freedom tower

Hello New York !

Skyscrapers, museums, parks, fashion, food, art, culture and nightlife, New York has it all. This buzzing city with a cocktail mix has a vast number of things to offer. Luckily we were greeted with great weather and the incredible colours of autumn. With 3 days in hand to explore the city, we organised our time sight-seeing based on which I have compiled a list of things you should definitely not leave this incredible city without seeing.

1) Central Park

Central Park
This huge expanse of green covering 843 acres takes central position in the city and is one of it’s most visited landmarks.

Although a pleasure to visit at any time, hosting free concerts in summer but its autumn that gives it a truly magical look and feel.


 

2) Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Permanent displays, events and magnificent collection of paintings makes it the one of most visited museums in the world.

Walking distance from Central park, you can easily visit the museum either before or after the park. My favourite part was Ancient Egypt, Islamic art and the collection of both classic and modern modern Art works.

No trip can be complete without a visit to the store with it’s great collection of books and souvenirs.

 3) The Statue of Liberty

One of the most iconic sights of the city, this majestic statue gifted by the French symbolizes freedom and opportunity. You would need to purchase ferry tickets, (Statue cruises is the official source) which will take you to Liberty Island. You can visit the grounds around the statue but if you wish to visit the pedestal or the crown, reservations for these tickets need to be made much in advance. The ferry ride is short and you can enjoy great views of the Manhattan skyline on the way.    

New york Manhattan Skyline
View of the Manhattan Skyline

4) Ellis Island

Ellis Island New York
Ellis Island New York : Almost 12 million immigrants passed through it with the hopes of realising their dreams in the land of opportunity.

The ferry tickets purchased to go to Liberty Island also give access to Ellis Island and the museum which served as the immigration centre for the US from 1892 to 1954. Today almost 40 percent of US citizens can trace an ancestor to records maintained at the island.

The Registration Room
The Registration Room
Entrance to the Museum
Entrance to the Museum

5) The Intrepid: Sea, air and Space Museum

The Intrepid
The Intrepid aircraft carrier launched in 1943 and used in World War II

The museum is a great place to see technologically groundbreaking airplanes, sea and space vessels including The Intrepid, The Enterprise (which was the  first space shuttle) and the Growler, the only missile submarine open to public.

 

6) The 9/11 Memorial Site

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Built on Ground Zero where the Twin Towers once stood, two majestic serene pools featuring North America’s largest waterfalls are a must see.

The names of all who died in the attacks in 1993 and 2001 are inscribed on the border of the pools on the metal trimming. 3000 people did not make it home on that fateful day.

 Open daily 0730-2100 free of charge

 

7) One World Trade Centre (Freedom Tower)

 

Newly opened, the building has overtaken the Empire State building as the tallest in New York and the 5th tallest in the world. The highlight of a visit to this building would definitely be the One World Observatory for amazing views of the city and its major landmarks. The elevator is super fast taking you 102 floors in matter of less than 60 seconds and an experience in itself.

View of Manhattan from the Observatory
Great Views from the One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Centre

The One World explorer Ipad can be rented for $15 and provides for an interactive sight and sound experience. You can click on to any of the iconic buildings and it zooms in to narrate the history and significance of the building to the city. One World Explorer iPad from Brandsynario on Vimeo.

 

8) Broadway

Broadway-NY
The best of theatre all at one place Photo : Google images

If you’re looking for dramatic entertainment, seeing one of the plays on Broadway is definitely recommended. From colorful depictions of the most beloved Disney stories to brilliant acting in plays, one can even witness prominent Hollywood actors making their debut in theatre.

9) Times Square 

Buzzing with people and activities, this area is always popular with tourists. Surrounded by brightly lit billboards and advertising, there are great places to shops and eat here.

Times Square , Photo : Google images
Times Square , Photo : Google images

 

10) The High Line

highline-NY
Great use of an abandoned railway line converted into a park

The High line is a green area built on a former railway line that is now no longer in use. It runs over the meatpacking district and is popularly visited including the section of an urban theatre at 10th avenue, which makes for some great views of the city and the Hudson River.

Great Street Views
Great Street Views

Of course, other than all the great landmarks there’s also a variety of places to eat ranging from street food to fine dining.

Mouth Watering Italian Gellato
Mouth Watering Italian Gellato

No visit can be complete without a stroll down 5th Avenue.

limousine spotted
limousine spotted

All Photos are contributed by Farhat Kapadia Mehboob

After these 3 memorable days, our next stop was Orlando, Florida where the main attractions are the theme parks ! We were all geared up excited to embrace Disney land and Universal Studios!

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