If you’ve never visited New York City, you need to visit New York City. And not just so you can say you ate the best pizza in the world, or closed down a bar at 4 a.m. (though, you should do both of those things when you visit), but because New York City is a place that changes you. In case you need more reasons than that, we have ten more.
Why Do You Need to visit New York City
Even if you’re not mesmerized by the skyscrapers and monuments, you’ll be blown away by its culture, arts, food, people and nightlife scene. You can spend your morning walking around Fifth Avenue’s designer racks and your afternoon catching stunning city views from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Or, if you’re an art lover, you can admire the striking works on display at the Met and the Guggenheim and later indulging on ethnic foods in Chinatown or Little Italy. If you still have some energy (and cash) left, get tickets to an award-winning Broadway show, one of its numerous festivals, or hop over to one of the rooftop bars and jazz clubs in the evening.
10. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal has remained the busiest train station in the country. People from all over come to visit, shop and take a public tour. The beauty of this famous Beaux Arts building is not to be missed, whether you arrive by rail or not. Built between 1903 and 1931, Grand Central Terminal is stunning. Take a tour to learn of its history, including its near destruction and restoration.
9. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Lincoln Center is the world’s largest performing arts center and home to 12 resident arts organizations, including the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Opera and New York City Ballet. Go watch a performance and also make time for a tour of the center itself. Check out their festivals that they are hosting throughout the year!
8. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a New York City icon. Located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, the 86th (80 miles) and 102nd floor observatories provide unforgettable 360° views of New York City and beyond. Whether you’re in town for a week or a day, your visit to NYC is not complete without experiencing the top of the Empire State Building. Be sure to bring your camera.
7. Observation Decks
A lot of people who visit New York will only think to go up the Empire State which is obviously great, but nothing beats getting pictures of the skyline with the Empire State building behind you! Top of the Rock has great views of New York City and beyond. On a clear day you can see for miles. Be prepared to wait in line, tickets are around $35, and you need to buy them early if you want the slot around sunset, otherwise you’ll miss out.
6. Shopping in New York City
You can find just about anything in NYC, including discount designer clothes, items from all over the world and much more. There are so many places to go shopping in NYC! New York City is a truly shopper’s paradise.
5. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Located on 12-acre (48,500 m²) Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924. Ellis Island was incorporated as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument on May 11, 1965. Between 1892 and 1954, approximately 12 million steamship passengers entered the United States through the port of New York at Ellis Island.
4. Theater
There are 39 theaters in operation on Broadway today! Any visit to the city should contain at least one theater show, whether it’s seeing an edgy new work or a classic piece. when you visit New York City, look for discount theater tickets, which are often available.
3. Museums in NYC
Where to begin? The world-class museums of NYC all clamor for your attention. To start, there’s the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art and, of course, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A lifetime of visits would still leave you wanting to visit more.
2. Times Square
Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment center in the Midtown Manhattan, and a must visit in New York. Visit Toys R Us, Lazer Park, MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL), Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, M&Ms Store or the Hard Rock Cafe. Other nearby attractions include the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the doll store American Girl Place and the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.
1. Green Spaces
By the way, New York City is the greenest city in America. When you visit New York, go to the 843-acre Central Park, the most famous park in the city, which is actually only the 5th largest. Jog, walk, bike, skate, horseback ride, ice skate, rent row boats, play basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, enjoy special events and festivals in the city’s 1,700 parks and playgrounds! Or you can just kick back and people-watch.
Have you ever been to New York? Why would you recommend going to New York City? Share with our readers in the comments below! We appreciate your participation.