Fun Things to Do, Interesting Things to See in New York City, NY
Did you know the “Big Apple” nickname came from a horse racing boom in the 1920s? A newspaper column used the moniker to attract customers because horses love apples, and the “Big Apple” would be considered the biggest reward for the winner of the races. Nowadays, New York City, NY, is famous for the Statue of Liberty, the quiet beauty of Central Park, and the musicals and performances on Broadway. Walk the skyline of Brooklyn Bridge, snap pictures of iconic billboards in Times Square, or visit the observation deck of the Empire State Building for panoramic city views. Interested in New York City for the holidays? Catch the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center.
Times Square
Times Square is a vibe of energy, vitality, excitement, and lights. It paints a romantic picture of New York City, especially in the evenings when the streets are alive with the hum of conversation, the laughter of strangers, and strains of different music from the many bars, restaurants, and shops. You can find live music and arts performances, sample street food from vendors of all cultures, and watch the billboards flip to learn about new Broadway shows and the latest NYC entertainment. On New Year’s Eve, join hundreds of thousands of others to celebrate and watch the ball drop live to ring in the New Year.
- Address: 1560 Broadway Ste 1001 New York, NY 10036
- Phone: (212) 768-1560
- Website link: www.timessquarenyc.org
Central Park
Some would call Central Park an oasis with tranquil gardens and towering trees. Resting benches are everywhere, while walkways and nature paths provide walkers, hikers, joggers, and outdoors enthusiasts with plenty to do for exercise. Not much of a runner? You can meander. Take a languid stroll to feed the ducks on one of the many ponds, rent a rowboat for a graceful glide across the waters, or sit and soak up the sunshine on a picnic blanket or bench. Check out the Bethesda Terrace, a grand sculpture of ironic carvings and a sweeping staircase overlooking the Bethesda Fountain.
- Address: 59th To 110th Street, Manhattan Borough, From Central Park West To 5th Avenue New York, NY 10022
- Phone: (212) 310-6600
- Website link: www.centralparknyc.org
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Just a short walk from Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known as simply “The Met,” is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums. The collections are diverse and influential across 5,000 years of human history, documenting art in various mediums from the time of the cavemen to the present day. Egyptians, Grecians, Romans, Europeans, African Americans, Americans, and Asians are all represented with artworks reflecting their cultures and lifestyles.
- Address: 1000 5th Ave New York, NY 10028
- Phone: (212) 535-7710
- Website link: www.metmuseum.org
The Statue of Liberty
Standing tall and proud, the Statue of Liberty has a rich history that began in 1886. Representing spirit, freedom, and hope, the sculpture stands 305 feet from bottom to top with a torch high above her head to symbolize enlightenment, like a lightbulb over someone’s head to reflect an idea or concept. Her crown of seven rays represents the unity of the seven continents, and she stands steadfast and proud from her place in New York Harbor. You can see the Statue of Liberty from designated piers on land or go by boat for an up-close view.
- Address: Liberty Is New York, NY 10004
- Phone: (212) 363-3200
- Website link: www.nps.gov
The High Line
The High Line is a unique, one-of-a-kind park on Manhattan’s West Side, where architecture, art, and nature converge. Built on an elevated railway in the 1930s, the park is divided into sections with distinct atmosphere and character. Walk through to discover art installations and sculptures or laze around on a bench or the grass, watching the world go by outside the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Address: 820 Washington Street New York, NY
- Phone: (212) 206-9922
- Website link: www.thehighline.org/visit/
