New York City: Visit These Iconic Tourist Sites

Someone rightly said, “New York City never sleeps.” If you are planning to go to N.Y.C., then you must forget your sleep because New York City has a lot to offer. It won’t be an exaggeration if we say that New York City is the ultimate tourist hub. Don’t believe me? Check out the statistics.

In 2018, New York City welcomed a ninth straight annual high of nearly 65.2 million travelers. It not only includes overnight guests but anyone commuting for the day from more than 50 miles away.

These statistics are groundbreaking. If you are planning to visit N.Y.C. to see for yourself what it has to offer, then keep reading to form your checklist for the iconic must-visit places.

1. Central Park

Central Park has got it all: Park, museum, and concert hall. Moreover, the most famous museums in N.Y.C. are near Central Park. This 843-acre green space is a New Yorkers and visitors’ absolute favorite. You can come here for a workout, to enjoy a meal, to visit the zoo, and plenty more.

Nearly everybody who visits Central Park has a positive view of the place. But nobody has the same encounters or suggests that you do the same things as they did. The place is so extensive, and there is so much that you can do. Hence, you should make a separate checklist for Central Park as per your likings. It is nearly impossible to see all the things in Central Park in one day. It includes 20 playgrounds, 48 waterfalls, statues or structures, and 36 bridges — good luck catching up.

2. American Museum of Natural History

Everyone who goes to the American Museum of Natural History comes back as a fan of the place.  Whether you are looking forward to exploring the land, sea, or outer space art installations, you will probably be mindblown by this is a remarkable museum. Even the gift shops and restaurants in the American Museum of Natural History are worth your time.

There are around 32 million artifacts in this museum. These artifacts are distributed over four city blocks, 25 towers, and 45 exhibition halls. Therefore, don’t even expect to see all that in one day. The Rose Centre for Earth and Space is a unique attraction for many. But you should not miss visiting the dinosaurs, the Galaxy Hall, and the Butterfly Conservatory (shown from October to May).

If you want your archeologist self to kick in, then this museum is the right place for you.

3. Times Square

Many people claim that Times Square is the mini New York City -you will find parts of the whole N.Y.C. in pieces at the Times Square. Many tourists suggest visiting Times Square after dark to see the shows of the marquee. Others suggest that it’s best to visit Times Square before or after a Broadway show.

The main tourist attraction at Times Square is the yearly New Year’s Eve ball drop. At this time, there are many partygoers at Times Square to view the iconic Waterford crystal ball on New York’s Times Square building drop 77 foot from a pillar. Take a day trip to New York City Times Square at this time of year if you feel fearless and experience the ball drop away! Always plan to arrive early in the morning to spend the whole day, and remember the place is super busy even by New York expectations.

4. Grand Central Terminal

You can grab some lunch or shop at this beautiful train station before you drop off to your destination. However, many travelers like only to enjoy the scenery around the Grand Central Terminal. Before entering this train station, ensure to take some shots of ornate neo-classical beaux-arts architecture. As you enter, the shimmering marble floors, gold, and nickel-plated chandeliers and a sky-themed dome inside the popular key competition greet you with a sparkling welcome.

Dining options vary from the luxurious (Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C. or The Campbell Apartment) to the iconic (the Grand Central Market’s Oyster Bar or Gourmet Kiosks). Moreover, there are ample shopping options. However, most travelers recommend you to leave most of the ridiculously expensive products from Grand Central in the shop.

Travelers find the train station “iconic” and appreciate passing through or having lunch at this fantastic station.

5. N.Y.C. Food Tours

Renowned for everything from cheap eats and delicious culinary cuisine to Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City is a major gastronomic hub and arguably one of America’s best food towns. Chances are, though, that you won’t have much time to see everything the city has to give in just one outing. One approach to get a sample of exceptional food in New York from several communities is to take an exclusive food tour.

6. Statue of Liberty

The beautifully illuminated sign attracts tourists throughout the year. So, let’s think about your choices on visits. The first and most common way is to wait at least 90 minutes for the ferry to cart you to the monument on Liberty Island from Battery Park (in Lower Manhattan), then rest at Ellis Island before heading to the mainland. The first boat of the day tends to leave at 9 a.m., and the last boat leaves around 3:30 p.m. However, for such a short trip, almost all tourists complain of long, unorganized lines and safety checkups on top of the $18.50 ferry fee.

Keep this in mind when you plan on visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty. But, do bear in mind, it’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. For anyone whose ancestors immigrated through Ellis Island, you’ll feel a true connection. 

7. Fifth Avenue

It is apt that St. Patrick’s Cathedral should be on the same street as shops such as Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels. It is because shopping is a religious experience for many people, and you will be able to consider the Holy Grail here between 34th and 59th avenues. Even if you don’t plan to put your credit card into high-end shops, visitors suggest a stroll down Fifth Avenue is a must-see. As per the local experts, it is one of the top places value shops in town.

Although some suggest the retailers at Fifth Avenue are too costly to go all-out, the ritzier storefronts stand side by side with more reasonably priced retail shops. Nevertheless, the shops on Fifth are somewhat mainstream. So if you’ve got a funkier look, go to a boutique or two in SoHo.

Final Thoughts: You’ll Soon See Why Tourists Flock to New York City

N.Y.C. is a place that offers numerous experiences, so make sure that you grasp everything that you learn from N.Y.C. Make the most out of your time. Take plenty of photographs, and be thankful for such a fantastic opportunity that came your way. The locals might scoff at you for being a tourist, but that’s okay–it’s all part of the experience.