When most people travel to New York City, they no doubt want to hit up Times Square as one of their first, if not primary, destinations. As the crossroads of the world, Times Square is often portrayed in television representations of the Big Apple, and is perhaps one of the most recognizable Manhattan districts. Accordingly, there are a number of attractions to enjoy near Times Square.
Perhaps your only opportunity to see Jennifer Lopez, Samuel L. Jackson, Tyra Banks, and President John F. Kennedy gathered in one place would be at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Times Square. With over 200 years of displaying wax figures of political figures, celebrities and other noted people at their London location, Madame Tussauds finally opened a museum in New York, where hundreds of the most prominent and intriguing American A-listers, sports stars, political figures and other legends have been on display ever since. It takes approximately one hour to scan the entire museum, and in 2010, an adult all-access pass cost $35--with discounts available when purchased in advance online.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum New York
234 West 42nd Street
New York NY 10036
(212) 512-9600
madametussauds.com
The International Center of Photography is on the Avenue of the Americas, a few blocks north of nearby Bryant Park. The museum displays traveling exhibitions, in addition to the 100,000 works of photography that are a part of the permanent collection. The International Center of Photography's most recent acquisitions include an early 20th century Mexican suitcase, containing photo negatives from the Spanish Civil War.
Explore the museum's prolific collection of works alone, or on one of the museum's guided tours, appropriate for students and adults.
The International Center of Photography
1133 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
(212) 857-0000
icp.org
Take a trip 70 stories up to the observational deck and terrace at the famed Rockefeller Plaza--Top of the Rock gives patrons a unique, unobstructed view of the city. The center is home to the famed tree lighting ceremony and skating rink, both iconic elements of the holiday season in New York. Rockefeller Center has become associated the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) over the years--many of the NBC show are shot in studios in the famous building. NBC offers studio tours, including a view of the "Saturday Night Live" stage.
Rockefeller Center
1250 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10112
(212) 632-3975
rockefellercenter.com
In nearby Rockefeller Center, find the New York institution, Radio City Music Hall. Since the early 20th century, this world famous entertainment hall has hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby, Sammy Davis, Jr., Ray Charles and Sting. Radio City has been the stage for events like the Grammy's, MTV Video Music Awards and ESPN's ESPY Awards. In addition to concerts and comedy, Radio City hosts debates and speakers like The Dalai Lama. During Christmastime, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockette dancers---and Santa Claus---has been a family favorite decades.
Radio City Music Hall
1260 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
(212) 307-7171
radiocity.com
