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New York City! The City That Never Sleeps, The Big Apple, The Empire City. Known by many names, New York City is a place that speaks to the imagination and a top destination for tourists from all over the world.
New York City was my first encounter with the United States five years ago. It was our first stop on our first trip to the States and one of the reasons I fell madly in love with this country. We stayed in New York City for one week and were able to cram in a lot of sightseeing.
I’ve compiled a list of my personal top 10 things you should see or do when you visit New York City for the first time.
1. See the city from above
There are a number of places where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city. We visited the Empire State Building by day (where we stood in line for about an hour and a half) and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck by night (where we didn’t have to wait in line at all). The great thing about TOTR is that you get to see the New York skyline with the Empire State Building in it (which you obviously won’t get if you’re standing on top of it). At night, the top of the Empire State Building is beautifully lit.
If I ever find myself in New York City again, I will definitely go up the One World Observatory, which wasn’t open yet during the time of our visit.
2. Times Square
To be honest, this was far from my favourite place in the city because it was way too crowded, but it’s definitely something that you should see at least once when you visit New York City. Go after dark when all the massive billboards are lit up and escape to M&M’s World where it might just be a little less crowded (but it probably won’t).
3. Central Park
If you’re in need of a break from the hustlin’ and bustlin’ of the city, head on over to Central Park! Even with a population of over 1,5 million people in Manhattan alone, it’s still possible to find a quiet place in this 341 hectare big park (843 acres). The best time to visit is on weekends when cars aren’t allowed on the park roads.
If it starts raining, you can find shelter in one of the nearby museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History.
4. Statue of Liberty
This is definitely a must-see if you visit New York City for the first time! It isn’t hard to imagine what an impressive sight this must’ve been for the immigrants who came from Europe by ship, laying eyes on the statue for the first time, knowing they finally made it to America.
You can buy a ticket for the ferry to Liberty Island (go early to beat the crowds!). The ferry will also drop you off at Ellis Island. Between 1892 and 1954 about 12 million immigrants passed through this island before they were allowed to enter the country. Alternatively, you can hop on the free ferry to Staten Island to get a good look at the Statue of Liberty, however this ferry won’t actually drop you off at the statue. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the Lower Manhattan skyline.
5. 9/11 Memorial
Two enormous reflecting pools take up the space where the Twin Towers used to stand tall. This memorial is certainly worth a visit while you’re in the city. It’s an emotional place where you can feel both the sadness that followed the tragedy of 9/11 as well as the pride of the American people and their hope for the future.
6. Brooklyn Bridge
A famous landmark in New York City and well worth a visit. For the best views, take the subway to Brooklyn and walk across the bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan. That way you’ll have the magnificient Manhattan skyline in front of you the whole time.
7. Chinatown and Little Italy
New York City is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. One of the best ways to experience this firsthand is to take a walk through Chinatown and Little Italy’s vibrant neighbourhoods. You will find that the energy of both places is very different. While you’re here, be sure to eat out in one the many restaurants where you can enjoy delicious ethnic food, my personal favourite being the Italian cuisine.
8. See a Broadway show
You can’t leave New York City without having seen at least one Broadway show, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to see a musical! We decided to book our tickets in advance but if you want to save some money, find the TKTS Discount Booth on Times Square to buy same-day theatre tickets at a cheaper rate.
9. Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is another one of Manhattan’s famous neighbourhoods and my personal favourite. Stroll the quaint streets, enjoy the cosy atmosphere, indulge in a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery and watch the street performers at Washington Square Park. If you’re into sitcoms, you’ll be happy to know that the exterior of both Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment and the apartment building from Friends were shot in the Village.
10. Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building concludes my personal top 10 list of top sights and activities in New York City. With its needle-like spire this Art Deco skyscraper is by far the most beautiful building in the whole city. Best viewed from a distance or from the top of another high building (like the Empire State Building).
I hope this post gave you some ideas if you’re planning to visit New York City for the first time, or inspire you to visit the city for a second time if you feel like you’ve missed out on something.
