Tried and True New York City Sites that Never Get Old

I've been to New York City several times over the last five years. The Big Apple is quite the tourist trap and it's impossible to have time to explore everything in one day.

Even in such a big city, there are some New York attractions that I never get tired of. I could go visit these places time and time again and still find a reason to come back every time. Here's a list of my top attractions and what it is about them that just keeps me coming back for more.

Times Square

How could you miss Times Square? It's the center of New York City and leads to Broadway theatres, famous restaurants, and several New York souvenir shops. Walking down 42^nd St. and exploring the sites and people watching is an experience worth having time and time again. You'll never see the same people twice and you can listen to a street band on the corner, look at the latest goods street vendors are peddling, and stand in line for discount Broadway tickets at the TKT stand right in the center of it all. You can even imagine yourself standing there waiting for the New Year's Eve ball drop.

The Hard Rock Café

A new Hard Rock Café recently opened on Times Square and although the food can be expensive, there are so many things to look at and do while you wait for food or seating. One of the features of the new Hard Rock is a wall of guitars that were used and autographed by famous artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. You can watch old music videos on TVs hanging on the wall and at any busy time, an electronic board on the wall will list the names of all parties waiting for a table. It's a cool modern way to track how much longer you have to sit on the comfortable couches in the waiting area. Also, don't forget to stop in the Hard Rock souvenir shop and pick up an item of clothing, Hard Rock pins, or rock and roll board games (your server may encourage you to do this while you wait. Take him or her up on it if they do).

Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden is the world's premiere entertainment venue. The main arena is home to the New York Rangers of the NHL, the New York Knicks of the NBA, and the New York Liberty of the WNBA. The seating capacity is 18,200 for hockey and 19,763 for basketball games and concerts. The WaMu Theatre, which is adjacent to the Garden, has held NFL and NBA drafts, family shows, theatre performances, conferences, and many more seats 5,600. A trip to MSG will put you right in the center of exciting sports action and give you a look at a classic building that has been brought up to date with the times.

Hershey's Store

The Hershey's Store is located on Times Square and sells Hershey's chocolate and other Hershey merchandise. One stop in here and you can come out stocked with Hershey's chocolate bars, Reese's peanut butter Cups, mugs filled with candy, Hershey's clothing, and a lot more. If this is on your list of must sees, make sure to stop here late in the day of your trip so your chocolate doesn't melt when you have to carry it around all day.

Broadway

If you have the expenses or your bus trip comes with it, head down to Broadway and take in a production. From "Chicago" to "Mamma Mia," Broadway offers something for everyone. Most theatres don't have a bad seat in the house and offer snacks and soft drinks at intermission, as well as stands where you can buy gifts related to the show. Even better, you might have a chance to meet some of the show's stars if you're patient afterwards or if they are doing a fundraiser where you can pay to have your picture taken with the actors who play main characters. Most of this money goes to charity.

With so much to see and do in New York, no one should come in afraid to go to places they have never seen before. However, with anything else, there are some things that you just can't stay away from. Regardless of how many times you've visited an attraction, I don't see why you can't go back again and again. Whether it's your first or tenth time in the Big Apple, enjoy the trip for all it's worth!