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Brooklyn Bridge

If you want to escape the busy streets of New York City and spend a calm and quiet afternoon overlooking the fantastic skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge is a must visit. Built in the year 1869, this historic bridge has been helping lovers from Manhattan and Brooklyn, standing at either end of the bridge, run into each other’s arms. Apart from being worshipped as a connector between Brooklyn and Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge is also renowned for its sturdy architecture. You don’t have to worry about the bridge swaying and making you lose your balance while you gawk at the wonderful Gothic architecture that dots the skyline. However, don’t try to jump into River Hudson that flows below the bridge with dignity; you might end up drowning yourself!

Empire State Building

A trip to New York is incomplete without a stolen kiss in the dark standing on the terrace of the famous Empire State Building. The Empire State Building has been dominating the world as one of the best offices both regarding performance and amenities. With Dare to Dream on the 80th floor portraying the wonders of art and the observatory on the 86th floor attracting tourists all the year round, it can be said without doubt that the Empire State Building is one of the finest national historic landmarks in the country. If you are lucky enough to visit this architectural wonder on a clear day, you will be greeted with the view disclosing the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, River Hudson, the Statue of Liberty and, of course, plenty more.

Statue of Liberty

Built by the famous Gustave Eiffel himself based on the intricate design of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty has been the face of New York ever since 1886. While the New Yorkers thank France for this generous gift of theirs, the people of the entire world look up to the serene face of the statue in the hope of freedom and independence. Holding the torch over 300 feet from the ground level, the Liberty Enlightening the World, the original name of the Statue of Liberty, has been accessible to people only through river cruises. Even though a simple ferry-ride can seem to be pricey, the expenditure is nothing compared to the excellent setting apt for photography offered by this wonderful piece of art.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History has been one of the most-visited places in New York especially after its adventurous portrayal in the film, Night at the Museum. This place is perfect for a family outing on a warm summer afternoon with your little ones who would not be able to constrain their inquisitiveness when they get a glimpse of the 32 million species that this museum castles. Though it is not always possible to carefully observe all the species, people don’t ever miss the chance to stare at the 94-foot blue whale and the Tyrannosaurus rex. After all, nobody wants to miss the chance to step into the past and into the deep ocean under the same roof, right? And, if you want to explore the outer space, the Hayden Planetarium and the Rose Center for Earth and Space will surely capture your eyes.

9/11 Memorial

To every person who is a true human being, the 9/11 Memorial has left a lingering impact on the heart. A visit to this spot cannot help you from recalling watching the bombardment inflicted on the Twin Towers in 1993 followed by the inhumane attack on September 11, 2001. While the twin reflecting pools, constructed out of the craters created by the falling of the two massive buildings, echoing the lament of the loss of the near and dear ones, people cannot simply walk past that place without bowing down in reverence. The names of the deceased inscribed in bronze surrounding the pools and the ‘Survivor Tree’ proclaims the victory of humanity despite the terrorizing loss and makes an invisible cry evoke in the heart of every spectator. And, for those people who want to know the story of the towering Twin Towers that lie in the dust, the ‘Survivor’s Staircase’ will say it all.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

How would you feel if you got a chance to travel through time? The Metropolitan Museum of Art, popularly known as “the Met” will make you escape the modern life, switch back to an era dated 500 years ago, and gradually come back into the present. The lovers of art will adore this place equivalent to paradise because of the versatile collection. From Asian to European to African to American, you only need to name it, and it will be presented before your eyes. No wonder this is a fantastic place for an excursion.

Visit the Coney Island

Most of the people do not recommend Coney Island. However, the revamped amusement park and the annual mermaid show has made Coney Island gain the popularity it once had. This is the perfect hangout place with friends and family. If you want to get a break from your busy life and enjoy being a kid at heart, this is the place that should be on your checklist.

Ride the Staten Island Ferry Free of Cost

Not every person will be able to afford a luxurious river cruise to get a glimpse of the towering buildings against the vast skyline of Manhattan. However, if you are okay with negating the luxuries, the Staten Island ferry ride will give you the same natural richness. You can get a clear view of the blue sky above and the Statue of Liberty while floating on water. Though the ferry accommodates over 70000 people throughout the day, a little-crammed space can be adjusted to if such a majestic view is there ahead.

