Planning a New York City trip is an exciting prospect for all travelers, but actually deciding what to do once you’re there can be overwhelming. There are countless amazing landmarks to see, tasty foods to try, and exciting activities to take part in. A vacation has limited time, however, and dividing up your time can seem impossible. For those with a tighter timeframe, consider the following seven landmarks for your New York City vacation:
- The Statue of Liberty
No New York City trip would be complete without a photo in front of the Statue of Liberty. Making its way to U.S. territory back on June 17th, 1885, the Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the French to America in honor of our alliance during the American Revolution. Over the years, it became a symbol of liberty and freedom for all. Consider a ferry boat ride out to the island it sits on so you can get your very own photo opportunity.
- Central Park
Central Park is undoubtedly one of the most famous parks in the world, spanning a large number of blocks in New York City. For those who find themselves overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the millions of visitors, consider stopping into Central Park to get a breath of fresh air.
- The Empire State Building
With a rich history and iconic design, the Empire State Building is a great travel destination when in New York City. This 102-story tower is located in Midtown Manhattan, which is a great area for exploring and bar hopping in the evening. Those who don’t have a feat of heights may also enjoy the observation floors on the 86th level that provide astounding views of the city.
- Grand Central Terminal
For those who don’t know, Grand Central Terminal is a commuter railway located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue, also in Midtown Manhattan. It is the Southern terminus of multiple lines and serves the Northern part of the NYC metropolitan area. With shops, dining, and more, Grand Central Terminal is not just a railway station, but also an iconic landmark for travelers to see. There are a number of insider stories about iconic landmarks in New York City, but the rich history of Grand Central Terminal offers some of the most.
- Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid designed bridge that spans the East River of the city, specifically between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge was originally completed in 1883, making it one of the oldest and most notable landmarks in the entire city. As a result, all travelers to New York should consider walking or biking across the bridge to take in the gorgeous views of the New York skyline. At the very least, consider taking a rideshare across the bridge to one of the other boroughs of New York City.
- 9/11 Memorial Site
September 11th, 2001 was a day that changed America forever. The tragic events of that day are permanently etched into the minds of millions of Americans. A gorgeous memorial to that horrible day and to the countless lives lost was constructed in New York City, which is a must-visit to honor the fallen Americans. Additionally, there is a museum attached to the memorial that discusses historical events associated with the day, along with further honoring all lives lost, civilian and first responders alike.
- New York Stock Exchange
While the New York Stock Exchange building may not be the first tourist item to visit your mind, it is a major part of the cities culture. Located in the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, the New York Stock Exchange is the world’s largest and serves as a great place to see where transactions that shape the future occur. Even if you are not well-versed in the financial space, visiting the NYC stock exchange is a right of passage for anybody with a minor interest in the field.
See everything The Big Apple has to offer
In a worst-case scenario where you don’t get to do everything on your vacation list, the beauty of New York City is that it will always be there. With such a vast size, you wouldn’t be alone in not being able to complete your travel itinerary to NYC. Don’t hesitate to schedule a follow up trip, perhaps in a different season to try something new, in order to pick up where you left off.