A Guide to New York City Main Attractions

New York City is one of the world’s most iconic cities, home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks and attractions. With its vibrant culture, bustling streets, and world-renowned attractions, New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of Manhattan to the iconic landmarks in Brooklyn and Queens, New York City has something for everyone.

History of New York City

New York City was founded in 1624 by Dutch settlers and was initially called “New Amsterdam”. It was the first of many settlements established by the Dutch in the Americas. In 1664, the colony was taken over by the British and renamed “New York” in honor of the Duke of York. The city quickly grew in size and population, becoming one of the most important port cities in the new world. In the 18th century, New York was declared the capital of the United States, and it soon became a major center for commerce and culture. In 1898, it was consolidated into five boroughs – Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island – forming what is now known as “the city that never sleeps”, New York City.

Facts and Figures

Today, New York City is one of the world’s most populous cities with a population of 8.3 million people. It is home to the world’s largest stock exchange (NASDAQ), two major airports (LaGuardia and JFK), and some of the world’s most iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, and diverse cultural attractions.

What to Do in New York City

New York City offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an exciting adventure for the whole family, there’s no shortage of things to do in this vibrant city. Here are some of the most popular attractions in New York City:

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

One of the most iconic landmarks in New York City is the Statue of Liberty. Located on Liberty Island, this iconic statue was a gift from France and has become a symbol of freedom and opportunity for millions of immigrants who have come to America over the years. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island where they can explore the grounds, take pictures, and learn more about the history of this iconic landmark.

Just across from Liberty Island is Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants were processed when they arrived in America. Here visitors can tour the Immigration Museum and learn more about the history of immigration in America.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is another iconic landmark in New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this towering building stands 1,454 feet tall and offers visitors incredible views of New York City from the 86th floor observation deck. Visitors can also take an elevator up to the 102nd floor where they can enjoy even more spectacular views from the glass-enclosed balcony.

Central Park

Central Park is an 843-acre park located in Manhattan and is one of the most popular attractions in New York City. Here visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as ice skating in winter, biking and horseback riding in summer, or simply take a leisurely stroll through this beautiful park. Central Park also hosts a variety of events such as concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Times Square

Times Square is one of the busiest places in New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Times Square is home to some of the city’s most popular attractions such as Broadway theatres, museums, restaurants and shops. Visitors can also enjoy the bright neon signs and adverts that light up Times Square all year round.

Popular Tours in New York City

If you’re looking for a more intimate experience of New York City, there are plenty of tours available. From guided tours of iconic landmarks to unique experiences such as food tours and bike tours, here are two popular tours that you can book on Viator:

Statue of Liberty Guided Tour

This guided tour takes visitors on a journey through some of New York’s most iconic landmarks, including a visit to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The tour includes tickets to both islands as well as a guided tour with an expert guide who will provide visitors with interesting facts about each landmark. The tour also includes a ferry ride to Liberty Island where visitors can explore the grounds and get up close to the Statue of Liberty. This tour lasts approximately four hours and is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about New York’s iconic landmarks. Book this Statue of Liberty tour here.

New York Food Tour

Explore New York’s culinary scene on this food tour that takes visitors through some of the city’s most popular eateries. The tour includes visits to top restaurants in Manhattan where visitors can sample delicious food from around the world as well as learn more about each restaurant’s history and culture. The tour also includes visits to some of Manhattan’s hidden gems where visitors can try unique dishes such as dim sum or tacos. This tour lasts approximately three hours and is perfect for food lovers who want to experience some of New York’s best dishes. Book this Food Tour here.

Popular Tours on GetYourGuide

In addition to Viator, GetYourGuide also offers some amazing tours in New York City that you can book online. Here are two popular tours that you can book on GetYourGuide:

New York City Helicopter Tour

Take your sightseeing experience to new heights with this exciting helicopter tour of New York City. This tour takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through some of New York’s most iconic landmarks from a bird’s eye view. The tour includes breathtaking aerial views of Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and much more! This tour lasts approximately 15 minutes and is perfect for anyone who wants to get an amazing view of New York City from above. Book this Helicopter Tour here.

Central Park Bike Tour

Explore Central Park like never before with this guided bike tour. This tour takes visitors around Central Park’s 843 acres with stops at some of its most famous attractions such as Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle and much more! The tour includes bike rentals as well as an expert guide who will provide visitors with interesting facts about Central Park’s history and culture. This tour lasts approximately three hours and is perfect for anyone who wants to see Central Park from a different perspective. Book this Central Park Bike Tour here.

Conclusion

No visit to New York City is complete without exploring its many iconic attractions. From visiting some of its most iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building to exploring its vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, and diverse cultural attractions, there is something for everyone in this amazing city! To make your visit even more special, why not book one or two tours? With Viator or GetYourGuide you can find a variety of tours that will show you a different side of New York City!