1. Cruise to Liberty Island and get up close to the Statue of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the world’s famous and most photographed statues. Hands down, it’s in every traveler’s list upon landing in New York.
Tip: Prebook your ticket and get the early morning option to avoid the crowd. Include the side trip to the adjoining Ellis Island too which was once an immigration facility.
A cruise not only offers a ride to Liberty Island but presents impressive views of Manhattan.
To help you gain insights to its history, we recommend you get on of those guided tours with small groups.
There’s a quite a few steps to go through once you get inside the Statue of Liberty. The space may be a bit cramped depending on the time you get in there with the crowd.
Finally, allow for at least half a day when planning this itinerary. Apart from the Statue of Liberty as its main attraction, the area is quite spacious too for a relaxing day. Bring some snacks and savour in the panoramic views of New York City.
Or go for a stroll around the area.
2. Brave the crowd in Time Square.
This public space has been popularised in many movies and is always featured at every New Year’s Eve celebration or countdown. What makes it even more special is that it sits in the heart of New York City.
Tip: Head in the early morning hours if you want to avoid the crowd but you may not get that goosebumps feeling without it being crowded.
There’s always something going on, but be wary of impersonators as posing for a picture or two warrants a ‘donation’.
Being close to Broadway Center, you may buy some ticket shows after relaxing in this area. And if you’re hungry, restaurants and cafes that suit every budget are nearby.
3. Dine at The Observatory Tower at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.
The Observatory Tower offers sweeping, stunning views of New York City, as well as a bar and a restaurant serving delectable cuisine.
Tip: Combine this experience with an early dinner, and you’ll be treated to an impressive sunset beaming through New York.
During the day, the views are equally impressive.
When booking your tickets, allow for some travel time dealing with traffic as the area easily gets busy.
4. Visit the Grand Central Terminal.
It’s one of the busiest train stations in the world that caters to more than half a million visitors and commuters daily.
It’s one of New York’s finest display of engineering and architecture and has been featured a lot in movies, tv shows, etc.
There are cafes and food stalls within the station, too. Finally, why not hop on the train to take you to the following nearby station as a one-off experience.
5. Visit the Rockefeller Center.
This area, which now displays modern art and architecture, is a product of John Rockefeller’s vision of a cultural centre in the heart of New York.
Tip: Why not pair your visit to the Rockefeller Center with a visit to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck? It offers beautiful views of New York City with the Empire State Building as an added backdrop.
However, do check the weather forecast prior to booking your tickets as low-lying clouds can easily obstruct the city views.
Rockefeller Center is also located near 5th Avenue which is renowned for its expensive and luxury shops. So if you enough cash to spare, you can shop till you drop in the area.
There are also quite a few restaurants and cafes offering good food and drinks if you decide to take a breather.
It’s a famous tourist hub so be prepared to take in the crowd.
6. Check out The Oculus.
The Oculus is an impressive work of art offering an extensive indoor public space.
It also doubles up as a shopping center and is a close neighbour of the One World Trade Center Tower.
Tip: Pay a visit to this modern-day architectural wonder when you’re planning to check out the One World Trade Center.
Its interior and exterior design is simply stunning and blends beautifully with the One World Trade Center.
7. Visit the 9/11 Memorial.
This memorial is a reminder of one of the saddest moments in modern history not only for the United States but the entire world too. It honours nearly 3000 lives lost in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on the 11th of September 2001.
Tip: There are still great emotions when you visit the area. Be mindful of those who are offering their respects to their loved ones.
There’s a ticketed museum nearby dedicated to the 9/11 event which gives further details to this dreadful day, from survivor stories to acts of heroism.
8. Get inside the famed Madison Square Garden.
Also known as The Garden or simply MSG, it is the oldest arena or sports facility in New York. It catered to some of the greatest sporting events in modern times as well as record breaking concerts and shows.
Tip: Why not purchase a ticket to see the New York Rangers play the game of ice-hockey or watch the New York Knicks in a live NBA game as a side event while you’re in New York?
Check what this modern sports facility can offer and the events that shaped it to become one of the most popular venues in the world.
9. Hop on to a Big Bus Tour and get around the Big Apple.
Visiting a big city like New York can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. Tour companies like the Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tours are a perfect option for exploring the major city attractions. It’s very relaxed and convenient which you can easily manage at your own pace.
Tip: Get the tickets for both the Downtown and Uptown Routes so you can cover New York in its entirety.
Start early particularly when you’re visiting during peak times. Allow at least 2 days to see and explore what New York has to offer.
10. Take a walk at Central Park.
Central Park covers more than 800 acres of greenery and sits in the heart of Manhattan, New York. It’s beautifully kept and will most likely make you feel that you’re not visiting a big city like New York.
Tip: A visit to Central Park allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City. There’s so much to do in the area such as having a picnic, taking a stroll or perhaps renting a bike to explore the vast area.
Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the perfect time for a visit. Finally, consider using a map as 800 acres of land is not at all easy to navigate
Good luck with your trip to the Big Apple!
