Top 5 New York Tourist Spots History | NYC Tourism Attractions

1. The Statue of Liberty: A Timeless Landmark

The Statue of Liberty, Tourist Spot, Liberty Island, New York
The statue of Liberty

One of the most recognized monuments in the world is the Statue of Liberty Towering over New York Harbor, it has greeted countless visitors and immigrants to this country since its arrival in 1886. Let’s a take closer look at this amazing place and what makes it so unique.

A Gift from France

Did you know the Statue of Liberty was given to us by France? It was presented to mark the friendship between the two countries and the notion of freedom. 

The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and the inside of the statue was constructed by Gustave Eiffel, the same guy who built the Eiffel Tower!

Famous Quote About the Statue

One of the most famous quotes about the Statue of Liberty comes from President Ronald Reagan. He said, “I have frequently proclaimed that the Statue of Liberty is America’s most beautiful symbol, not because she’s so tall but because she stands for something so noble: liberty.”

The Statue in Film and Literature

The Statue of Liberty has been featured in a number of movies, including “X-Men,” “The Day After Tomorrow” and “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.” It has also appeared in books including “The Statue of Liberty,” written by Elizabeth Mann, which describes her remarkable story in a kid-friendly way.

The Statue of Liberty, Tourist Spot, Liberty Island, New York
The Statue of Liberty

Cool Facts About the Statue of Liberty

She's Big: The statue itself is 151 feet tall, and from the ground to the end of her torch, it stands 305 feet tall!

Torch of Gold: The original torch was replaced with all-new torch in 1986, which is covered in 24-karat gold.

Her Name: The statue’s official name is “Liberty Enlightening the World.”

Shoes: Her sandals are size 879!

Color Change: In the beginning she was brown, then due time turned grean due the air reacting with the copper.

Travel The statue was sent from France in 350 pieces and took four months to put together.

National landmark: The Statue of Liberty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors: More than 4 million people visit each year!

Things to Do New at the Statue of Liberty

Climb to the crown: For an adventurous undertaking, you can climb 354 steps to the crown for a breathtaking view of New York City.

Ellis Island Museum: Located next to Ellis Island, it has a museum dedicated to immigrants who arrived in America.

Take a ferry ride: The boat ride to the statue offers lovely views and fresh air.

Learn History Guided tours and exhibits teach about the statue’s fascinating history.

Precautions for Visiting

Book Early: Tickets for Crown access go quickly, so book in advance.

Dress for Comfort: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear because there’s a lot of walking involved.

Water: Take plenty of water with you, especially during summer.

Security Checks: Airport-style security checks are in place, so travel light.

How to Get There

You must take a ferry to get to the Statue of Liberty. Ferries depart from Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Subways and buses make it easy to reach the ferry stations.

Visit the Statue of Liberty: Why to Go?

A visit to the Statue of Liberty offers an opportunity to see a world-famous landmark, learn about history and take in beautiful views. It’s an unforgettable experience that makes you cherish freedom and friendship.

Make your plans to visit the Statue of Liberty today and see for yourself why it’s one of the most inspiring places on Earth!

2. Empire State Building: A Symbol of Dreams and Resilience

Empire State Building, Tourist Spot, New York
Empire State Building

History:

The iconic Empire State Building, finished in 1931 in the midst of the Great Depression, The realization of a true symbol of hope and endurance. 

It was designed by William F. Lamb and it was the world’s tallest building for 40 years. The building is a remarkable feat of human engineering and craftsmanship.

Empire State Building, Tourist Spot, New York
Empire State Building












Fun Facts:

There are 102 floors in the Empire State Building.

It is hit by lightning about 25 times a year.

The building’s Tower illuminates in colors in celebration of holidays and events.

It was built in a mere 410 days—a record at the time.

It's made from more than 10 million bricks.

The observation decks alone draw almost 4 million visitors every year.

It’s been prominently featured in iconic films like “King Kong” and “Sleepless in Seattle.”

The Art Deco style was popular in the 1930s.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.

Every year, athletes descend through the stairway race to the top.

Empire State Building, Tourist Spot, New York
Empire State Building










Pop Culture:

Films like “King Kong” have helped immortalize the Empire State Building by capturing its distinctive silhouette during climactic moments.

New Experiences:

Visitors can take in stunning sights from observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. Sunset visits showcase beautiful cityscapes, nighttime visits deliver glittering lights of NYC.

