New York City is the largest city in the state of New York, as well as in the United States. With more than eight million people inhabiting this magnificent city and 22 million people living in the New York metropolitan area, there are a variety of sights to see and places to visit if you plan on taking a trip to NYC. From delicious food to a flourishing art community and an electric nightlife scene, there’s no shortage of things to do.
If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple and you’re looking for things to add to your itinerary, we’ve compiled a list of some must-see places to visit in NYC.
Central Park
Central Park is one of the most visited attractions in New York City. This urban park is located in Manhattan right between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side, and it spans an impressive 840 acres. The park extends between 59th street and 110th street, and according to its website, the park was the very first landscaped public park in the United States. There are many fun things to do in Central Park, including:
Walking Tours
In our opinion, there’s no better way to get to know a new city than by taking a walking tour. Central Park’s walking tours are guided by a licensed expert, where you can check out famous landmarks like Gapstow Bridge, Conservatory Garden, and Wollman Rink. These tours usually last around one to two hours, and if you prefer a private tour, they offer those as well.
Sunrise Yoga Walk
Looking for a way to center yourself during your NYC trip? If so, you may want to sign up for a Sunrise Yoga Walk in Central Park. Great for experienced and novice yogis alike, this yoga-inspired workout class is a wonderful way to explore the various areas of Central Park. You’ll power walk through some of the park’s most beautiful spaces while incorporating yoga poses and stretches at each stop. This one-hour tour is offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m.
Bike Tours
If you want to get a little cardio exercise in during your trip, consider signing up for a bike tour in Central Park. This tour goes at a casual pace, so you don’t have to be Lance Armstrong to enjoy it. You’ll be taken to some of the park’s most prominent landmarks including the Shakespeare Garden and the Loeb Boathouse. You’ll also have a chance to learn more about the history and architecture of the park.
Photo Tours
Central Park isn’t called a photographer’s dream for nothing. The park is jam-packed with incredible views of natural scenery, all with the magnificent backdrop of NYC. If you have a decent camera and you’re looking to capture the vibrancy of the city, sign up for a photo tour in Central Park. This two-and-a-half to three-hour tour will teach you new photography techniques as you walk along some of Central Park’s most beautiful settings. For this tour, make sure to bring different camera lenses and a memory card so you can take all the photos you want. You’ll also want to dress in comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll be walking up to one mile through the park.
Central Park Zoo
If you’re traveling to New York City with little kids, you’ll definitely want to visit the Central Park Zoo. Just off of 5th Avenue, you’ll get to see more than 130 unique species of animals like red pandas, penguins, and snow leopards. Below are some fun facts about the Central Park Zoo.
- The zoo actually started by accident when New Yorkers began dropping off their unwanted animals there.
- In 1934, the park’s commissioner Robert Moses used funds from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to fund the construction of the Central Park Zoo.
- It wasn’t until the spring of 1980 that the Wildlife Conservation Society came to an agreement with the City of New York to renovate the zoo.
- The zoo was eventually built in 1985 and was divided into sections so animals could have new homes that were still close to their natural habitat.
Horse And Carriage Rides
Step back in time and take a horse and carriage ride through Central Park with your significant other, family, or friends. Back in the day, New Yorkers got around the city by horseback or by a horse-drawn carriage. Horses have become a prominent part of Manhattan’s history, and taking a horse and carriage ride is a great way to experience the beauty of Central Park. You can find carriage rides all year round lined up between 5th and 6th Avenue.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) is a must-see attraction in New York City. At this museum, you’ll enjoy more than 5,000 years of art from around the world. Founded in 1870, the MET’s mission statement is “To be located in the City of New York, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining in said city a Museum and library of art, of encouraging and developing the study of the fine arts, and the application of arts to manufacture and practical life, of advancing the general knowledge of kindred subjects, and, to that end, of furnishing popular instruction.”
The Empire State Building
Get an aerial view of New York City by taking a day trip to the Empire State Building.This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper can be found in Midtown Manhattan with unforgettable 360-degree views of the city. The grand opening of the structure occured on May 1, 1931, which started with a ribbon cutting ceremony. President Herbert Hoover lit up the building from 200 miles away in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the occasion. There are several shops and restaurants inside the building’s main lobby level, so you can grab a bite to eat at the State Grill and Bar or a cup of coffee from Starbucks.
The Metropolitan Opera House
If you’re a lover of opera, you’ll want to visit the Metropolitan Opera House during your visit to New York City. Known for its creative and talented singers, composers, conductors, musicians, and dancers, there’s always an incredible show to see. With two dozen operas each season, there are a variety of musical options and production styles to choose from.
No matter how old you are or where you’re from, there’s something for everyone in NYC. If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple and you’re flying out of the Denver International Airport (DIA), park your car with ParkDIA. With 7,500 parking spaces available, there’s always a space waiting for you when you need it. If you have any questions about our airport parking options, contact our team today.
