Home to the Empire State
Building, Times Square, Statue of Liberty and other iconic sites, New York City
is a fast-paced, globally influential center of art, culture, fashion and
finance. The city’s 5 boroughs sit where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic
Ocean, with the island borough of Manhattan at the “Big Apple's" core.
As any New Yorker will tell you, there's no way to see all the highlights of
this vast, complex city in just one visit. That's part of the thrill of
visiting the Big Apple—there's always something new to discover.
1.STATUE OF LIBERTY
Whether you ogle it from Battery Park or while onboard the
Staten Island Ferry, you must gaze upon the Statue of Liberty. Ascend to the
tiny lookout area in her crown to get another great view. The world’s most
iconic copper statue was designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi as a gift from
France in celebration of our nation’s centennial in 1876. Lady Liberty stands
an astounding 151-feet tall—with index fingers measuring eight feet long and
eyeballs that are almost three feet wide. The first boat of the day leaves at 9
a.m., the last boat leaves around 5 p.m., but almost all travelers complain of
the long queues and security screenings on top of the $18 ferry fee for such an
abbreviated trip.
To avoid some of the hassle and make the most of your day,
travelers offer a couple of tips. One, get in line extra early so that you can
get on one of the first boats. Two, purchase a ticket and catch the ferry at
the Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. If you're short on time, have no
fear — you can still view the monument from Battery Park or the High Line. The
Statue of Liberty is accessible from the Bowling Green subway stop; you can
take the 4 or 5 train and visit any day except Dec. 25. Visit the official
website for more information or go to the Statue Cruises website for boat
schedules.
2. CENTRAL PARK
Whether you ride Central Park's vintage circa-1908 Carousel, sip Sancerre while admiring the view of the lake at the Boathouse Café, giggle at the sea lions and penguins in the zoo, go birding in the Ramble, or run laps with the locals around the Reservoir, this 843-acre oasis is the world’s biggest backyard and a must-explore experience during any visit.
Almost
everyone has a positive impression of the park, but no one has quite the same
experience, or recommends that you do quite the same thing. There's an almost
impossible amount of sights to see here (including 20 playgrounds, 48
fountains, monuments or sculptures and 36 bridges), but here's a shortlist:Alice in Wonderland, Bethesda Fountain,
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Loeb Boathouse, Strawberry
Fields, Wollman Memorial Rink.
Central
Park welcomes visitors daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., but as with any
out-of-doors site in a major city you're better off visiting in the day or
early evening. Check out the park's official website for maps, information on
all the activities available and special events.
3. METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Equal parts awesome and daunting, the Metropolitan Museum of
Art ranks among the world’s best art museums, housing everything from Medieval
and Expressionist masterpieces to an entire Egyptian temple. The Greek and
Roman sculptures, African and Oceania exhibits, and Asian Wing are also pretty
amazing. If you wake up and it’s raining, head to the Met (open seven days a
week) and wander—or follow one of the itineraries on the museum’s website.
4. GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
Yes, 750,000 harried commuters dash through Grand Central
Terminal every day, but while you're there try not to get caught up in the
bustle. Visit around midday, as light streams in from the cathedral-like
windows, to appreciate this 100-year-old architectural gem’s massive main
concourse and discover its hidden nooks and crannies with a downloadable
self-tour app ($4.99). End your visit with lunch on the lower-level dining
concourse, where you can chow down on everything from oysters to hot dogs.
5. TIMES SQUARE
Many New Yorkers try to avoid Times Square—not because of
its seedy past, but rather because it now resembles an urban theme park overrun
by hordes of tourists snapping selfies. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t
visit (everyone should experience it at least once!). By all means, go, and
while you’re there amid the neon lights, flashing Jumbotrons, giant ruby-red
stairs, and guitar-strumming Cowboy, get in line for discounted Broadway
show tickets at the TKTS booth.
6. THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Channel the city’s historic energy and admire its famous
skyline by strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge on the pedestrian pathway that
has been there since it opened in 1883. The view is best if you start in
Brooklyn (several subway lines will get you within a 15-minute walk), so start
with a visit to Coney Island (in summer) or the New York Transit Museum (in
other seasons) and finish with a walk back to Manhattan in late afternoon as
the city is silhouetted behind grand Gothic arches.
7. 9/11 MEMORIAL
Manhattan’s skyline and the lives of families who lost loved
ones on September 11, 2001 will never be the same. But 12 years later, as the
new Freedom Tower nears completion, the footprint of the World Trade Center’s
twin towers has been transformed into the 9/11 Memorial. Cascading reflecting
pools etched with the names of those who died stand where the 110-story
buildings once did. The memorial echoes with sorrow and yet shines with the
resilience of the city and its people. A museum will open in spring 2014.
