New York City Points of Interest

New York is known as the city that never sleeps because there is always something to do in this bustling metropolis. The city is a great place to visit any time of the year. It offers both historical and cultural venues as well as sporting arenas and, of course, great food and shopping.

New York is a place of promise for immigrants first coming to America and also the site of a tragic terrorist attack. Among the sites of historical significance that is a must see in New York is the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. This memorial marks the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in Manhattan. Another definite must see in New York City is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Representing freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty was one of the first sights that many immigrants to America saw as they approached their destination. All immigrants passed through processing at the immigration station on Ellis Island. For a fabulous view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island one should consider planning a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. This ferry is one of the last that transported people between the boroughs of New York before bridges were built to connect these different parts of the city.

There are a variety of well-know landmarks located in New York. These include Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. Covering 843 acres Central Park is probably the largest landmark in New York and one that is said to be one of the most filmed areas in the city. This urban park in Manhattan includes walking paths, bridle paths, two ice skating rinks, a wildlife refuge, a zoo and a conservatory garden. Getting its own share of filming is the Empire State Building. Standing 1,454 feet tall this building was once the tallest building in New York. It is still a popular tourist attraction for visitors to enjoy the panoramic view from the observation deck located on the 102nd floor. A final landmark not to be ignored in New York is the Brooklyn Bridge. This cable-stayed/suspension bridge that connects the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan is one of the oldest of its type.

For those who are sports fanatics, New York has much to offer as well. Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees, and Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, are some places a visitor to New York might consider taking in a game. In the world of art, New York is also home to the legendary Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Radio City Music Hall.

Annual events and festivals in New York include the New York Film Festival in September, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas Lighting at Rockefeller Center, both in November. Millions watch on television nationwide as the ball drops during the Times Square New Years Eve celebration. In February the city is host to the Westminster Kennel Club Show. The Belmont Stakes is run in June in New York while the New York International Fringe Festival, a multi arts festival, is hosted in August.