VISIT NEW YORK: Guide to the Concrete Jungle of NYC and its Tourist Attractions

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Let's explore what this "Big Apple" can offer!

New York City is one of the densest cities not only in the US but in the whole world. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over 300.46 square miles (778.2 km2), New York City is also the most densely populated major city in the United States.

NYC aerial

On the other hand, it is also the oldest city in the country and having New York City Hall, the oldest City Hall in the United States that still houses its original governmental functions. Anchored by Wall Street in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, New York City has been called both the world's leading financial center and the most financially powerful city in the world, and is home to the world's two largest stock exchanges by total market capitalization, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.

Many districts and monuments in New York City are major landmarks, including three of the world's ten most visited tourist attractions in 2013. A record 66.6 million tourists visited New York City in 2019. That only makes NYC one of the top favorite tourist destinations in the US.

ABOUT NEW YORK CITY

New York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers. Its iconic sites include skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park. Broadway theater is staged in neon-lit Times Square.

New York City

New York City has been described as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world, and is a significant influence on commerce, entertainment, research, technology, education, politics, tourism, dining, art, fashion, and sports. It is the most photographed city in the world.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW YORK CITY

The best time to visit New York is between May to October, when the weather is conducive. You can also try in September if you are occupied between May and October. Here are some of the best places to go in New York.

STATUE OF LIBERTY

First in the list is the famous statue of liberty, found in Upper New York Bay on Liberty Island, is dear to every American since it symbolizes freedom and democracy that they fought hard to get. Almost everybody who studied history knows about this statue.

Statue of Liberty

It transcends beyond ordinary tourist attraction since it also acts as a sign of hope for immigrants who move into the United States in search of better lives.

This statue made it to the UNESCO Heritage Site list owing to its fame and mind-blowing design. You will see a spiral staircase with over 150 steps that join the two ends. You can clearly see the lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Verrazano Bridge, and the famous Staten Island.

TIME SQUARE

This beautiful attraction is located in Central Manhattan, where Broadway meets Seventh Avenue. Due to this, most people refer to it as the crossroads of the world. Time Square has unique sights. You will quickly notice the blazing neon signs and the cool music emanating from the bars and cafes just across the streets. While here, you should visit stores such as the Disney Store.

Times Square

You will probably see your favorite celebrities in several restaurants in the city. Most of the stores are open up to 2 am in the night, and therefore, you can take your time and shop, however, and whenever you like. Make a point also to visit the NBC studios, which is one of the biggest entertainment hubs in the world.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

The Empire state building is not just any other ordinary tower in the city of New York. This building was constructed in the 1930s and was regarded as the world’s eighth wonder upon its completion. For over four decades, it managed to be the tallest building on the planet till 1972.

Empire Estate Building

It attracts a vast number of tourists yearly, making New York a great tourist destination. At the top of the building is a lightning rod that records over twenty lightning strikes annually, speaking volumes about its height.

When you visit the Empire State building, you will access two observation decks; one on the 86th story and another on the 108th story. From here, you can clearly and breathtakingly see the city below. Make sure that you try this at least once in your lifetime.

THE MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

If you are looking for museums in New York, this is a perfect choice. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, mostly known as Met, has been around since 1970. It has some of the best collections in the entire world that you need to explore.

This is the largest museum in the US that carries several pieces of art dating from 5000 years ago. You will get to experience works and art from the prehistoric times from different regions of the universe. It would be best if you do not go back home before visiting this museum.

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CENTRAL PARK

You must have seen Central Park from many of the movies shot in the United States. This is where people from New York City meet and blow some steam. It is located right in the middle of the city and gives life to New York. You can choose to relax in the park or even play your favorite game. You will find people skating, cycling, and e playing around.

Central Park

If you are in the company of your family, you can go boating and witness the beautiful lake. If you love birds, the Central Park zoo has several exotic species of birds and animals that you will enjoy watching. However, always remember to leave the park when evening approaches since it is not safe, especially for you touring.

WALL STREET

If you are an accountant, forex trader, or you love matters touching on finance, you definitely know about Wall Street. Well, this is one of the biggest attractions to financial experts and enthusiasts alike. It is found in the financial district in lower Manhattan.

Wall Street

Wall Street is not your average place, and financial experts understand this better. While here, you can walk as you look at this long street, which houses the New York Stock Exchange, a major building of world finance.

