Top 3 Things to Do in New York City

A visitor to New York City might feel overwhelmed with all the things to do and see in and around the city. Sometimes knowing what to avoid and what not to miss could mean the difference in making an ok vacation into a great vacation. Here is a list of the top 3 things to do while in New York City.

Top on the list is a visit to the Empire State Building. This 102 story landmark is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and West 34th street. This building (built in 1931) was considered the tallest in the world for over 40 years. The Observatory is open daily 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

You will need to pass through security screening that is similar to what you might encounter at an airport. There is a long list of items that not permitted inside the building so be sure to check the official website. You can save time by purchasing your tickets online. The Empire State Building is handicap accessible and also allows baby strollers.

Second on the list is a visit to Central Park. Central Park is the most visited park in an urban setting in the United States. The park sits on 843 acres in upper Manhattan. You will find people walking, jogging, biking, and skating throughout the park as well as people relaxing and having fun in the fields. There are horseback riding trails, 2 ice skating rinks (one is used as a swimming pool during the summer), an Amphitheatre, and of course, the world famous Central Park Carousel. You can spend days here and not see it all.

Central Park is also home to a zoo where you can spend time visiting exhibits and watching animal antics. The lake offers row boat rentals and has a wonderful water view restaurant too.

Third on the list of things to do in New York City is a visit to the American Museum of Natural History located across the street from Central Park in the Upper Westside of Manhattan on 79^th street. This museum was established in 1869 and the first stone was laid in 1874. It is open every day except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day from 10am to 545pm.

One of the most popular exhibits has to be the life size blue whale that hangs in the Hall of Ocean Life. Kids of all ages love to see all the fossils and dinosaur exhibits. The entire 4^th floor is filled with great fossil collections for all to enjoy. The dinosaur skeletons, especially the T-Rex, show the majesty and wonder of the dinosaur age.

The museum offers many interesting lectures and traveling exhibits to the public and to its private members. You can purchase an individual or family membership through the membership desk. This way you can keep up with all the events that take place throughout the year.

The American Museum of Natural History is located within the boundaries of Theodore Roosevelt Park. This park is on 17 acres and has benches, wonderful gardens, and even a dog run. Why not combine it with a trip to the Central Park Zoo the next time you are in New York City.