Find the New York City skyline: A total travel guide
New York City, known by the popular phrase “The City That Never Sleeps,” is a great city replete with iconic landmarks, rich culture, and history. If you are planning to spend the weekend in NYC or longer, you will find something the Big Apple has for you. Tense skyscrapers looming large against quaint and stylish neighborhoods- it’s all here. Read on for top attractions, secret spots, and one-of-a-kind experiences that the Big Apple has to offer.
- Must visit
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
One of the most iconic monuments of freedom, the Statue of Liberty stands imposingly before the visitors. In fact, one can take a ferry ride from Battery Park headed towards Liberty Island to closely feel and see this humongous structure. While on the island, one could easily cross to Ellis Island, the place where millions passed to reach the United States. The museum in Ellis Island provides some poignant insights into their journeys.
Tip: Get tickets in advance to climb to the statue’s crown. Tickets sell out quickly.
Empire State Building
One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in New York, this building stands at a height of 1,454 feet. The observation decks on floors 86 and 102 offer a spectacular view of NYC. It’s especially breathtaking at sunset or after dusk when it lights up.
Tip: You may want to consider purchasing a “skip the line” pass when you visit, especially if you are going during peak tourist season.
Central Park
A stroll through Central Park would not be well off without visiting NYC: the green oasis in the midst of the urban jungle. Spread out over 843 acres, it remains a beautiful home to gardens, lakes, walking trails, and even a zoo. It would be a pleasure to relax on the Great Lawn, to rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse, or to visit the famous Bethesda Terrace.
Tip: Take a guided bike or walking tour of the park to find its hidden secrets and gems.
Times Square
Bright lights, day-and-night-pumping energy-if you’re an over-stimulated type, this could be your personal hell. Broadway theaters and flagship stores, restaurants that would make even the biggest foodie head spin-there’s just so much pulsing activity going on here, 24/7. Catch the world-famous ball drop when you’re there New Year’s Eve!
Tip: If you prefer not to join the crowds, feel free to visit Times Square during the early morning or late night hours.
- Explore Local Neighborhoods by Walking
Manhattan
From the lively streets of Midtown to fashionable boutiques in SoHo, Manhattan is the thumping center of New York. Every neighborhood in Manhattan has its own character, making it a great place to walk through.
There is no better place to get lost in than Greenwich Village. It’s a bohemian hangout with small cafes, jazz clubs, etc. End your visit watching a comedy show at the Comedy Cellar or strolling Washington Square Park.
Chinatown and Little Italy
Two adjacent neighborhoods give you the taste of New York’s being the place of many immigrants. Explore the bustle of Chinatown markets or taste dim sum there, or savor the authentic Italian pasta dish in Little Italy.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is much less frenetic than Manhattan, yet by no means any less exciting. Take in the fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline from the high level overlooking DUMBO – Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass – or walk over the Brooklyn Bridge to take one of the best photographs in town.
Williamsburg
A stylish hub with hipster charm-Williamsburg boasts many hip restaurants, bars, and art galleries. Don’t miss weekends at Smorgasburg, a famous food market with delicious eats from some of NYC’s most exemplary food vendors.
Harlem
A historic neighborhood, Harlem is a cradle of African-American culture and home to superstars from yesteryear – Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown once graced the Apollo Theater stage. To really dive into the cultures, consider attending a Sunday gospel service in one of Harlem’s churches, which have become renowned.
- NYC’s Food Scene
New York City is the ultimate food lover destination, containing everything from fine dining on a global scale to street food delicacies. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
Pizza
New York, being one of the most famous cities for its pizza, and it would be impossible to leave without trying a slice of true New York City-style pizza. Think Joe’s in Greenwich Village or Prince Street Pizza, for some pure NYC pizza.
Bagels
Begin the day with the quintessential New York bagel: Find a fresh-baked, cream cheese-and-lox-covered bagel at Russ & Daughters or Ess-a-Bagel.
Street Food
From Halal food carts to pretzels and hot dogs, NYC street food is the stuff of legend. Check out the Halal Guys and Gray’s Papaya for the classic hot dog.
Fine Dining
If you can splurge, New York’s some of the world’s greatest restaurants. Try Eleven Madison Park and Le Bernardin or go modern at Momofuku Ko.
Treat: Make sure to book in advance, especially for Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Cultural Experiences and Museums
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
One of the largest and most fantastic museums in the world, The Met comprises over two million works of art through five thousand years of history. Too great to pass up are the Temple of Dendur, the European Paintings wing, and the Costume Institute for fashion exhibits.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
If you prefer modern art, then MoMA is one of the places you should definitely visit: it hosts masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Picasso, Warhol, and Pollock.
Broadway Shows
No visit to NYC can be complete without a Broadway show. It could be something old, like The Lion King, or new, like Hamilton.
Tip: Low-priced entrance tickets are available at the TKTS booth in Times Square or even advance booking into the more popular shows.
American Museum of Natural History
That just-filmed Night at the Museum movie makes it a great destination for families. Wander through exhibits such as the giant Blue Whale model or the awe-inspiring dinosaur skeletons.
- Insider Tips for Visiting NYC
Public Transport: The subway is the fastest and cheapest mode of transport in town. Buy a MetroCard for unlimited rides during your stay.
Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are ideal months for visits as the weather is warm and clear. Winter, specially when holiday is in session, can bring out the magic but gets very cold and crowded.
Crowds; New York is always bustling, but on weekdays, it is less crowded in tourist attractions. For a very serene experience, visit early in the morning.
Tipping: Tipping is considered part of the New York culture. In restaurants, you should tip 15-20% of the bill. For other services like taking a taxi or for the services of the hotel staff, one needs to give a small tip.
Safety: NYC is pretty safe, but you need to be careful, as with any big city. Be careful in crowded places, do not walk down empty streets at night, and keep your possessions safe.
- Treasures of the Not-So-Conventional
If you have seen some of the standard attractions or would like to avoid those places for whatever reason, these treasures could be a great idea:
High Line: Elevated park built on former railway track, now great views over the city and the Hudson River, and a perfect leisurely walk to cut through from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards.
Roosevelt Island Tramway – Catch a cable car from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island for aerial views across the East River to simply stunning city skyline; an often-overlooked unique experience.
Coney Island: If you get the urge for something offbeat and just plain cool, take a trip to Coney Island for a vintage amusement park, the now-famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, or just to walk along the boardwalk.
Conclusion: This is the Ultimate NYC Adventure Awaits
New York is somewhere else – the landmark symbols, cultural diversity, and fascinating secrets. Whether it’s viewing the grandeur of the Empire State, relishing a slice of pizza in Brooklyn, or getting lost in the world-class museums, NYC holds promises of an unforgettable vacation. So much that millions of visitors fall in love with this city every year.
Planning your adventure in NYC? Pack your cozy shoes, sense of adventure, and get ready to explore one of the world’s most vibrant cities!
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