When visiting New York City it is all too easy to become overwhelmed by all the sights on offer. Before your trip it is best to plan what you want to see as this will allow you can make great use of your time and get the very best from your visit. Whether your trip lasts a few days or a few weeks making sure you take in the following places will help your exploration of New York City to go with a bang:
The Empire State Building; famous the world over the Empire State Building and all its history is a great place to start. Having featured in many films down the years the Empire State Building is one of the star landmarks of the city. While nowadays you will have to queue to take a trip to the summit of this behemoth the fantastic views are well worth both your time and your money. Looking across the city skyline and taking in the scenery of this bustling metropolis really gives you an appetite for exploring more of what New York has to offer.
Top of the Rock; if you think those amazing views cannot be topped then head on over to the Rockefeller Centre and make your way up to the observation deck on its 70th floor. Known world wide as the Top of the Rock the views on offer are utterly unparallel allowing you to experience a city so vibrant and full of splendour. Whether you visit Top of the Rock during the day or in the evening you will not be disappointed as the city continues to sparkle day and night from this superb vantage point.
Statue of Liberty; originally a gift from France to celebrate America's centennial the Statue of Liberty has her home on one of two historically famous islands. Liberty Island and Ellis Island provide a stark contrast to New York's glamorous identity. As millions of immigrants came to America in the search of a better life the Statue of Liberty became a symbol of hope and is today recognised as an emblem of the American contribution to helping others. Taking a trip to these islands provides a unique insight into the hopes and dreams of those who passed through this famous port.
Broadway is one of if not the most well known theatre districts in the entire world. Broadway provides the opportunity to see the greatest plays and musicals on offer from classics such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables to modern productions including Spamalot and Tarzan. The spell-binding performances are a superb way to enjoy an evening in New York.
Central Park is New York's little oasis of calm. Flanked by towering skyscrapers on every side the park provides a tranquil experience perfect for the busy tourist to take a relaxing break from the bright lights and sounds. The grounds are well maintained and an enjoyable walk allows the opportunity to discover yet another side of the city. As well as lovely surroundings the park provides light entertainment in the guise of performing artists and various small shows.
Times Square while often referred to as cheesy is simply one of those places you have to see when you visit New York. You will have seen and read plenty on it before and to truly feel the full New York experience its vital to see the famous bright lights of Times Square. A huge meeting place for New Years Eve revellers Times Square is a world renowned icon of New York best known for its banks of animated advertising. An incredibly fun place to visit that really gives you the chance to snap away with those cameras
The Brooklyn Bridge, over one hundred years old and costing more than $15 million to build this gothic styled suspension bridge has overseen the massive growth of New York. Connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn the bridge offers some fantastic photo opportunities of the city's landscapes as well as hugely intriguing architecture on the bridge itself. When floodlit at night the bridge is at once eerie yet hypnotic, an absolute must see.
In addition to these iconic landmarks New York City has much more to offer, from fantastic museums and galleries to the diverse communities of Little Italy and China Town. Add to all this scores of marvellous shops, bars and restaurants and its clear to see you will never run out of things to explore in New York.
Stuart Harrington is a freelance travel writer for various magazines and website who on occasions contributes to the city exploration blog
