Sightseeing in the Big Apple
The Big Apple, NYC, the City That Never Sleeps, no matter what New York City is called, it is still one of the busiest and most exciting cities in the world. No matter the time or the place, there are things to do, places to go and people to see. With the immense amount of commotion and movement, it is good to know where to go and how to get there. There are countless modes of transportation in the Big Apple, the most popular being the taxi and the subway; but for the tourist who is visiting purely to sightsee, a tour bus is the opportune choice. Not only can you fully enjoy the sights while you pass by, you are not bombarded with the stress that comes with driving in New York.
As one of the most populated cities in the world, it takes a certain finesse to drive in New York City. From the yellow taxis that seem to have eternal road rage, to the jaded New Yorkers that swarm the city and jay walk any time they please, and the bikers that weave in and out of traffic; one thing is for sure, maneuvering an automobile in the big city is not for the weak hearted. If the tourist forgoes the driving and opts to take a tour bus, he is saving himself from many problems later on.
Parking in New York City can be a huge challenge. New York City is notorious for hard to find parking spots and meters that seem to have a mind of their own. Most of the prime spots on the street get filled-up quickly and you need to know about special New York City parking rules like "alternate side of the street parking days." But if you are fortunate enough to find a parking spot eight blocks away after fifteen minutes of searching, there is the constant worry of refilling the parking meter. Luckily, there are more than 2,300 parking facilities in the City. While they are licensed by the City's Department of Consumer Affairs, their prices are not regulated. Overnight parking costs $20 - $28 a day on average, without the10.25% tax and an 8% surcharge. Many of them will also surcharge over-sized and luxury vehicles. With a tour bus, the hassle of finding a parking spot and constantly refilling the meter or the anxiety of paying a fortune for a parking garage is eliminated, and the tourist able to do what he came to do, sightsee.
Driving habits have changed now that gas prices have increased rapidly. People everywhere are walking or taking public transportation to places where driving is not necessary. The tourist can save on gas by purchasing a tour bus ticket for $30-$50, which is equivalent to about one tank of gas. With the bus, the tourist is at his leisure to stay at an attraction for as long as he pleases, with unlimited hop-on, hop-off opportunities throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Also, he is free to talk to his fellow tourists without the worry of going to the wrong place, or getting lost. Driving in a new city can be very intimidating, and not knowing where to go does not help. The tour bus does the driving, and the company picks out great destinations that tourists want to see.
A tour bus is an enjoyable way to see the city. Tourists are able to get a true sense of the sights, sounds and smells of New York City from the open upper level. It provides a 360 degree bird’s eye view from the second story; above the traffic and people, without the barrier of a window. One popular tour bus company is Gray Line New York Sightseeing, a New York City attraction in their own right. These huge red double-decker buses have become regulars in the New York traffic scene and can be seen picking up and dropping off tourists at over 50 different popular stops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
“Send a salami to your boy in the Army!” It has been several decades since loved ones had to send salamis to GI’s over seas in Word War II, but the slogan stuck with them. Located in the lower east side of New York City, Katz’s Delicatessen has been serving delicious deli meats to hungry New Yorkers since its establishment in 1888. The pastrami and egg, and the brisket sandwiches are some of the most popular menu items. From the griddle, you can order potato, spinach or broccoli knishes. Side dishes include home made coleslaw and macaroni salad. For desert, there are thick savory puddings; rice, tapioca and chocolate are some well-liked flavors. One of their most famous menu items is not even made of meat. Their delicious egg cream is made from milk, Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup and “selza”; and can refresh even the weariest New Yorkers. These menu items may seem like typical delicatessen foods, but they are the many reasons why Katz’s is one of the most famous delis in the world.
True delicatessens are rare, because they continue a tradition of meat preparation and preservation before refrigeration was invented. For over 100 years Katz’s has made its corned beef the old-fashioned way on the premises, slow cured without any injected additives or water to speed up the process. Patrons of Katz’s include former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, Tito Puente, Judge Judy, and Danny DeVito. But the most memorable of Katz’s customers are Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in the film When Harry Met Sally. During the movie, Meg Ryan displayed her “faking it” skills. The owners claim it was not her good acting, but their sensational corned beef.
