New York Five: Must-See Attractions in the Big Apple

The romantic appeal and major landmarks of New York City have long been enchanting visitors to its bustling streets. If you’re planning a first time trip to the Big Apple, be sure to visit these top must-see attractions. Bring your camera too!

The Statue of Liberty

One of the city’s most iconic sights, this copper statue has watched over NYC since 1886. The national monument sits on Liberty Island, which can be reached at one of the ferry points in the city’s harbor or from New Jersey. Book your ferry tickets in advance to avoid queues — this also offers priority check-in and boarding. For an unforgettable experience, reserve tickets to visit the crown platform. It’s not for the fainthearted with 377 steps to climb, but you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the skyline.

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

For a fascinating day out, head to this often overlooked museum which houses many impressive exhibits, including some of the world’s fastest jets and the space shuttle, Enterprise. Also referred to as the USS Intrepid museum, the Intrepid aircraft carrier remains a major attraction and has been open to the public since the museum’s inauguration in 1982. Aside from these vessels, you can enjoy a thrilling ride on a state-of-the-art simulator. This includes a supersonic jet plane, which allows you to feel the power and take control from a two person cockpit, with realistic, 360 degree movement. If this sounds like your kind of attraction, you can download a discount voucher for the USS Intrepid Museum and check it out.

Central Park

No trip to NYC would be complete without a visit to one of the most famous urban parks in the world. With free entry it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll to escape the bustling streets of Manhattan. Be sure to visit the Central Park Zoo, which showcases animals from tropical and polar zones with a focus on wildlife conservation. You can also stop at one of the many lakeside stretches of grass for a picnic and marvel at the famous monuments, including the Alice in Wonderland sculpture.

Madison Square Garden

The world’s most famed arena is nestled in the heart of Manhattan, hosting high profile concerts and family friendly shows. There’s also a great choice of sporting events, which can be booked through the Garden box office. Don’t miss a chance to watch the legendary New York Rangers take to the ice for the NHL season. Alternatively, watch the New York Knicks basketball team whilst enjoying a hot dog and slice of New York pizza.

Yankee Stadium

The New York Yankees are a national treasure and their stadium, located in the Bronx, is one of the most iconic baseball venues in the history of the game. Be sure to book tickets for match day in advance as it can get busy. Fans of the sport can also enjoy a guided tour of the stadium, with an intimate look at the press box, Monument Park and Museum.

There’s plenty more attractions to explore in the city that never sleeps. Visit some of these and you can look forward to a memorable NYC adventure.

Images by Ana Paula Hirama, musicisentropy and eviltomthai, used under Creative Commons license