Welcome to New York City—the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps—a premier destination where even a lifetime may not be enough to experience all it has to offer. Diverse in culture, food, and art, New York City has something for everyone. From soaking in the sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge to standing under the bright lights of Times Square, come explore the city where dreams are made. It's been waiting for you.
Your friends and family back home are gonna want proof you’ve seen “the sights.” Below are some classic attractions you can hit during your first weekend in the city—then, keep scrolling to get to the real NYC.
Often seen as a symbol of freedom and opportunity in America, this iconic statue is a must-see for any first-time visitors. While you can see it from a distance from a number of spots, nothing beats a trip to Liberty Island to see things up close. Most visitors will tie in a trip to the historic Ellis Island. Another symbol of hope and the landing spot for so many immigrants in the past, it’s well worth the trip.
Another staple of the city, you can easily stroll through Central Park for hours exploring every nook and cranny. Walk or ride (or blade or skate or run) your way around different areas of the park. Take your time and visit some of the highlights: Strawberry Fields is a memorial for John Lennon, Central Park Mall is full of artists and vendors, and there are tons of benches to simply find a place to people-watch.
Perspective is everything. In a sea of skyscrapers, there are few places to get a bird’s-eye view of the Manhattan skyline. Often remembered for its role in “Sleepless in Seattle,” the Empire State Building is a thrilling vantage point and it won’t disappoint. Be sure to make a reservation early!
Now that you’ve done your due diligence and visited the top attractions (and sent loads of selfies back home), let’s turn you into a native New Yorker—we’ll have you getting your steps in and trying new things in no time at all.
Headphones on, volume up. These 25 tracks are required listening; a soundtrack to the heart of NYC.
