The Highlights of New York

Come rain or shine; you will always find the city alive and bustling with busy New Yorkers and mesmerized tourists. The city is rife with numerous activities, and there is something here for everyone. In fact, it may be next to impossible to cover all the city highlights in a single visit because of their sheer density.

However, that doesn’t mean you miss out on capturing the city's true essence. From enjoying a picnic in the peaceful Central Park, catching breathtaking views from the Statue of Liberty or Rockefeller Center, or just enjoying a good Broadway showLink opens in a new tab, you can do it all. Through careful planning, you can squeeze in numerous important city highlights into your trip that will help you explore the city to its fullest.

So, if you’re flying PLAY and land in New York, you can head directly to one of these exciting city highlights. 

Built-in the late eighteen hundred, the Statue of Liberty represents freedom, opportunity, and everything American. This was a gift from France to America and is a popular tourist spot for many.

After all, you simply cannot visit New York without visiting the famous Greek goddess LibertasLink opens in a new tab with her touch. The Statue of Liberty stands tall at about 152 ft., weighs about 450,000 pounds, and because of its sheer size, the statue is included in the list of the world's largest statues. 

Although the statue can be viewed from land. Specifically, from Southern Manhattan's Battery Park. But it goes without saying that a cursory glance from a distance will not do this statue justice. To truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, you must go to Liberty Island and view the statue in all its shining glory up close.

Traveling to Liberty Island is fairly simple and inexpensive. All it requires is a short boat ride, and before you know it, you’re in front of the brilliant statue. Once there, you can enter the pedestal or simply walk around it. However, if you can get your hands on exclusive advanced reservations for going up to the crown, the trip is definitely worth the hassle. 

To avoid the crowd and have a smooth journey, it is advisable to book tickets to the Statue of Liberty itself or any tours of the island around it in advance. You must also be careful to buy tickets for the ferry from the official ticket booth as there are chances of being scammed by unofficial hawkers. Besides the Statue of Liberty, you can also explore the nearby Immigration Museum at Ellis Island. 

The Rockefeller Center is a one-stop-shop for everything exciting. So, whether you want to appreciate some artistic sculptures, catch some fun performances at the Radio City Music Hall, or have a great panoramic view of the NBC Studio, where some of America’s most famous shows are recorded, there's something for everyone. You can also ice skate your heart away, go up to the Rock observation deck, or simply grab a bite to eat. The Rockefeller CenterLink opens in a new tab offers numerous activities under one roof. 

Located near midtown grand central, the center was built during the Great Depression in 1929 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. The complex contains 19 buildings in total and a wide variety of different activities that are sure to keep you occupied for hours on end. The incorporation of art in to the building, its magnificent architecture, and the liveliness of happy shoppers and tourists make this place a must-visit for tourists.

To make your trip more memorable, book tickets in advance. Ideally, start booking all your tour tickets as soon as you book your flight with PLAY so that you can get a head start on the places you must visit.  

Natural History buffs are truly in for a treat in New York. Though the city may seem like a concrete metropolis rife with modern-day architecture with no place for nature or history, the American Museum of Natural History is an example of the city’s rich association and appreciation of natural history. With numerous interactive displays featuring land, outer space, and sea, this museum is a favorite among adults and children. 

The museum is located in the upper west side of Manhattan, off Central Park. It contains 32 million exhibits and artifacts, 25 buildings, 45 display halls, and four city blocks. One of its most attractive display areas is the Rose Center for Earth and Space. However, the dinosaurs, butterfly conservatory, and the hall of the Universe are important displays that must be visited as well.

The American Museum of Natural History has numerous deals and discounts to encourage people to visit. They have a free or suggested price for their standard tickets for New YorkLink opens in a new tab, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents. Undoubtedly, the lines at the museum can be quite long.

However, you can skip the long and winding queues with a tourist pass if you're a tourist. Furthermore, tourists can also gain numerous discounts through bundled packages. So, if you want to enjoy the scenes from the infamous movie A Night At The Museum up close, be sure to book your next flight to New York through PLAY and head on over. 

With all its fabulous glitz and glamour, Broadway is an absolute must-visit for all who visit New York City. Individuals with love for theater can never get enough with just one show. Known as the Great White Way at a point in history to indicate the numerous bulbs that illuminated the street it was located on, Broadway carries a special place in the heart of both New Yorkers and tourists who appreciate theater.

Located near Times Square, Broadway contains about 41 professional theaters that have about 500 seats each. Although exceptions may exist, only Broadway theatres with a minimum capacity of 500 are considered part of Broadway. Smaller theaters exist and are known as off-Broadway.

Although Broadway theaters host a wide variety of performances, the most common type are musicals. To get to Broadway, all you have to do is hop aboard one of the numerous subway lines that lead directly to the main location in the Theater District, i.e., 42nd street. 

To make the most out of your visit to Broadway, it is best to check the schedule of plays online and book your ticket accordingly. 

If you are looking for a peaceful place to take a stroll with your family, then Central ParkLink opens in a new tab is the place to be for you. The first public park to be made in America, this enormous park extends over 840 acres. It is over 150 years old and has 50 water fountains, structures, and monuments, 36 arches and bridges, and 21 playgrounds. 

This fun family place is the perfect spot for a family picnic, some light bird watching, relaxing and people watching. In addition, with a multitude of activities available, athletic individuals will thoroughly enjoy their stay playing sports such as skating, rowing, paddling, and climbing.

Central Park is a mix of a museum, concert hall, and park. This is because some museums and other famous tourist attractions are located within the park\s vicinity. As one of the most famous historical sites in the Big Apple, the park is visited by more than 25 million guests each year. 

A visit to New York would be incomplete without visiting the infamous Times SquareLink opens in a new tab. This commercial area is known as the epitome of New York. The dazzling, well-lit, and colorful square is almost always full to the brim with people.  

Although some consider Times Square to be overhyped, extravagant, congested, and ordinary, there is no denying that it is a happening and fun place that perfectly represents New York City. Individuals usually stroll Times Square when they come for a Broadway show. Visiting after dark will allow you to view the marquee displays and appreciate the large neon advertisements and lights to their fullest.  

An annual ball drop every New Year’s Eve is a particular favorite among visitors. The Waterford crystal ball is descended over 77 ft from the One Times Square building. To watch this event live, book your ticket with PLAY before New Year’s Eve, so you have ample time to enjoy the event and the sites of New York City. 

The Big Apple is one of America’s most popular cities. Although the city has more things to do than you can think of, there are definitely a few must-visits that you absolutely cannot skip if you plan on visiting. Whether you prefer to stay for a few days or more, you will never run out of things to do and places to explore in New York City.