When you think of New York City, do you immediately think of the touristy things like Times Square and the Empire State Building? While those are amazing places to visit, there’s more to New York than just the Manhattan you see on TV and in movies. There are hundreds of fun things to do in NYC, especially if you don’t just stick to the main attractions. Here are eight must-do’s when visiting New York City.
Central Park
You’ll want to spend a day exploring the beauty of Central Park. This is one of the most iconic places in NYC and offers many opportunities for exploration. There are plenty of trails, bike paths, lakes, and ponds to explore, as well as animal exhibits including a zoo. The park also features many monuments and stunning gardens.
Downtown New York City
Downtown New York is full of sights and sounds. There are so many things to do, but this list should help you get started. The first thing you need to do is take a walk down the Freedom Trail on your way to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island. Once you’ve finished your walking tour, head over to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum for an interactive look at some of America’s most famous ships, planes and missiles.
The Empire State Building
Visiting the Empire State Building is on just about any traveler’s list of must-do things to do when they visit New York City. The iconic skyscraper sits at the top of Fifth Avenue, and for decades has been a symbol of America. For those who have never visited, there are two choices: take the elevator up or take the stairs. No matter which option you choose, it is worth the wait to see all that this landmark has to offer.
Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial
Ground Zero is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This solemn site holds the remains of the Twin Towers and is a moving tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. Walking across the memorial plaza and looking down at the large pools of water below, it feels as if you are standing on top of one of the buildings that were destroyed that horrible day.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Times Square
It’s one of the most famous places on Earth, so it should come as no surprise that Times Square is a must-do when you’re in NYC. It has been named as the Crossroads of the World because of its intense advertising and public art displays. However, this is not all there is to see at this site. The area also houses NBC Studios, Toys R Us and other retail stores.
Conclusion
While there are plenty of things to do in New York, the city never disappoints. From the iconic Statue of Liberty to the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge, it is a place that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.