Rosa Parks wax figure at Madame Tussauds NYC; (c) Soul Of America
NYC General Attractions
Statue of Liberty
DESCRIPTION: Built in 1886, the Lady Liberty stands from the base of her pedestal 240 feet tall. A lot has been written concerning the Frenchmen’s real intention for the Great Lady — was she built in honor of America’s decision to abolish slavery? Catch a ferry from Battery Park and judge for yourself. Expect big lines to catch the elevator in the summer; you can always climb 22 flights of stairs.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p
ADDRESS: Liberty Island, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Ellis Island Ferry from Battery Park to Statue of Liberty
PHONE: 212-561-4500
WEBSITE: http://www.nps.gov/stli
Ellis Island
DESCRIPTION: Also a national monument, Ellis Island Immigration Museum contains 40,000 square feet of exhibits that chronicle Ellis Island’s role in immigration history to America. Exhibits include museum objects, photographs, prints, videos, interactive displays, oral histories and the 30-minute film.
ADMISSION: entering the island is Free, but the museum costs $12 ages 13+, $10 seniors 62+, $5 children 4-12
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p
ADDRESS: Ellis Island, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Ellis Island Ferry from Battery Park
PHONE: 212-561-4500
WEBSITE: http://www.nps.gov/elis
Hoodwinked Escape
DESCRIPTION: Harlem’s celebrated escape room adventure was opened in 2015 by Michele Ware. It is the perfect activity for group events, date night, hangin’ with friends, and family bonding. Use your wits to solve puzzles, riddles, and codes to escape the room in 60 minutes. Since nearly 3 quarters of participants get hoodwinked, its an fascinating challenge. Bookings are for 2-8 people in the 4 themed Escape Rooms. Hoodwinked has a number of dining partners for package deals too.
ADMISSION: $40+
DAYS & HOURS: daily 11a-11p, reservations preferred
ADDRESS: 151 West 116th Street, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 2, 3, B, C lines
PHONE: 212-662-2583
WEBSITE: http://hoodwinkedescape.com/
Macy’s at Herald Square
DESCRIPTION: Macy’s flagship store is an international shopping destination with ten floors in the world’s largest department store – practically every major name brand. This icon is also well known and loved for sponsoring the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Holiday Window Displays, and Visits with Santa; the 2nd floor includes a Visitor’s Service area with luggage and coat check services and concierge services. It also has restaurants, a distinguished bridal registry, and a furniture gallery.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon 10a-8:30p, Tue-Thu 8a-10p, Fri-Sat 10a- 8:30p, Sun 11a-7p; hours can vary by season
ADDRESS: 151 West 34th Street, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: D, F, N, Q, R, V, W lines
PHONE: 212-695-4400
WEBSITE: link
Hoodwinked escape room by Spirit of Harlem
Times Square
DESCRIPTION: The crossroads of the world is a lot cleaner, safer, and family-friendly than 15-20 years ago. It has enough neon to make Las Vegas blush, Disney, Warner Brothers, Toys R us and M&M flagship stores, NASDAQ Stock Exchange headquarters and a boatload of hotels and restaurants; more importantly, something eye-catching is always happening here, whether you’re a millionaire or down to your last dollar.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S, W lines
PHONE: 212-966-3141
WEBSITE: http://timessquare.com
Grand Central Terminal
DESCRIPTION: New York City’s best place to people-watch; built in the time of the robber barons, this magnificent gift for the masses is mounted in the center of Park Avenue; recently renovated, it looks better than when it first opened in 1913. In a day’s time you can watch 500,000 people purchasing train tickets, catching trains, waiting for trains, greeting friends and loved ones. Then take time to marvel at the marble interior, or carouse more than 50 retail shops in Grand Central Market open from 8a-8p. A Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, on the mezzanine level, and a dozen others are open from 10a-9p Mon-Sat and 10a-6p on Sundays. The main food court is downstairs. A calendar of events is posted inside.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: open 24/7
ADDRESS: 87 East 42 Street, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: largest commuter and transit hub in NYC
PHONE: 718-330-1234
WEBSITE: http://www.grandcentralterminal.com
Park Avenue
DESCRIPTION: Formerly called 4th Avenue, this wide boulevard that carries north and southbound traffic through Manhattan is filled with Begonias and other greenery in the median. Though south is equally beautiful, north of Grand Central Terminal, Park Avenue hosts the headquarters of MetLife, JP Morgan Chase, KPMG, Vivendi, Citigroup, Colgate-Palmolive, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and many others – this long stretch up to 97th street contains some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Park Avenue participates in the Summer Streets program which limits the street to walkers and bikers for 3 Saturdays in the Summer.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: view it 24/7
ADDRESS: 32nd Street north, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: centered by Grand Central Terminal transit hub and 6, E, V lines
PHONE: n.a.
WEBSITE: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/summerstreets
Carnegie Hall
DESCRIPTION: Before Lincoln Center, the number one place to play was, and some argue still is, Carnegie Hall. The main attraction among its three halls is the Isaac Stern Auditorium. Seating 2,804 Seats it has been the premier classical music performance space in the United States since its opening in 1891, showcasing the world’s greatest soloists, conductors, and ensembles. It has also hosted major jazz events and Luther Vandross concerts, historic lectures, and more; the sound is so good because the architect was also a cellist. A sound-sensitive renovation was completed in 1986. On TV you may have seen the curvilinear shape around the stage and the five levels of seating; an incredible treat for the senses.
