Top 5 Places to Visit in New York

Rockefeller Centre

The Rockefeller Centre has, in my opinion, the best view of New York City. It is better than the Empire State Building because although it is smaller it provides a view of the Empire State in the backdrop of the city. New York City is exposed at its best here as you are able to capture the true atmosphere of the tall skyscrapers that lean over the ant-sized people walking around. On a clear day it is also possible to view the Statue of Liberty, Coney Island and other attractions.

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art has held many exciting exhibitions in 2010. The Tim Burton exhibition offered fans of the director a true insight into his world by exploring his work from sketches from his earlier years. Around the museum are recognisable features of his films and there is an area dedicated to both his early work and more recent work. They also had an exhibition from April until June on the Magnum photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, featuring many of his most notable works. The works that feature at this museum that are on permanent display include the illustrious Vincent Van Gogh’s painting ‘Starry Night’ and Pablo Picasso’s prestigious work ‘The Three Musicians’.

Ground Zero

Visiting Ground Zero was a very reflective moment during a recent trip to New York. The surrounding area hosts a discount shopping mall and many busy restaurants and yet the nearby atmosphere allows the people in the city to remember the events of 9/11. It’s surprisingly peaceful and comforting to go to and does not live up to the unpleasant preconception many people think of at first. It is included in the top five because it provides a way for people all over the world to pay their respect to those who lost their lives and those who live but were affected by it, and also to acknowledge the true nature of the people in the city.

The Deli

The Deli in Manhattan was most likely, if not definitely, the best experience of being in New York. It defined the culture in so many ways. A little Italian-American man ran it with his family and they made the thickest pancakes covered in, literally, anything and everything. They also provide the $5 shake, which is actually $5.50 but nevertheless, it is as John Travolta in Pulp Fiction said it would be (something that cannot be mentioned on here for the sake of having to using expletives).

The Subway

Wandering around the subway is a must for any visitor to New York. This is because it not only takes you to the most important places in the city but it also provides some sightseeing itself. Although it is an unpredictable choice to include in a top five, the subway itself is the truest essence of New York City. The interior is grey and rather grim in contrast to, say, the more polished London tube stations – it makes you feel much more like a typical New Yorker.

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