Some call it the country’s first urban mall, but that label is misleading. This sprawling shopping, entertainment and office complex is much more than just a mall. At twenty two acres, Rockefeller center is the largest privately owned complex in the world. It has over one hundred places to shop, more than 40 places to dine, and something for every one of all ages to see and do. The GE building, where NBC, “Late Night with David Letterman”, and “Saturday Night Live” are broadcast, is the focal point of this complex. Visitors are now able to go to the newly renovated observation deck on the 70th floor. It has a 360 degree panorama of unparalleled views of New York City. Some of New York's most famous landmarks are visible, including the Chrysler Building, the East River, the Hudson River, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. It is, quite simply, the most spectacular view in New York City.
Another component of Rockefeller center is the world famous Radio City Music Hall, the host of ice shows, concerts and home of the high kicking Rockettes. Rockefeller center is great any time of year, but it is truly spectacular during the holiday season. The ice skating rink is at its full glory, and the enormous Christmas tree at the center of it is a beacon of good cheer. Tourists are able to book tours of Radio City Music Hall, NBC studios, or of Rockefeller Center in its entirety.
Only a few blocks away from Rockefeller Center is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The elaborate white 330 foot spears against the black glass backdrop of the Olympic tower make the Cathedral one of the most photographed views of the city. It is the largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Each year over 3 million people visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and it has been recognized as a center of Catholic life in this country.
A major part of Mew York City’s history is Ellis Island. Visitors are able to take a ferry to the 27½ acre island where approximately 12 million men, women and children first set foot on American soil. This federal immigration facility closed its doors for good in 1954, but before doing that, it processed the ancestors of more than 40% of Americans today. In 1990, Ellis Island reopened as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. It possesses more than thirty galleries of artifacts, photographs, priceless family heirlooms, and taped oral histories that chronicle the immigrant experience. The museum shows what native villages were like, where nationalities took root, and which industries employed them. Tourists are able to purchase an audio guide or a ranger tour of the museum. A white tiled area called the Registry Room is where immigrants awaited processing. It was there, that those with serious diseases, unmarried women and the impoverished, otherwise known as “undesirables” were screened out. At the American Family Immigration Center, visitors are able to search for their own ancestors on Ellis Island Records. Outside of the museum stands the American immigrant wall of honor. It faces the Manhattan skyline, and depicts the names of over 500,000 immigrants that passed through Ellis Island. From Ellis Island, tourists are able to see another New York monument, the Statue of Liberty. “Lady Liberty” was a gift of friendship from the people of France. As a symbol of hope and liberty, the statue is open everyday to visitors, except for December 25th.
One New York City attraction that is a success with both adults and children alike is the American Museum of Natural History. This Upper West Side landmark is one of the most famous tourist attractions in all of New York City. The most important thing to know when visiting this huge stone building is four floors of gallery space spanning many city blocks makes for lots of walking. The museum hosts 42 permanent exhibits and several temporary ones covering everything in creation from anthropology to zoology, from the beginning of time to the present. Visitors are able to stare up in awe at the massive dinosaur fossils, and observe the artful dioramas depicting human evolution. The entire museum truly appeals to one’s sense of curiosity and wonder.
Next to the American Museum of Natural History, what used to be the Hayden Planetarium is the new Rose Center for Earth and Space. Housed in a glass cube containing the spherical Space Theater, This place where astronomy and astrophysics connect with scientists of all ages looks more like something from the future, than a museum in the middle of New York City. It is presently showing two Space Show features inside of the huge sphere, The Search for Life: Are We Alone? narrated by Harrison Ford and Passport to the Universe narrated by Tom Hanks. These space shows are anything but ordinary. The rounded shape of the screen and the stadium seating make the viewing experience seem real. The Rose Center’s primary objective is to give the public a better understanding of the universe, and to bring the universe down to Earth. Over the past 130 years, the Hayden Planetarium has taught visitors about the rich history and diversity of life on Earth; now, the Rose Center will discover how the Earth and its history is a part of the bigger time line of the universe.
