Sightseeing in New York City

When I am out to learn about new places, I love to get enchanted by surprise. Therefore, I occasionally allow myself to get lost somewhere to fully submerge into the surrounding to discover it. But getting lost in New York can be a problem. Not so much because of the matter of orientation. Don’t get me wrong. In fact, New York’s streets are so incredibly well structured by their founding fathers - sorted by numbers and directions, such as East and West, North and South, it’s almost idiot prove to read the map. Even public transport with the subway is very much manageable. Of course you can always rely on the iconic yellow cabs, if your wallet allows it.

But, what I’m trying to point out is the vast size of New York. Getting lost at one end of the city, might take you forever to get to the other end and to the actual destination you are aiming for. So, you better have a plan where to go and what to see in New York. Visiting New York is like scratching something on the surface. You can never dig deep enough. Being such a diverse spot, you could easily spend weeks and months to get around and discover the place. There’s always something going on in the city, with fascinating sights at every turn and never enough time to see them all. New York has so much to offer, it’s hard to make a choice. Some people come to New York plainly for shopping, some come to visit galleries and museums, others want to see shows at the Broadway or New York’s brilliant architecture. But the most ambitious ones come to do all the touristy stuff that’s on their checklist.

Every place has its must-go-to and to-do lists. Simply, because the listed things are so famous, it wouldn’t count that you’ve been there, had you not seen them. Here are eight of my personal touristy picks of things to do in New York City for you to get organised and tick the boxes - not without clichés of course.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

It’s best to visit the Lady of Liberty early in the morning to avoid queues and crowds. Then move on to Ellis Island, the gateway to America for new immigrants back in the days, and learn about the history of the people who helped to build this city. One of the highlights of this combo trip is the ferry ride, where you can marvel at the skyline of Manhattan.

Entrance to Ellis Island Immigration Museum

The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is another historical landmark, which impresses with its beautiful art décor interior. I recommend visiting it in the early morning or in the late hours. Not only can you avoid being canned like sardines in the lift and on the viewing platform with other tourists, you will also witness the most breath-taking sunrise and sunset or even the panorama night view of Manhattan.

Almost religious - Art Décor interior at the Empire State Building

The Times Square

Probably the most overrated sight in New York City, the Times Square is an accumulation of oversized advertising displays, shops and other temples of commerce, crowded with tourists. However, if you are an owl and about to explore New York's nightlife, then Times Square isn't all that bad. It is still a great spot to watch street performances, high-rises and the lights, once the sun sets over the city.

Mounted police officers patrolling Times Square

Central Park

Often called the green lung of the city, covering 341 hectare or 150 square blocks, Central Park is the perfect hideaway from the busy streets of New York. The park is home to numerous sports grounds, outdoor stages, the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art and the Central Park Zoo - just to mention a few. Its numerous paths, ponds and lakes are beautiful during every season, inviting strollers and cyclists to linger.

Brooklyn Bridge

This granite and steal giant stretching across the East River of New York City, connecting Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, has carried traffic since 1883 and is a true feat of 19th-century engineering. The bridge is an eye-catcher of New York City’s skyline, often being featured in movies and TV shows. A walk along the elevated pedestrian walkway can be very chill and windy. Make sure to ware the right clothes for the season.

The Flatiron Building

The Flatiron is a classic New York skyscraper and the first one to be built at the Flatiron District at the foot of Madison Square Park in Manhattan in 1902. Although it was originally called the Fuller Building, over time the name Flatiron Building had caught on due to its odd triangular shape, reminiscent of a cast-iron. It is a piece of fantastic architecture with real vintage quality.

The Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is most exciting to visit during Christmas Season, when the lights of the giant Christmas tree are lit after a public ceremony after Thanksgiving. However, you will still find the remaining Christmas lightings and the ice ring even in early spring, like I did. If you had enough of wandering, shopping and snacking, take the lift to Top of the Rocks to glimpse at the stunning New York panorama view.

Ice rink at the Rockefeller Center in Spring

Grand Central Terminal

The Grand Central Terminal is by size and design, one of the most imposing train stations I’ve been to. It’s architecture and interior speaks grandeur. Just have a look at the sun-lit Main Concourse and its stars ceiling and you know what I mean. In service since 1913 and very well maintained, it now transports 750.000 commuters and travellers daily. The station also has a wonderful food market and eateries in the basement.

New York on the Surface