring mast for zeppelins, but that plan was quickly scratched after the Hindenburg tragedy. The Empire State Building celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2006.
Rockefeller Center
Located between Fifth & Sixth Avenues in Midtown Manhattan, the Rockefeller Center was constructed during the Great Depression and provided jobs for over 70,000 constructions workers for nearly a decade. The center, which resembles a city within a city, kept a lot of families going. Tourists flock to Rockefeller Center for its shopping and dining options and for Radio City Music Hall. In winter, Rockefeller is a wonderland of ice skating topped by a giant Christmas tree.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
For its sheer size and historical value, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is overwhelming. It houses more than two million artworks from all over the world, including Oceania and Africa. It has a world-renowned European Collection at the second floor and a popular American Wing near the Great Hall entrance. Its most famous displays are Rembrandt’s paintings, Roman statues and Tiffany glass. More than five million people visit the museum a year. New Yorkers like to say that more people get lost in the museum’s 17 acres than in all of Central Park. Highlight Tours are available twice a day. The museum is located at Fifth Ave at 82nd St, Upper East Side.
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