Coney Island, derived from the Dutch word konijn for rabbit, is one of New York’s oldest attractions. The rabbit filled area has transformed greatly from the time of the Dutch settlers, to become a place where New Yorkers go for fun in the sun. Although the baths where earlier generations went to sweat off pounds are as time-worn as the elderly patrons, Coney island is still worth the visit for its many other attractions. The Cyclone, a wooden, bone-chilling roller coaster, opened in 1927, still attracts kids of all ages. It can be found in Astroland, which has dozens of rides, games and amusements. The beaches of Coney Island are clean,safe and relaxing. They are a wonderful retreat from the noisy and loud New York streets.
The only aquarium in New York City is can be found in Coney Island. The Aquarium of Wildlife Conservation has exhibits featuring over 8,000 animals. Penguins and otters lounging on replicated coasts, walruses in the rocky coastline of Sea Cliffs, and California sea lions during their Aquatheater presentations are just some of the many marine life exhibits. The Aquarium has variety, excellent viewing, and world-renowned scientific knowledge that assures a gratifying experience. It is the place where “the city meets the sea” and that people can help marine life, and further their conservation and protection. At the aquarium, learn about animals living as far away as the Southwest coast of Africa and the Arctic to those found locally in the Hudson River.
A trip to New York City is absolutely not complete without tour of Times Square. What used to be a gritty neighborhood is now a tourist friendly cultural hub full of theaters, music halls, restaurants and fancy hotels. Broadway shows have become a huge tourist magnet for Times Square, though tickets for most shows are expensive. The TKTS booth located in Duffy Square, at Broadway and 47th Street, sells tickets for half-price on same-day shows for many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. This service helps fill-out empty seats and makes seeing a show in New York more affordable for many people.Times Square is the only neighborhood with a zoning ordinance requiring tenants to display bright signs. The density of the signs provides exciting new sights and great photo opportunities for tourists. Home to MTV’s Total Request Live, ABC Studios, and the largest toy store in the world with an indoor Ferris Wheel, Toys R Us; Times Square is definitely bursting with fun and excitement around every corner.
It is impossible to be able to see and appreciate all of New York in just one day, but to get a basic picture of what New York City is, one can visit some of the attractions and landmarks mentioned in the above paragraphs. New York always has something for everyone, whether you are looking to learn, or looking to have a night on the town, you just have to know where to look.
As one of the most populated cities in the world, it takes a certain finesse to drive in New York City. From the yellow taxis that seem to have eternal road rage, to the jaded New Yorkers that swarm the city and jay walk any time they please, and the bikers that weave in and out of traffic; one thing is for sure, maneuvering an automobile in the big city is not for the weak hearted. If the tourist forgoes the driving and opts to take a tour bus, he is saving himself from many problems later on.
Parking in New York City can be a huge challenge. New York City is notorious for hard to find parking spots and meters that seem to have a mind of their own. Most of the prime spots on the street get filled-up quickly and you need to know about special New York City parking rules like "alternate side of the street parking days." But if you are fortunate enough to find a parking spot eight blocks away after fifteen minutes of searching, there is the constant worry of refilling the parking meter. Luckily, there are more than 2,300 parking facilities in the City. While they are licensed by the City's Department of Consumer Affairs, their prices are not regulated. Overnight parking costs $20 - $28 a day on average, without the10.25% tax and an 8% surcharge. Many of them will also surcharge over-sized and luxury vehicles. With a tour bus, the hassle of finding a parking spot and constantly refilling the meter or the anxiety of paying a fortune for a parking garage is eliminated, and the tourist able to do what he came to do, sightsee.
Driving habits have changed now that gas prices have increased rapidly. People everywhere are walking or taking public transportation to places where driving is not necessary. The tourist can save on gas by purchasing a tour bus ticket for $30-$50, which is equivalent to about one tank of gas. With the bus, the tourist is at his leisure to stay at an attraction for as long as he pleases, with unlimited hop-on, hop-off opportunities throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Also, he is free to talk to his fellow tourists without the worry of going to the wrong place, or getting lost. Driving in a new city can be very intimidating, and not knowing where to go does not help. The tour bus does the driving, and the company picks out great destinations that tourists want to see.
