For those who have never been to New York City, its sheer size can be overwhelming when thinking of all the things that you can do and see. There are countless art museums, restaurants, landmarks, and stores for all to enjoy. But, it’s best to start with the basics for your first time here.
Times Square
The central entertainment hub of New York City, Times Square is packed with theaters, stores and restaurants, as well as large crowds. While you’ll likely be walking around with thousands of other people, that is no reason not to visit. Stop for lunch at any of the world renowned restaurants, check out Madame Tussauds wax museum, or simply walk around and enjoy the impressive architecture. It is very hard to run out of things to do here.
Statue of Liberty
Simply seeing pictures of the Statue of Liberty does not do it justice. As perhaps the most iconic piece of American history, this landmark is much bigger than you might think. Found in New York Harbor right next to Ellis Island (another historical landmark worth visiting), the statue is a fantastic example of architectural wonder. You can even climb up to the crown via stairs inside. However, note that this can be extremely time consuming, not to mention exhausting.
Broadway
What would a first-time trip to New York City be without seeing a Broadway show? Famous for its theater scene, Broadway is consistently showing old favorites and new pieces encompassing an array of genres. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as lines can wrap around several blocks depending on the date and time. It’s best to look into this a few months ahead of time.
Empire State Building
As seen in countless movies, the Empire State Building is one of New York City’s tallest structures, topped with an 86th floor observatory for all to visit. This gives visitors a breathtaking view of the entire city and makes for some amazing photo opportunities.
Central Park
It is difficult to fathom just how big Central Park is when you consider its location; right in the heart of Manhattan. This can be a very time consuming attraction in itself, so plan ahead. Carriage rides are available for transportation, but some people prefer to explore on foot. Check out Bethesda Fountain boasting its Angel of the Water statue, visit SummerStage to hear some live music, or even fish at Harlem Meer.