The Big Apple
New York City is one of the premier destinations for travelers around the world and with good reason. A visitor can spend weeks exploring the city’s many facets and still not know everything about New York.
The best way to enjoy this world-class city is to consider your family’s interests and break down your sightseeing options into distinct categories. This will allow every member of the family to enjoy his or her own special feature about New York City.
History
Although New York City seems vibrant and modern, it has a fascinating history that makes for interesting touring. From its brief, early time as the new nation’s capitol, to the influx of immigrants during the late 1800s, and all the building and commerce that occurred in-between, New York City. Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Merchant’s Museum, Green-Wood Cemetery and the Tenement Museum are just a few of the attractions you can visit to get a taste of this city’s august history.
Art
As an important hub of the art world, New York City provides a wealth of opportunities for art lovers to enjoy not only some of the greatest artworks in history, but also some of the most innovative new work available anywhere in the world. The Museum of Modern Art, the famed MoMa, is one of the top spots in New York City for art lovers. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Brooklyn Museum of Art are other favorites, but the city offers a wide variety of additional options, from classic artworks to specialized fields like Hebrew or Tibetan art. Most museums have a gift shop where you can purchase reproductions of your favorite works.
Architecture
For visitors interested in architecture, New York City offers special delights. They can chart the progress of this world-renowned city from its beginnings in the 18th century to today, noting the imprint left by some of the most famous architects the world has known. From preserved structures such as the Pieter-Claesen-Wyckoff House in Brooklyn from the 1600s, to the Empire State Building in 1930s and the One World Trade Center to be completed in 2014, you can chart the history of the city through the growth of its construction. A number of tours are available for those interested in this unique aspect of New York City.
Theater
New York City theater is some of the most exciting and unusual in the world. You can find any type of entertainment, from classic Shakespearean works to the top shows on Broadway. Many visitors are surprised and delighted by the lesser known shows that the city offers like the Blue Man Show, so feel free to expand your creative interests by exploring the work of new playwrights that this great theater city provides.
Ethnic Cultures
No visit to New York City is complete without a visit to some of the city’s ethnic neighborhoods. New York city is home to almost every nationality on the planet, and you can find food, shopping and cultural entertainments that will feel like a trip around the world. In particular ChinaTown is amazing with some of the best Chinese food in the world at very reasonable prices.
Children
If you think the big city is not a place for children to enjoy, think again. New York City can be a playground for kids, too. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is always a favorite, and the city’s famous Central Park offers plenty of room for running, ball playing and cycling, plus a zoo. The Bronx Zoo, housing more than 6,000 animals, has been an institution in the city for more than 100 years and is now one of the largest zoos in the world. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan provides plenty of hands-on experiences in art, science, literature and media. Special events keep this attraction a lively place to keep children occupied and engaged.