What to do in New York County, NY

Times Square may not always be to the locals’ taste, but this busy and energetic area dubbed the “Crossroads of the World” is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. The atmosphere is loaded and chaotic, exuding the energy and diversity for which New York City is so renowned.

New York may be known as the city that never sleeps, but visitors should never overlook the calm and tranquillity offered by the famous Central Park. Situated in the heart of New York between the Upper West and Upper East Side neighbourhoods, this beautifully conceived green space covers 6% of Manhattan, providing woodland, lakes and charming landscaped gardens. The park, which opened in 1857, was conceived by design duo Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead. The latter also responsible for projects such as the Stanford University Campus and the Niagara Reservation in Niagara Falls.

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.

This bustling transport hub serves over 750,000 visitors, both commuters and tourists alike and is an absolutely must-see venue when visiting New York. Designed by the firms Reed & Stem and Warren & Wetmore, this magnificent building’s architectural style is a triumph, and it houses a large number of shops and restaurants.

To many, the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan between 48th and 51st Street epitomises New York of the 1930s, but it is also the face of the modern city. Known for being at the centre of the city’s annual holiday celebrations, with its outdoor ice rink and magnificently illuminated Christmas tree, it is also a year-round destination with top entertainment and attractions.

Broadway is called the “Great White Way” for the dazzling lights surrounding the popular Times Square portion of this avenue. Take a moment to look in all directions from your spot at the center of Times Square. Every December 31, about 1 million people crowd into this space to watch the 12-foot (3.6-meter) ball drop from One Times Square in celebration of the New Year.

The Empire State building is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the New York skyline. So much so, that the city has gained the nickname Empire State, a connection equal to that of Big Ben to London or the Eiffel Tower to Paris. It was the tallest skyscraper in New York for 40 years, a title it took over from the Chrysler Building when it opened officially in 1931.

The Statue of Liberty, standing at an impressive 93 metres from the ground to the tip of the torch, is perhaps the most easily recognisable of all of New York’s iconic attractions. The figure of Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, was gifted to the United States by France in 1886 to commemorate the American Declaration of Independence. This landmark is often credited with embodying the most fundamental American values, including the freedom and opportunity offered in the “New World”.

Standing well above its skyscraping neighbors, One World Trade Center is a building that is easily identifiable from New Jersey and from most parts of the boroughs surrounding Manhattan. The reflective sheen of the structure’s glass is easy to mistake for metal, and its isosceles triangular façades give it the appearance of having a twisting motion toward the sky.

With a storied past, midtown Manhattan’s Bryant Park has become very popular with tourists and residents for relaxing or getting active. Walk around the grounds or engage in one of the park’s many games and activities.