Mega Bored
New York City is such an iconic metro that it attracts millions of tourists every year! And with so many landmarks to check out and amazing places to see, it is hard to narrow down the best sights in the big apple. If you are planning your own NYC tour and you are wondering which of the best sights to check out, consider our recommendations below:
1. The Statue of Liberty
statueofliberty.org
877-523-9849
A visit to NYC isn’t complete without a tour at the Statute of Liberty! Standing at a colossal 305 feet from ground to torch, the Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom. The iconic landmark is also a welcome sight among immigrants arriving overseas. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the US. To reach the statute, you have to take a ferry from Battery Park or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. We recommend booking a guided tour in advance because the place can get crowded during peak season.
There are free ranger guided tours around the island grounds. A second-floor museum is also nearby to explore the rich history of New York. There is also an observation deck that features a stunning view of NYC and the harbor.
2. Grand Central Terminal
grandcentralterminal.com
212-532-4900
The Grand Central Terminal is one of the largest transportation centers in the world. It’s the best place to move around NYC especially if you are on a budget. The Grand Central Terminal was opened in 1971 and extensively restored in 1998. Apart from the subway, Grand Central Terminal features a string of restaurants, shopping hubs, pubs, and specialty shops. Every day, more than 700,000 people pass through the Grand Central Terminal. The terminal offers walking and audio tours. The private and group tours are offered 7 days a week.
3. The Empire State Building
esbnyc.com
212-736-3100
New York’s Empire State Building symbolizes the economic power of the United State. Located on Fifth Avenue between West 33rd and 34th street, the Empire State Building stands at a dizzying 1,250 feet. For over 40 years, the skyscraper was the world’s tallest building. The Empire State Building was completed in 1931 and is owned by the Empire State Realty Trust.
This landmark was featured in various films including King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. The building boasts of an enclosed observatory or open-air deck, and an aerial simulator on the second floor.
4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
metmuseum.org
212-535-7710
For art lovers, a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or MET is the best way to discover ancient relics, paintings, sculptures and works of art spanning 5,000 years. The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers guided tours and kids programming for families and children alike. The museum also hosts art project, art classes, family festivals and so much more.
A tour at the MET is inclusive of admission to the Cloisters museum and gardens. The Cloisters museum and gardens are an extension of the MET in northern Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park.
5. The Central Park
Rounding up our list of iconic tourist attractions in New York City is the Central Park. The Central Park is a sprawling, 843 acres urban park located in the heart of Manhattan. It is the most recognizable and most visited park in the United States.
Central Park is also one of the most filmed locations in the world! The park features 58 miles of pedestrian pathways that lead to the Boathouse, reservoir, and the Belvedere Castle. The Central Park is operated by Central Park Conservancy and is open all year round.
