The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Perhaps the most notable emblem of freedom and new life for many immigrants that have arrived in New York City, the Statue of Liberty National Monument is a spectacular 305 foot tall statue. Given to the United States as a gift from the French government, it represents the union and friendship between the two nations in 1886. Access is possible only by a short ferry ride. A pass will grant you access to the pedestal observation level, and admission to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which is another short ferry ride away. As of July 4, 2009 the crown has been re-opened for visitors, since 2001.
The Museum highlights include the State of Liberty Exhibit (tracing the history by recording of different media such as photos, prints, objects, videos and stories), The Torch Exhibit (it includes the original 1886 torch), and The “New Colossus” (the famous sonnet by Emma Lazarus in 1883, displayed in a bronze plaque).
Monument pedestal passes are available with purchase of tickets at
www.statecruises.comw or by calling 1.877.LADY TIX .
Information on visitor access to the Statue’s Crown is available at
www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Liberty Island
New York, NY 10004
www.statueofliberty.org
The Empire State Building
Nicknamed after the State of New York, The Empire State Building stands a striking 102 stories in the clouds. Breathtaking panoramic vistas of New York City can be seen from its highest viewing point, the Empire State Building Observatory. Coined as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, by the American Society of Civil Engineers, this attraction is one of the most famous spots in town. Open 7 days a week, from 8 am to 2 am, you will get a chance to view New York City in all its glory, under a blue sky or under a starry filled night.
The last elevator goes up at 1:15 AM. Security is very important, so any visitor wishing to enter the building must go through a routine security check. No glass or bottles are permitted and only cameras and camcorders without tripods. Admission price for the ESB Express Pass is $41.25 + $3.48 tax. Observatory tickets for the 102nd floor are available once you’re in the building and cost $15 in addition to normal admission passes.
The Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
Manhattan, NY 10118
212-736-3100
www.esbnyc.com
Central Park
Central Park, spanning 843 acres of green in the middle of the concrete jungle, offers a vast array of options for tourists and locals to enjoy. Carriages, pedicabs, sports, climbing, a public theater, a zoo, arts, music, and many other events are held year-long. Designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and architect Calvert Vaux, Central Park has been a National Historic Landmark since 1963. Mostly landscaped, the park includes several lakes and ponds, walkways and walking paths, two ice-rinks, Central Park Zoo, a wildlife sanctuary, natural woods, and it’s own oasis for migrating birds and wildlife.
Intertwined by bridges (each one is different!) running over ponds and streams, the park is a haven of peace, relaxation, and fresh air in the midst of the bustling city life outside. Check out their website for the Bloom Schedule, which gives you detailed info on the location and types of flowers in bloom for each month of the year. Kids can enjoy the 21 playgrounds available as well as many other kid-friendly activities and attractions like the Central Park Carousel, Central Park Zoo, the Hans Christian Andersen Statue Stories, and the Victorian Gardens.
Central Park
Manhattan, NY
www.centralparknyc.org
Rockefeller Center
This massive complex of 19 buildings was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It’s home to Radio City Music Hall, one of the most important concert halls in the world. Originally a theater, it was converted into a concert and event hall in 1979. Performers such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald have sung here. Famous award ceremonies like the MTV Video Music Awards, the Grammys and the Tonys have been part of this historical landmark. Rockefeller Center is also the place to go if you want to see the most famous Christmas tree in the world.
Placed behind Paul Manship’s bronze statue of Prometheus, the Greek titan who brings fire to mankind, this tree is on everyone’s list of events which take place during its lighting ceremony every year. An ice-skating rink is in front of it during winter, making part of the dazzling spectacle, shops, restaurants, and celebrities swarming the city.
Tours are available for the following areas:
NBC Studios
Go backstage and see how the magic of TV really happens, as you interact with green screens, props, costumes, and control rooms.
Ph. 212 664 3700
Radio City Music Hall
Try to catch a show and hopefully see the Rockettes!
Ph. 212 307 7171
www.radiocity.com
Rockefeller Center Tour
Learn about the amazing journey that began 80 years ago, holding place to one of the biggest stories and landmarks in New York City. Rise 70 floors above the ground and experience New York from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.Ph. 212 698 2000
www.topoftherocknyc.com
Rockefeller Center
45 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10111
www.rockefellercenter.com
Yankee Stadium
This grandiose stadium built in 2008, replaces the old stadium, home to the many triumphs and all home games of the Yankees, built back in 1923. Baseball lovers will be very excited to catch a game in this luxurious stadium, chock-filled with history and memories of the best baseball team on the planet, the New York Yankees. Die-hard fans are also able to purchase a bit of history with the Exclusive Yankee Stadium Seating Sale. The original blue seats from the old stadium are available to purchase as well as the Yankee Stadium Ceremonial Monument Park Brick with Case.
Yankee Stadium
One East 161 Street
Bronx, NY 10451
www.newyork.yankees.mlb.com