New York Landmarks
As the #1 tourist destination in the United States, New York is home to dozens of landmarks that have become synonomous with the city. While the city is world famous for everything from fashion to finance, from diplomacy to theater, from art to sports clubs, it is the many iconic landmarks that most people picture when they think of New York City. Visitors will usually want to add at least one of these venues to their trip, in between enjoying the incredible diversity of food, shopping, and other attractions the city has to offer. Stay in one of the five star New York hotels or find a bed and breakfast housed in one of the city’s historic brownstones.
At various times both the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building have been icons of the New York skyline. While visitors are no longer allowed to climb to the torch or the crown of the Statue of Liberty, they can enjoy the statue’s museum. The Immigrations Museum at Ellis Island has also become a popular tourist destination. The Empire State Building is open until midnight and offers stunning views of the city.
No trip to New York would be complete without a visit to Central Park and Times Square — even if its just a driveby. Central Park is perhaps the most famous park in the world, with many international capitals modeling large parks after New York’s example. It is home not just to greenery, lakes, and recreation areas, but also houses the Central Park Zoo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It also hosts concerts and theater productions. Times Square has evolved into a “family-friendly” tourist center with theaters, themed restaurants, and hotels.
Lincoln Center and Rockefeller Plaza are also New York hot spots, but for very different reasons. Lincoln Center is the world’s largest cultural complex housed in architecturally stunning buildings. Enjoy the beauty of the structures even if you’re not interested in the world-class ballet, opera, theater, and symphonies that are performed inside. Rockefeller Plaza consists of amazing art deco architecture and is famous for its skating rink and annual Christmas tree. There are a number of shops and several eateries that overlook the Plaza.
Travelers also may want to take time to visit the World Trade Center Site. Plaques throughout the site document the history of the World Trade Center. The Freedom Tower is scheduled to be complete on this site in 2013. Other landmarks that round out a New York iternerary include the United Nations, the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the New York Stock Exchange.
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