Top 5 Places to See on Your First Time in New York City
New York City is widely considered one of the coolest (and most popular) cities to visit in the world. And with as much as it has to see and do, how could it not be?! With its iconic sites, museums, arts, restaurants, parks, film locations, and more it can be a lot to sort through. How do you determine what to see first and what to save for another trip? It’s hard. I know. So to help with your planning, here are the top 5 places I recommend seeing on your first time in New York City.
#5 Statue of Liberty
Yes, you can see the Statue of Liberty from afar along the shores of lower Manhattan. But I recommend visiting the island itself for an up close and personal view. Along with seeing the statue from the outside, you also have the option to book tickets to access the pedestal or crown. (Book these tickets well in advance as they fill up months ahead of time). Taking the ferry to the island also means you get to see a great view of the Manhattan skyline.
An added bonus of visiting the Statue of Liberty is that your ticket also includes entrance to Ellis Island. From 1892 to 1954 Ellis Island was the busiest immigration inspection and processing point of entry in the US. Almost 12 million immigrants passed through here, and many Americans can trace their family history through Ellis Island. Today It’s a museum, family history center, and well worth a visit!
#4 Rockefeller Center and Radio Music City Hall
Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall are located in an area that feels like quintessential New York City. You’ll likely recognize a lot of what you see here. It’s where the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit every year, and where you’ll find the famous ice skating rink in the winter. Year round the the iconic gold statue of Prometheus looms over the plaza.
If you were to visit only ONE observation deck in New York City, Rockefeller’s would be the one I’d recommend. It gives you an incredible view of Central Park, and a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyscrapers featuring the Empire State Building. (One reason I personally prefer this observation deck over the Empire State Building’s is because I prefer to have the Empire State Building IN my photos).
Around the corner but still within the Rockefeller Center complex is the Radio City Music Hall. This iconic venue is home to the Radio City Rockettes. And checking out their show is a MUST when visiting New York City at Christmas time. It’s also in this area where you’ll find Studio 6B, which is where “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is filmed.
#3 9/11 Memorial
I firmly believe that anyone who was old enough to remember it, does in fact remember exactly where they were and what they were doing on the day of the 9/11 attacks. I was in middle school and I remember it vividly. With such a world changing event that happend in such considerably recent history, no trip to New York City is complete without a visit to the 9/11 Memorial.
I can’t say enough how well done I personally think the 9/11 Memorial is. Two reflecting pools mark the footprints of where the twin towers stood, and the names of all the victims from that day are inscribed on the outside of them. On each victims’ birthday a single white rose is placed within their inscribed name on the reflection pools as a way to honor and remember them. Surrounding the reflecting pools are trees, benches, and a respectful atmosphere of peace and reflection. Across the street from the reflecting pools you’ll find an additional tribute to the firefighers who responded to the attacks on 9/11. (124 Liberty St, New York, NY 10006) If you’d like to learn more/revisit the memory, check out the 9/11 Museum which does a thorough job of telling the story and preserving the history of that day.
As an added bonus of visiting the 9/11 Memorial, make sure to stop by the nearby Occulus. There’s a good chance you may pass through anyway if you arrive to the memorial by public trasportation. But either way, make sure to stop and appreciate its gorgeous architecture.
#2 Central Park
Central Park is such a gem in New York City. With as much of a concrete jungle as the bulk of the city is, a park as huge as this feels necessary! There’s so much to see, do, and enjoy just in Central Park. One of my personal favorite activities is to rent a bike and ride around the park. In the warm months you can rent row boats from the Central Park Boathouse to take out on the lake. And of course a good old fashion walk or run is a great way to spend time in the park. Here’s the most well known places to see in Central Park:
Alice in Wonderland Sculpture *** Balto Statue *** Belvedere Castle *** Bethesda Terrace and Fountain *** Bow Bridge *** Central Park Boathouse *** Central Park Carousel *** Central Park Zoo *** Conservatory Water (model boat sailing) *** Delacorte Clock *** The Great Lawn *** Jacquelie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir *** The Lake *** The Mall and Literary Walk *** Naumburg Bandshell *** The Obelisk *** The Ramble *** Shakespeare Garden *** Sheep Meadow *** Strawberry Fields *** Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre *** Wollman Rink (in the winter)
#1 Times Square
Your first time in New York City isn’t complete without a visit to Times Square. It may be touristy, but it’s SUCH an iconic place in the the Big Apple! THIS is the part of the city that doesn’t sleep. In Times Square you’ll find the famous red stairs, the building with the antena where the ball is dropped on New Years Eve, Broadway theaters, street performers and an endless number of glowing digital billboards. It’s a little overwhelming, but it’s the epitome of NYC!
And those are the top 5 places to see on your first time in New York City. This list hardly scratches the surface of what this city has to offer. But my dedicated blog post on what to see and do in New York City covers everything. Enjoy your time in the Big Apple. Here’s hoping your first time in New York City is as magical as the city Itself!
