TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY

New York is absolutely vast and there are thousands of things that you could do on a visit to the Big Apple. There are so many things to do that it can be hard to prioritise a list of sights to see on a short trip to the city. That’s part of what makes New York so exciting. No matter how many times you have been, there will always be something new to see, so don’t wait until you get there to plan out your days, do it in advance. If you are planning a trip to New York, then here are just some of many possibilities that you might want to include in your list of top 10 things to do in New York City.

1. Statue of Liberty

No trip to New York could be complete without taking a look at the world famous Statue of Liberty. The copper statue is 151 feet tall and just it’s eyeballs are nearly three feet wide, so it’s well worth taking a look at this amazing statue. The statue was a gift to the American people, from the people of France in 1876, to mark the US centennial and it is one of the most iconic sights of New York City.

2. Try a New York Pizza

Every New Yorker seems to have an opinion as to where the best Pizza joint is in the city, and you could virtually live off pizza in New York, if you really wanted to. You really should visit at least one of the many classic New York Pizza restaurants though.  Each one seems to have its own speciality, from special secret sauces, to amazing toppings and delicious crusts.

3. Take a walk in Central Park

Our list of top 10 things to do in New York City wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Central Park. It’s a strange oasis of peace and quiet, smack bang in the middle of one of the most hectic and vibrant cities in the world. You can take in the sights of the park by horse, cycling or do as the New Yorkers do and go for a jog.

4. See the famous New York skyline from the air

A great way to really come to terms with the size of New York is to take a scenic helicopter ride over the city. A fifteen minute helicopter flight over the city will take in all the major landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. It’s a breath-taking view and amazingly good value for money, with helicopter trips over New York costing around $100 per person.

5. Grand Central Terminal

Another one of New York’s architectural gems is the Grand Central Terminal. You must have seen it in movies and TV, but when you see it up close, it is even more amazing. Three quarters of a million people pass through Grand Central every day, to and from work, so the best time to visit is around midday, so that you miss the rush hour crush.

6. Times Square

Visiting Times Square is another one of top 10 things to do in New York City, although most New Yorkers try to avoid it themselves. Neon lights, lots of hustle and bustle, and a singing naked cowboy to keep you occupied too. It’s worth having it on your list and visit, at least once, if only for the experience.

7. The Brooklyn Bridge

You can get a fantastic view of the New York skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge, which connects Manhattan to Brooklyn, was opened in 1883 and it is one of the oldest bridges of its type in the US. You don’t have to worry about traffic on the bridge; there is a pedestrian walkway that has been there ever since the bridge was first opened.

8. 9/11 Memorial

Set in the footprint of what once was the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre, is the 9/11 memorial and museum. The reflecting pools, with the names of all those who lost their lives in the 2001 tragedy etched into them, are a moving tribute the dead and also a mark of the courage of the people of the city of New York. It’s a very moving place to see, but one that many think they should visit.

9. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Another one of top 10 things to do in New York City, especially on a rainy day, is to visit The New York Metropolitan museum of Art, which is one of the best art museums in the world. There is something here for everyone, from Greek and Roman sculptures, to an entire Egyptian temple. This is a great place to visit, just in case you get a rainy day in New York.

10. The High Line

The High Line is, literally, a park in the sky. Built on top of a mile and a half stretch of disused elevated railway, the High Line offers an unbelievable array of gardens, public art and water features, and all of this is 30ft above the busy streets below. It’s a particularly great place to take a walk on a hot summers evening, when the city is all lit up.

What other things would you include in the list of top 10 things to do in New York City?

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