Top 15 Places to Visit in New York City
New York is a land unto itself and perhaps the most famous city in America;
it's talked about frequently in movies, TV shows, novels, as well as poetry.
Sprawling over five boroughs, this iconic city stands tall and its famous
skyline dominates modern life for the millions of people living within it as
well as the thousands of tourists that flock there daily.
In many places New York is simply known as “The City” and it is called "The
Big Apple". Whether you’re new, visiting or simply live there and wish to
rediscover some of the best the Big Apple has to offer, there are dozens of
locations that you can pick out to make each day you spend in New York a special
one. Below are several favorites but this is by no means an exclusive list. Make
sure to take advantage of everything New York has to offer when you are planning
a visit; from the subway system to the top of the tallest towers.
15) Grand Central
Terminal
Grand Central Terminal, also known as Grand Central Station, has been a fixture
of New York City for over a hundred years. This massive structure so often
mentioned in songs as well as stories initially served as a terminal for the
railroad and it connected the country at a time when the only method of
transportation was a horse or covered wagon. The railroad brought tourism to New
York for the first time and Grand Central quickly became the beginning set for
tons of stories about a small town youngster coming to the big city to make it
big.
The terminal now serves as a central stop on many of the lines of the New
York Metro system and this is very helpful for those attempting to get around
through the subway as well as those arriving in New York by train because the
bus station along with the Port Authority is located upstairs. Grand Central
Terminal houses many shops and restaurants; it's centrally located to Times
Square as well as the infamous 42nd Street. This also makes it a great place to
start any New York adventure but beware the knick knack prices because they’re
very expensive at the first point of sale, learning how to barter might be of
use.
Grand Central Station's exterior
Inside Grand Central Station
14) New York Public
Library
Libraries don't often make it onto the list of the most exciting places to visit
in any city no matter how large, historical or important but New York Public
Library is another case. It has seven locations that spread out through New York
City’s many boroughs and this makes it possible for patrons of the library to
find what they’re looking for at a variety of locations as well as ordering
materials from any of the massive seven branches.
The library takes up two city blocks and it's constructed in a stunning Beaux
Arts design by the architectural firm of Carrere and Hastings. When it was first
constructed, the building was home to over a million books. The final
cornerstone was laid in 1902, meaning the library has been in use for well over
a century, and has been long considered one of the best public libraries in the
country. It was bequeathed the fortunes of many men, including John Jacob Astor
and Samuel J. Tilden, upon their death for its construction and it cost over
nine million dollars to build.
Main Library Branch for the New York Public Library
By
Razimantv , via
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Inside the New York Public Library main building
13) The Metropolitan
Opera
Any person who loves the Opera has heard of The Metropolitan Opera, also know
affectionately as The Met. The Met has been around for longer than most entries
on this list, such as: The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building,
Grand Central Station and The New York Public Library. This home of all things
gloriously epic has been producing operas since 1884 and some people still dress
for the opera, wearing ball gowns, opera glasses as well as bringing flutes to
sip champagne. The Met also offers many operas to young people, specifically
designed to appeal to the younger generation as well as it's older donors.
The Met has given a start to some of the most talented names in Opera for
well over a century and to choreographers, conductors as well as authors. The
Met is a phenomenal stop on your trip if you want to add an element of culture
that can also make your friends and family insanely jealous of your experience
when you get back home.
Exterior of the Metropolitan Opera House
Metropolitan Opera House stage
By Ser Amantio di Nicolao, via
Wikimedia Commons
12) The Chrysler
Building
The Chrysler Building is mentioned over and over in phrases as well as stories.
"How exactly does something shine like the top of the Chrysler Building?" is a
memorable line from the musical “Annie,” which also debuted in New York. At the
time of its construction, this building was one of the most famous in the world
that was planned to be the tallest structure. Unfortunately, that distinction
was taken from it by the Empire State Building the same year of its construction
but the Chrysler Building still deserves a stop when you’re considering places
to visit in New York.
