“New York is a place halfway between America and the world.”
– George Bernard Shaw
There’s no place quite like New York City. It has a special magnetism, excitement, and energy that makes it unique. It’s no surprise that New York is the nation’s top tourist destination, visited by millions of people from around the world. Ethnically and culturally diverse, New York City also holds the distinction of being the country’s top dining destination. And ever wonder why NY is referred to as the “Big Apple?” Jazz musicians coined the phrase about 65 years ago. They referred to the “Big” Apple (vs. all the other apples) as the “big-time” gig in New York. They believed that New York was the place to perform and that if they could make it there, they could make it anywhere.
Fun New York City Attractions
New York City offers visitors (and New Yorkers) an abundance of fun activities. There’s more to do and see here than in just about any other city in the country. No visit to New York would be complete without seeing at least one Broadway or Off-Broadway show. Besides London’s West End, there’s no better place to see a show. Must-see NYC attractions include:
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Book New York Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
- One-Day Guided NYC Sightseeing Tour
See NYC’s top attractions on a fun One-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour. - Skip-the-Line Ticket to Empire State Building
Buy a Skip-the-Line Ticket to the world-famous Empire State Building and get a 360-degree view of famous city landmarks from the 86th floor. - Guided Tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Take a Guided Tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, two of NY’s most popular attractions. - “Sex and the City” Hotspots New York City Tour
“Sex and the City” fans won’t want to miss this FUN tour. Visit famous hot spots from the hit TV show and movies as you follow in the footsteps of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.
- Manhattan Island Cruise
Book a romantic Manhattan Island Cruise and see some of the best views of NY’s skyline from the water. - Skip-the-Line Ticket to One World Observatory
Get a Skip-the-Line Ticket to One World Observatory and get a birds-eye view of Manhattan from the 102nd floor. It’s the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. - Helicopter Ride over Manhattan
Take an exhilarating Helicopter Ride over Manhattan. It’s a fun way to see the city sights. - New York Food and Walking Tours
Take a fun NYC Food and Walking Tour through the city’s most historic neighborhoods. Visit Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village. Try different varieties of NY’s famous pizza and enjoy delicious Dim Sum.
- Tickets to Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Enjoy panoramic unobstructed open-air views of Manhattan at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Try to time your visit during the sunset and twilight hours if you can. You won’t be disappointed. - Central Park Horse & Carriage Ride
Take a romantic Horse & Carriage Ride through Central Park. We’ve enjoyed several carriage rides over the years. Spring and Fall are nice when the weather is more temperate. Winter time can be very romantic, cuddling under warm blankets. - American Museum of Natural History
Explore one of the largest natural history museums in the world. The American Museum of Natural History is one of NY’s most popular museums. Buy your general admission tickets in advance and enjoy a full day at this fun family-friendly attraction.
If it’s your first visit to New York, we always recommend taking a fun hop-on-hop-off open-top Double-Decker Bus Tour to see NYC’s top attractions. It’s a great way to see all of the city’s sights at your own pace. And you can go back to the places you want to spend more time visiting. Other options include Manhattan Sightseeing Cruises and fun Food and Walking Tours. Book in advance and get Skip-the-Line Tickets to many of NYC’s popular attractions, including the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Statue of Liberty and Top of the Rock.
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Fun Day Trip to Niagara Falls from NYC
If you’re visiting Buffalo, NY, take a short drive to see Niagara Falls. It straddles the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York, about 20 miles north of Buffalo. Niagara Falls can be seen from both sides of the border (U.S. and Canadian sides). Stay on the American side of the Falls or drive across the bridge to the Canadian side. Be sure to bring your passport. Both sides of the Falls are spectacular, however we prefer the Canadian side (pictured below). Or take a Fun Day Trip to Niagara Falls from New York City.
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The Best Time To Visit New York City
The best time to visit New York City is during the Spring and Fall when the weather is mild and over the Holiday Season (November and December).
Christmas in New York City
New York City is a fabulous place to visit, especially during the Holiday Season. Rockefeller Center’s giant Christmas tree provides a festive backdrop to the ice-skating rink below. The area is filled with throngs of tourists and holiday shoppers, making it a great place for people-watching. See the Tree Lighting in December and be sure to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck to get a bird’s eye view of the city – it’s spectacular!
New Year’s Eve at Times Square
Times Square is world-famous for its annual New Years Eve celebrations and its “lowering of the Ball,” attended by thousands of people and watched by millions more on TV.
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