by Rissa Gatdula-Lumontad
Ah! The Big Apple beckons, and you have only a few days. How do you prioritize? Here are seven of the top sights in NYC that we recommend you include in your list of places to visit.
More about NYC: New Year’s Eve | Unique Hotels | Navigating the NYC Subway
1) Statue of Liberty – This may be the most famous landmark of NYC. It is worth getting up close by going to Liberty Island where it stands. You will need to get a ferry ticket to get to the island, which you can purchase at the Castle Clinton National Monument inside Battery Park, from where the ferries depart every 30 minutes. Alternately, you can book online in advance to avoid the long lines. You can choose to enter the statue and see the museum and go up to the pedestal. If you are physically able, you can head up the 354 steps to the crown. You can also get a ticket that includes a visit to Ellis Island for a glimpse of the immigration history of NYC.
2) Empire State Building – This may be the most famous building in the world, and has been regarded for 40 years as the world’s tallest (until the twin towers were built). Currently, it is the world’s 22nd largest skyscraper, and America’s fourth tallest. A national historic landmark, it offers the best, unobstructed views of the city from its 86th floor and 102nd floor observation decks.
3) Grand Central Station – This is one of the most historical landmarks of NYC and remains one of the busiest stations in the country. It has been described as the “world’s loveliest station” and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. The elaborately decorated ceiling of the main concourse and the entire station’s architecture are amazing and make the station well worth the visit. Restaurants and shops are found within the complex. Organized tours are available. The station may be reached via the Grand Central – 42nd Street station of the subway.
4) Times Square – A vibrant neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, Times Square probably most embodies NYC’s title “the city that never sleeps.” This is where you’ll find Broadway, and where you should take in a show to complete your NYC experience. Aside from theater, shopping and dining are also the main activities in this brightly lit district. Just sitting down on one of the benches on the streets and watching the diverse personalities pass by can be a fun diversion in this “Crossroads of the World.” If you are up to learning about the history of the place and want more information, visit the Times Square Museum and Visitors Center at the Embassy Theater.
5) Greenwich Village – An upper middle class residential neighborhood home to many famous personalities, Greenwich was known as the bohemian capital until the late 20th century. Its tree-lined streets and brick townhouses exude a sophisticated atmosphere entirely different from the rest of Manhattan. The Village offers an eclectic mix of intimate dining establishments, lively bars, live street entertainment in the park, and small specialty shops.
6) Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA) – NYC is home to the most impressive museums in the country and MOMA is recognized as one of the foremost museums of modern art in the world. Enjoy the art of our time with its exceptional exhibitions, considered the finest collection of modern and contemporary art in the world.
7) Central Park – In the center of the hustle and bustle of Manhattan is this haven of open space where you can go boating, birding, rock climbing, and partake in other leisure activities or just relax under the shade of a tree. You can also visit Belvedere Castle, watch a play at the Delacorte Theater, or enjoy open air concerts during the summer. At 843 acres, it may be too much of an effort to tour the whole park on foot, but you can rent a horse carriage for a unique sightseeing experience and cover more area.
After getting the city’s vibe with these iconic landmarks, try to make the most of your trip with the many other tours and things to do in NYC. You will surely find something to suit your fancy in this vibrant city that never sleeps!
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Photo credits:
New York City: Rissa – NeNaNi
Times Square: Chris Brown