Times Square. Photo by chensiyuan – Wikimedia

Top 10 Things to do in New York City


 

New York City is made up of 5 boroughs. Nicknamed the city that never sleeps, New York is the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centre.  

The city’s skyline is defined by tall skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building. It is home to Central Park, one of the world’s largest public green spaces.

This city has a lot to offer to both visitors and locals from museums, galleries, Broadway, Times Square and the international food scene.

Beat traffic by either taking the subway or walk and explore this great American city.

There are new attractions in this city worth checking out such as the High Line and One World Observatory. You can visit any time of the year and still have endless things to do.

Here are our top 10 things to do in New York.

1. Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty. Photo by William Warby – Wikimedia

This is the most iconic landmark located on Liberty Island near New York. It is always on the list of every tourist that visits New York.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to America and is one of the largest statues in the world. It was built in 1886 and remains to be a symbol of freedom not only in America but the world too.

Lady Liberty weighs about 204,116 kilograms and is 46.3 metres tall. One of the best places to view the statue is from Battery Park, southern Manhattan.  

A short boat trip to Liberty Island will give you a closer look of the statue. Walk around the base and access to the top of the crown is available with advance booking.

Address: Liberty Island, Manhattan, New York City

2. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum pays homage to more than 3,000 victims that lost their lives during the 2001 terrorist attack.

There is a memorial at the twin reflecting pools as well as a man-made waterfall where the World Trade Centre Twin towers once stood.

Around the pool is a bronze panel that has names of all the victims inscribed on it.

Set on over 110,000 square feet, the museum has tons of information, multi-media displays, real-time recordings of the fateful day.

The 9/11 Memorial is open daily and entry is free. You will need a ticket to access the museum.

Address: 90 West Street

3. Enjoy Central Park

By Ajay Suresh – Wikimedia

This is one of the most popular public parks in the world. It is located in the centre of Manhattan and covers over 843 acres of the island.

A favourite of many, the park is perfect for relaxing, riding a bicycle, picnicking and even hiking. You can relax by the lakes, check out the bridges or even go to the ice skating rink during winter.

From the park, one can get to admire the most spectacular New York skyline scenery.

There are other attractions near Central Park that are worth checking out such as the Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo.

4. Head Up to The High Line

This is a relatively new attraction in New York. It used to be an elevated railroad track that was abandoned. The city transformed it into an urban park.

The High Line is a perfect location for a stroll, a picnic and endless photography opportunities. There are several exotic plant species planted in this park.

The park looks really beautiful during spring when the flowers come to bloom. Walking through this park, you will get a natural feel from the glass railings with vast views.

From this place, you will enjoy the beautiful architecture of New York as well as the streets.

Address: New York, NY 10011

5. Times Square

Times Square. Photo by chensiyuan – Wikimedia

Times Square is lined with huge, neon-lit billboards and screens. It is a popular hangout spot in the evenings and at night.

There are bleachers set up on one end for people to relax and admire the lights, watch the large screens or just people watch.  

This place gets to host New Year’s Eve Celebrations and the famous ball drop at midnight. Despite the chilling winter, the square and surrounding streets are always filled with people.

An interesting fact about this Square is that it was named after the New York Times Tower in 1904.

It is close to the Broadway theatres, has street performers and is a perfect location for shopping.

Address: Broadway and 7th Avenue

6. Brooklyn Bridge

Photo by Suiseiseki – Wikimedia

The Brooklyn Bridge is a stunning bridge with Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables. This is one of the most detectable landmarks that gave several literal pundits inspiration.

Suspended over the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, the bridge was completed in 1883 and was the first steel suspension bridge in the world.

The best way to experience the bridge is by walking across it. It has a wood plank walkway for pedestrians and cyclists up above the traffic lane.  

Take in the vistas of Manhattan, the East River, and beyond to the Statue of Liberty.

7. New York Botanical Garden

Photo by Jim.henderson – Wikimedia

The New York Botanical Garden has well-manicured flower gardens, lush fields, winding hikes, and immaculate greenhouses.

It has intimate spaces as well as vast spaces that makes one think they are nowhere near the city.  

During winter, the greenhouses host an annual miniature train show of New York City. In summer, this place is perfect for picnics and admiring the blooming flowers.

Do not miss the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, home to tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts, exhibits of palms from around the world, aquatic and carnivorous plants.

Near this Garden is the Bronx Zoo.

Address: 2900 Southern Blvd., The Bronx, New York

8. Fifth Avenue

Just like in Naples Florida, this is one of the most famous shopping streets in the country. It has the top designer boutiques and flagship stores.

Some of the popular stores found here are Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store. It is also great for window shopping.

There are other attractions worth checking out close by such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Central Park and New York Public Library.

9. Broadway and the Theatre District

Broadway has a large number of theatre venues in the Theatre District and along the street of Broadway. If you plan to attend one of its most popular shows, buy your tickets well in advance.

One place to not miss while here is Shubert Alley. It is a famous pedestrian-only alley in the Theatre District. This is also where you will find two famous playhouses.

A visit to New York is not complete without attending one Broadway show. There are beautiful marquees, lovely theatres and very talented artists.  

Address: Mid-40s, Between Sixth and Eighth Avenues

10. One World Observatory

This is located at the top of the newly constructed One World Trade Centre building. The observation decks are located on floors 100, 101, and 102, at 1,776 feet above the city.

You will get to see the city of New York from new angles and marvel at the Manhattan skyline. Take in the waterways, bridges and islands from the tallest building in the western hemisphere.

Address: One World Trade Centre, 285 Fulton Street

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