New York is a capital of art, culture, cuisine, and commerce,
but it's not a capital of government, a point that has contributed to
its unique makeup over the years. Neither the capital of the United
States or even of New York State, its residents have long pursued their
dreams and dollars at a comfortable distance from Washington and
Albany. As such, Manhattan has produced such revered institutions as
the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Centre, all
considered the gold standard of American achievement.
On any given day, a visitor to New York can choose between a stroll
through a Renaissance gallery, a Broadway show, an exotic performance
art piece at a gallery, or an Italian opera, a range of options that
can seem overwhelming. Best to pick up a local entertainment guide such
as Time Out New York or New York magazine to search for what you really
want. Alternately, just stroll into whichever theatre or gallery looks
interesting and surprise yourself.
New York has nearly a hundred
official museums, as well as acres of parks, scores of historic
monuments, and expansive public areas. Here are ten of the most popular
landmarks and tourist sites.
The Empire State Building
The
tallest building in New York, the Empire State building is as famous
for its Art Deco design as its height. Nearly four million people visit
its 86th floor and 102nd floor observation decks every year, enjoying a
view that could only be made better if the Empire State Building itself
was visible.
http://www.esbnyc.com/
Times Square
It's
noisy and chaotic, but there's an undeniable energy to Times Square, a
nexus of streets, subways, and cultures that sees 1.6 million people
pass through every day. Take in the manic scene after dark one night,
then retreat to a cosy bar or restaurant for a breather.
http://timessquare.com/
The Statue of Liberty
This
gift from the people of France opened in 1886 and remains the defining
icon of the city. Located on Liberty Island, visitors take a short
ferry ride to the monument, which looms 75 meters above New York
Harbour.
http://www.nps.gov/stli
http://www.statuecruises.com/
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The
biggest and finest art museum in the country, the Met ranks with the
Louvre, Prado, and Hermitage as a global art destination. Filled with
masterpieces at every turn, it's especially known for its Medieval Art,
Greek and Roman art, and European paintings, but the striking Temple of
Dendur makes the Sackler Wing feel like Egypt in 15 B.C.
http://www.metmuseum.org/
Rockefeller Center
This
complex of 19 buildings and public spaces represents the largest
privately-held area of its kind, with millions of people coming to see
shows at Radio City Music Hall, go ice skating at the skating rink, and
see the amazing views from the Top of the Rock observation deck every
year. The modernist Art Deco buildings provide a home to assorted media
companies, whose shows and jingles emanate from its many studios across
the country and around the world.
http://www.rockefellercenter.com/
Central Park
This
lovely 341 hectare park is entirely surrounded by tall buildings,
making it an essential natural escape from the chaos of the city.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, it has a variety of
playgrounds and open spaces, as well as a running track, equestrian
trail, sports fields, a zoo, and the famous Delacorte Theater, home of
the annual Shakespeare in the Park series.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
New
York is a city entirely built by immigrants, and this museum provides a
vivid look at the people whose first experience of America was in the
austere buildings of this island fortress. In 62 years, over 12 million
people passed through this portal to a new world, most to never return
to their homelands.
http://www.ellisisland.org/
Museum of Modern Art
Fresh
from a top-to-bottom renovation, MoMA remains the gold standard in
contemporary art in the city, with masterpieces ranging from Vincent
Van Gogh's Starry Night to Picasso's Bathers in a Forest. The Modern,
the museum's restaurant, is a sophisticated place to splurge on a meal
overlooking the sculpture garden.
http://www.moma.org/
http://www.themodernnyc.com/
American Museum of Natural History
Great
for kids but fun for adults too, this world class museum has dinosaurs,
mammoths, and a 29-meter blue whale. Take in a show at the planetarium
or watch the light reflect on the colourful gemstones.
http://www.amnh.org/
The Guggenheim Museum
Completed
in 1959, this striking corkscrew-shaped building on the Upper East Side
was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, who created a space that, framed
the beauty of the museum's collection of Impressionist,
post-Impressionist, modern, and contemporary art. Start by taking the
elevator to the top and gradually descend to the ground floor, taking
in the artwork on the way down.
http://www.guggenheim.org/