Empire State Building, Tourist Spot, New York
Empire State Building










Travel Tips:

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers — it can get windy at the top. Buy tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines.

Transportation:

The Empire State Building is accessible by subway (34th Street-Herald Square) or taxi and bus.

3. Nature’s Oasis in the Heart of NYC: Central Park

Tourist Spots and Attractions of Central Park New York
Central Park New York

History:

Central Park, the nation’s first landscaped public park, was opened in 1858. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, this 843-acre oasis is a triumph of urban design and a serene retreat from the din of city life.

Fun Facts:

Central Park is 843 acres, which is roughly 640 football fields.

The park contains more than 26,000 trees.

It includes 36 different bridges and arches.

The park also includes a zoo, a carousel and an ice-skating rink.

Here is Strawberry Fields, a memorial to John Lennon.

Central Park has been the backdrop for films like “Home Alone 2” and “Enchanted.”

More than 42 million people visit the park each year.

The ponds are inhabited by turtles and other wildlife.

The Ramble has some hidden waterfalls.

Sheep used to graze in the Sheep Meadow area!





Central Park New York

Pop Culture:

From movies to TV shows, Central Park has graced screen a million and one times, one of the most famous urban parks in the world.

New Experiences:

Bike, horse-drawn carriage or picnic on the Great Lawn. Wollman Rink: Ice skating in winter is magical at Wollman Rink. Also, be sure to take to the water in summer.



Central Park New York

Travel Tips:

Stay on marked trails, particularly at night. Watch your belongings and do not feed the wildlife.
Transportation:

Subway stops near Central Park include 59th Street-Columbus Circle and 72nd Street. Buses also service the area.

4. Times Square: The Crossroads of the World



Times Square


History:

Originally covered with baleful craters and unwelcoming buildings, Times Square became, by 1904, a densely populated working-class area filled with theaters, light, and energy, and was named for The New York Times newspaper, which built its headquarters there that year.

Today it is part of the hallmark vibrancy of New York City.

Fun Facts:

More than 50 million people flock to Times Square every year.

They call it “The Crossroads of the World.”

The ball drop on New Year’s Eve started in 1907.

“They’re called spectaculars,” Ms. Cacha said of the electronic billboards.

It’s the home of world-famous Broadway theaters.

Costumed characters such as Spider-Man patrol the area.

Times Square is always lit at night too.

[The Red Steps provide an awesome view and a place to chill out.]

Here, movies such as “Spider-Man” and “Vanilla Sky” were shot.

It was a much quieter neighborhood before it was transformed.

Pop Culture:

Times Square has appeared in countless movies and TV shows and is synonymous with the hustle, bustle, and energy of NYC.

New Experiences:

Take in a Broadway show, take selfies with the brightly lit billboards and watch street performances. Discounted tickets for same-day Broadway shows can be found at the TKTS booth.
Travel Tips:

Your stuff safe in the busy area. Watch out for costumed characters who may ask for tips.
Transportation:

Timewise, the most convenient subway to Times Square-42nd Street. Buses and taxis are also available in abundance.

5. Rockefeller Center: A Hub of Entertainment and Elegance


Rockefeller Center

History:

Rockefeller Center, built during the 1930s, is an Art Deco marvel of urban planning. And it was financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. — a symbol of culture, commerce and entertainment.

Fun Facts:

The 90-foot-tall (27-meter-tall) Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, first lit in 1933, is iconic.

The ice-skating rink opened in 1936, and favorites in winter.

It’s where “Saturday Night Live” is filmed.

The complex has 19 buildings in total.

The Atlas statue represents strength and stamina.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck has views over NYC.

The center was home to the first television broadcast in 1939.

It is the home of Radio City Music Hall.

Shops and restaurants are linked by an underground concourse.

It is globally known for its art-deco design.

Pop Culture:

From live broadcasts to classic shows like “Saturday Night Live,” Rockefeller Center is a cultural beacon.

New Experiences:

Come in the holidays to admire the Christmas tree and go ice-skating. You can see stunning views from the Top of the Rock, especially at the sunset.

Travel Tips:

Try to arrive early during the holiday season to avoid big crowds. Purchase observation deck tickets ahead of time.

Transportation:

Subway to 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center. There are buses and taxis as well.

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