Must-See Visits in New York City

What do you think of when the iconic New York skyline comes to mind? Of course the tallest building in the city, the Empire State Building, is what most people picture. This famous Art Deco style skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the world and offers one (if not the) best views over the Big Apple.

Standing at an impressive 102 floors and taking just over 400 days to build between 1930-31, the Empire State Building is an engineering spectacle and one that people from around the world come to see. On clear days they say you can see up to 80 miles and around at 5 states. This unparalleled 360º view is one not to be missed. Located in lower midtown at 5th Avenue and 34th Street, this building can be seen from all around Manhattan.

Since 1964 colored lights have graced the top of the building at night, each signifying a different seasonal event. There's a list of the color schedule on the website, and it's interesting to see what they represent. One time I was in NYC and saw the colors of the Italian flag illuminated, then found out there was a festival in Little Italy, so I headed down there to join in the fun.

I highly recommend a trip to the observatory, as it's a quintessential thing to do in New York. Be sure to look for the entrance for visitors and not the business entrance. Then follow the signs throughout the maze of lines you'll have to encounter. From the ticketing line to the elevator line, then the second elevator (or stairs) line, then the line out to the actual observatory platform. The general ticket serves visitors to the first deck at the 86th floor (you can pay a bit more to go to the very top at 102nd floor). We just went to the 86th and enjoyed it plenty. There are quarter-fed view binoculars on the outdoor walkway, or a glass-enclosed hallway which is great for the cold and windy days.

There are many reasons to visit the Empire State Building - from the interior design, art deco architecture, thrilling view, or breathtaking height. But knowing you'll be experiencing a bit of NYC history is the best part about it.

• http://www.esbnyc.com/
• 350 5th Ave (at 34th Street)
• Open daily 8am - 2am
• General admission: $18.45 (discounts available, extra fee for 102nd floor or express pass)

One of the world's largest art museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) in New York City is one of the premier collections of art on the globe. So large, it's said to be a collection of art museums under one roof, and spans almost 2 million square feet. Art collectors, appreciators, critics, and students travel from around the world everyday to see some of the masterpieces held here at the Met.

Taking up a massive front along the eastern side of Central Park, along the section of 5th Avenue referred to as "Museum Mile", this museum is one of the city's most visited attractions each year. There are 19 sections of the interior spanning from ancient Egyptian and Renaissance, to Greek and Modern American. Because it's so large, many people just pick out the sections of highest interest to them and plan to see those only, as an entire tour may be too overwhelming in one visit.

Be sure to pick up a map at the information table by the ticketing counters in the lobby. Stop for a little bit to plan your route, as after you're inside it's easy to get lost. If you do though (as I did numerous times), there are always workers in every room to ask for help. The three areas that I explored were the modern art collection, the Greek sculpture room, and the huge Egyptian display. It's quite extraordinary how much space is filled here with priceless gems of the art world. The Egyptian collection is world renowned and holds an entire temple structure in this glassed atrium-like space.

Pages of a review could be written about this museum, it's history and collection, but needless to say, it's a top recommendation for a visit to NYC. It's a place one must see for themselves and experience what they want to take away from it on their own. Don't let yourself get too bogged down with trying to fit too much in, but pick out several areas or pieces you'd like to see, go see them, take your time, and save the rest for another visit.

During the warmer months (weather permitting), the museum offers "Evenings at the Met". Held on Saturday evenings during the extended hours, the rooftop martini bar is opened for guests to enjoy a seasonal cocktail while mingling around an outdoor sculpture exhibited overlooking the view of the city. This is free with museum admission, and is usually accompanied by a musical ensemble.

• http://www.metmuseum.org/
• 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
• Metro stop: 86th St on train 4, 5, or 6
• Open 9:30am – 5:30pm (Tues - Thurs, Sun), 9:30am - 9pm (Fri, Sat)
• General Admission $20 recommended donation (discounts for children, students, seniors)

One of my most favorite museums in the world is the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. I'm not alone in thinking this as it's been long hailed by art critics around the globe as one of the best collections of influential modern art in existence. Not only is the art collection world-class, but the special exhibitions and building itself are totally worth a visit.

Located in the heart of midtown on 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, this museum went through a major renovation between 2002-2004 and was closed to the public during this time. Now reopened and better than ever, the MOMA now offers visitors over twice the original space and is housed in 630,000 square feet on six floors. Natural lighting through various open atriums, courtyards and exhibition rooms are displayed through many glass openings, allowing the space to appear as a piece of modern art itself.