One of the most interesting things about the Chrysler Building is the look of
the building itself; this skyscraper was constructed during the 1930s in a
stunning Art Deco style by the architect William Van Alen. Although the Chrysler
Building was only the tallest building in the world for 11 months, it still
shines in the skyline as a testament to American ingenuity and architecture.
These days the inside of the building is dedicated to tenants and business but
you can still see it from the outside as well as visit the lobby.
Exterior of The Chrysler Building
Interior of the Chrysler Building
11) Chinatown
Chinatown in New York City is one of the largest Chinatowns in North America,
falling second only to the large Chinese population of San Francisco. While this
is not the red bedecked rickshaw laden little city of the west coast, New York
City’s Chinatown still has much to offer to any tourist of any age if you know
what you want as well as where to get it.
Chinatown has the best Asian food in New York City and is located in a place
that is famous for food as well as one of the best places to eat a meal in
America, Manhattan. Chinatown is famous for its dim sum and being the place that
many “Chinese” dishes originated. Many immigrants created new versions of their
old favorite home foods, since New York City is a cultural melting pot. The
Chinese adapted to having few of their old ingredients by creating a new kind of
American Chinese food, which is widely known as the kind of food Americans
consider “Chinese” today.
Another thing you can find in Chinatown is excellent bargains on knockoff and
cheap merchandise; this is a great place to get souvenirs.
The streets of Chinatown
By Chensiyuan, via
Wikimedia Commons
Chinatown store
By Momos, via
Wikimedia Commons
10) Radio City Music
Hall
Radio City Music Hall is one of the best places to see a concert in the entire
world and every aspiring star wants to perform in this venue, for the fame as
well as the glory. One thing you shouldn’t miss when you’re thinking of things
to do in New York City is attend a performance at Radio City Music Hall, this is
one of the most iconic things you can do in New York City.
If you want to get a taste for the lovely ladies of many stories focused on
becoming a big name in the Big Apple, why not check out a performance of the
Rockettes? These high kicking dancers are synonymous with show business for many
and frequently sell out every performance that they throw. If you’re an aspiring
dancer, try auditioning. They hold auditions frequently to compensate for the
large size of their cast and are always looking for new talent.
There isn't a chance that you won’t find something entertaining at Radio City
Music Hall no matter if your interest is in jazz, country, pop, rock or some
fusion mix of genres, so treat yourself to a great night out in the greatest
city on earth.
Exterior of Radio City Music Hall
By Djmoo, via
Wikimedia Commons
The Rockettes performing at Radio City Music Hall
9) MOMA
For those with a bit more cultural awareness, there’s no better place to go than
the New York Museum of Modern Art (MOMA); this immense building is home to some
of the greatest collections of modern art in the world. Modern art may not be
for everyone but MOMA has changed many minds over to the power of many different
forms of modern art and the ways it can be emotionally affecting to anyone
willing to leave themselves open to the experience.
If you think that Modern Art is all about paintings that are completely
incomprehensible to the layman then you may want to rethink that position. The
Museum of Modern Art has many offerings in a variety of media that include:
video, photography and sculpture. Some of the exhibits are designed to challenge
and enlighten the viewers, while others are only intended to look nice in a
fascinating as well as conceptual way.
If you think you recognize any of the artists then reconsider because The
Museum of Modern Art frequently has exhibits of major names, such as:
Vincent Van Gough, among many other painters and textural artists.
Exterior of the New York Museum of Modern Art
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Wikimedia Commons
Inside The New York Museum of Modern Art
By Alex Proimos , via
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8) Rockefeller
Center
Rockefeller Center takes a special place on the list by being one of the most
romantic locations in the whole of New York City but no matter what you want to
do with your day, Rockefeller Center will almost certainly have something for
you. You may want to take a spin on Rockefeller Center’s iconic ice skating
rink and this is an excellent choice for many because it’s a fun athletic
activity that is heavy on charm, romance as well as excitement. Even if you
don’t know how to skate, learning can be a lot of fun if you’re with the right
person.
Rockefeller Center offers tours behind the scenes of NBC and some of the
most popular TV shows on air. Depending on which day of the week you visit, you
might have the opportunity to see one of your favorite shows being made.
