New York City: A Tourist’s Guide To The Big Apple

Ah… New York City. The city so many dreams of living in. The romanticized streets of Manhattan are the scene of many romantic comedies, and it is one of the tourist capitals of the world. If you’ve never been to New York City, it is an unforgettable experience. When touring New York, you will see essential monuments, museums, exhibits, and experiences. There is no possible way to cover New York City all in one trip. However, certain attractions are unmissable, so we’ve procured you a list of the “must-see” New York City destinations. 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – New York City

One of the main ports of immigration to the U.S. for an extended period, The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are essential parts of American history and national landmarks. Any American who has family that immigrated to the East Coast probably had family that came through Ellis Island. Today, you can tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on one ticket. Climb the stairs of Lady Liberty and see a gorgeous view of Manhattan across the river. After walking the grounds of the Statue of Liberty, take a little boat ride over to Ellis Island. Walk through the buildings and tour the museum, which takes you through the same process immigrants decades ago would’ve gone through. You can also spend time on Ellis figuring out if your ancestors travelled through the immigration port. The Statue of Liberty is a piece of history for Americans and visitors alike.  

9/11 Memorial

The sad memory of 9/11 will always weigh heavy on the heart of New Yorkers. Where the Twin Towers once stood is now the scene for a memorial and museum in dedication to the events of 11 September 2001. Upon walking to the 9/11 memorial, you will see businessmen and women going about their day. However, the closer you reach the monument, the more eerie silence washes over what is usually a very bustling and loud city. Where the Twin Towers once stood is now hollowed-out fountains. Along the black granite are the names of those who lost their lives. To learn more about 9/11 and N.Y.’s rebuilding process, head inside. The 9/11 museum, while also a sombre museum, takes visitors through a timeline of the day. It is accompanied by pieces of debris, survivor’s testimonies and, more recently, the construction of the Freedom Tower. This activity is maybe not the most fun, but it is essential to understand the history of New York City. 

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the world’s most, if not THE most recognizable, buildings. When people envision New York City, the skyline and, more importantly, the Empire State Building are what they recognize. As a visitor, I find this incredible building, with perfect views of the whole city, an absolute must-do. You can travel the floors by elevator and walk around the entire floor, catching views of New York from every angle. After seeing all the views, you can stop for a meal at one of the two restaurants in the building or grab some fast food or even a coffee to perk you up for your next great attraction. 

Broadway

When I think of New York City, I think of Broadway. Flashy lights, old New York theatres in pristine condition and some of the best talent you’ll ever see. Many people will say that the theatre isn’t for them or that they don’t like to show tunes, but with the creative geniuses Broadway has to offer, it would be a tragedy to go to New York City and not catch a show. While it seems like one singular place, Broadway comprises a few streets near Times Square. Are 40 theatres scattered between West 41st and West 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan? Each theatre runs a series of different shows. There is no shortage of options. Even if watching a musical isn’t fun, walk through the Broadway area to see the glitz and glamour.  

Times Square

Do you know those magical scenes where the movie’s main character stands in the centre of Times Square with the camera spinning around them? How about the opening scenes of someone weaving through the crowds of New York City? Times Square is nothing if not iconic. With massive electronic billboards, the smells of the New York City streets, the gigantic stores, and so much more, there’s no doubt that Times Square is the top attraction in NYC. When visiting this densely populated and almost mythical-like area, there’s nearly too much to see and do… so you must prioritize. Grab a slice of NY-style pizza and wander through the three-story shops. Or pop into the small bodegas for cheesy trinkets and crazy good… Chinese food? Times Square has it all. Don’t get sidetracked here all day, and ensure you have a plan. Otherwise, it might be a bit more overwhelming than you think. 

Rockefeller Center

Another iconic location, Rockefeller Center, is not only where most of Today’s news shows are filmed but also the location of many movie scenes, including the famous scene of Will Ferrell skating in Elf. Christmas is the best time to visit this gorgeous area just off Times Square. From 1 December, you can see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, which is gorgeously decorated. You can also grab tickets to the ice skating rink or enjoy a vendor cart hot chocolate and observe. Holiday decorations are scattering the area, and crisp, snowy air is around you. Radio City Music Hall is also in the Rockefeller Center area. This theatre has one of the best and most loved historic and fabulous Christmas traditions. I’m talking about the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes if you haven’t caught on. These talented dancers are known for the Christmas Spectacular in Radio City Music Hall for about 6-8 weeks. The show is exactly how it is described… spectacular. Rockefeller Centre is the place to be if you’re in New York City for the winter. 

Central Park

Lastly, on our list of New York City attractions is Central Park. The idea of Central Park came from Frederick Law Olmsted in the mid-1800s. His ideas behind the park are quoted as “[The beauty of the park] should be the beauty of the fields, the meadow, the prairie, the green pastures, and the still waters. What we want to gain is tranquillity and rest to the mind.” More so, the park is used as an escape from city life. Central Park brings you back to your roots in a concrete jungle. It is a breath of fresh air, a place for New Yorkers to get a workout, and a spot for many events such as engagements, weddings, movies, and more. At some point in your trip to New York City, Central Park must be on your list.

It’s impossible to see all of New York City. These are just the highest of the highlights. However, one could create a list like this for each borough, geez, even each street in New York. Hopefully, This guide will help you start your bucket-list trip to New York City.