New York City is a muse for many travelers and speaks to two types of tourists in particular: the Archi-Tourist wanting to learn about the city’s historical buildings and architectural character, and The Design Tourist interested in the arts and cultural scene, including the city’s many museums and galleries.
Whether you are a first-time tourist or a repeat visitor, it’s impossible to hit all of the highlights of New York City in a single trip. There is so much to experience in the Big Apple, which makes it challenging to prioritize where to go and what to do. I find the New York Citypass an efficient and affordable tour guide listing the must-see’s of the city and discount admissions to each attraction. The New York CityPass speaks to both tourist types.
Archi-Tourists:
New York City is a top destination for architecture tourists, with skyscrapers, historic buildings and sculptural structures on view via walking tours and river tours.
Interesting sights include The Woolworth Building, with its neo-Gothic architecture, which stands as one of the 100 tallest buildings in the United States and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Guided tours tell the story of the building’s construction and history.
One World Observatory is another architectural marvel offering a birds-eye view of Manhatten.
The New York CityPass includes 40 percent off admission to the Empire State Building, a must-see for the architectural enthusiast. For an additional skyline view of the cityscape, you can choose to visit the Top of the Rock Observatory at Rockefeller Center.
The Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises also offers a waterfront vantage point to admire the city’s architectural attributes. Those interested in an up close view of NYC’s world-famous landmark, the Statute of Liberty, can take a ferry ride to Ellis Island to walk around the base of the Statute and tour the museum.
Some of my favorite architectural oddities include Little Island, along a string of piers on Manhattan’s west side. Little Island is a public park that juts out into the Hudson River and sits on concrete pillars that look like tulips. The park is a redevelopment project of Pier 54 by The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation (DVFFF). On any given day, it’s filled with people exercising, socializing and enjoying the outdoor ambiance.
The Vessel in Hudson Yards is a must-see with its spiral staircase, comprised of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs, approximately 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings. Heatherwick Studio designed the interactive sculpture as a landmark and viewing platform of the city at different heights, angles and vantage points. Check before you go because the upper levels are often closed to visitors. Interesting side note: Heatherwick Studio also helped design Little Island, so you will send some of the famed architect Thomas Heatherwick’s signature design elements.
Design Tourists:
Museums top the list of many travelers interested in the city’s arts, culture and design scene, including the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, an option with the New York CityPass. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the spiral cylinder structure and serves as both an architectural and cultural attraction.
For contemporary art lovers, a visit to the New Museum, offers works exclusively by contemporary artists.
The Takeaway:
If you want to maximize your time in New York City, a New York CityPASS is an option. The mobile tickets are valid for nine days from the date of first use and includes admission to The Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History, plus choose admission to three more attractions of your choice out of these six attractions: Top of the Rock™ Observation Deck, Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
What to Know Before You Go:
If you plan to dine out, reservations are necessary at the most desirable New York City restaurants. I recommend Quality Meats with its ambiance and artisanal menu. The restaurant is a sensory and social experience.
For an aperitif with rooftop ambiance, I suggest Eataley Flaritron with its garden terrace.
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Neighborhoods:
For a detailed map of New York City, check out The New York Times’s neighborhood map created with input from local residents.
If you go during the holiday season, the streets are full of eye candy, from lighted holiday scapes and window displays in department stores and designer shops to fantastical Christmas trees in hotel lobbies and the main attraction, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
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