| 4 mins read
It’s the city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams come true and the holiday destination that never fails to impress. For any traveller's first visit, New York can be overwhelming, with an endless list of things to do, see and experience here. Make the most of your tour of the Big Apple by hiring an experienced New York tour guide to help you create and ace your shortlist of the "Absolute Must do" attractions this wonderful city has on offer. Here's something to get you started!
Central Park
Central Park is the perfect way to ease you in to your trip. Set in 483 acres of luscious greenery and hidden gems, consider engaging a Bike tour to allow you to see more of the park in one go than when on foot.
West Village
A stroll along this historic area will take you back to the 19th Century New York. Complete with the iconic brownstones we’ve come to know from films and television, this is the place that really gives the New York vibe! Bleecker and Commerce host some wonderful shops, bakeries and bistros, the perfect place to wander.
Empire State Building
Some major tourist spots could be avoided in New York, but it would really be a disservice to your trip if you didn’t take in the Empire State Building. The exterior is well known but the gorgeous art-deco style will be sure to impress.
The Chrysler
If Art Deco architecture is your bag then you won’t go far wrong with the Chrysler Building. Similar in exterior to the ESB its interiors are what really impress. Located on the East Side Turtle Bay area of Manhattan it is often cited as one of the best buildings in New York City.
Broadway
If there’s one thing that screams New York it’s Broadway. The spiritual home to thespians from all over the world you’re never far away from a spectacular show. There are also the hundreds of off-Broadway shows which, although smaller in budget provide you with an alternative sideways look at theatre.
Museum of Modern Art
MoMA is home to the masters of modern art and perhaps the most influential modern art gallery in the world. An amazing exploration in to works of significance it really offers an amazing insight. An extra tip is to head over to their sister gallery P.S.1. Contemporary Art Center, showcasing to you, the works of the artists of tomorrow.
Staten Island Ferry
Although you may be tempted to see the Statue of Liberty up close, the best views are from the Staten Island Ferry. This free service runs 24 hours and serves beer till midnight! The ferry drops you off at the St George terminal where you can visit the Staten Island museum before heading back to Manhattan.
Coney Island
Although not necessarily in tiptop shape this beachfront amusement district never fails to entertain. Take a stroll along the boardwalk or watch a baseball game seeing the Brooklyn Cyclones at the gorgeous MCU Park.
Grand Central Station
One of the most iconic spots in Manhattan, Grand Central Station is a spectacular example of Beaux-Arts architecture, complete with 68 shops and 35 restaurants, the perfect New York experience. You can also take audio tours of the terminal that can be downloaded on to your phone and used at leisure.
Brooklyn Bridge
Hailed as a structural masterpiece when it was completed in 1883, Brooklyn Bridge has become well known through film and television over the years. Although you can see the bridge from both boroughs, the best way to see the bridge is from the elevated pedestrian walkway where you can share a commuters’ route.
Image Details and Licenses: https://flic.kr/p/azJ5Uw (Chris Ford, CC BY-NC 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/ktEViM (Canadian Pacific, CC BY-NC 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/aCapvH (Juha Uitto, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/oQaFAj (Chris Parker, CC BY-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/4nkg9U (matze_ott, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/ixgik (Taís Melillo, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/ZpKSz (Michael from NYC, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/pJkBt3 (Fabio Campo, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/gcwZSx (Adrian Nurman, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/51wWmY (Darren Kumasawa, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)