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🎉 Your Ultimate New York City Adventure Awaits! (Updated 6/23/2022)
Dreaming of the Big Apple? New York City conjures images of the iconic Statue of Liberty and the dazzling lights of Times Square. Get ready to experience the city that never sleeps!
NYC welcomes millions of visitors each year, drawn to the vibrant energy of Times Square or the allure of guided city tours. Here's your insider's guide to the must-see spots:
📍 Must-Visit Attractions:
- Central Park - Escape the urban hustle in this sprawling oasis.
- Watkins Glen State Park - Natural beauty at its finest!
- Washington Square Park - A vibrant hub for artists and students.
- Times Square - Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere.
- One World Trade Center - A symbol of resilience and breathtaking views.
- Statue of Liberty - A symbol of freedom and a must-see landmark.
- Empire State Building - Ascend to the top for panoramic city views.
- Coney Island - Experience classic seaside fun and thrills.
- Chinatown - Explore the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine.
- Little Italy - Savor authentic Italian flavors and charming streets.
- Bronx Zoo - Discover amazing wildlife from around the globe.
- Staten Island Ferry - Enjoy a free ride with stunning city views.
- New York Botanical Garden - A horticultural paradise.
- Charging Bull - Strike a pose with this iconic Wall Street sculpture.
- The Vessel - A unique architectural marvel at Hudson Yards.
- Niagara Falls State Park - Witness the power and beauty of nature.
🌸 Chasing Cherry Blossoms in NYC? Here's Where to Find Them!
- Roosevelt Island: Hop on the tram or drive over for stunning skyline views from Four Freedoms Park and Southpoint Park.
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225): While there's a $18 entrance fee, it's worth it! The cherry blossoms are nearing their peak bloom, so visit in 7-10 days for the best photo ops!
- Prospect Park: Located right across from the Botanic Garden - park once, visit both! 😉
- Washington Square Park: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere surrounded by beautiful blooms.
- New York Botanic Garden (2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY): A great alternative to Brooklyn, but with a $22 admission fee.
- Central Park: Need we say more? This iconic spot offers many picturesque locations to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
🌳 Central Park: Your Urban Oasis
- Hours: 6am - 1am
- Location: Spanning 2.5 miles from 59th Street Central Park South to 110th Street Central Park North and half a mile wide from Fifth Avenue to Central Park West.
🎒 Ithaca & Five Finger Lakes Adventure (Credit: Hanh Nguyen):
- Watkin Glen State Park 🏞 (parking fee – 10 $ 💸): Explore the stunning Gorge Trail with lush greenery, towering cliffs, and serene waterfalls. Options for the "lazy" traveler: a) Hike downhill from the Main Entrance, or b) Take the shuttle back up (runs until 5:30 PM).
- Taughannock Falls 🏞 (parking fee – 9 $ 💸): An easy, mostly flat trail perfect for all ages. Hike along the stream for a unique perspective! Don't miss the overlook view point.
- Cornell University 🏰 (free parking after hours & weekends): Stroll through this historic Ivy League campus with stunning architecture and beautiful views.
- Cornell Botanic Gardens 🌷 (free parking): Discover diverse gardens and breathtaking overlooks (grab a map!). Focus on overlooks with lake or waterfall views.
- Senaca Lake Wine Tasting: Indulge in wine tasting at the many vineyards along Senaca Lake.
📍 Key Locations:
- Watkins Glen State Park: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
- Times Square 🎊: Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan on Broadway and Seventh Avenue, home to the iconic New Year's Eve ball drop.
- Statue of Liberty 🗽: Located on Liberty Island, accessible by ferry from New York Harbor.
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007. Open 7:30am - 9pm. (212)312-8800.
- Empire State Building: 350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118. Open 8am - 2am.
- City Sightseeing New York: 455 12th Ave, New York, NY 10018. Open 7am - 8pm. (212)445-7599.
- Niagara Falls State Park: 512 Niagara Falls Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14223
🍜 Where to Eat in NYC: Foodie Hotspots!
- Hongkong Dimsum Palace: On 46th St.
- SaiGon Bangkok Restaurant: Try their amazing cơm sườn!
- VERY FRESH NOODLES: 409 W. 15th St, New York, NY 10011
- JONGRO BBQ: 22 W 32nd St 2nd floor, New York, NY 10001
- IPPUDO WESTSIDE: 321 W 51st Street, New York, NY 10019. Phone: (212)974-2500. Authentic Japanese ramen.
- KEENS STEAKHOUSE: 72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018. Indulge in enormous steaks & signature mutton chops.
- THANH HOAI I: 73 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013. Phone: (212)233-8988
- SAIGUETTE: 935 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025. Open 11:30am - 10:30pm. (212)866-8886. Home of the #1 Banh Mi Thit Nuong in NYC!
- Jing Fong restaurant: 20 Elizabeth, New York, NY 10013 - Delicious Dim Sum!
PHỞ Recommendations:
- Phobar (Chinatown)
- PHO BANG
- PHO SAIGON
- HAI NOI HOUSE
- CHA PA's NOODLES and GRILL
List compiled and created by Danny N Nguyen - Updated 6/23/2022
📸 New York skyline
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