New York – the city that never sleeps – is on many people's bucket list. It is a big city with a lot to do, and that is certainly not possible in one go. Although the touristy things are often skipped, they are definitely worth a visit in New York. Even if it's just for a few nice photos. We have therefore listed 12 tourist attractions that you must see when you visit New York for the first time.
Times square
Who hasn't seen it before, the flashing lights of the billboards in Times Square. Although Times Square is one of the world's most recognizable places, it still holds many surprises and a visit should not be missed on your trip. Nothing can prepare you for the sensory overload the first time you step into Times Square. The sidewalks are filled with a huge amount of people, and the lights make sure it's always bright, even late at night. There are many great shops and restaurants, and a visit to one of the many theaters on Broadway is also recommended.
Times Square © NYC &Company/Joe Buglewicz
Top of the rock Observation Deck
Many people come to New York hoping to make it to the top, and the fastest way is to take the elevator to the 67th, 69th, or 70th floor at Rockefeller Plaza. The three 360 degree observation decks on Top of the Rock showcase the city's spectacular skyline.
Rockefeller center
If you come down from the Top of the rock Observation Deck, and you'll be there around the holidays, don't miss a visit to the ice rink or the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. You can take beautiful pictures there, and also eat in one of the many restaurants.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. You can take in the beauty and splendor of Lady Liberty by ferry, visit the grounds of Liberty Island and take the perfect picture. But you can also see the statue in the distance from New York harbor.
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911 memorial &museum We will never forget the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, where hijacked passenger planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The 9/11 Memorial Museum tells the story of the events of 9/11 through monumental and found objects, archives, stories and multimedia displays. The 9/11 Memorial consists of two huge reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers. The names of every person who died in the terror attacks are engraved in bronze around the pools.
Wall Street Centered on the Wall and Broad streets, the Financial District is Manhattan's original neighborhood – here historic sites and tall financial buildings sit side by side in narrow streets that hark back to Peter Stuyvesant and the city's days as Dutch outpost. Attractions include Trinity Church, the New York Stock Exchange and the Charging Bull sculpture, as well as Federal Hall, the first capital of the United States of America and also where George Washington was sworn in as the country's first president.
Fifth avenue shopping/walking One of the most luxurious shopping areas in the country, Fifth Avenue is the home of New York City's shopping scene. It has been full of many fashion houses for over 100 years. From runway copycats to bargain hunters, everyone can shop here. And with mass-market brands like Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie &Fitch, luxury department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and retailers like H&M, Zara and Uniqlo, the street literally offers something for everyone. Fifth Avenue is also home to the 24-hour flagship Apple Store and the city's first jeweler, Tiffany &Co.
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Brooklyn Bridge
The iconic Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. One of the most recognizable parts of the New York City skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge has been featured in many movies and on TV shows, and is a true piece of New York City history. A walk across the bridge offers a real experience. The Manhattan side entrance is located at Park Row and Center Street, opposite City Hall Park.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn © NYC &Company/Julienne Schaer
China town
Besides China, most Chinese live in New York. Manhattan's Chinatown is a true New York story, the American Dream in action. The thriving immigrant population gives visitors access to diverse produce and culinary delights, and walking these streets takes you through the city's past (it's where much of the action of Martin Scorsese's New York gangs took place.)
Chinatown Streets, Chinatown, Manhattan © NYC &Company/Tagger Yancey
Little Italy When Italian immigrants moved to this Manhattan neighborhood in the late 1800s, they brought their customs, food, and language with them. That heritage remains evident today – the streets of Little Italy are lined with restaurants serving Italian delicacies on red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Little Italy may be smaller than it used to be, but the neighborhood still retains vestiges of its Italian-American past—a history that will be instantly recognizable with its five-story tenements painted red, white, and green, and shops selling salted salami .
Coney island In just over an hour you can go from the glitz and glamor of Manhattan to the old-school entertainment of Brooklyn's legendary Coney Island. The destination offers sun, fun and entertainment. You'll find the Luna Park amusement park, the New York Aquarium, the original Nathan's Famous, the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team, a world-famous boardwalk and, of course, the beautiful beaches. Coney Island is an absolute must on any New York City itinerary.
Coney Island Boardwalk, Coney Island, Brooklyn © NYC &Company/Julienne Schaer
Central Park
Central Park is the urban oasis from the busy city. The 843-acre green space features green pastures, water, and scenic views. The range of activities you can enjoy here is almost unparalleled:walking, cycling, skating, fishing, visiting the Central Park Zoo, seeing a formal English garden and, during the summer months, lounging on a picnic blanket and listening to a live concert.
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Of course there is much, much more to do in New York, but we hope you have a nice holiday with our tips.