Enjoy a Broadway Show

Do you want to take your partner on a surprise date in New York? Nothing can be better than the age-old romance of watching a Rom-Com or a musical at Times Square. The Broadway shows offered in New York are extremely popular all over the year and all around the world. From famous Hollywood stars to new faces, these plays are heart-winning every single time. If you want to watch your favourite actor perform live, you better buy the best tickets in advance. However, if you think you can pass for just the wonderful feeling of watching a splendid fresh musically, you can purchase the tickets at a discounted price on the same day.

Feed Pizza to Your Growling Stomach

New York is the hot favourite for pizza lovers owing to the variety of pizzas that you can taste here. With several pizza joints competing against each other, New York can be addressed as the miniature form of Italy when it comes to getting the best pizza in the USA. Make sure you get to eat at Di Fara Pizza, Totonno’s and Lombardi’s Pizza. You will surely enjoy one of the best meals of your life!

Watch the Best Drama Live

With the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts in New York, you cannot, and you should not think of not watching the skilful performances going on in 23 theatres. This place looks vast and sturdy like a fortress and does conceal the greatness of the Juilliard School, the New York City Ballet, the Film Center of Lincoln Center, and a branch of the New York Public Library. These great institutions are accompanied by the Metropolitan Opera House with its Swarovski crystal chandeliers that send out contrasting glittering light rays in the lobby. Hence, spending some artistic hours there is always a great feeling.

Spend Time in a Shopping Spree on 5th Avenue

If you are a shopaholic and a fashionista, it cannot be possible that you have not dreamt of walking down 5th Avenue in your designer coat and a matching pair of a stiletto. If you happen to have enough time in New York, you must visit the 5th Avenue for an excellent shopping experience. And, if the classy brands are too heavy on your pocket, you can still enjoy window shopping there followed by a quick trip to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Gothic architectural structure will surely give relief to your eyes dazzled by the neon lights.

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Weather

New Yorkers complain that the weather of New York is hardly in their favour. With hot summers and chilly winters, New York has an unstable climate with sufficient rainfall throughout the year. The winter is chilly and snowy from December to February and is uninviting for tourists. The autumn is crisp from September to November. The summer months from August to September are quite hot and uncomfortable. The best time to visit New York is in spring from March to May when the weather is cool, and the scenery is at its best.

Culture

New York boasts of cultural diversity and sets an impressive example to the world. The rich ethnic diversity is connected by a strong root that has led to much historical significance in this land. This rich diversity has nurtured jazz ever since the 1940s and has given birth to the modern American dance form. New York has also nurtured art in its various forms over the years. With most of the people being Christians and the prevalence of a significant Catholic community, New York’s food and lifestyle are born out of a mixture of European and Native American. The Jewish and the Asian community have also left a profound impact in this city. The New Yorkers mainly thrive on delicacies like pizza, cheesecake, and bagels to name a few. In fact, this city has multi-cuisine restaurants lined up on every street to tingle the taste buds of every visitor.

Language

The New Yorkers speak in English all the time and, hence, English can be said to be the dominating language in this territory. However, as this city has emerged from various communities joining hands in peace, many other global languages can be heard here. While the people mainly speak English at work, they speak plenty of other languages like Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Persian, Chinese and others at home.

When to Go?

The attractions of New York are very inviting and, hence, tourists visit New York all the year round as per their convenience. However, it is recommended that the tourists must visit New York in spring, that is, between March and May for a pleasant experience. The greenery is in full bloom at this time of the year, and the weather is quite pleasant. This is why open-air shows and rooftop dining becomes very popular at this time, and this is something that tourists would definitely not want to miss in New York.

Don’t Enjoy the Ruffling Breeze while Travelling in a Pedicab

New York isn’t a tiny place to cover if you are staying there only for a few days. There are plenty of things to see in New York that becomes difficult to cover on foot. Hence, while switching between two nearby places, you might be tempted to travel taking the pedicab and soothe your eyes that get to witness the wonderful beauty of New York. However, as a tourist, the chances of being aware of the pedicab rates are skim and, thus, you will be charged very high without your knowledge. Even though the underground railway system seems overly packed to you, understand that it the cheapest and fastest option if you are on a tight budget and packed schedule.

Don’t Linger around Times Square for an Entire Day

Times Square is a classic and excellent place to visit when you are in New York. With the glittering sign-boards of the lavish restaurants beckoning you to stop and delve into delicacies and the inviting shops displaying the road to fashion, it is quite challenging to lure yourself away from Time Square. However, there are plenty of better shops and delicious eating outlets that are not in Time Square. These places charge lesser and, hence, it is advisable that you don’t empty your wallet in Time Square. The real New York lies away from the hustle and bustle of Time Square, an overrated place, in the natural beauty and the towing skyscrapers that portray a team-up of the traditional culture and the modern outlook.

