10 COOL THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY

New York City is a destination on most people’s lists of must see places and there is more to do and see in NYC than anyone could get around in one trip. Of course, there is the statue of Liberty and the Empire State building, but there are loads of less well known attractions in the city too. If you are planning a trip to the Big Apple soon, here are ten really cool things to do in New York City.

1. Cycle through Central Park

If you want a gentle introduction to New York life, then Central Park would be the place to start. Known as the lungs of New York, Central park is 843 acres of parkland filled with history and interesting things to do. The best way to see Central Park is on the back of a bicycle. You can hire a bike and see it by yourself, or you can join an organised bike tour and join a group.

2. Grand Central Terminal

Much more than just a train station, Grand Central Terminal is the throbbing heart of New York and one of the world’s finest railway terminals. The architecture is simply amazing and if you want to see what it is like to get to work in New York, visit when it is really buzzing in the peak hours. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as a market.

3. American Museum of Natural History

If you get a rainy day in your visit to New York, there are plenty of fascinating museums and galleries to visit. The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited museums in the world and one of the largest. The museum has over 130 million specimens and covers everything imaginable from dinosaurs to meteorites.

4. Ground Zero

The terrible events of September 11th, 2001 happened at what is now called Ground Zero, the spot where the World Trade Centre used to stand. There is now a moving memorial to all those died in the terror attacks and it attracts millions of people, from all around the world, who come to the site to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the attack. 9/11 is a part of the city’s history and many people feel that visiting the memorial should be a part of a visit to New York.

5. Rockefeller Centre

In the centre of Midtown Manhattan is the famous Rockefeller Centre, which was built during the Great Depression by the Rockefeller family. It’s known for its Christmas tree and skating rink, but there are events going in there all year round. The site covers a total of 22 acres and there are 19 buildings there. It’s an Art Deco landmark that is well worth a visit.

6. Fifth Avenue

Possibly the best known street in the world, Fifth Avenue has amazing shopping, museums and some of the most luxurious and expensive apartments on the planet too. You’ll only find the very best shops on Fifth Avenue, because of the high cost of retail space there. One of its other claims to fame is that it is known to be the most expensive street in the world.

7. Highline

You can see New York from a completely different perspective when you take a walk along the unique Highline public park. It’s a park with a difference, because it is built along a disused stretch of railway track that is elevated above the streets of the city. As well as looking down on the bustling streets of New York, you can also see stunning plants, sculptures and a whole range of other quirky installations on the Highline. It’s also a great opportunity to get away from all the cars for a while.

8. Times Square

Our list of things to do in New York City would’t be complete without mentioning Times Square. The huge neon signs, massive billboards and advertisements for every product that you could ever think of, are what the spectacle of Times Square is all about. It’s brash, it’s bold, and it’s busy, but Times Square is a must see, if you want to experience all the sights and sounds of New York City.

9. St Patricks Cathedral

If you love architecture, St Patricks Cathedral, which is situated just across the street from the Rockefeller Centre, will take your breath away. It’s a beautiful building that is over 200 years old and the biggest cathedral in the United States.

10. Coney Island

If you visit New York in the summer, then take a trip to the famous Coney Island. Coney Island is New York’s seaside resort and it has rides, restaurants and all that you’d expect from a day by the sea. It’s also home to the world famous Coney Island Cyclone roller-coaster, an historic wooden coaster that was built in 1927.

What are your favourite things to do in New York City?

Stay happy!