The JFK Airport, one of busiest airports in the country, is located in Queens, just a short 12 miles from bustling Manhattan. Consequently, there are plenty of options for people on long layovers as well as for people whose final destination is New York. Many of them, happily, are considered must-dos for anybody visiting the Big Apple, and include the following:
1) Get the New York City Explorer Pass
The New York City Explorer Pass is a smart card that allows the user cash-free entry to over 80 attractions that include tours, cruises and Broadway shows as well as places like the Empire State Building. The Pass is valid for a given set of days, from one to ten days. The clock starts ticking the first time you use the Pass, as opposed to when you buy it. The Pass also enables you to book tours in advance and to even skip lines.
2) Take a Tour
There are a dizzying number of choices when it comes to booking a tour. New York City offers guided walking tours, boat tours and even helicopter tours. The classic, of course, is the bus tour on the iconic red double-decker buses. Unlike some of the other options, the bus tours allow you to periodically disembark and get a closer look at a given attraction. Some of the tours have themes like 9/11, art, or history. We recommend checking out the City Sightseeing bus tours, because of the variety of tour packages and discounts for booking online.
3) Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
The iconic Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in the Upper New York Bay and offers incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. Local orthopedic specialists, Manhattan Orthopedic Care, recommend this site as their top NYC destination because it is a universal symbol for freedom and democracy. The neighboring Ellis Island was once an immigration inspection station that serviced 12 million immigrants from 1892 to 1954. Both islands can be reached by ferry.
4) Broadway
The Broadway Theatre is the most famous theater in The Theater District and has entertained generations since the 1920s. There are many different types of shows to enjoy, including musicals, comedies and spectacles.
5) Central Park
Established in 1857, Central Park is the biggest park in New York City, boasting 843 acres of fun for all ages. The Park features many attractions including a zoo, skating rink, a lake, endless trails, and horse-drawn carriages.
6) Empire State Building
Arguably New York’s most famous building, the Empire State Building has observation desks on the 86th and 102nd floors that give visitors a 360° view of the city. There are also shops, restaurants and exhibits on some of the lower floors. This is a top pick for Manhattan boutique hotel, The Refinery, who insists this is a sight that everyone should experience at least once.
7) 9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial is dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 attacks and their loved ones. It includes a memorial showing photographs of the victims, historical exhibits, and a hall that houses surviving remnants of one of the Towers.
8) Queens Botanical Gardens
The Gardens were first established in 1939 for the World Fair, and covers 39 acres. You can check out the gardens on your own or take a guided tour. The Gardens also attracts several dozen bird species and is thus popular with birders.
The Empire State Building is still one of the tallest points in the NYC skyline.
9) The Museum of Metropolitan Art
Established in 1929, the Museum of Metropolitan Art (MoMA) was the first museum to be devoted to contemporary art. Some of its most famous pieces include Monet’s “Water Lilies” and Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” You could literally spend days strolling the galleries at this world-class museum, so make sure you plan ahead for your trip.
10) The High Line
The High Line is a public park built on a former railway line above the West Side in Manhattan. As it opened in 2009, it is one of the newer attractions in New York City, but has won the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its unique gardens and art exhibits.