10 Tourist Spots In New York To Visit
Touring New York is something you must do. The Big Apple is known for its variety of things. From food to people to family fun and nightlife. There are so many endless memories when visiting New York. Here are some of the tourist spots in New York to visit.
The Bronx
Originally named after Jonas Bronck, The Bronx is a cultural staple to one of the most popular music genres, Hip-Hop. It is called the “Boogie Down” Bronx for a reason. The Bronx is also the birthplace of breakdancing as well as famous artists such as Edgar Allen Poe, Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, and comic book artist Stan Lee. With a population of over 1.2 million, the Bronx carries many popular tourist spots despite being known for its high crime rate. The biggest park in New York City is located in the Bronx, Pelham Bay Park.
1. Yankees Stadium
When visiting the Bronx, the best tourist spot to visit is the new Yankees Stadium, located on 1 East 161st Street. The original Yankee Stadium was demolished in 2008 and became what’s now known as Heritage Field. The new stadium is home to the famous and highly recognized New York Yankees. The team won 27 World Series titles and 40 American League pennants. The stadium was once nicknamed, “The House that Ruth Built” because of its most famous slugger, Babe Ruth. Other famous Yankee players include Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and the Murderers’ Row (Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri, Meusel, and Combs).
Why Visit Here? Opened in 2009, the new stadium holds approximately 53,000 people (with standing room), 56 luxury suites and 16 public elevators for the convenience of their die-hard fans. Inside the stadium, there is a museum (main floor gate 6) dedicated to the history of the team. Sponsored and presented by the Bank of America, the museum also includes memorabilia for the team.
2. Van Cortandt Park
Located in Riverdale (Van Cortlandt S. between Broadway and Jerome Avenue), Van Cortlandt Park is one of the biggest parks in NYC, making it a historical tourist spot here in New York. It was once a plantation owned by the Dutch Van Cortlandt family until December 1988. Parkgoers are typically there to hike, golf, and learn the history.
Why Visit Here? There are many reasons to want to visit Van Cortlandt Park. Inside the park, you’re able to hike along a rail line. Putnam Trail. The formerly named Putnam Railroad travels from the “old” New York to Brewster, Putnam County for over ten miles. Inside the park lives the oldest surviving house in all of the Bronx, the Van Cortlandt House. It was a neutral ground for soldiers during the Revolutionary War. George Washington stayed in the house. It is open and hosts an annual open house in the fall.
Queens
Queens is the largest and second-most populated borough in New York City. Home of over 30 neighborhoods, 138 spoken languages, and ethnic diversity, Queens has the second-largest economy next to Manhattan. Once you land in New York, the first borough you’ll be in is Queens. It is where JFK and LaGuardia Airports are located. The US Open Tennis Tournament is located in this borough. Queens is the home of artists such as Gene Simmons, Cyndi Lauper, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj. LL Cool J and Run DMC.
3. Citi Field
Just like Yankees Stadium, Citi Field was not the original stadium for the New York Mets. The original home of the Mets, Shea Stadium, was demolished in 2008 to add more parking space for Citi Field. Citi Field is based in Flushing, Queens (123-01 Roosevelt Ave). The team won only 2 two World Series titles and five National League pennants. Both Mets and Yankees shared Yogi Berra as a player, coach, and manager before he became a coach for the Astros. Other notable New York Mets players are David Wright, Gary Carter, Willie Mays, and Nolan Ryan.
Why Visit Here? Recreated for a conveniently modern view, the stadium accommodates 41,800 Mets fans, consists of numerous entertainment areas, over 12,000 parking spaces with a view of the original bases from Shea Stadium. Right outside Citi Field is the Home Run Apple, which arises when a home run is hit. Besides great food, there is a Mets Hall of Fame and Museum nearby the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. The museum consists of trophies and plaques for Mets Hall of Famers.
Brooklyn
The heavily populated borough is filled with diversity just like the rest of New York City. With a population of more than 2 million people, it is one of the largest places in the city. Brooklyn is home to popular items like teddy bears, Tootsie Roll candy & credit cards. Brooklyn is also the home of many celebrities like Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, Adam Sandler, Nas, Judge Judy, and Al Capone.
4. Coney Island Beach/Boardwalk & Luna Park
Coney Island is one of the best tourist spots in Brooklyn, New York. It’s been around for years, starting out as a seaside resort in 1824. Millions of people visit the beach and boardwalk daily. The boardwalk has more than 25 restaurants. The New York Aquarium is on the other side of the boardwalk. Coney Island is known for being for their events like (my favorite) the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Luna Park was first available to consumers in 1903, closed in 1944 and reopened in 2010, replacing the famous Astroland.
