Top 5 New York Attractions

There are so manyNew York Cityattractions, it’s hard to list them all – harder still to narrow a list of NYC tourist attractions down to the Top 5! A unique way to check out New York Cityattractions is on a helicopter tour, which offers you a one-of-a-kind vantage point of New York City’s tourist attractions – plus a whole lot more! Take a seat on one of Helicopter New York City’s 4 New York aerial tours, which last from 12-30 minutes, and get a bird’s-eye view of these Top 5 New York attractions:

#1 New York Attraction – Empire State Building

Even if you’ve never been to the Big Apple, you’ll instantly recognize this world-famous New Yorkattraction – the EmpireStateBuildingis probably the best-known skyscraper in the world. Built in the early 1930s, this classic NYC attraction is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building’s two observation decks, on the 86^th and 102^nd floors, have been visited by more than 100 million people from every corner of the globe. This can’t-miss New York City tourist attraction is open every day of the year, from 8am-2pm. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous (and energetic), sign up for the annual Empire State Run-Up, when runners race up the 1576 steps that lead to the 86^thFloor!

#2 New York Attraction – Times Square

Walk just a few blocks north of the EmpireStateBuildingand you’ll get to another terrific New Yorkattraction: Times Square. Times Squareis literally located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, but this NYC attraction actually takes in a larger area – from West 42^nd-West 47^th Streets and 6^th-9^thAvenues. Broadway shows can be enjoyed at many theaters in Times Square, and the giant neon signs, video billboards and advertisements that line the central portion of Times Square make this a popular New York City tourist attraction – especially on New Year’s Eve, when hundreds of thousands of people brave the wintertime cold and crowd the streets to watch the ball drop at midnight.

#3 New York Attraction – Statue of Liberty

In addition to being one of the most instantly recognizable New York tourist attractions, the Statue of Liberty is an official National Monument and symbol of freedom – the sight of Lady Liberty holding her torch welcomed millions of immigrants arriving to start a new life in America. In fact, the Statue of Liberty’s foundation and pedestal were set up so the statue would face southeast, as if “greeting” ships sailing into theNew Yorkharbor. While always associated with New York, this NYC attraction wasn’t born in the USA – the statue was built in France and presented by the French people in 1886 as a gift in honor of a century of American independence. The Statue of Liberty measures 305’, 1” (93 meters) high from the base of the pedestal to the tip of the torch; Lady Liberty herself is 151’, 1” (46.5 meters) tall. You can get to this renownedNew Yorkattraction by taking a ferry to Liberty Island from Battery Park City in downtownManhattanorLibertyState ParkinNew Jersey. A visit to this historic New York City attraction should also include a stop at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which chronicles the story of the immigrants who had to processed there from 1892-1954 (more than 12 million!) before being officially allowed into the country.

#4 New York Attraction – Central Park

Located in the middle of “the city that never sleeps,” Central Park is a relaxingNew York Citytourist attraction that offers visitors a tranquil contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Central Park’s 843 acres include footpaths, fountains, the famous Central Park Zoo (actually four zoos plus an aquarium), the Wollman Rink for wintertime ice skating, the Central Park Boathouse, the Strawberry Fields international peace garden (dedicated to John Lennon), and much much more! Ride a bicycle through thisNew Yorkattraction’s six miles of drives and discover flora and fauna you didn’t think you’d ever see in such a busy metropolis. Visiting New York in the summertime? Check out free Shakespeare in the Park at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater. Central Park was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1963, and time spent in this NYC attraction is guaranteed to be a highlight of your visit to the Big Apple!

# 5 New York Attraction – Ground Zero

TheWorldTradeCentertowers were alwaysNew York Citytourist attractions, but ever since their destruction on September 11, 2001, the site, now known as Ground Zero, has taken on deep emotional resonance for visitors. On September 11, 2011, ten years after the terrorist attacks, the official 9/11 Memorial was dedicated, and Ground Zero is now a somberNew Yorkattraction where people come from all over the world to remember and reflect. There are two waterfalls and reflecting pools set where the twin towers once stood, and the names of the 2982 victims of the September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993 terrorist attacks on theWorldTradeCenter, the Pentagon and United Flight 93 are inscribed on bronze panels that line the pools. The accompanying 9/11MemorialMuseumis due to open in September, 2012. Visits to this important NYC attraction are free, but first a pass must be reserved online at the Memorial’s website, www.911memorial.org.