A Quick Guide to Visiting Manhattan, NY

Posted by James B. Markus

May 12, 2008

by James B. Markus

If you are fortunate enough to have seven days in New York City, you will find this just enough time to see the most popular visitor attractions. Probably one of the first stops will be the Empire State Building and whilst it may be on every tourists list, that doesn’t mean it is not worth it, especially the view from the top.

The Statue of Liberty is best seen from a tour boat although these can be extremely busy and since 9/11, the delays can be long so it is best to go ashore at Ellis Island; which is the former immigration center also filled with historical significance.

An easier option is to take the Staten Island ferry which doesn’t cost anything and can still give a first class view of the Statue of Liberty; dropping off at the terminal is the best place because it is where there are some good street artists. Without going to the site of where the World Trade Center Towers used to be no seven day visit to New York would feel right. Despite the moving nature of this place where over 3,000 people lost their lives, most people do not wish to take a picture of it. For those who love to shop there is of course the famous Tiffany’s and Broadway plus some fantastic old discount warehouses worth a look down on the Lower East Side.

If you’re up for more discount shopping then you need to get to Macys and have your tourist discount card handy as it can save you eleven percent after which a trip to Bloomingdales would be in order. At the time of writing the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum was closed for refurbishment but should be open by the fall of 2008; if you’re going to be there next year it will be a worthwhile place to see. For those that are interested in large vessels like planes and aircraft carriers for example, then this is the place to visit with the aircraft carrier - Intrepid; submarines and even a Concorde to name but a few of the craft they have there. It is also worth a visit to the New York City Police Museum and whilst the museum does not have an entrance fee, five dollar donations are generously accepted; all sorts of items are on display here and it’s a great place for souvenirs.

The Lower East Side also has a very large time capsule called The Lower East If Central Park is on your list of places to see then there is another museum aptly named the City of New York Museum which has exhibitions exploring the city’s past, its present and the future

There is more history in the City of New York Museum on Central Park which holds exhibitions of the past, present and future. Once again, admission to this wonderfully grand building is free but a donation of at least nine dollars is expected. For such a large vibrant city, seven days in New York should be viewed as minimum if most of the major attractions are to be seen comfortably and not as part of a ‘whistle stop’ tour.

Of course, no trip to the Big Apple is complete without tasting their world famous pizza pies. While any street pizza shop will serve you the most delicious slice you’ve ever eaten, ask a local where the nearest “Ray’s Pizza” is located. They will point you to one of 4 different city franchises that every true New Yorker swears by. No need for toppings, even the plain cheese pizza will have you craving another.

About the Author:

The author of this report on NYC was brought to you from the minds at New York Flowers and Brooklyn flowers, the author’s home town