10 Famous Things To Do In New York City
1.Central Park
Central Park is not only New York’s most famous; it is also the most visited park in America. Park Drive, a 6-mile loop around the park is a great place to talk a walk, jog, or bicycle ride. Other facilities at the park include tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, and Lasker Rink, an ice skating rink which doubles as a swimming pool in the summertime. Warmer weather is also synonymous with free open-air concerts in the park’s Public Theater. Central Park’s zoo and 21 playgrounds make it a popular spot for parents to bring their children. The park is located between West 59th (AKA Central Park South) and West 110th (AKA Central Park North) streets, and Fifth Avenue on the East.
2.Metropolitan Museum of Art
The MET is one of the biggest and most impressive museums in the world, and any trip to New York should include a visit. From ancient to modern art, there are exhibitions from all over the world. The MET is located at the corner of 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street.
3.Chinatown
Popular with locals and tourists alike, New York City’s Chinatown is a must-go for anyone visiting the city. Until the 1970’s, Chinatown was bordered by Canal Street in the north and Worth Street in the south, and The Bowery and Baxter street on east and west. The center of old Chinatown lies around the intersection of Canal Street and Mott and Mulberry, and the corner of Pell and Doyers Streets.
4.Museum of Modern Art
MoMA is considered by many to be the most important museum of modern art in the world. Anyone who is interested in contemporary or modern art should make time to visit the museum, and with its vast collections of architecture, design, painting, photography, sculpture, film, illustrated books, electronic media, and drawings, there is something for everyone to enjoy. MoMA is in Midtown Manhattan on 11 West 53rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues.
5.Empire State Building Observatory
The Empire State Building, named after New York States nickname, was the tallest building in the world from 1931 to 1972, when the first World Trade Center building was completed. One of the most popular tourist destinations in New York City, it has been visited by over 110 million people since its completion. The best observation deck is on the 86th floor, where you can see a breath-taking 360-degree view of the city. There is also a much smaller observation deck on the 102nd floor, though it may be closed on days with lots of visitors. The Empire State Building is located at 350 5th Avenue.
6.Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France in 1886 as a token of friendship between the two countries. Admission to Liberty State Park is free but you have to take a ferry to get Liberty Island where the statue is located. There are several tours available so make sure to check out what each one includes before getting a ticket.
7.Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is a world-renowned zoo and, at 265 acres, is the largest metropolitan zoo in the US. Popular features are the Wild Asia monorail that goes through the section with Asian animals, an indoor exhibit on tropical rain forest plants and animals, the Congo Gorilla Forest, butterfly gardens, and the World of Darkness, where you can see bats, caimans, and other nocturnal creatures. Other zoo highlights include watching the penguins being fed and watching zoo keepers give the Siberian Tigers their daily checkup. The Bronx Zoo is the headquarters of the Wildlife Conservation Society and is located at 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx Park.
8.Staten Island Ferry
Known as ‘the best bargain in New York’, the Staten Island Ferry is free. A great tip for budget travelers in NYC, it’s a 25 minute boat ride between Manhattan and Staten Island. It offers great views of the lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. You can also bring your bicycle onboard at no extra charge. Boats depart from the southern tip of Manhattan at South Ferry, near Whitewall Street, where you can also catch a ferry to Liberty Island. To get to South Ferry, take the 1 to South Ferry, the N, R, or W to Whitehall Street-South Ferry, or the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green.
9.Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world and there are tons of things to keep you occupied at this 52-acre wonderland. Highlights include 200 Asian cherry trees (they bloom in early spring), the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, a rose garden, an herb garden, and the Children’s garden. From children to seniors, there is something for everyone at the BBG. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is located at 1000 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.
10.Times Square
Times Square is a world icon and has become a symbol of New York City. Time Square is THE place to be on New Years and some 750,000 revelers come to celebrate and watch the ball drop every year. There are plenty of attractions found around Times Square, though its most interesting asset is probably all of the people that gather there and pass by every day. Some of the famous buildings include the New York Times Tower, 1 Times Square, Times Square Tower, and the Bank of America Tower. Of course, there are also many shops and restaurants around that cater to the daily hoards of people. Times Square is located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue, and stretches from West 42nd to West 47th Streets.
