What to Expect on Your Visit to New York City?

So, in 2018, I had the chance to explore a city that has been on my bucket list for a very long time. No, it is not Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or California. It was the Big Apple, The New York City. Yes, I had the chance to explore this beautiful city after I saw Godzilla, a 1998 movie that showed me how amazing the city is. In this blog, I’m going to tell you all about the city and what are the must-see places in New York.

So, without booking the tickets, let’s explore New York City!

New York City

New York is the most populous city in the United States and is often referred to as New York City (NYC) to differentiate it from the state of New York. New York City is also the most heavily packed major city in the United States, with a population of 8,804,190 spread across 300.46 square miles (778.2 km2). The city is the center of the New York metropolitan area, the world's largest metropolitan area by urban area, and is positioned at the southern tip of the state of New York. New York is one of the world's most populous megacities, with over 20.1 million people in its major metro area and 23.5 million in its merged statistical area as of 2020.

New York City has been called the world's cultural, financial, and media capital, and it has a significant impact on commercial activity, recreation, research, technology, youth development, politics, tourist industry, dining, art, fashion, and sports. It is the world's most photographed city. New York, which is home to the United Nations headquarters, is an important center for foreign negotiations and has been dubbed the "Capital of the World" on occasion.

This data is not what will excite you, but keep reading to know why you should visit a city that never sleeps.

New York, one of the world's greatest cities, is always a whirlwind of action, with popular landmarks at every turn but never enough time to see them all. Some come to see the Broadway shows; others come to shop and dine; and many simply come to see the sights: Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, historic neighborhoods, and world-famous museums.

Many of the top tourist attractions in New York are within walkable distance of one another or are only a short ride away, making this city ideal for sightseeing. Some of the more recent tourist attractions to open in New York, such as the High Line and One World Observation deck, provide unique perspectives of the city. There is always something to see and do in New York, no matter what time of year it is or what time of day or night it is.

Although the city may not have its typically high vibe, that really doesn't mean you shouldn't go. Fewer tourists have changed the city, making it less expensive to start exploring and fairly easy to visit, with shorter lines at popular attractions. You might want to seize this opportunity to have the city all to yourself.

Must-See Places In New York

Let’s get on with the real reason you are here with us. The top tourist attractions in New York

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, America's most iconic landmark, is at the pinnacle of every first-time visitor's list of stuff to do in New York. It was France's gift to the United States. It was built in 1886 and is still a world beacon of freedom and one of America's top attractions.

It is one of the largest statues in the world, standing just under 152 feet tall from base to torch and weighing approximately 450,000 lbs. The statue can be seen from land, with especially great views from Battery Park on Manhattan's southern tip. However, the best way to truly enjoy the Statue of Liberty is to take a short boat ride to Liberty Island and see it firsthand. Take a leisurely walk around the base, and if time permits, enter the pedestal. As of this writing, the crown is still closed.

A tour of the Statue of Liberty includes a stop at Ellis Island to investigate the Immigration Museum. This wonderful museum is housed in the historic immigration depot complex, where thousands of immigrants were handled before being allowed to enter the United States.

The Central Park

A walk, peddle, or horse and cart ride through Central Park's crisscrossing pathways is a must-do on any New York City tour. In the winter, you can even put on your skates and skate around Wollman Rink. This massive park in the city center, a half-mile wide & 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a gorgeous and habitable city.  Aside from being a great place to enjoy some landscape, Central Park has many sights within its boundaries, the majority of which are free, making it one of the few inexpensive things to do in NYC. The Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, the Central Park Zoo, and the Lake are among the most popular places to visit. If you're exploring the park on your own, get a map from one of the visitor centers and plan your route.

Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock Observation Deck

When it comes to New York's places of interest, Rockefeller Center is on just about everyone's list. This sprawling entertainment and shopping complex in the heart of Manhattan houses NBC-TV and other media outlets, but the centerpiece is the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Plaza, an Art Deco skyscraper with spectacular views of Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck. The "deck," as it is known, consists of three floors, which are situated on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Spectacular views are available from both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, both during the day and at night.

Broadway and the Theater District

This has to be among the best tourist places in New York City!

One of the greatest things you can do in New York City is to see a Broadway show. It is the spot to see the recent shows as well as long-running classics. It is regarded as the top of American theatre. Broadway is commonly used to refer to Broadway theatre, which includes a large number of theatre arenas in the Theater District and all along Broadway. Tickets for the most popular shows should be bought well beforehand.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a well-known landmark in New York and a popular tourist destination. The 381-meter-tall, the 102-story building was the world's tallest until one tower of the world trade center surpassed it 41 years later. When it first opened in 1931, the Empire State Building, which was topped with a berthing mast for airships, quickly became a tourist attraction and a symbol for New York City. There are two observatories atop the Skyscraper, but both provide breathtaking views. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles into neighboring states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History, one of New York City's best museums for a weekend trip, has something for everyone. Eight perpetual exhibit halls showcase everything fascinating about our planet's natural environment, from science and the surroundings to animals and relics. The museum also organizes special exhibits that are only on display for a limited time. One of the current exhibits worth seeing is one on sharks, which features designs of these magnificent animals that you can reach out and touch. The rare 22-carat Okavango Blue Diamond is also on display.

A quick walk through the Butterfly Conservatory is a must-do on any visit. You'll be sharing the space with 500 fluttering butterflies inside this hot and humid climate-controlled building.

There are countless tourist places in New York City that we have not mentioned, but these are some of the few that you have to visit if you step into New York City.

What is the Best Time to Visit New York City?

The best time to visit New York is at any time of year. Each season provides visitors with numerous reasons to visit. Early fall brings crisp breezes, bright sun, and pleasant temperatures, while late fall and winter bring the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Christmas decorations. The deep winter months of January and February are cold, but they also have lower hotel rates. Spring is beautiful, and New Yorkers enjoy it by marching in the streets, shopping at open-air markets, gallivanting in Central Park, and dining al fresco. Summers are hot, but so are many other places, and this is NYC.

Summertime in New York is the hottest season, but it is also a very prevalent time to visit, particularly for families with children who are not in school. Hotel prices remain relatively stable, but the humidity continues to rise. Wear cool clothing on hot days that reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Related: Why Should You Visit Leh Ladakh?

Summary

New York is the greatest city to live in, and it doesn’t matter where you are from! You will get along well with the culture and diversity the city offers. The above mentioned are a few best tourist attractions New York City offers, and I am sure once to visit NYC, you will not leave a single stone unturned.