10 classics in New York City in total random order. Not perse our highlights but I'm sure you'll want to see at least a couple of them!
Central Park also referred to as the green lung of NYC with over 20 million visitors each year. Fun to walk, bike, skate or run through. A Central Park classic is The Loeb Boathouse, if you’re into romcoms you’ll recognize it for sure. Strawberry Fields memorial, in rememberance of John Lennon, is also something to check out. On the official website of Central Park (click here) you can find info on things to do in the park and good stuff like running routes. We prefer to bike through Central Park. One option is a Citibike, but if you're stressed about the 30 minute time limit you might want to rent your bikes here.
Wall Street representative of the American financial world. The Charging Bull is a phenomenon here. This lifesize statue of a bull represents the rizing stockmarket. Often you’ll find people in line to have their picture taken with the bull and it is said that rubbing the bull gives good luck. Its nose and balls are the most shiny parts. Since this year the bull has got company from the Fearless Girl. She was placed there as a shout out to the corporate world to get more women in senior leadership roles.
Times Square & Broadway giant billboards, neon signs, music, the Naked Cowboy, flashing lights, 42nd street, theaters, cinemas, sirens, honking taxis and many many people. In the midst of Times Square there are bleachers where you can take a seat to absorb the vibe. And keep in mind that the people that are dressed up as your favorite TV or moviecharacters expect a tip when they see you taking their picture.....
Brooklyn Bridge impressive, beautiful and for a long time the longest suspension bridge in the world. Great fun to cross; walking, running or biking. Especially out of Brooklyn, heading towards Manhattan. The view on the financial district and the rest of Manhattan is awesome.
Grand Central Terminal known as one of the most beautiful railwaystations in the world. Especially the main terminal (almost 50 meters high and 150 meter long) with the beautiful painted ceiling is impressive, as is the huge American Flag in the middle of it all.
The Highline an elevated park built on old traintracks. It runs through the Meatpacking District and Chelsea. What used to be a shady place is now a vibrant outdoor playground where people come to walk, lounge, lunch. look at art and smell the flowers. Make a day of it and visit The Whitney and Chelsea Market while you're there!
World Trade Center/Ground Zero the place where the Twin Towers used to be and referred to as One World Trade Center or Freedom Tower. Very impressive.
Lady Liberty the symbol for New York City. She measures 93 meters tall and, if you’re lucky, you can see her from the airplane. You can book a tour to see her up close but in our opinion it’s just as much fun to take the (free) Staten Island Ferry which connects Manhattan and Staten Island and goes right by her. You get pretty close and going back the view on Manhattan is awesome!
The Empire State Building lost its title “tallest building in the world” already a while ago but the view from the observation deck is still spectacular. If you go up at the end of the day you’ll see the city in daylight, dusk and dark. But it’s hard to plan on it; the lines are often long and a 1,5 hour wait is not unusual. Book your entrance ticket in advance and avoid wasting precious New York minutes standing in line.Check the Tower Lighting Schedule to see how the tower will be lit while you are there and for what reason.
Top of the Rock the observation deck high on Rockefeller Center that gives spectacular views of Central Park and the Empire State Building. Often less crowded than the Empire State Building but it might still be worth your while to get your tickets ahead online.
Is it your first time in New York? Then you might be interested in getting a New York Explorer Pass with which you can visit 3, 5 or 7 attractions. And do let us know if there is anything we can help you with! We'd love to hear from you!