From the moment you see that first iconic yellow cab in the iconic NYC.
High Line in NYC. UNSPLASH Nad HemnaniNew York, New York – its the concrete jungle, the city that never sleeps, and unlike anywhere else on earth. So, if you’re lucky enough to be paying it a visit, what can you look forward to seeing?
Well, it’s safe to say that even a week here wouldn’t be long enough to see all that NYC has to offer. But 72 hours will certainly give you enough time to tick off some of the best cultural hotspots the city has to offer. Consider making a plan to see the following sights for a vacation you’ll enjoy from the moment you see that first iconic yellow cab!
1. Visit The Iconic Empire State Building
Sure, visiting the Empire State Building as a tourist is about as cliché as it gets, but it’s a cliché for a reason. This cultural icon is a beautiful piece of art deco architecture that’s been a feature of New York City’s skyline for almost 100 years, and the view from the gallery is arguably more beautiful than ever before. Pre-book tickets if you don’t want to wait in line and consider heading there after sundown for a view of the city illuminated by glowing skyscrapers and tail lights.
2. See World Class Shows At The Public Theatre
There’s no place on earth that’s better for a world class show than NYC, and attendees would argue that the Public Theatre is the very best Manhattan has to offer. In fact, both Hamilton and the 1969 version of Stomp were produced here, making it something of an incubator for major hits. Get tickets to watch some of the most beautifully written and performed theatre productions in the world, immersing yourself in an art form that will leave you breathless with all manner of emotions.
3. Enjoy Beautiful Art At The Cloisters Museum
Nestled away in Upper Manhattan with open gardens, relics from medieval Europe and beautiful stone arches, you’ll find the incomparable Cloisters Museum. This museum (owned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art) is the nearest thing to European history and architecture you’ll find on this side of the Atlantic, with incredible stained glass windows and carefully tended gardens. Arrive on a warm sunny day to sit on one of the benches and revel in the peace and quiet, which is not something you’d usually find in a city as busy as New York.
4. Spend A Day At The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is one of the best museums in all of New York City, and with the entrance fee being just a suggested donation, anyone can afford to pay it a visit. You’ll find areas that are completely deserted (perfect if you find an artwork to linger over), and other areas that are a little busier. Start at the top of the museum as it’s where you’ll find the Monets, Van Goghs and Manets, and work your way down to the bottom. There’s a lot here, so don’t expect to see it all in one day, but you can certainly section off an afternoon and cram in as much as you fancy.
5. Stroll Through NYC’s Elevated Public Park, The High Line
After all that art, you might fancy some fresh air. Well, as fresh as the air gets in New York City, at any rate! Make your way to the High Line – it’s a public park built on an old freight rail line elevated high above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side. Visitors enjoy the unexpected greenery, and the views are pretty great too, especially if you’re walking the three-mile stretch as the sun is setting.
6. Marvel At The Grandeur Of The New York Public Library
Doubtless you’ve seen the Public Library in numerous movies, but nothing will prepare you for the grandeur of the marble staircases, gargantuan reading rooms and sparkling chandeliers. It’s a lovely place to cool down on a hot summer’s day (or warm up on a cold day when the streets are filled with snow), plus it’s free to enter. It might feel odd visiting a library as a tourist attraction, but you’ll be glad you did – the building is just as remarkable as the collection of books and exhibits the library is home to.
These are just a handful of cultural hotspots to visit while you’re in New York. If you have time left over, make sure to pay a visit to 9/11 Memorial and Museum and decompress with a stroll through Central Park.
Article written by CHELSEA ELLSWORTH.
