Popular New York City Attractions and Landmarks

What comes to mind when you think of New York City? Do you think of the Statue of Liberty? How about the Empire State Building? Great pizza?
 
Like many other cities in this world, people describe landmarks when asked about a city. While Los Angeles has the Hollywood sign and San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, New York is blessed with not one, but multiple landmarks that distinguish the city. Each one has its own place in the history that helped shape New York City.

The Statue of Liberty

For the tired, the poor, and huddled masses (as well as everyone else), the Statue of Liberty is a beautiful monument to behold. Whether it's viewed from aboard the Manhattan Island ferry or from Staten Island, the Statue of Liberty is an amazing gift from France that reminds us of the trip many of our ancestors made across the Atlantic Ocean to Ellis Island generations ago.

For a terrific day out, a trip on the Manhattan Island ferry to Liberty Island to view the Statue of Liberty up close is well worth the price. At height of 151 feet, Lady Liberty is a commanding figure and her torch is big enough to stand inside!

The Statue of Liberty has 25 windows in the crown, which symbolize 25 gemstones found on the earth. The seven rays of Lady Liberty's crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world. Lady Liberty was constructed from 250,000 pounds of steel and 62,000 pounds of copper.

The Subways: Getting a True Taste of New York

If you're not up for a boat ride, a fun thing to do, believe it or not, is to ride the New York City subways. While people who ride the subway each day may think that's routine or boring, for visitors there's a lot to see just by riding your fare around the Manhattan circuit. Hit the subways and go wherever your heart desires.

The Empire State Building

Completed in 1931, this historic landmark was built in a time when horse power (yes, literal horses) was still popular. While the idea of the Empire State Building spawned during the real estate boom of the 1920s, developers struggled to find tenants after construction was completed, earning it the nickname "Empty State Building."

The building is situated in central Manhattan, and being the second tallest building in the United States, it offers magnificent views of the city.

A great time to experience the wonderful views of the 86th floor observatory (the observatory on the 102nd floor has been closed to the public) is at night. The crowds will be smaller and you'll get to see New York City shine brightly below.

The Neon Lights of Times Square

Did you know Times Square is the only neighborhood in the city with a zoning ordinance requiring tenants to display bright lights?

Originally known as Longacre Square, the area was renamed Times Square in 1904 after the New York Times building that became the cornerstone of the district. With a rich and colorful history, Times Square is a symbol of the urban jungle and one of the well-known landmarks in New York City.

Today, you can shop around in the wide variety of stores while you wait for a Broadway show or stare at the largest LED display in the world, the NASDAQ sign. If you can manage it, spend New Year's Eve at Times Square. Hundreds of thousands of people congregate at Times Square to watch the Waterford crystal ball being lowered as the crowds count down to the new year. It's truly a sight to see and one you won't forget.

Truly Great New York Landmarks

Spend a day in Central Park. This haven of nature provides stark contrast to the concrete jungle surrounding it. Catch one of the free theatrical performances or visit the small zoo in the park.

Take a tour of the New York Stock Exchange and see the traders in action! A tour of one of the Big Apple's most renowned financial institutions offers an exciting glimpse into the world of stock trading.

If you want to do something really fun, try to arrange ahead of time for tickets to the Late Show with David Letterman, which is taped at the Ed Sullivan Theater in Rockefeller Center.