BEA Part of It/New York, NY || So You Want to Be a Tourist

Welcome back! This is the last post of the series that my friends Estelle, Rachel, Jamie, Tara and I were a part of all last week. In case you’re wondering just what this series is all about, it’s where each of us offers suggestions, tips and tricks about New York City and BEA. This is not, of course, just for folks coming up for BEA; it’s for everyone who is planning a visit to New York!

For a full recap of all the posts last week, you can scroll down to the end of this post.

-----

I moved back to the USA in 2010. While I did try it out for a month or so in my old hometown area (Virginia/Washington DC), I ended up settling on living in New Jersey. That meant I was basically a hop, skip and throw away from New York City! Since I’d never really ventured that far up the East Coast, even as a child, you can bet that I’ve spent the last few years getting to know this city.

Obviously, one of the first things I did was tackle what I like to call the “tourist checklist”. I’ve visited a lot of the tourist spots that New York is known for, though the list still remains unfinished. I’ll be sharing ten of my favorite tourist spots today, and hopefully, it will give you some idea of what you’d like to visit when you come in to the city!

Photo Source

Central Park – I’m not going to lie: the park is HUGE. I haven’t even covered the entire thing, and I’ve been visiting for years now! But it’s a beautiful spot to have a picnic at, or to stroll through. There are lots of people around for the most part, but it never feels too crowded. 

There are a few spots in particular that I think you ought to visit: the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain (which you’ll recognize from Gossip Girl or the movie Enchanted), , the Hans Christian Andersen sculpture, the lake (which is gorgeous with all the foliage), the Romeo & Juliet sculpture, Shakespeare Garden, Sheep Meadow, Strawberry Fields (for the Beatles fans out there!) and the William Shakespeare sculpture.

Photo Source

St. Patrick’s Cathedral – One of the first things I wanted to do when I came to NYC was see this cathedral. It’s so majestic, and larger than any other church I’ve been in. Even if you’re not Catholic, it’s still wonderful to visit, walk through the cathedral and soak in the peace and solemnity of the atmosphere.

Photo Source

Rockefeller Center/Top of the Rock - This is a particularly popular spot around Christmas and summer (during the concert series). I like walking in the area, because there’s a lot to see and a few places to sit. I’ve never personally gone up to the Top of the Rock yet, but I have heard that it’s pretty darn epic.

Photo Source

Radio City Music Hall – Concerts and shows are held here on a regular basis, but I think it is fun to just drop by and see it from the outside. You’ll recognize the iconic façade from films and advertisements and you can totally pretend you went in too and saw the gorgeous show area (and I promise I won’t tell!)

Photo Source

Grand Central Terminal – This is yet another stop where you just pop in for a quick look and can leave right after. This terminal is known for the numerous times it’s been featured on television shows (Gossip Girl!) and movies (No Strings Attached, for example). Apart from that, it’s also got a stunning ceiling, and a variety of shops and food places.

Photo Source

New York Public Library – I love this library’s outer façade. It’s strong, classic and memorable. For booklovers, you may want to get your photo taken on the steps or with the two lions that stand guard. Plus, the inside of the library is quiet and grand and sometimes they have really wonderful exhibits or events going on!

Photo Source

Times Square – This is one of the busiest spots in New York City! There are always people around this area, a combination of tourists and shoppers. There are stores and restaurants surrounding the square, as well as a few theaters. Obviously, this is one of the spots most representative of New York!

Photo Source

Empire State Building – I haven’t been up to the top of the Empire State Building since I was a kid, but it's always worth a visit just to saw you have. Personally, I think it’s best to view this one from a distance, just so you can see its profile. One of the best spots to do this? Madison Square Park, where Shake Shack is.

Photo Source

Highline Park – This is such a lovely little park! It's basically a long walkway that you can meander up and down, and a few trucks and food spots. It offers a wonderful view of the Hudson River from a former freight rail line.

Photo Source

Statue of Liberty – This is yet another I have not gone to see in person. I have seen it from afar though, so I do suppose that counts! It's one of the landmarks. My friend has been to it and says it's worth a visit at least once, so you guys are going to have to take her word for it. Just bear in mind that it's one of the sights that might take you a little more time to visit as compared to the others.

Brooklyn Bridge – I just crossed this one off my list! Though I have been in the area before, I’ve never walked the bridge. It’s such a fun experience. It’s a pretty long walk, but if you do it with friends, it goes by quick. Plus, you can reward yourself with Grimaldi’s at the end of your walk!

There you have it folks, my suggestions for a few touristy things to do while you're in New York City. These are places that you shouldn't have any trouble finding, since most people (such as cab drivers, or people on the street) will be able to tell you where they are. Have lots of fun on your trip, and be sure to tell me which of my suggestions you decided to take, if any at all!

Don't forget to check out the rest of this series!
4/14: Under the Broadway Lights (Estelle of Rather be Reading)
4/15: Foodie Heaven (Rachel of Hello, Chelly)

4/16: Bookstores for Bookworms (by me!)
4/17: Quick Bites and Sweet Treats for BEA-goers (Jamie of The Perpetual Page-Turner)

4/18: Tips and Tricks (Tara of Fiction Folio)

4/19: Spirits + Caffeine (Estelle)

4/20: Shopping Spree (Rachel)