Welcome to the City The Never Sleeps!
Since it was first founded and named by the Dutch in 1664, New York has been a special place. During the Revolution, General Washington directed the War for Independence from what is today, the Washington Heights neighborhood. In the early 19th century, the city was driven by the rise of manufacturing and its thriving port. In the late 19th century, New York’s growth, and the growth of America came from its role as the entryway for immigrants into the United States.
Today, from the arts, architecture, and culture, to parks, dining, and nightlife, New York is still leading the way and sets the standard in every category! If you’re a first time visitor, the vitality, excitement, and sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming! When you visit, decide which sites to see and make sure to save plenty of time for exploring the city’s many diverse and unique neighborhoods!
Here’s a guide to some of the essential sites, and neighborhoods, to experience during your next visit!
• Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty
In a city full of sites, and sounds, no single place epitomizes the symbol and spirit of America like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Between 1892 and 1954 Ellis Island served as the gateway to America for more than 12 million immigrants hoping to live the American Dream. Take the 45-minute audio tour, available in nine languages, and learn about the deeply personal perspectives of those who entered America here and the hardships they faced. Buy a combo ticket and take the ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty, but remember that a trip to the top is more than 400 steps!
• Central Park
America’s first park is embedded in our collective consciousness! This 843-acre serene green space in the heart of the city was designed by renowned architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1858. Central Park is the first landscaped park in the U.S., has appeared in more than 350 films, and hosts more than 35 million visitors every year!
• Hudson River Park
Experience the city like a native and visit Hudson River Park. This 550-acre riverside park is anchored by a series of historic piers, is a communal green space, and the recreation spot for those who call New York City home. Golfers can practice their swing at the Chelsea Pier driving range, while water lovers can paddle, kayak, and sail from multiple pier-side vendors. Learn to fly at the Trapeze School of New York, or take a leisurely bike ride and soak up the river views on more than four miles of trails. Or even better, sit on a park bench, people watch, and feel the heartbeat of the city!
• Museum Mile
Fifth Avenue between 82nd Street and 105th Street along Central Park offers visitors more treasures than any other mile in America, possibly in the world! Whether your interests are classic art, design, contemporary, or natural history, Museum Mile is a MUST visit location in the city. Experience boundary-pushing modern art at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum, or visit America’s largest art museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Make sure to visit the Jewish Museum, the oldest museum in the world dedicated to Jewish art and culture, or if design is your passion, don’t miss the Cooper Hewitt National Museum of Design.
• Empire State Building
The quintessential tourist experience, you need to visit this landmark structure in the heart of Manhattan! Despite the hefty admission, crowds, and long lines, no visit to New York is complete without a trip to the top of the Empire State Building! It’s the perfect way to start or end your Big Apple Experience!
• Williamsburg
The Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg has become a global destination. With five luxury boutique hotels, numerous restaurants, breweries, street fairs, flea markets, nightlife venues and waterfront parks Williamsburg is a true cultural and entertainment hub offering an elevated experience where you can experience the old, the new, and the timeless. Another must-see neighborhood site is 74 Wythe. Once home to one of the city’s most popular nightspots, Output has been reimagined as a multifunctional hospitality venue. With 15,000 square feet of space over 3 stories, each space offers a unique design while preserving the building’s 1929 origins.
These are just a handful of the many sites to see when you visit the city that never sleeps! To truly experience NY city like a native, make sure to leave plenty of time to walk through its many diverse neighborhoods. Whether you love theatre, fine dining, art, music, shopping, or the great outdoors, New York City and it’s many dynamic neighborhoods truly offers something for absolutely everyone.