Bustling with a variety of events and attractions at any time of year, New York is a city that offers visitors no shortage of things to see. Whether you are artistically minded, a literary sort or history-buff, or a lover of the outdoors, the Big Apple has a destination for you and for those with whom you are traveling.
A New York monument in itself, Central Park is stimulating to walk through in any season, not to mention a prime place to people-watch, catch a glimpse of an afternoon movie shoot, buy concessions at one of the many street-side stands, throw a Frisbee around or have a picnic. If you are visiting in winter, go ice-skating at the Trump Wollman Rink, located in the park, or bundle up for a brisk morning stroll. This New York landmark is a must see, even if you only have time for a short glimpse.
New York has many fine museums and galleries, but the Met is perhaps the most famous. It houses a huge permanent collection as well as traveling and current exhibitions. With a special branch of the museum (The Cloisters) dedicated solely to medieval art and a Costume Institute, as well as a collection that spans from works from Asia dated at 8000 B.C.E, to Modern art, photographs and musical instruments, a visit to this museum could very well be an all-day activity. If your artistic interests are very specific, however, you will find it easy to visit only that portion of the museum then be on your way. The Met Store (the museum gift shop) is also worth stopping by, even if just to look.
Architecturally striking and brimming with things to do, and fast-moving people and trains, this historic station is something you will not want to miss. With 35 dining establishments, 68 shops and both “walking” and “audio” tours available, this travel hub is also quite friendly to sightseers. Whether you are catching a train somewhere, grabbing a bite to eat or simply popping your head in to have a look around, the station’s terminal is definitely worth seeing.
It would be difficult for any tourist to leave New York not having seen one of its if not most famous historical and patriotic monuments. Operated by the National Parks Service, this island exhibit is open to visitors year round, though the landmark’s website cautions that line waits can be up to 90 minutes during the peak seasons (June-September). Boats leave the mainland for “Liberty Island” at 9:30 a.m. and stop running around 5 p.m. Visitors may sign up for tours led by a park ranger, or may choose self-guided, “audio tours” in order to better understand the history and craftsmanship of this monument.
