New York City is one of the most captivating, energetic, and romantic cities in the world. Based on statistics provided by www.nycgo.com, "the total number of visitors to New York City in 2008 was 47 million." There are so many things to do and see in the Big Apple, but most often the tourist is limited on time and money. So take the time to plan an efficient trip beforehand.
Located on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty was sent from France as a gift of international friendship and is now one of the most recognizable symbols of freedom and democracy. It took nine years to complete and was shipped to the United States in 214 crates in 1884. The statue stands 151 feet high, but atop the pedestal, she towers over the harbor at 305 feet high.
National Park Services
Liberty Island
New York, NY 10004
212-363-3200
With more than 2 million visitors per year, the Empire State Building is a national historic landmark. One-quarter mile high, the building is New York's tallest structure, with breathtaking views from the 86th floor observation deck. Those who wish to have a greater overview of the city can travel up to the 102nd floor observation deck. The building also houses two restaurants, several shops, a post office and two banks. Families visiting the Empire State Building can also enjoy SKYRIDE, an independently owned business that features a helicopter simulation and movie theater.
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
212-736-3100
www.esbnyc.com
Construction on Times Square was started in 1904. Located on Broadway between 40th and 53rd Street, it's home to ABC Studios, WWE Store, ToysRUs, MTV's TRL and the annual New Year's Eve celebration. The bustling atmosphere of the square is easily recognized with the hustle of people, the noise, the bright lights and the giant advertisements.
Central Park is 843 acres of land extending from 59th to 110th Streets between 5th and 8th Avenues. Originally a swamp, this vast acreage now features the Central Park Zoo, several lakes, playgrounds, skating rinks, theaters and horse-drawn carriages. According to www.aviewoncities.com, it took "more than 15 years and 20,000 workers to complete" this project, but the results attract millions of visitors every year.
Formally known as Radio City, Rockefeller Center is a collection of 19 commercial buildings that house some of the cities most extravagant shops, elegant restaurants and unique entertainment. Christmas in Rockefeller Center is one of the most beautiful sights in New York, with the world-famous Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies taking place during a nationally televised program.
Open 365 days a year, Top of the Rock is the 70th floor observation area that allows tourists to see the entire city in a 360-degree span with no hindrances.
Rockefeller Center
1250 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10112
212-632-3975
www.rockefellercenter.com
A shopper's heaven, Fifth Avenue is one of the world's most expensive streets, with almost all international high-end retailers boasting a store. The stores include Bergdorf-Goodman, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci. Upscale jewelers such as Harry Winston and Tiffany & Company can also be found on Fifth Avenue. Kids will enjoy a stroll down this street, with a visit to the world's largest toy store, FAO Schwarz.
Built between 1869 and 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn and Manhattan, stretching for 5,989 feet across the East River. The historic monument's safety was once doubted, so to prove to New Yorkers that the bridge could withstand the test of time, "P.T. Barnum led a caravan of circus animals, including a herd of 21 elephants across the bridge in 1884," according to www.aviewoncities.com.
Ellis Island is a small island located in New York Harbor within the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. It's estimated that 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. In 1990, after more than 30 years of abandonment, the immigration station was converted into a museum, which is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in New York City.
Ellis Island Museum
1 Ellis Island
New York, NY 10004
212-344-0996
Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art contains more than 2 million pieces of work from all over the world. Located in Central Park, "The Met" is one of the world's largest museums, occupying almost 2 million sq. ft., with collections from all time periods.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
800-662-3397
www.metmuseum.org
On September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was attacked and destroyed by terrorists, killing nearly 3,000 people. The attack not only took down both Twin Towers, two of the most recognizable symbols of the city, but it also wiped out five smaller Trade Center buildings. The rebuilding and transformation of this area has been an ongoing project with five new towers projected to be complete by 2012. Currently, tourists can walk around the area known as "Ground Zero," which features five exhibits honoring those who lost their lives in this horrible tragedy.
