Planning a vacation to New York City is essentially a rite of passage for any American and any international traveler as well. There are countless activities to partake in throughout the entire city and, truthfully, to properly see it all requires more than one trip. However, for a first-time visit, there are five primary spots all tourists absolutely need to see which will be covered in this guide.
5 of the Best Locations in New York City
Given the fact that New York City is over 300 square miles in size and has a population of over eight million people, knowing where to go when you get off the plane can help you hit the ground running:
1. The Statue of Liberty
First and foremost, the Statue of Liberty is an incredible American monument that has been in the country for hundreds of years. Gifted to the Americans by the French as a token of friendship and democracy, the Statue of Liberty has stood as a symbol of freedom for years.
2. Central Park
Another location all visitors to New York City should consider seeing is Central Park. As you consider how to explore the best sightseeing spots in NYC, consider taking a walk through famous Central Park and visiting the smaller parks within. Alternatively, bring a blanket and lay it out for a picnic on a sunny day when visiting. At the very least, take a jog or run through the park in the morning before getting the rest of your day going.
3. The Brooklyn Bridge
While the Brooklyn Bridge may not be the first destination that pops into mind when considering places to go in New York City, it is one of the best to visit. With construction beginning in 1869 and going all the way until 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has served as a staple of the city for years. It connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, meaning a person can use this as an opportunity to visit both.
4. Grand Central Terminal
For those who may have never heard of this lesser known part of New York City, Grand Central Terminal is a commuter railway that is located at 42nd street and Park Avenue right in Midtown Manhattan. Besides being just a railroad, though, Grand Central Terminal is also a hub for shopping, dining, and general transportation as well.
5. The 9/11 Memorial Site
Finally, September 11th, 2001 was a dark day in American history, but a beautiful monument to the lives lost on that day has been constructed in the city. All those visiting New York City should take the time to pay their respects and walk through the museum to learn more about the historic event.
The Bottom Line
A trip to New York City can be an excellent choice for any traveler from around the world. Be sure to take notice of the time of year you are traveling to the city, as the weather may be less than ideal compared to what you were expecting. By taking this into account, however, a person can be better prepared for their trip and enjoy the experience more. Consider traveling to each of the above locations when planning your next NYC vacation.