Without a doubt, New York has some sites and attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here are some of the places that should be mandatory in your itinerary.
Washington may be in all the newspapers by virtue of being the capital, but New York is by far the most famous American city. After all, it’s the city that never sleeps. The place where dreams come true.
It’s also where the world’s economy often hangs in the balance, and it has iconic locations everyone should see at least once in their life.
The Statue of Liberty
Of all the things to see in New York, perhaps nothing beats seeing the Statue of Liberty up close. Ellis Island is also a big tourist hotspot but Liberty Island’s view certainly gets the top place in the list.
Try to join a tour if you also want some historical context to this world-famous landmark. Don’t miss out on climbing the pedestal either for some fantastic views of the island and the city. The Statue of Liberty Museum is also worth a trip for history buffs and regular visitors alike.
Remember that it’s a unique statue and symbol of the entire country. And taking a few pictures from far away won’t do it justice.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you’re no stranger to traveling, you’ve likely seen a few museums in your lifetime. But the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is unparalleled in the world. That’s why it enjoys global popularity and has an outstanding collection that attracts visitors all year long.
The museum’s permanent collection houses at least 2 million works of art. The Met is so big that it will probably take you two days to really see everything on display and learn a thing or two. Now that’s a world-class museum.
Central Park
Call it famous or infamous, but Central Park is simply an iconic attraction of The Big Apple. In fact, there’s no New York sightseeing tour that excludes a stroll in the vast urban oasis.
Even a quick visit can give you a first-hand experience of life in NYC. All year round, whether it’s summer or winter, the park offers everything from tranquility to the hustle and bustle of the city. In a way, it perfectly encompasses life in New York.
The Financial District
One of the most essential things to see in New York is the Financial District. It’s a neighborhood that’s inextricably intertwined with the world’s economy, yet most New Yorkers who don’t live or work there probably don’t even give it a second thought.
You can also trace the district back to the beginnings of the US government here. That’s why saying that it’s rich in historical and current significance would be an understatement.
While exploring the area, you should check out a couple of historic locations. Wall Street, the NY Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, and Trinity Church are all within the Financial District.
The 9/11 Memorial
There’s no denying that this memorial marks one of the darkest times in the 21st century. But if you want to do something unique, then an emotional experience at ground zero surely checks everything on your checklist.
The 9/11 Memorial also has one of the most moving pieces of art created by people from all over the world. And from the memorial site, you can also see all the hard work put in over the years to rebuild the city after the devastating attack.
The City’s Skyline
One of the most popular things to do in New York is to gaze upon the city from the Empire State Building. However, it’s been romanticized in the movies to the point where you may have to stand in line for hours to reach the top.
But that’s not the only place you can visit to get a high-rise view of the city.
You can get a glimpse of other amazing New York sights from the One World Observatory and the Top of the Rock viewing platforms.
Interestingly enough, the Empire State Building observation deck stays open later than other observation decks. That’s why despite its infamous long queues, a visit here to take in NYC’s sights may be more comfortable to fit into your schedule.
Broadway
Every country has a live theater scene. But there’s theater, and then there’s Broadway. It’s even synonymous with New York, as the city hosts well over 40 such theaters.
You can catch many amazing live shows and often watch some of the world’s best stage and screen actors perform onstage. But if you can’t find tickets in time, organized Broadway tours that run daily can still provide you with a unique experience and a behind-the-scenes look at the US’s theater culture.
The Brooklyn Bridge
The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is awe-inspiring enough that you can just sit and stare at it from afar. But it’s not just one of the most impressive things to see in New York. It’s also one of the top attractions and paths you have to walk – literally.
Admittedly, a train ride to Brooklyn is no fun. But if you walk the entire length of the bridge, you’ll realize the trip is worth it – it’s where you can enjoy some of the finest views in the city.
The New York City High Line
Ever wondered what it would feel like to walk among the skyscrapers but not on the ground level? Well, now you can discover it for yourself.
The New York City High Line is a park built on top of an old railway line. It soars around 30 feet in the air and follows the entire length of 10th Avenue. The old industrial railroad now has a fantastic variety of plants, stretching from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street.
Completed in 2016, the High Line is one of New York’s newest iconic experiences.
The Grand Central Terminal
No discussion of things to see in New York can possibly exclude Grand Central Station. After all, everyone’s seen part of it in movies and pictures. But it’s a different experience when you’re right there as part of the crowd.
The buzz of the station is insane, given that around 700,000 commuters pass through it daily. There’s no other terminal in the world that spans 76 acres. Yet, it’s as majestic as it is large.
Its high overhead, chandeliers, and style reminiscent of a Roman public bath make it a truly unique complex.
A Powerful Blast of American Culture
What’s more American than the city of New York? It has Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, amazing bridges, financial and media headquarters, and so much more.
No trip to the East Coast is complete without visiting some of the city’s attractions. But know that it takes days to see all the important sites and learn a bit more about their history.
A New York City vacation will keep you constantly occupied and entertained.