You will also notice the bullish sculpture which sits strategically on the street. Keep in mind that most people who work in Wall Street live luxurious lives as the place determines the world’s finance.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

If you are an avid reader, spending some quality time at the New York Public Library can be a good way of spending your day. Remember, you won’t pay even a single cent to gain access to this magnificent building.

New York Public Library

The NY Public Library is the second biggest public Library in the United States and the fourth largest in the entire universe. Therefore, sparing a bit of your time to visit it can never be in vain. It is built majorly of marble, making it a sight to behold.

You will find a manuscript of all the famous authors that you know, and if you would like to read, the coffered ceiling in the main reading room will blow your mind.

ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL

Regardless of your religious beliefs, you should make a stop as the St Patrick Cathedral and marvel at its incredible architecture. It is located across the Rockefeller Centre and boasts of gothic-style design and build.

St Patrick Cathedral

This church also forms one of the most renowned landmarks in the city. If you are a practicing Christianism, you can visit the place, light some candles and pray to God or even sit in peace and meditate.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN NYC

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

You have definitely seen most of these places in movies and shows. The Grand Central Terminal should be in your bucket list when visiting New York. It is mostly referred to as Grand Central Station and is located in Manhattan.

The Grand Central Terminal

This is where all the New York City trains stop and start. It is found in 42nd Park Avenue and boats of over forty train platforms. Apart from the trains, you will witness excellent architecture and enjoy good food in most eateries and restaurants.

JOE'S PIZZA

For foodies like me, Joe’s is home to the quintessential New York neighborhood slice: a crust that’s thin and crisp accompanied by even layers of cheese and tomato sauce, the latter intentionally on the bland side. The slice shop has been around since 1975, but only in recent years has it expanded in Manhattan and to Brooklyn.

Joe's Pizza

There are slice shops on almost every street in the city that strive for that mix of foldable crust, stretching mozzarella, sweet tomato sauce, and droplets of grease. And the Carmine Street location of Joe’s is on this guide because of its legacy as one of the greats.

The cheese slice at Joe’s isn’t the best in the class anymore, but it still folds like it’s been constructed to have a perforated edge through the middle. It’s a rite of passage to eat this pizza, even just once at 11pm surrounded by NYU seniors.

WHERE TO STAY IN NYC

Here are the best hotels to meet your budget in New York City:

The Manhattan Hotel at Times Square - Check Rates and Availability
Deluxe Inn and Suites - Check Rates and Availability
Wingate by Wyndham Far Rockaway JFK Airport - Check Rates and Availability
Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza - Check Rates and Availability
Union Hotel - Check Rates and Availability
Q4 Hotel and Hostel - Check Rates and Availability
Royal Stay Hotel - Check Rates and Availability
Sonder Battery Park - Check Rates and Availability

See More Hotels and Accommodation in NYC

These are a few of the places that you can visit while in New York. However, before visiting a place, you need to have a plan. Whereas we have looked at sites near New York City, you may have to visit other attractions far away. Therefore, make sure that you only carry the necessary belonging to avoid bulky traveling.

Also, keep in mind that you may need to use different transportation methods to access the different areas you visit. Lastly, do not rush your vacation. Take roughly four weeks to tour all the places that you should.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AND TOUR IN NYC

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related To New York City

Why is the city of New York so famous?
New York City has been described as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world, and is a significant influence on commerce, entertainment, research, technology, education, politics, tourism, dining, art, fashion, and sports. It is the most photographed city in the world.
Is New York City and New York State the same?
New York, officially known as the State of New York, is a state in the Northeastern United States. It is sometimes called New York State to distinguish it from its largest city, New York City. With a total area of 54,556 square miles (141,300 km2), New York is the 27th largest state geographically.
Why is NYC called Big Apple?
It began in the 1920s when sports journalist John J. Fitz Gerald wrote a column for the New York Morning Telegraph about the many horse races and racecourses in and around New York. He referred to the substantial prizes to be won as “the big apple,” symbolizing the biggest and best one can achieve.
Is Brooklyn the same as New York City?
Brooklyn (/ˈbrʊklɪn/) is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York. Kings County is the most populous county in New York State, as well as the second-most densely populated county in the United States.
Is New York City its own city?
New York is the most populous and the most international city in the country. Its urban area extends into adjoining parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Why is NY called Gotham?
Gotham City, whose atmosphere and appearance were influenced by New York City's infrastructure, actually takes its name from a store called Gotham Jewelers.