Top 15 New York city attractions
With the holidays approaching, there are a number of picturesque places to visit with your family. An amazing city that I love to visit with my family each year is New York City. If this is your first time traveling to New York, take some time to familiarize yourself with the city and the places of interest that your family would love to visit. In this article, I will share the top 15 places to see in New York. This is a quick guide that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable for you and your family. What are the best places to visit in New York City?
1. Empire State Building Experience –
The Empire State Building is an amazing historical site that your family will love. This is a 1453-foot, 103-story skyscraper that is located in Midtown Manhattan on fifth avenue. The building was designed by William F. Lamb and the actual construction project consisted of 3400 workers. The Empire State Building was officially opened on May 1, 1931 and is considered to be the fifth tallest skyscraper in America.
One of the best attractions is above the 103rd floor, which features a balcony on the exterior. This is also a special location frequented by famous celebrities. Another spectacular place to visit is the 86th floor observation deck that provides a phenomenal view of New York City. The observation deck on the 86th floor and 102nd floor are accessible to tourists. The outdoor observatories have been visited by millions of people and considered to be the most popular.
2. Statue of Liberty –
The Statue of Liberty is a statue constructed with a crowned and robed female Roman goddess holding a torch. It is located on Liberty Island in Manhattan, New York City. The statue is a representation of freedom and it also serves as a welcoming icon to immigrants arriving in America. Originally constructed in France, the torch-bearing statue is a major attraction for tourists. Ferries are used to transport tourists for entrance to the national monument. Tourists are allowed to enter the base and pedestal of the statue with their ferry tickets. Additionally, tourists are also allowed to climb the staircase which is the entrance to the crown of the statue.
3. Ellis Island Immigration Museum –
Located in Upper New York Bay in Jersey City, New Jersey is Ellis Island. This island was once considered the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection from 1892 through 1954. Following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, renovations were made and the island was once again opened to the general public in 2013. A memorable site is the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Visitors have access to the Main building and to the Great Hall where immigrants were processed.
4. American Museum of Natural History –
One of the largest museums in the world that you can visit with your family is the American Museum of Natural History. You will find this museum at Central Park West at 79th Street in New York City. The museum contains various specimens of plants, animals, fossils and human cultural artifacts. The museum contains a number of intriguing attractions that will hold your interest. The Sanford Hall of North American birds, located on the third floor displays collections of warblers, raptors, and owls. I would also recommend The Hall of North American Forests, located on the ground floor. On this floor, you will find displays of trees and plants and other specimens.
5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art –
If you enjoy Egyptian art, you should visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It is one of the largest and the most visited in the world. The museum contains a collection of paintings, sculptures, modern art, musical instruments, costumes, and antique weapons. The last time we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art we went to the Roof Garden, located on the roof near the Southwestern corner of the museum. This is a popular location that is visited by large groups on Friday and Saturday evenings. On the Roof Garden, you will get a special view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. You should also see the Nolen Library that is also accessible to the public. It contains a collection of 8000 items, books and picture books.
6. Guggenhein Museum –
On 1071 Fifth Avenue at 89th Street, you will find the Guggenhein Museum. In this art museum you will discover an amazing collection of early modern and contemporary art. It is visited by millions of people and hosts the most popular exhibitions in New York City. Some of the most inspiring displays that I came across were “The Art of a Continent,” “Body & Soul” and “The Aztec Empire.”
7. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum –
For those with interests in the military and maritime history, you should visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The museum serves as a special spot for community and national events. This may consist of the Super Bowl XLV111 and the MLB All Star weekend. The museum was originally founded in 1982, closed in 2006 for renovations and reopened to tourists in 2008. Inside the museum, you will find displays of an aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the Submarine USS Growler and more.
8. Central Park –
A must-see location when you arrive in New York is Central Park. This is an urban park found in Manhattan. Central Park is a famous location that is the most visited and is also considered one of the most filmed locations in the world. I would recommend that you visit the finest restaurants with your family. One of these is the famous restaurant called Tavern on the Green, which is located at Central Park West. The Loeb Boathouse restaurant is another spectacular dining area that you will enjoy. This place provides great service and delicious food for your taste buds.
9. Time Square –
Times Square is a popular location in Midtown Manhattan that we love to visit each year on New Year’s Eve. This is a center of the universe that contains the best attractions for millions of tourists. There are limitless features that you will enjoy at Times Square. Whip out your camera to capture the most amazing features that you will ever come across. Don’t forget to visit influential landmarks such as Forever 21, The Disney Store, and the Hard Rock Café.
10. Theater District –
The Theater District in Manhattan is a famed location where there are Broadway theaters, movie theaters, restaurants and hotels. You will also find the ABC Television Studios, the Brill Building and theatrical agencies. There are numerous places of entertainment that are ideal for the entire family. The Broadway Theater District is a famed tourist attraction that you will enjoy. If you love theatrical performances, I would highly recommend the Theater District.
11. Madison Square Garden –
Madison Square Garden also referred to as MSG is situated at Pennsylvania Plaza in New York City. The garden is a famed location for concerts, ice show, professional ice hockey and boxing. MSG is also the home of the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. Based on your particular interests, you can visit special political and social events in the garden.
12. Brooklyn Bridge –
One of the oldest bridges in New York City is the Brooklyn Bridge. It was originally called the New York and the Brooklyn Bridge and then later referred to as the Brooklyn Bridge. This is a National Historic Landmark viewed by millions of tourists each year. The bridge has a walkway that is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
13. St. Patrick’s Cathedral –
Another prominent landmark in the city is the St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The building is a uniquely decorated Neo-Gothic style Roman Catholic church, with the capacity to accommodate 3000 people. Built in 1878, the building has two spires with a height of 330 feet (100 m) and 19 pound bells. Underneath the high altar is a crypt where you will find buried notable Catholic leaders such as Archbishop John Joseph Hughes,Edward Michael Cardinal Egan, and John Murphy Cardinal Farley. In the church are artworks of Michelangelo’s Pieta, pipe organs, and the Saint Elizabeth alter.
14. High line –
The High Line is also referred to as the High Line Park. This is a wonderful park that you can stroll through with your family on a weekend. The park has naturalized plantings with 210 species along with cultural attractions. Built in Manhattan, the park is opened daily to the public during the winters, spring and fall.
15. 9/11 Memorial –
In conclusion, you can also stop by The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which is located at the World Trade Center. The memorial was initially planned for the destruction of the World Trade Center and victims who were killed. Inside the museum there are displays of 23,000 images, 2000 oral histories and 10,300 artifacts. There are meaningful and memorable displays such as The Survivor Tree during winter, the completed South Pool, and the North Pool.