When you enter, famous art pieces from the world over reside in expansive wall space giving the viewer adequate and intimate viewing capabilities. Spend some time in the lovely sculpture garden before heading up the stairs to the floors above. For modern art-lovers this collection is one surpise after another. I was so thrilled to see van Gogh, Picasso, Dali', Warhol, Newman, Pollack, and Bacon all displayed before me. The names of works are unending, and some of the stars of modern thinking are housed here. From Pollack's "Number 31" to Warhol's "Cambell's Soup Cans" and "Starry Night" by van Gogh to "Monument to Balzac" by Rodin...paintings and sculptures are abundant.

Don't forget the photography, design, and film collections, as well as various special exhibitions every month. You can spend hours in here learning about and looking through the masterpieces. The best time to go to be almost alone in the space, and definitely feel more free to view the pieces uncrowded is in the mornings of the weekdays. But for those on a budget, definitely check out the Free Friday Nights sponsored by Target, where from 4-8pm the $20 admission fee is waived and the doors are open! Even if there's a line (sometimes stretching around the block), don't worry, as it moves quite fast. When you've seen as much as you can take in, visit the gift shop for some poster prints or sip a coffee at one of the few cafes and restaurants onsite.

• http://www.moma.org/
• 11 West 53 Street
• Metro stop: 53rd Street and Fifth Avenue on E or V train
• Open 10:30am – 5:30pm (Wed, Thurs, Sat - Mon), 10:30am - 8pm (Fri)
• General Admission $20 (discounts for kids, students, seniors)
• Free Friday Nights 4pm - 8pm

One of the New York sites for visitors of all ages is the Central Park Zoo. A beautiful setting in a beautiful city is a great place for families to enjoy a time away from the busy city streets. Offering animals from bird and seals to penguins and bears, this zoo is a great place for animal lovers or those just looking for a fun day outdoors.

The zoo began in the mid 1800s and was redesigned in the 1980s. Now it's quite a collection of areas, including three main sections based on climate for the animals (arctic, temperate, and tropical). There's an indoor section for the rainforest birds, frogs, and other creatures, as well as a glassed in penguin display. Here you can see colonies of penguins dive from their ice perches to the water below. Then there are outdoor exhibits like the monkey cages and polar bear lounge. In the front of the zoo by the entrance (and visible to those outside the zoo gates) is the sea lion display where shows are conducted periodically.

Some of the species found at the zoo range from red pandas, sloths, and snow monkeys, to alpacas, poison frogs, and a snow leopards. Animals range from the local to exotic and even includes an interactive children's zoo with a petting area and feeding stations.

During my trip there, I loved seeing the thoughtful layout of the grounds and noticed that there were poetry and prose written in various places around the park. Surprising visitors as they walked up a staircase or sat on a bench, these verses would give a peaceful atmosphere to the zoo. The Wildlife Conservation Society which is the organization which heads the zoo, contacted a national literary group called the Poet House to come up with a collection of poems to add to the artistic design of the zoo.

• http://www.centralparkzoo.com/
• Central Park in south west section off 5th Ave
• Open Summer: 10am - 5pm (Mon - Fri), 10am - 5:30pm (Sat, Sun)
• Open Winter: 10am - 4:30pm daily
• Admission $10 (discounts for children, seniors)

Standing proudly in the harbor, the Statue of Liberty is one of the icons that most people think of when they picture the Big Apple. A visit to Liberty Island is an amazing treat during anyone's visit to New York and an icon that lives up to the hype.

This monument, which was a give from France and dedicated in 1886 is a masterpiece of copper with symbols throughout. As one of the first sights to many immigrants arriving to Ellis Island in the past years, the Statue of Liberty is not just a visit for the aesthetic views and iconic semblance, but also for the historic significance. Standing over 305ft above ground level, the statue is a glorious sight for visitors walking just meters from the base.

As a national park, Liberty Island admission is free, but the only way to get there is to take a ferry which requires an admission fee. This ferry also makes a stop atthe historic Ellis Island so you can do two visits in one. *Tip: Of course taking the ferry which stops at Liberty Island will give you the best look at the Lady herself, but if your budget is tight, an alternative view from the water is the free Staten Island Ferry which runs every 30 minutes.

Liberty Island in itself is a wonderful place for a relaxing day, as there's a promenade and large grassy areas. Bring a picnic lunch with you to enjoy on the grounds, or grab a snack at the cafe on the island. Recently opened again to tourists, the interior and crown is now available for visits since being closed on Sept 11, 2001. One can even visit the pedestal observatory area with the original torch up close and personal.

To get tickets and board the ferry, head to south Manhattan at Battery Park where you'll see signs guiding you to the Liberty Island Ferry (Statue Cruises). Expect a bit of a line, but be patient...it's worth it!

• National Park Services Liberty Island
• www.nps.gov
• Open 8:30am - 6:15pm (changes seasonally)
• Island Admission is free
• Ferry Admission $12 (discounts for children, seniors)