New York City in a day: Top 4 sights to see
New York City is the most populated city in the US with more than 8.8 million residents so there must be some exciting things to do and see there. It is nicknamed the City That Never Sleeps because there is always something going on. NYC is also referred to as the financial and cultural capital of the world.
In New York, you can find all sorts of attractions and entertainment no matter what you enjoy doing. But you won’t want to carry around your suitcases with you while seeing all the sights. Find the nearest luggage storage locker in New York City and drop them off for safekeeping while you explore this big and exciting city.
Central Park
Covering 843 acres, there is plenty to do in Central Park. But if you want to see all the four top sights of NY in a day, you won’t be able to stroll around Central Park at your own pace. But tick these top spots off your list, and you will have seen the best bits of Central Park.
One of the top attractions in the park is the Metropolitan Museum of Art with its two million pieces of art, including works by Picasso, Goya and Rembrandt. Also, make sure to stop at the zoo. They have almost 1,500 animals to see including several kinds of penguins, snow leopards, lions, rhinos and grizzly bears. The medieval Belvedere Castle is something you do not want to miss either. Built in 1872, the building itself is a remarkable sight with its majestic granite walls styled in Romanesque and Gothic design. Do also go to The Lake where, during the summer, you can rent a boat or let a gondolier take you out on the water, or just sit on a bench and enjoy the view.
Statue of Liberty
You can see the Statue of Liberty, also known as Lady Liberty, from the city, but you cannot leave New York City without at least taking a closer look. Given to the US by the French, this American icon was unveiled in 1886 after traveling across the Atlantic from France, arriving in 214 crates of 350 individual pieces.
The statue itself is 151 feet tall and made of copper, although it looks green from years of exposure to the elements. With the pedestal underneath her, she stands 305 feet high and weighs 450,000 pounds. But there is more to the statue than just the outside. Inside, there is much more to discover and see.
You will need to take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the magnificent sculpture but the trip is well worth it. This is a fantastic place for some unique selfies and if you have the time, do also go inside to see the museum full of informative exhibits and climb up to the top so you can see New York and the surrounding areas with a view like no other.
Empire State Building
Another famous place in New York City is the Empire State Building, which is actually the most photographed building in the world. The iconic building is 1,250 feet tall and has 103 stories. Taller than the Statue of Liberty, you can see even more of the city from one of the observatories.
If the observatory on the 86th floor is not high enough for you, climb up the 1,872 steps to get to the 102nd-floor observatory. Or you could just take one of the 73 elevators instead. The 86th floor has an open-air space with 360-degree views and the 102nd floor boasts breathtaking views up to 80 miles away.
But if you want to learn more, visit the exhibits on the 2nd and the 80th floors. You will see life size bronze sculptures of real workers who helped construct the building as well as a room with 72 screens featuring all the films, television shows, comics, and other pop culture the building has been a part of.
Rockefeller Center
You have certainly heard of Rockefeller Center and probably seen it on television (if you have ever watched The Today Show, Saturday Night Live, the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree etc), but you have to go see it in person to really understand the beauty and enormity of it all.
Boasting 22 acres including 19 buildings, it is one of the most popular NYC attractions. Start at the Top of the Rock, where you can get another view from up high in the 67th, 69th, or 70th-floor observatory. The open-air roof deck is the most popular and even though it is not as high as the Empire State Building, it is still fantastic.
Another stunning feature is the Channel Garden. This cool outdoor space lauds an urban beach theme for New Yorkers as well as visitors to enjoy. The sun loungers, sandpits, and water features give you that tropical beach feel in the middle of New York. And don’t miss Radio City Music Hall and the NBC Studio tour.
Also, while you are in New York, don’t pass up your chance to try some of the city’s famous foods. The New York-style pizza is famous for its huge slices and the New York cheesecake is to die-for! Below are some websites to help you make the most of your day in the Big Apple!
https://freetoursbyfoot.com/one-day-in-nyc/
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/new-york-city-us-ny-nyc.htm
https://travel.usnews.com/New_York_NY/Things_To_Do/
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/travel-guide/g61/things-to-do-in-new-york-city/
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