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Sat 11a-6p and during evening performances, stay open one-half hour past 7:30p or 8p start time
ADDRESS: 881 7th Avenue, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: N, Q, R, W lines
PHONE: 212-247-7800
WEBSITE: http://www.carnegiehall.org
Carnegie Hall, NYC; (c) Soul Of America
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
DESCRIPTION: The architectural and cultural heart of NYC, this expansive cultural center includes: Jazz At Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Clark Studio Theater, Gerald Lynch Theater, Juilliard Drama Theater, Juilliard Theater, La Guardia Concert Hall, Metropolitan Opera House, Mitzi Newhouse Theater, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, New York State Theater, Vivian Beaumont Theater and more. A soulful favorite ore the annual jazz concerts. There is always so much going on that you are wise to reserve parking in advance.
BOX OFFICE: hours vary by venue
ADDRESS: 138 West 65th Street, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 1, A, B, C, D lines at Columbus Circle
PHONE: 212-721-6500
WEBSITE: http://www.lincolncenter.org
South Street Seaport
DESCRIPTION: One of the oldest places in the city has been restored in honor of its nautical heritage. A great place for people-watching, it features more than 100 shops, restaurants and the South Street Seaport Museum set in a natical heritage setting. Families will also enjoy the library, crafts center and historic ships that may be boarded.
DAYS & HOURS: mall Mon-Sat 10a-7p, Sun 11a-6p
ADDRESS: Fulton and South Streets, Pier 1, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 2, 3 lines
PHONE: 212-732-8257
WEBSITE: http://www.southstreetseaport.com
Broadway Dance Center
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1984, it is an excellent resource to meet and network with other dancers, celebrity choreographers, and often, agents. Classes range from classical, hip-hop, ballet, tap, and modern styles. Many classes are open to visitors and observers, depending on the teacher. Come, be inspired.
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 9a-9:30p, Sat 9a-7p, Sun 9a-6p
ADDRESS: 221 West 57th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 1, A, B, C, D, N, Q, R, W lines
PHONE: 212-582-9304
WEBSITE: http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com
CBS Broadcast Center
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1931, this headquarters building of CBS News was originally, believe it or not, used to have a dairy farm on the premises. So OGs often call it the farm.
DAYS & HOURS: by appt only
ADDRESS: 524 West 57th Street, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 1, A, B, C, D lines
PHONE: 212-975-4321
WEBSITE: http://www.cbs.com
The Late Show at Ed Sullivan Theatre
DESCRIPTION: People born before 1960 remember the days when the family gathered around the TV on Sunday nights to watch the Ed Sullivan’s “Really Big Shoe” as he used to call it. This variety show featured everyone from the Beatles, Supremes, Temptations, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Jackson 5 and so much more. His shows were a combination of the top acts you see on the late-night shows each week today.
BOX OFFICE: stand-by phone line at 11a the day of the taping
ADDRESS: 1697 Broadway, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: B, D, E lines
PHONE: 212-975-6644
WEBSITE: http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow
World Trade Center
DESCRIPTION: We’ve all seen the images from 9-11 of the old WTC, but the World Trade Center complex has been rebuilt, plus Reflecting Absence Memorial and Memorial Museum have been added. 1 World Trade Center soars to a symbolic 1,776-feet to once again make WTC America’s tallest building. A spectacular Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) Transportation Hub also promises architectural beauty and significantly better mass-transit connections in NYC and New Jersey. The cultural component of the new World Trade Center will include a 1,000-seat performing arts center designed by Frank Gehry.
DAYS & HOURS: viewing windows
ADDRESS: World Trade Center, New York, NY MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: PATH hub and 1, R, W NYC subway lines
PHONE: N.A.
WEBSITE: http://www.wtc.com
Aerial view of Central Park, NYC; credit Carol M Highsmith
Central Park
DESCRIPTION: Bounded by Fifth Avenue, Central Park West, Central Park South and 110th Street, this man-made park is visited by more than 14 million people each year. Work began on the park in 1857 with the motto by its landscape architect that everything should be placed where it has a purpose. When work completed, 230 species of evergreens, 815 varieties of shrubs, a pond, 58 miles of trails were added. Yet less than 7 miles of roads make this a very people- and pet-friendly place throughout the year. A skating rink America’s most celebrated urban park began as a playground for the wealthy, until public clamor opened it up for the masses. Despite many improvements in landscaping and safety, it is wise not to walk or jog alone at night. Wollman Skating Rink requires a small admission fee for skate rental.
ADDRESS: Central Park, New York, NY MAP
WEBSITE: http://www.centralparknyc.org
Marcus Garvey Park
DESCRIPTION: In 1973, this square block park in Harlem was re-named in honor of Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940), a great black human rights leader.
ADDRESS: bounded by 120th and 124th Streets, Mount Morris Park West and Madison Avenue, New York, NY MAP
Washington Square
DESCRIPTION: This park is a great hangout for artists, chess players, NYU students, children and visitors. A memorial Arch that that remains one of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and flea markets/fairs on weekends make this and 9 on the people-watching meter.
ADDRESS: Washington Square East, Washington Square West, Washington Square North and Washington Square South, New York, NY MAP
Battery Park
Though Peter Minuit of reportedly purchased Manhattan from the Native Americans here in 1626, the park is named after the battery of British cannons which lined the rim of the park during the late 1600s. Today, it’s a place to watch the ferries traveling to Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty.
ADDRESS: Southernmost point of New York, NY MAP
