Welcome to the City that never sleeps, where every street corner tells a story and every skyscraper reaches for the starts. New York, the Big Apple, has something to offer every visitor, and as a new tourist in this bustling city, your adventure is just beginning. In this guide, I’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of 6 must-visit that define the essence of New York: the iconic subway system, the towering Empire State Building, the dazzling lights of Times Square, the serene oasis of Central Park, the enchanting world of Broadway, and the symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty. Here are 6 Must-Visit destinations in New York:
The Subway
To truly blend in with the locals and immerse yourself in every corner of New York while meeting people from all walks of life, you’ll have to take the Subway. I know what you’re going to say, it’s not very sanitary. And I agree but you’ll be fine, it is the best way to get around New York. It takes you where you need to be for a very reasonable price, I would take that over paying $20 for a 10 minute drive with Uber. I promise you won’t regret it. You never know, you might meet a friend on the Subway, my husband and I did.
Empire State Building
If you love history and you’re not afraid of heights, then you have to visit the Empire State Building. They are number one on the list of Top Attractions in the US and placed fifth worldwide. This is the best way to see all of New York City from a building oh so high, you’re going to want to buy a ticket for a tour. You get to see Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and so much more.
86th floor- $40-$45
108th and 102nd floor- $70-$80
City Pass admission- $110-$140
My husband and I only did the 86th floor tour, and it was more than enough for us, if you want to go higher, you’ll have to pay extra, but you’re not missing out on much if you choose to stay on the 86th floor. There’s still a lot to see. Try to go during the week, it’s less busy.
Times Square
I’m going to be completely honest with you, Times Square is a hit or miss. The very first time I visited as a tourist, I was in awe with how busy the streets of Times Square were. I was captivated by the noise, the people, the billboards, stores and talent. There’s so much talent in Times Square. If you’ve never been, I’m encouraging you to go. As overwhelming as it sounds, it’s still a pretty epic experience.
This time I went with my husband, and what I’ve learned about myself over the past couple of years is that I get overwhelmed by crowds of people. About half a million people visit Times Square per day, it gets crowded for sure. But it shouldn’t stop you from experiencing Times Square.
The best time to visit is in the summer and the winter, towards the end of the year. Yes it gets brick cold but apparently getting into the New Year at Times Square is one magical experience.
Central Park
Central Park is insanely big and there is space for everyone! There’s a cute little cafe, that I talk about here. Le Pain Quotidien has delicious food as well as pastries. Definitely start there, get a cup of coffee with something savory. Take pastries to go and set up a picnic blanket under a big tree, that’s what I did. It was so peaceful.
Other things to do while at Central Park:
- People watch
- Bike
- Run
- Yoga
- Sports
They also have events, concerts and a Zoo. There’s much to do.
Broadway
Broadway was surprisingly me and and my husband’s favorite part of our trip. The Broadway experience is like no other, it offers a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and artistry. My husband and I had the pleasure of attending the enchanting show “& Juliet”, and it left us in tears. The level of talent displayed by the cast was simply remarkable, what truly struck us was how every actor conveyed raw, genuine emotions. Broadway has a way of transporting you into the heart of a story, and “& Juliet” did that, making it an unforgettable and emotionally stirring experience. If you’re in New York, don’t miss the chance to be moved and enchanted by the Magic of Broadway.
More information on Broadway here. Make sure that you book ahead of time.
The Statue of Liberty
For History enthusiasts, there are two ways to experience the Statue of Liberty. If your aim is to glimpse the iconic statue for free, you can simply hop on the Staten Island Ferry, which departs every 30 minutes and takes around 25 minutes to reach the terminal from Manhattan. However, to fully immerse yourself in the experience, I highly recommend visiting Liberty Island. Explore the museum and take a tour of the Statue of Liberty, which requires purchasing tickets from Statue State Cruises. This visit will allow you to truly appreciate the historical significance and grandeur of this iconic monument.
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