Don’t Wait Hours for a Romantic Skate at Rockefeller Center Ice Rink

The Rockefeller Center ice rink is one of the most popular places in New York when it comes to a romantic date. While the movies will depict a couple skating hand in hand and ending their date in a soft kiss, the reality is totally different! Forget about romance, Rockefeller Center ice rink is so jam-packed that you will hardly get a chance to talk in private when you are skating. Moreover, as the queue is unending, wasting so many hours, that is not a good idea at all.

Don’t Stop in the Middle of the Sidewalk

New York is indeed a captivating city. This city has such great views that you will often stop dead in your tracks to take a look at the beauty of the surroundings that will engulf you. The Yankees really appreciate the fact that you are enjoying their city as much as they do. However, they will definitely not enjoy the fact that you are standing in the middle of the sidewalk and blocking their way. The New Yorkers are so busy most of the time that they don’t have much time to make their way around. Thus, if you don’t want to get pushed from one end of the street to another, simply step aside and then appreciate the majestic beauty of the city.

Don’t Portray Your National Culture too much

New York is a versatile city. The people are quite open-minded and welcome the visits from tourists all over the world. Thus, when you greet them in your own cultural etiquettes, they respect you a lot. However, if you start portraying your culture there in a dominating manner, you are bound to be doomed. No, you won’t be deported for practising your own culture; however, you will surely be an easy target as a tourist. If you happen to shop or travel at places that have no fixed rates, you will be charged far higher than the price a New Yorker would be required to pay. Thus, it is always sensible to dress up as a commoner and then go around the city. With so many people from so many destinations inhabiting New York, you might even pass for a New Yorker if you play the part well.

Don’t Miss Out on the River Cruise around Manhattan

The glamour and glory of Manhattan are so intense that people often forget that it is nothing but an island. Because of this, people miss out on the exotic river cruise that takes the travellers on tour around the shores in a luxurious vessel. Moreover, if visiting the Statue of Liberty is your priority, you will not get a better close-up than that in a river cruise. Plus, if you are a photography enthusiast, the river cruise will surely make you crave for an extra memory card because of the breathtaking setting that would be a perfect to capture.

Roberta’s

The Italian migrants who had introduced pizza in New York had no idea that the New Yorkers would worship this delicacy in the long run. To celebrate this mouthwatering dish from Italy, Roberta’s, the pizza joint, makes some of the best pizzas in the world. This restaurant has an excellent reputation for using fresh ingredients always. The herbs and vegetables are grown in the restaurant’s garden and are handpicked for use. When celebrities like Bill Clinton, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z have praised their pizza, the quality does not need any other certification.

Absolute Bagels

Bagel is the breakfast that a typical New Yorker cannot do without. Thus, Absolute Bagels offers sixteen different varieties of bagels representing various mouthwatering sensations that a bagel-lover can crave for. The bagels are a pocket-friendly and tasty option if you want to save your money for other exciting things. Thus, you can grab a bagel any time and hop on public transport with a satisfied stomach.

Nathan’s Famous

If you think you want to grab a hot dog on the go, Nathan’s Famous will never disappoint you. They have food trucks and diners in every part of New York. Thus, if you keep an eye out, getting your favourite hot dog is not difficult at all. Enjoy your hot dog with fries and cheese and explore New York without burning a hole in your pocket.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

If you are visiting New York, trying out the cronut doughnut can be your top priority especially if you love food. Then, why don’t you try it out from the inventor itself? Yes, there are long queues even before 8 am in front of the Dominique Ansel Bakery to try their authentic cronut doughnut. There are also flavoured doughnuts like strawberry balsamic and mascarpone with basil sugar. They have an exotically flavoured doughnut every month; so, don’t forget to try out one of their famous doughnuts!

Eileen’s

What have you eaten in New York if you haven’t eaten a cheesecake? Eileen’s will help you feel the real taste of an exotic cheesecake in various flavours. This mouthwatering cheesecake can also be ordered in customised cocktail flavours if you order in advance. Moreover, if you want dairy-free and gluten-free cheesecakes, Eileen’s will be pleased to make you the best cheesecake in town.