Why Visit Here? Coney Island is a great place for families as well as those with childlike hearts and the rebellious ones. There’s something for everyone in Coney Island. The biggest attractions, The Wonder Wheel & The Cyclone, have been up and running since the 20th century. The first Nathan’s was born at Coney Island. Coney Island is the tourist spot that attracts people of all ages and ethnicities.
5. Smorgasburg Prospect Park
For every trip to New York, you must visit at least one food spot, and the best tourist spot for food in Brooklyn is Smorgasburg in Prospect Park. Smorgasburg is a huge food festival that occurs every Sunday inside Breeze Hill in Prospect Park. Over 70 vendors come to cook for parkgoers and foodies from all over Brooklyn. Some vendors come to every Smorgasburg event to showcase their food. New vendors come to bring in more customers. Cuisines from places like Korea and Italy can be seen at Smorgasburg. It is the largest open-air food market in the United States.
Why Visit Here? It’s all about food. Who doesn’t love eating and trying new food?
Manhattan
It should be a known rule to visit Manhattan whenever you decide to come to New York. Whether you go there first or wait a few days to visit. Although Manhattan is overcrowded, it is worth the hustle and bustle you see every day in the city. Manhattan is the home of many landmarks like City Hall, Federal Hall, Wall Street, and Grand Central. There is a wide variety of recognized people from Manhattan like Alicia Keys, Al Pacino, and the president.
6. Times Square
Times Square is considerably the heart of New York City and is the best tourist spot in Manhattan. Each year, about 50 million people visit Times Square. When visiting at night, you would think it’s mid-afternoon due to how bright it is out there, which by law each building there must have a minimum amount of light to preserve its glamorous views. The New Years’ Eve festivities happen in Time Square as we watch the ball drop. People fill up the streets to get a view of the Naked Cowboy, various cartoon characters and the stairs at the center of Times Square. It is home to the studios of MTV & ABC.
Why Visit Here? Besides the beautifully crowded scenery, Times Square is home to many stores and restaurants. The biggest Toys “R” Us store was in Time Square before it closed in 2015—it may reopen soon. However, there are more places than meets the eye. M&M World has now become popular with families as they are able to meet their favorite M&M and see which one matches their personality. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Dave & Buster’s and Ripley’s Believe it or Not are a few places to check out with friends and family. There’s always room for shopping since stores like Sephora, H&M & Forever 21.
7. Rockefeller Center
Commissioned by the Rockefeller family, the large complex is named after John D. Rockefeller, Jr. It was developed in 1930. Rockefeller Center hired over 40,000 people the Great Depression. 30 Rockefeller Center, also known as the Comcast Building and 30 Rock, is the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center homes Radio City Music Hall, the venue that hosts Christmas shows every year.
Why Visit Here? Rockefeller Center is known for its Christmas tree celebration. There Christmas tree ranges from 60 to 100 feet tall and the Swarovski crystal star is 10 feet in diameter. When lit up, the tree is covered in 50,000 LED lights. Underneath the tree is the ice-skating rink that’s open from October to March.
8. Macy’s Herald Square
Macy’s Herald Square, located in West 34th Street, is the biggest Macy’s store in the United States. It was the biggest location internationally until South Korea built its location in 2009. The building is 2.2 million square feet and consists of 11 floors. The location brings in about 20 million shoppers each year. Macy’s Herald Square is known for its elaborate storefronts, with thousands of tourists enjoying the view.
Why Visit Here? Hopefully, tourists won’t get lost in amazement when stepping into the building. Macy’s hosts their annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade passes through Manhattan, ending in front of the Herald Square building. You’re able to see your favorite musicians, floats, and balloons.
9. World Trade Center
Visiting the World Trade Center may be an eye-opening moment for tourists. One World Trade Center is 1,362 feet and is 104 stories high. The World Trade Center location is where the 9/11 terrorist attack occurred. Over 2,000 people died during the attack in which less than half of them were identified. In the location, there is a memorial of all the victims identified and first responders who died on the line of duty.
Why Visit Here? You’re able to pay respects to those who lost their lives trying to save people. While visiting the area, there’s a museum where you can see salvaged items from the tragic event.
10. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is over 1,200 feet tall and 103 stories high. It is located between 33rd and 34th streets on 5th Avenue. Bringing in four million visitors, it is also recognized as a romantic location for couples (you’re able to see sparks when being kissed due to static electricity). The Empire State Building appeared in movies such as Elf and The Amazing Spider-Man. The building is the tallest LEED-certified building in the US. Due to the number of businesses located inside the building, it has its own zip code, 10118.
Why Visit Here? At the top of the Empire State Building, you’re able to see the entire New York City. Each floor is something different. There are offers to keep in mind when visiting like free admission around Valentine’s Day. The Empire State Building has a museum inside as well
