Times Square
This is perhaps the most well-known area of New York City, as it is sometimes referred to as “The Crossroads of the World” and “The Center of the Universe.” Home to the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop, Times Square draws an estimated 50 million visitors on a yearly basis. With Broadway as the attraction’s border and hundreds of billboards and thousands of flashing lights, Times Square is a must-see for first time New Yorkers.
Central Park
At 843 acres, Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States. With a perimeter of 6.1 miles, the park holds two ice-skating rinks, the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, multiple theaters, endless walking paths, and multiple lawns where people play pick-up games, practice yoga, hold picnics, or simple relax with a book.
Empire State Building
Once the tallest building in the world, the 102-story Empire State Building is named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The building, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, is often featured in television, movies, literature, and even music. Some of the tenants in the office building include LinkedIn, Boy Scouts of America, and Turkish Airlines. The building is so large that it actually even has its own zip code.
One World Trade Center
Also known as the Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the main building of the complex rebuilt after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. As the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, the building stands at 104 standard floors. Just below the tower is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum where the original World Trade Center Twin Towers once stood.
Statue of Liberty
Another iconic destination in Manhattan is the Statue of Liberty. While getting to Liberty Island requires a quick ferry ride, visiting this national treasure is an absolute must. As a symbol of national freedom, Lady Liberty stands at 305 feet tall and was a gift from France dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue is meant to be an icon of freedom and hope to immigrants arriving from other lands abroad.
Rockefeller Center
As the center for many cultural destinations including television, radio, and performance art, this region in Midtown is another tourist hot-spot. Particularly known for its annual Christmas tree lighting, Rockefeller Center is home to many famous shops, restaurants, and even The Rink at Rockefeller Center, the famous outdoor ice skating rink.
Broadway
Of course you can’t be in Manhattan without taking a stroll down Broadway! One of the most defining characteristics of New York City is its theatre community. With dozens of the Broadway theatres to attend, you can pick from handfuls of iconic and famous plays and musicals. Plus, you never know what famous performer you just might run into simply by hanging out in the Broadway theatre district!
Madison Square Garden
Before you leave Manhattan, you absolutely must visit this iconic venue at least once. From concerts to professional games to even circuses, Madison Square Garden is sure to have something that will entertain you and bring you to your feet. Because of the tremendous turnout and ideal population of Manhattan, all the best performers and talent ensure that Madison Square Garden is one of the stops on their tours, so you have the best of the best when it comes to selection!
Grand Central Terminal
As one of the city’s greatest and iconic transportation hubs, the Grand Central Terminal holds over 100 rails for commuters coming to and from Manhattan. With many restaurants and shops within the location, the terminal serves as a stopping point in addition to the transportation service. The terminal is also featured in dozens of movies as well as television programs.