Another thing Rockefeller Center offers is the Top of the Rock view, which
is a massive viewing platform on the top of a skyscraper. This is an
unprecedented way to look across the memorable skyline of New York from a height
almost on par with some of the tallest buildings but without the wait.
Rockefeller Center and it's ice skating rink
By Mr Bullitt, via
Wikimedia Commons
Top of the Rockefeller Center
7) Yankee Stadium
Arts and culture are a fantastic option when planning a visit to New York but
what about those who aren’t interested in Modern Art, Architecture or even ice
skating?
For many people, there’s no better place to stop on the trip than at a place
like Yankee Stadium. This easily recognizable stadium is located in the South
Bronx and the original stadium was around since 1923, it saw countless
unforgettable games. George Steinbrenner, the owner of the New York Yankees, in
the 1980s decided that he wanted to build a new stadium that could more
accurately reflect the vision he saw for the future of the Yankees. It cost a
massive sum of over a billion dollars to build and is owned as well as operated
by the New York Yankees themselves.
For millions of sports fans across the globe, there is no better place to see
a game than at this iconic stadium. If you are planning a visit to New York City
then you’ll want more than anything to at least stop by New York City’s Yankee
Stadium to see it. If you are lucky enough to come during baseball season, make
sure you get any tickets well in advance. Tickets for seeing the Yankees on
their home turf go fast and you don’t want to be stuck in the nosebleed section.
By Groupe Canam, via
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Inside Yankee Stadium
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6) The Brooklyn
Bridge
Few landmarks say “New York City” the way the Brooklyn Bridge does; this famous
landmark is over a mile long and plays host to thousands of people’s traffic
every day. If you are planning a leisurely walk across the bridge then make sure
you keep an eye out for errant bikers because they're frequent on the bridge but
don't always keep to the bicycle lane.
The Brooklyn Bridge is famous for a number of reasons that have nothing to do
with the fact that it is a useful piece of architecture that allows thousands to
cross every day; it's also important for historical reasons. For example, this
was the first bridge to use steel cables in its suspension and revolutionized
the future of bridges. It was also the first bridge to span the East River, a
massive space over which they had previously thought bridges couldn't be safely
constructed.
If you do decide to stroll across the bridge then enjoy the view because
you’ll have a view of the New York City skyline as well as sights, like the
Statue of Liberty.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge walkway
5) Times Square
Even the busiest of cities sleeps sometimes but this is not so in New York; the
old saying that the Big Apple is the City that Never Sleeps comes true at Times
Square. This intersection of 42nd Street, Broadway and 7th Avenue is filled to
the brim with theaters, restaurants, vendors as well as the gigantic
advertisements that make it so recognizable when featured in any movie or TV
show.
If you don’t want to catch a Broadway show at Times Square, there is still a
great deal to do. You could tour one of the area’s many bookstores, grab a cup
of coffee in a bustling café, have a bite to eat in a famous restaurant, like
Scardi’s, or perhaps you’ll catch sight of a famous star enjoying an evening on
the town.
Of course, if you come to New York during a holiday, you’ll want to visit
Times Square to see all the festivities. The ball drop on New Year’s Eve is the
most famous but celebrations occur here at almost every major holiday.
Times Square
By Terabass, via
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Broadway Signs
By Matt Wade, via
Wikimedia Commons
4) The Statue of
Liberty
The easiest way to set a movie, TV show or book in New York is to show a shot of
the Statue of Liberty, which is a massive green copper statue that towers over
the ocean just south of Manhattan. If you want to truly feel as if you’re in New
York, there’s no better place to go than the Statue of Liberty itself. This site
of the crowned woman holding aloft a book and torch has been welcoming people to
the shores of America since the year 1886 when it was given to America by
France, commissioned by the sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi.
Unfortunately, it has frequently been closed to visits from the public
due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. As of now, only 240 people
per day are allowed to go up in the statue and you must purchase a ticket well
in advance. If you want to see the statue but not go up into it, that is easier.
The Staten Island Ferry runs frequently and is free, transporting people from
South Manhattan at Canal Street to Staten Island. It provides an unparalleled
views of the Statue of Liberty over the water, as it was originally meant to be
viewed.