A tour bus is an enjoyable way to see the city. Tourists are able to get a true sense of the sights, sounds and smells of New York City from the open upper level. It provides a 360 degree bird’s eye view from the second story; above the traffic and people, without the barrier of a window. One popular tour bus company is Gray Line New York Sightseeing, a New York City attraction in their own right. These huge red double-decker buses have become regulars in the New York traffic scene and can be seen picking up and dropping off tourists at over 50 different popular stops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
“Send a salami to your boy in the Army!” It has been several decades since loved ones had to send salamis to GI’s over seas in Word War II, but the slogan stuck with them. Located in the lower east side of New York City, Katz’s Delicatessen has been serving delicious deli meats to hungry New Yorkers since its establishment in 1888. The pastrami and egg, and the brisket sandwiches are some of the most popular menu items. From the griddle, you can order potato, spinach or broccoli knishes. Side dishes include home made coleslaw and macaroni salad. For desert, there are thick savory puddings; rice, tapioca and chocolate are some well-liked flavors. One of their most famous menu items is not even made of meat. Their delicious egg cream is made from milk, Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup and “selza”; and can refresh even the weariest New Yorkers. These menu items may seem like typical delicatessen foods, but they are the many reasons why Katz’s is one of the most famous delis in the world.
True delicatessens are rare, because they continue a tradition of meat preparation and preservation before refrigeration was invented. For over 100 years Katz’s has made its corned beef the old-fashioned way on the premises, slow cured without any injected additives or water to speed up the process. Patrons of Katz’s include former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, Tito Puente, Judge Judy, and Danny DeVito. But the most memorable of Katz’s customers are Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in the film When Harry Met Sally. During the movie, Meg Ryan displayed her “faking it” skills. The owners claim it was not her good acting, but their sensational corned beef.
Some call it the country’s first urban mall, but that label is misleading. This sprawling shopping, entertainment and office complex is much more than just a mall. At twenty two acres, Rockefeller center is the largest privately owned complex in the world. It has over one hundred places to shop, more than 40 places to dine, and something for every one of all ages to see and do. The GE building, where NBC, “Late Night with David Letterman”, and “Saturday Night Live” are broadcast, is the focal point of this complex. Visitors are now able to go to the newly renovated observation deck on the 70th floor. It has a 360 degree panorama of unparalleled views of New York City. Some of New York's most famous landmarks are visible, including the Chrysler Building, the East River, the Hudson River, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. It is, quite simply, the most spectacular view in New York City.
Another component of Rockefeller center is the world famous Radio City Music Hall, the host of ice shows, concerts and home of the high kicking Rockettes. Rockefeller center is great any time of year, but it is truly spectacular during the holiday season. The ice skating rink is at its full glory, and the enormous Christmas tree at the center of it is a beacon of good cheer. Tourists are able to book tours of Radio City Music Hall, NBC studios, or of Rockefeller Center in its entirety.
Only a few blocks away from Rockefeller Center is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The elaborate white 330 foot spears against the black glass backdrop of the Olympic tower make the Cathedral one of the most photographed views of the city. It is the largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Each year over 3 million people visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and it has been recognized as a center of Catholic life in this country.
A major part of Mew York City’s history is Ellis Island. Visitors are able to take a ferry to the 27½ acre island where approximately 12 million men, women and children first set foot on American soil. This federal immigration facility closed its doors for good in 1954, but before doing that, it processed the ancestors of more than 40% of Americans today. In 1990, Ellis Island reopened as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. It possesses more than thirty galleries of artifacts, photographs, priceless family heirlooms, and taped oral histories that chronicle the immigrant experience. The museum shows what native villages were like, where nationalities took root, and which industries employed them. Tourists are able to purchase an audio guide or a ranger tour of the museum. A white tiled area called the Registry Room is where immigrants awaited processing. It was there, that those with serious diseases, unmarried women and the impoverished, otherwise known as “undesirables” were screened out. At the American Family Immigration Center, visitors are able to search for their own ancestors on Ellis Island Records. Outside of the museum stands the American immigrant wall of honor. It faces the Manhattan skyline, and depicts the names of over 500,000 immigrants that passed through Ellis Island. From Ellis Island, tourists are able to see another New York monument, the Statue of Liberty. “Lady Liberty” was a gift of friendship from the people of France. As a symbol of hope and liberty, the statue is open everyday to visitors, except for December 25th.
