New York, known for its eclectic culture and lifestyle, historic museums, parks, five-star restaurants and fashion, has many attractions to offer visitors and residents alike. It's never easy to decide how to spend your day in New York. With so many things to do, where do you start? Most are familiar with the major New York attractions such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but this big state has many other attractions to offer.
A major entertainment landmark, Harlem's Apollo Theater put itself on the map with its amateur nights. Dating back to the 1930s, Apollo Theater made stars of many amateur contestants such as Billie Holiday, The Jackson Five, Duke Ellington and James Brown just to name a few. The Apollo Theater is still open today, showcasing new amateur acts.
Apollo Theater
253 W. 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
212-531-5300
www.apollotheater.com
Catch a play on Broadway. Located in Manhattan, a borough of New York City, Broadway theatres are some of the world's finest theaters. Broadway has featured some of the most famous plays and award winning musicals like Wicked and Mary Poppins, to the most emotionally and powerful musicals like Color Purple and West Side Story.
Broadway Theatre
1681 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
800-276-2392
www.broadway.com
The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the United States. With over 260 acres, this zoo houses more than 4,000 animals of over 600 species. Founded in 1895, Bronx Zoo offers several indoor and outdoor exhibits and hands on learning and a mini petting zoo for kids.
Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10460
718-220-5100
www.bronxzoo.com
Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge provides passage between Brooklyn and Manhattan, and is a symbol of New York's spirit. Come and take a walk over this 5,989-foot-long bridge and admire the spectacular views of the city's skyline.
Brooklyn Bridge
Between Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn Heights
New York, NY 10128
Situated in Manhattan, a borough of New York City, between 59th and 110th street and between Fifth and Eighth Avenues, Central Park offers 843 acres of natural green landscape, fountains, lakes, playgrounds and tennis courts. Take a walk, a boat ride or a romantic carriage ride through this historic park, also home to the Central Park Zoo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Central Park
Between: 59th and 110th St. and 5th and 8th Ave.
New York, NY 10019
212-360-3444
www.centralparknyc.org
Known as the world's most expensive street, Fifth Avenue has some of the most prestigious stores that can be found in the United States. Famous for designer stores like Chanel and Gucci, this shoppers paradise starts at 49th St. between Fifth Ave. and Madison Ave. and runs up to 59th St. There's definitely enough shopping opportunities here for everyone.
Fifth Ave, between 49th St. and 59th St.
New York, NY 10019
Come mix and mingle with some of your favorite celebrities. Among the 200-plus amazingly life-like wax figures, you'll find, Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Michael Jackson and Julie Roberts. Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is open 365 days a year.
Madame Tussaud's NY
234 W. 42nd street
New York, NY 10036
800-246-8872
www.madametussauds.com/newyork
The world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden is a must-see for any sports fan. Home to the New York Knicks, the Garden has also held some of the biggest music concerts. Take a tour backstage and see the stars' dressing rooms or catch players practicing or actors in rehearsal.
Madison Square Garden
4 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
212-465-5800
www.thegarden.com
Named for the legacy of the last Ice Age, Niagara Falls Park straddles the Canada-United States International borders. Niagara Falls has majestic beauty that millions come out every year to witness. You can dine at the top of the Falls or you can just relax and enjoy the serene waterfall around you.
Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls, NY 14302
716-278-0337
www.niagarafallsstatepark.com
Times Square is the area between 40th and 53rd streets and 6th and 9th Avenue in Manhattan, a borough of New York City. Also home to shows such as Good Morning America, Times Square is most famous for the New Year's Eve ball dropping from the top of the rooftop of One Times Square. Experience all the bright lights of the billboards and ad signs or check out the "Naked Cowboy" singing a tune.
Times Square
Between: 40th and 53rd St. and 6th and 9th Aves.
New York, NY 10018