The Statue of Liberty
Inside the Statue of Libery's crown
By Rdikeman , via
Wikimedia Commons
3) Central Park
Central Park isn't just one place but an array of places, all grouped together
in the center of Manhattan. Some parts of it are incredibly ritzy and designed
for those who enjoy the finer things in life. The area of Central Park on Park
Avenue between 60th Street and 80th Street is mainly populated by the extremely
wealthy, even an apartment on these streets can cost well over a million
dollars. This is also very close to Strawberry Fields, the area made famous by
the Beatles in their unforgettable song and is, perhaps ironically, very close
to the spot where John Lennon was killed.
The park was opened in 1857 and includes a whopping 840 acres, making it one
of the largest public parks in a city in North America. Of all the urban parks
in America, Central Park is the most visited every year with over 35 million
visitors every year.
If you’re feeling romantic, catch a carriage ride through central park or
take a small boat with the one you love; there are many very romantic activities
to enjoy in the park. You could also stroll through autumn foliage at that time
of year or find some of the many gorgeously constructed fountains.
Ariel view of Central Park
The Bow Bridge inside Central Park
2) The Empire State
Building
The Empire State Building was constructed at the height of the Great Depression
and stands as a testament to American determination, ingenuity as well as a
little bit of spite. The building was completed ahead of schedule, which is rare
for any project. It was completed just 11 months after construction ended on the
Chrysler Building that is just blocks away and usurped its place as the tallest
building in the world, a distinction the Empire State Building held for many
years.
If you want to go up into the Empire State Building, you will need to wait in
line. Fortunately, this building is walking distance from many other exciting
landmarks and is just eight blocks from Times Square. This makes the Empire
State Building a great choice for the last activity in a day where you need to
unwind and don’t mind waiting in line for a couple hours. It is also possible to
reserve a ticket ahead of time and go through to a different faster line. This
takes you up to the Observation Deck, 102 floors above the city. As a fun trivia
fact, this building was initially supposed to be a blimp docking station but
only fulfilled that job twice before the project was pulled and funding cut.
Presumably, it still remains capable of docking blimps at any time.
Exterior of the Empire State Building
Observation deck on The Empire State Building
1) See a Broadway
Show
There is no New York City without the Great White Way and Broadway is the heart
of the tourism industry in the Big Apple as well as the heart of the
entertainment industry in America. When there is a group in town that needs to
show a bit of proper culture to their members, it’s always a trip to Broadway.
With up to 20 shows running at any one time, you can always find something on
Broadway to suit your personal tastes. There are mentally challenging stage
plays, experimental show vehicles and the ever popular spectacular musicals. One
of the best things about Broadway is that it’s fantastic for repeat tourism and
for the locals, even if you’ve seen every Broadway show that there is to see. If
you miss your favorite show one year, you’ll still be able to catch it again.
Even if the show closes, there’s the possibility it will be revived if there is
enough interest.
If you don’t find anything on the actual strip of Broadway that catches your
eye, don’t assume New York’s theater scene has nothing to offer you. There are
countless theatres considered “Off-Broadway” and they are frequently just as
exciting and interesting as the ones on the strip itself.
Broadway's Minskoff Theatre
Palace Theatre on Broadway
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Americasroof , via
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Final Thoughts
When planning a visit to New York City, it’s important to look around at the
most popular landmarks and there are many things to do in New York that have not
made this list. If you’re into Italian food, check out Little Italy. If you like
shopping, there’s nowhere better than Saks Fifth Avenue. If you’re just certain
that you want to see where all of America’s money is made, you may want to stop
by Wall Street itself. If you want to see all of these at once as well as
explore one of the most intricate and fascinating pieces of architecture in the
modern world then try taking the subway; you’ll probably have to anyway.
If you want to make sure you never miss the absolute best of culture, city
and people that New York City has to offer then make sure you check out the
items on this list. You’ll have a complete comprehension of New York City and
what you see will likely keep you coming back to the Big Apple of the Empire
State for years to come. After all, you never know what New York will be like
tomorrow.
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