When you’re planning a city trip, it’s always a good idea to allow yourself the flexibility to explore as much of it as you can, while still having a plan with hot-spots you don’t want to miss. A New York City trip is unlike any other because it’s just so dense and wide that you would never be able to fit it all into a lifetime of visits, never mind one. As such, that’s why many recommend taking the time to visit it one borough at a time. Here, we’re going to look at how to explore the best of Manhattan, the beating heart of the city.
Must-See Manhattan: Visiting The Best Of The Big Apple – Times Square
We have to start with one of the most iconic sights in the entirety of the city. The electrifying crossroads of New York, Times Square is best known for its digital billboards and constant flow of people, the perfect encapsulation of the energy that the Big Apple is best known for. Day or night, the area buzzes with performers, tourists, and locals navigating its crowded streets. While it can feel overwhelming, that constant movement is also one of the main reasons people come to see it in the first place. It’s well worth visiting on your way to the Theater District for a night’s entertainment.
Must-See Manhattan: Visiting The Best Of The Big Apple – Broadway
From Times Square, it’s not very far at all to reach Broadway and the Theater District. Catching a Broadway show is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it’s also extremely pricey. Thankfully, the Theater District offers a lot more than just Broadway itself. Even off-Broadway, it’s full of historic venues hosting all manner of productions, from long-standing favorites and traditional New York classics to the very boundaries of contemporary theater. Even if you don’t attend a performance, walking through the district offers a sense of its energy and importance. Broadway represents the storytelling heart of New York, one of the thriving creative cores of modern culture.
Must-See Manhattan: Visiting The Best Of The Big Apple – Central Park
While offering something of a contrast to the sheer pulsating energy and noise of Times Square, Central Park still feels very much like one of the hearts of Manhattan. The lively greenery, crowds of walkers, musicians, and families, and the ever-present skyline just over the trees make it a park experience unlike any in the rest of the world.
It’s one of the best places to wake up in the whole city, so staying at nearby accommodation like The Pearl Hotel New York is well worth it. It’s also one of the best spots to watch the city transform over your stay, from its lush and green freshness in Spring, the golden light of fall through its changing leaves, or the quiet serenity it offers in winter.
Must-See Manhattan: Visiting The Best Of The Big Apple – The Empire State Building
One of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the impressive Empire State Building is visible anywhere you have the elevation or distance to see the skyline. However, you can do a lot more than admire the Art Deco master piece from afar. Visiting the observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views, allowing you to see the grid of streets, the Hudson and East Rivers, and beyond. This experience is especially worth it towards the end of the day, when it can help you see one of the most fantastic sunsets you will ever set your eyes upon. However, it is particularly busy then, so you want to make sure you arrive early enough to get yourself a spot.
Must-See Manhattan: Visiting The Best Of The Big Apple – Ellis Island & The Statue Of Liberty
A visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island connects you to the deeper story of New York and the nation itself. The Statue of Liberty stands as a global symbol of freedom and hope, greeting visitors just as it once welcomed millions of immigrants.
Lady Liberty might be the reason to visit, but Ellis Island offers plenty of reasons to stick around for a little longer, as well. Its ferry rides offer a fantastic view of the city’s skyline, while you can experience the history of the city for yourself through the Museum of Immigration, the Registry Room, where millions of immigrants were first processed on arriving in the city, and even the American Family Immigration Center, where many can find their own ancestors’ first arrival to the country.
Must-See Manhattan: Visiting The Best Of The Big Apple – Wall Street
The financial institutions at the heart of Wall Street play just as important a role in the history of the city as the waves of people who have arrived throughout the centuries since its founding. Wall Street stands at the very center of global finance, and even simply exploring the streets, you can feel the intensity it represents, with decisions being made in those high-rises that cause ripples across the worldwide economy. Nearby, the One World Trade Center stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal, with an observatory that can help you appreciate views of historic streets and contemporary architecture, all presented within a context that makes it feel much more meaningful.
Must-See Manhattan: Visiting The Best Of The Big Apple – The High Line
Although it might not be quite as well-known as many of the other sights named above, a walk along the High Line can give you a totally new perspective on the streets of Manhattan. Built on a former elevated railway track, this linear park stretches through the city’s West Side, providing scenic views of the Hudson River and surrounding neighborhoods.
Lush plantings, public art installations, and handy seating areas can make for a relaxing yet wholly engaging stroll above the varying sights of the city. It’s also a place where you can really feel the daily life of the city, as both visitors and locals frequently use the park to get around. It’s also a great way to hit up some of the other spots well worth visiting, such as Hudson Yards and Chelsea.
Manhattan is a city of contrasts, from its fast-paced streets to its quiet parks, historic icons, and modern culture, and the best trips throughout it steep you in all of that. Hopefully, the tips above help you explore just some of the best the borough has to offer.