There is no place like New York City. With its majestic beauty and bustling energy, the city is steeped in history and innovation. If you are on a short visit, then there are limited things you will be able to see. This guide below will hopefully give you a good start on the top five things you need to see and do while in New York.
1. The Statue of Liberty
An offering from France to the United States, the Statue of Liberty is certainly one of the grandest attractions in New York City. The visage of the statue is rich with symbolism and history. The face on Lady Liberty is said to be based upon the face of the sculptor’s mother. The spiked crown symbolizes the seven seas. The torch that is held in the right hand stands for knowledge while the tablets in the left hand stand for the Declaration of Independence.
2. The Rockefeller Center
This huge building, encompassing 22 acres of land, is bordered by 48th and 51st streets, with Fifth Avenue to the East and Sixth Avenue to the West. Visitors flock to Rockefeller Center to ice skate and to go to the observation decks via elevators for the scenic views. In 2005 the observation area was made-over to include a multimedia center and exhibition exploring the history of the Center.
3. The Brooklyn Bridge
The perfect spot to view the city, you can walk along the Brooklyn Bridge for a solid mile stretching from Brooklyn to Manhattan. The bridge is a symbol of New York City, an engineering marvel, and a symbol in movies of romance and love. The walkway of the bridge is raised above the roadway. You can get to the walkway by a set of stairs close to the High Street Subway Station in Brooklyn. The majestic bridge looks unbelievable from afar, but up-close it is truly a stunning piece of work.
4. Central Park
One of the most famous attractions in the world, Central Park sits on over 843 acres of prime real estate. Before it was the modern day oasis that it is now, sheep used to graze upon the grass here from 1860 until around 1934. Central Park contains a zoo, a wildlife sanctuary, an outdoor theater where “Shakespeare in the Park” is performed during the summer, and natural woods for walking and relaxing. A historic Carousel, enclosed playgrounds, and grassy areas for picnics and play make this an extremely friendly environment in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city.
5. The Empire State Building
Built in 1931 and opening during the Great Depression, the Empire State Building was at one time the tallest building in existence. in 1945, a 5-52 bomber flew into the building between the 79th and 80th floors. The Empire State Building has been featured in many movies around the world. Every year millions come to visit the building with its observation decks and breathtaking views of the city.
There is so much more to do and see in this great and historic city, but if you can only do these five things you will have a great start and a great visit. Just make sure to come back and see more of the great New York City!