“If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.” That’s how Frank describes the most famous city in the world. Living in New York City is a testimony of success, hard work, and survival. The concrete empire crammed with towering and arresting skyscrapers usually overwhelms anyone not used to it.
Empire State Building photo by Anthony Quintano.
Apart from soaring structures, New York City is home of the finest hotels, best restaurants, Broadway theaters, museums, and even eyesore billboards. New York City is a dream destination for most and a short stay would result in a thousand stories to tell. Check out the following attractions and be sure to include them on your itinerary.
Empire State Building
New York is nicknamed the “Empire State” because of its wealth and available resources. The Empire State Building, a 102-story structure in Midtown Manhattan, is the best characterization of this trademark. Towering at 1,250 feet, including its pinnacle, the renowned building has an Art Deco design. Filmmakers also love the building, with famous movies like King Kong and Percy Jackson featuring its eminence. Another thing that attracts tourists is the observation deck on the 86th floor offering a stunning view of the city.
Statue of Liberty photo by Alex.m.Hayward.
Statue of Liberty
A ferry away from Battery Park, Liberty Island is the home of the Statue of Liberty, a robed female figure holding a torch and a tablet with a broken chain on its feet. The landmark symbolizes freedom in American culture. The massive statue is made of bronze and was a gift from the people of France to the United States. There are several agencies offering hassle-free tours of Liberty Island and Ellis Island. To maximize your visit, options include access to the ground, pedestal, or crown of the colossal statue.
Central Park
If the concrete jungle overcomes you, the 3.41 square kilometer Central Park is the best place for a nature walk. The urban park, in middle-upper Manhattan, is a venue for recreational activities like guided tours on horse-drawn carriage, visits to the Central Park Zoo, or ice skating in Wollman Rink during winter.
Aerial shot of Central Park by Anthony Quintano.
Museum of Modern Art
A few blocks away from the Central Park Zoo is the Museum of Modern Art, an art museum dubbed one of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world. Enjoy several hours exploring the different floors of the museum featuring art works dating back to the 1930s, including Van Gogh’s Starry Night, one of the artist’s finest works. Permanent collections display works of Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Andy Warhol, among other artists.
Rockefeller Center
Famous for its annual Christmas tree lighting, the Rockefeller Center includes 19 commercial buildings between 48th and 51st streets. Christmas season is the best time to visit the center as the area transforms into a festive and fun place. On your quest to find the perfect gift, shopping and dining are the two best things to do during this time. Other attractions include the Channel Gardens, The Rink, The Concourse, and Top of the Rock Observation Deck. You can also visit NBC Studios and Radio City Music Hall.
There are tons of things to see and do in New York City and sometimes it’s fun to stick with the usual ones. It’s okay to be spontaneous with your itinerary and visit off-the-beaten destinations at times but dropping by these well-known attractions will definitely complete your “Big Apple” experience.
