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New York City Sights and Landmarks

New York City offers so many exciting things to do that it is usually necessary to plan several trips in order to see everything. Don’t get overwhelmed when planning your trip. Instead, allow everyone in your party to choose one thing they really want to do while on your New York City vacation and start your list there. You can also take a partially guided tour via a bus that allows you to hop on and off at the destinations of your choice or you can try to group your actives close together by location so you can do as many things on one side of town as possible while you are there. No matter how you plan to structure your trip, there are some things you will definitely want to do while in New York City.   

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty stands alone on an island just off the shores of Manhattan as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Initially given to the United States as a gift from France in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated as a national monument in 1924 and was restored on her 100th anniversary in 1986. After 9/11 climbing to the top of Lady Liberty’s crown was no longer an option as it became a threat to national security. However, those who want to see the Lady up close can take a short ferry ride to the island where they can take pictures of both the Statue and the gorgeous skylines of New York City and New Jersey. Currently, a limited amount of monument access passes are available free of charge for those who want to tour the gallery museum and the pedestal observation level. 

Combined ferry tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty and nearby Ellis Island are currently $12 each for individuals 13 years old and up, $10 each for those ages 62 and up and $5 each for children between the ages of four and 12. Toddlers and infants are free. Monument access passes are available on a first come first serve basis at the ferry ticket booths and are complimentary for those purchasing ferry tickets. If you are planning to visit during a busy season you may want to buy your tickets and arrange for your access passes in advance. You can do so by calling 1-877-LADY-TIX or by visiting www.statuecruises.com 

Ellis Island documents the history of the 12 million individuals who entered the United States through Ellis Island. More than fifty percent of Americans can trace their families back to a person who entered the United States via Ellis Island. An interactive historical experience, Ellis Island offers several short documentary films. Those who want to find their own relative’s name(s) can visit the Wall of Honor where they can locate a name and pay their respects to their ancestors. 

Ground Zero and the Sphere Sculpture in Battery Park

Currently the space where the twin towers once stood remains a gaping hole. All of the debris and wreckage from the terrorist attacks has been removed from the site and ideas for the memorial and museum that is to be built there are still being widely debated. Large fences block the area off from the public, but there is also a nearby World Trade Center (WTC) Visitor’s Center and Museum. Admission is on a donation basis, and many of the volunteers who run the center lost a loved one or have another personal connection to the attacks. The center also offers walking tours along the perimeter of the site. If you choose to visit, please don’t treat this as a tourist attraction and show the proper respect for both those who lost their lives on 9/11 and those they’ve left behind. 

For those looking to view a piece of actual history from the World Trade Center can stop by Battery Park where Fritz Koenig’s Sphere sculpture is on display. The sculpture once stood in Austin Tobin Plaza at the World Trade Center complex, and was found in the rubble of the twin towers. Although the Sphere was gashed, dented and severally scratched it still retained its overall shape. According to a BBC interview with Koenig, a Bible, part of an airplane including an airline seat and some papers from an office on the top floor were found inside the Sphere when it was first recovered. Koenig himself oversaw the reassembly of the Sphere—most of the damage done to the Sphere was left as it was and only slight modifications were made to make the Sphere displayable again. An eternal flame now burns at the base of this sculpture that stands as such a strong reminder of the resiliency of the American Spirit and as a tribute to all who lost their lives.   

Empire State Building & Top of the Rock Observatory

Visitors to the Empire State Building can take in the breathtaking view of the city both during the day or when it is lit up at night. On clear days visitors can see all the way to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Offering both an 86th floor and 102nd floor observatory, the Empire State Building is a great photo opportunity for those looking to capture a little piece of New York City to take home with them. Various tour options are available in a variety of prices. 

Some visitors to New York City prefer to visit the newer Top of the Rock Observatory atop Rockefeller Center instead claiming that it has better views. While that is still debatable, The Rock also offers it’s own bird’s eye view of the city from the 67th, 69th and 70th floors. 

Times Square and Broadway

Times Square, the famed intersection at 7th and Broadway, is best experienced at night. Countless signs and billboards keep that area as well lit as if it were the middle of the day. Plenty of touristy shops and restaurants also line the streets leading up to and away from Times Square. Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, Times Square is worth a visit. 

If live theatre is your thing, then catching a show “on Broadway” is a definite must. Whether you are looking for one of Disney’s more kid friendly offerings like The Lion King or Mary Poppins, or the longest running show on Broadway (Phantom of the Opera), you are bound to find something you like. Tickets can be purchased at theatre box offices or the concierge in your hotel may be able to make arrangements for you. 

Central Park

No matter what time of year you visit New York City, Central Park is a place worth visiting. In the fall the leaves will be changing making Central Park a perfect personification of autumn. In the winter the trees will be stripped bear and the ground laden with snow. But ice-skating is an option, making the outdoor trek worth it. In the spring the trees are bursting with cherry blossoms and the park is filled with greenery. Summer is hot and humid, so use caution and bring water with you if you plan to walk around the park. Plenty of vendors are also available throughout the park if you want to grab a quick snack or a cool drink. Carriage rides are available through parts of the park, and provide a romantic view of the city. Make sure you check out the John Lennon Memorial located in the park across the street from the Dakota Building where he was assassinated.