Whether you’re planning your first trip to the Big Apple, or you’re making another annual trip, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and what to see. There are so many museums, clubs, restaurants, and other hot spots, how will you ever narrow your itinerary to a few days’ worth of sight-seeing? I can help. Here are 10 of my favorite things to see in NYC.
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1. Statue of Liberty
Though chances are you’ll have to wait a little more than an hour to see her, since thousands of sight-seers visit her per day, you absolutely must see the Statue of Liberty! For hundreds of years, she’s been a beacon to immigrants, as well as a guest star in movies and TV shows… why not see her in person?
2. Times Square
Even if you’re not going to NYC for New Year’s Eve, it would still be a lot of fun to visit Times Square. There’s always something going on… I’ve always kind of considered it to be the central hub of everything’s that’s going on, from Broadway shows to dining out to art shows, and everything in between. This is definitely one of the top three things to see in NYC!
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3. A Taping of One of Your Favorite Shows
From Letterman to Saturday Night Live, so many shows tape, or are done live, in New York City! Why not get tickets to your favorite? Tickets are often free, but must be reserved well in advance, to make sure you get the date you want. Fun!
4. Tiffany’s Flagship Store!
I have this thing for fine jewelry, so of course one of my top things to see in NYC is always the Tiffany store on Fifth Avenue. There’s always something gorgeous and glittery on display, and you never know who you might run into, since so many celebs shop there, too.
5. The Empire State Building
If you’re planning a trip to New York, you absolutely must see the Empire State Building, too! First of all, the view is stunning. Second of all, you can re-enact some of your favorite movie scenes at the Empire State Building… but perhaps not King Kong. Check the official Empire State Building website at esbnyc.com to see more information, like what color lights will be on display the night you want to visit.
6. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
If you’re an art lover, you absolutely must visit the MoMA while you’re in New York. Before you go, download the free MoMA iPhone app for information about exhibits and ticket info. This is hands-down one of my own favorite things to see in NYC!
7. Ground Zero
This year we’ll mark the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11. Though it’s somber, you still may want to see the Ground Zero site, to observe a moment of silence, reflect on life, or mark the occasion in your own way.
8. Time Warner Center
You say “mall,” I say some of the best shopping and dining in the entire city, all boroughs included! Even if you’re only in the city for a few days, you must check it out… plan to arrive early, grab something delightful at Bouchon Bakery, and shop the day away!
9. The Film Forum
If you’re a fellow cineaste, rejoice! Sometimes one of the most wonderful things to see in NYC is, well, a film! Especially a marvelous independent film, something you may not have seen anywhere else. Check titles and show times at the Film Forum website at boxoffice.printtixusa.com.
10. Grand Central Station
Does any place epitomize the hustle and bustle of the big city better than Grand Central Station? Again, the place has been the back-drop for so many splendid movie scenes. Why not see it in person? Believe it or not, there’s plenty to see and do here, while you people-watch!
Of course, there are hundreds of other things to see in NYC, but these are the ones you absolutely can’t miss! I especially love the Film Forum… and of course I could spend an entire week at MoMA… which of these NYC landmarks have you visited? Or do you have another suggestion for a must-see spot in New York? Do tell!
Top Photo Credit: 17.img.v4.skyrock.net
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