New York City is called the city that never sleeps, but in actuality, it is the city that is most alive. There is nothing - and I do mean nothing - that you can not experience in the grandest city of them all. Where else can you walk the streets of downtown, amidst skyscrapers, and intricately ornate buildings and actually enjoy the view? New York City is where all of the action happens, and unless you have been there, you have no idea what you are missing. In addition to it being the home of some of the greatest American landmarks, it is built with beauty, offers thousands of shopping venues, boasts some of the most breath-taking views, promises some of the most luxurious foods, and hosts hundreds of Broadway plays each year. There is no attraction in New York City that is not 'fun'. Whether you are seeking glitzy lights, or glistening glamour, New York City is the place to find it. The best thing about New York City (well, that's not the best thing about it is it?) is that it is kid, and family friendly, for the most part.
~For the kids...
When visiting such a large, busy (and often times seemingly dirty) city such as New York, children could very easily be bored, especially with all of the walking that you will be doing. Of course, you will sight-see, and visit attractions or landmarks that many kids would think dull or informative, but you will also want to take the kids to the most spectacular spots that they can enjoy. Fortunately, these places are not just fun for the kids, but for many adults as well.
*FAO Schwartz- or one of the biggest toy-stores in all the land. No, my friend this is no Toys'R'us (although NYC does boast the biggest one of those, also which conveniently has inside of it a ferris wheel...yes, a ferris wheel, so go ahead and put that on the list, as well). Here you will find not only all of the latest toys, video games, stuffed animals...etc, but also a collection of vintage toys and games. This is located on fifth avenue, right around the block from some fun attractions for adults, whereas Toy'R'us is in Times Square.
*The Nintendo Store. Here you will find everything and anything to suit your gaming needs. Whether you are in the market for a wee plush Mario doll, or in search of a hard to find retro Nintendo game (or if you wish to catch a glimpse of the very first, very bulky Nintendo model ever...sigh...we have come so far), this is the place to get it. The store also features huge flatscreens and gaming consoles for your enjoyment. Face it, even when in the Big Apple no kid will want to give up their games.
*Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Beautiful, festive, and breathtaking, and surrounded by an ice skating rink, this is one landmark you can not miss. If you are in the city during the holiday season, of course. The tree is usually a Norway Spruce, and stands between 75 and 100 feet tall, and is a standing (literally) tradition since 1931, which was the very year that construction began on the Empire State building. The tree was erected before Rockefeller center itself was.
~For the shopper...
*Tiffany's. Need I really elaborate on this one? Whether you are actually in the market for some glittering jewelry or if you simply want to window shop, Tiffany's is the place to be. What gal doesn't want to gaze into the very windows that Audrey Hepburn ogled?Tiffany's is an American Institution, established in New York City in 1837. Beside the glittering jewels, Tiffany's is like a landmark, with beautiful architechture and located a stones throw away from Central Park, and next door to Trump Towers.
*Macy's. When you think of New York, you think of Macy's, without a doubt. It is the quintessential department store for all of your shopping needs. But this is no ordinary department store, you see. The New York City Macy's actually takes up an entire block! It is so large that the store offers guides to assist you in navigating through the store.
~For everyone...
*Statue of Liberty
When visiting New York, you of course have to visit the traditional tourist attractions, and Lady Liberty may very well be the most popular one of them all. The statue is on Liberty Island, which is 12 acres and located in New York Harbor. Of course, to get there you must buy a ticket and board the ferry. Recently it was announced that the statue will be open to the public after July. 4, 2009, so that visitors may climb to the very top for an extraordinary view of the city.
*Empire State building
This attraction is equaled in popularity with the Statue of Liberty. When visiting the Empire State building, you will travel (very slowly) to the eighty-sixth floor, mostly through elevators and partially through stairs (if you so choose) to the observation deck. From there you will be granted one of the most magical, breath-taking, fantastic views in the world. This is an attraction that simply can not be missed, especially at night.
*Central Park
You may think that it's just a park, and there are parks everywhere. No. It isn't just a park. It is a magnificently beautiful and famous 843 acres of wonder. It holds a zoo, a carousel, horse drawn carriages, has spectacular views of the city, and has been featured in thousands of movies and television shows. Central Park is not something that you can choose to not visit.
~For the Serious tourists...
*Museums
New York City is a place that does not have a shortage of anything, and this most certainly includes museums. There are a whopping 85 museums in the city! Of course, some are larger and more famous than others and draw huge amounts of tourists per annum, but they all have something to offer visitors. Among them: The Guggenheim, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
*Broadway
It would be a sin to go to New York City and not take in a play. There is also no way that you could justify heading to the Big Apple and not seeing a play. Yes, some of them are expensive, but others are not. And here is a little secret; there is a spot near Times Square where you can snag a couple of tickets to a fabulous show for a fraction of the cost. Unless you have a certain play in mind and are absolutely dying to see a certain actor or actress live in person, this is the way to go. Grab a few tickets, hit a show and then head over to 'Juniors' for a huge steak burger and a thick slice of classic New York cheesecake.
Of course, this list does not cover all that NYC has to offer. There are restaurants that you must experience, food that you must taste, desserts that you can not resist, and drinks that simply must be had, but that is up to the individual visitor. To put it simply, New York City is a destination that offers something for everyone. It is a place of history, fascination, entertainment, beauty, art, and culture that is not to be overlooked.