One New York City attraction that is a success with both adults and children alike is the American Museum of Natural History. This Upper West Side landmark is one of the most famous tourist attractions in all of New York City. The most important thing to know when visiting this huge stone building is four floors of gallery space spanning many city blocks makes for lots of walking. The museum hosts 42 permanent exhibits and several temporary ones covering everything in creation from anthropology to zoology, from the beginning of time to the present. Visitors are able to stare up in awe at the massive dinosaur fossils, and observe the artful dioramas depicting human evolution. The entire museum truly appeals to one’s sense of curiosity and wonder.
Next to the American Museum of Natural History, what used to be the Hayden Planetarium is the new Rose Center for Earth and Space. Housed in a glass cube containing the spherical Space Theater, This place where astronomy and astrophysics connect with scientists of all ages looks more like something from the future, than a museum in the middle of New York City. It is presently showing two Space Show features inside of the huge sphere, The Search for Life: Are We Alone? narrated by Harrison Ford and Passport to the Universe narrated by Tom Hanks. These space shows are anything but ordinary. The rounded shape of the screen and the stadium seating make the viewing experience seem real. The Rose Center’s primary objective is to give the public a better understanding of the universe, and to bring the universe down to Earth. Over the past 130 years, the Hayden Planetarium has taught visitors about the rich history and diversity of life on Earth; now, the Rose Center will discover how the Earth and its history is a part of the bigger time line of the universe.
Coney Island, derived from the Dutch word konijn for rabbit, is one of New York’s oldest attractions. The rabbit filled area has transformed greatly from the time of the Dutch settlers, to become a place where New Yorkers go for fun in the sun. Although the baths where earlier generations went to sweat off pounds are as time-worn as the elderly patrons, Coney island is still worth the visit for its many other attractions. The Cyclone, a wooden, bone-chilling roller coaster, opened in 1927, still attracts kids of all ages. It can be found in Astroland, which has dozens of rides, games and amusements. The beaches of Coney Island are clean,safe and relaxing. They are a wonderful retreat from the noisy and loud New York streets.
The only aquarium in New York City is can be found in Coney Island. The Aquarium of Wildlife Conservation has exhibits featuring over 8,000 animals. Penguins and otters lounging on replicated coasts, walruses in the rocky coastline of Sea Cliffs, and California sea lions during their Aquatheater presentations are just some of the many marine life exhibits. The Aquarium has variety, excellent viewing, and world-renowned scientific knowledge that assures a gratifying experience. It is the place where “the city meets the sea” and that people can help marine life, and further their conservation and protection. At the aquarium, learn about animals living as far away as the Southwest coast of Africa and the Arctic to those found locally in the Hudson River.
A trip to New York City is absolutely not complete without tour of Times Square. What used to be a gritty neighborhood is now a tourist friendly cultural hub full of theaters, music halls, restaurants and fancy hotels. Broadway shows have become a huge tourist magnet for Times Square, though tickets for most shows are expensive. The TKTS booth located in Duffy Square, at Broadway and 47th Street, sells tickets for half-price on same-day shows for many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. This service helps fill-out empty seats and makes seeing a show in New York more affordable for many people.Times Square is the only neighborhood with a zoning ordinance requiring tenants to display bright signs. The density of the signs provides exciting new sights and great photo opportunities for tourists. Home to MTV’s Total Request Live, ABC Studios, and the largest toy store in the world with an indoor Ferris Wheel, Toys R Us; Times Square is definitely bursting with fun and excitement around every corner.
It is impossible to be able to see and appreciate all of New York in just one day, but to get a basic picture of what New York City is, one can visit some of the attractions and landmarks mentioned in the above paragraphs. New York always has something for everyone, whether you are looking to learn, or looking to have a night on the town, you just have to know where to look.
