Sunday, June 13, 2010

New York: The Top 10 Attractions

I have been in New York for a while now, and have been exploring this beautiful city widely. With the help of regular weekend trips, I have complied my list of Top 10 attractions in NY.

1. Times Square - This is the place I visited the very first day I landed here. And trust me this place will make you feel like you are in the midst of a party, a part of the most happening place. With huge billboards, frenzy of crowds, people dressed in strange costumes, the happy vibes, loud music and of-course loads of food to eat; anyone can fall in love with this place. It just makes you feel happy, no matter in what mood you are - this place will cheer you up in no time. And the famous 'Red Steps' feel like the most comfortable place to sit and watch the crowds go mad. 

2. Grand Central Terminal - Grand Central Station at 42nd street, is sure to make you feel grand. The grandest not just in word but in all other ways too - and it is also the largest train station in the world, in terms of number of platforms. Not just that, it looks royal with chandeliers and beautiful over-looking balconies and some pretty famous restaurants and lounges are a part of it too. A must visit for everyone.

3. Central Park - The best place to be on a sunny day as well as on a snowy day. In winters, it is completely covered in white blanket, the lakes are also covered with a sheet of ice and it makes a beautiful sight. During summers, its the ideal place to take a walk or sit lazily on a bench. There are many things to see also like the Belvedere Castle - a miniature castle built in 1869 provides the best views of central park; Romeo and Juliet and Alice in Wonderland sculptures, Central park zoo, Obelisk from Egypt, Jackie Kennedy Reservoir, turtle pond and many more. A great place to spend a complete day with family and friends.

4. Coney Island and NY Aquarium - Coney Isalnd is in the southern part of  Brooklyn, NY and offers a scenic view of the Atlantic ocean from its shores. Not just the sandy shores, there are many more avenues to explore like New York Aquarium, which is situated near the coast and has a wide variety of sea creatures; making it a day long affair. With animals such as Walrus, sea otter, sharks, turtles, jellyfishes and the all time favorite sea lion show, its a famous attraction for families.

5. Rockefeller Center - During Christmas time, this place really 'rocks'. The famous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller and the ice skating rink make it the most visited attraction during winters. Even in summers, its a crowd puller, as theres the ever-loved views from the top of the rock and the skating rink is converted to a place where you can sit and relax and enjoy great food.

6. Bronx Zoo - Another place, which is a delight to everyone's heart. Both children and grown-ups can have their share of fun in this 265 acres of natural habitat for animals. The ride on the wild Asia monorail through the forest and over the Bronx river takes 20 minutes and is one of the best parts of the visit. There are animals from around the world such as Tigers, baboons, snakes, frogs, lion, snow leopard, red panda and lot more, the list is never-ending.

7. Empire State Building - A visit to the Empire State Building figures in everyone's list. The observatory i.e. the 86th floor of the building gives you a chance to look at New York city from the top. And the view from the top is breath-taking from any standards and no trip is complete without a visit to this observatory.

8. Ripley's Believe it or Not - 'Stranger than fiction', this can be easily said for Ripley's Odditorium any-day. A huge array of exhibits are on display from Mr. Ripley's collection. There is an albino giraffe, world's tallest man's shoes, world's famous midget, shrunken heads of real human beings, a meteorite, picture of three-legged man, the heaviest man, the torture room exhibits and dinosaur skull. A must on the travel itinerary.

9. Madame Tussaud's Museum - Everyone likes to get a picture with the celebrities and this place gives an opportunity to get to know your favorite stars up-close and personal. Wax figures of Stars like Leonardo Di Caprio, Jennifer Lopez, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey, Paris Hilton, the Osbournes and famous political leaders like George Bush, Napoleon, Barack Obama, Princess Diana, Bill Clinton and many more adorn the museum. And a 10 minute 4D movie is also included in the visit, which is so much fun.

10. Time Warner Center - It is situated at the Columbus circle near the trump towers and is a great place for shopping and eating. The stunning star show during the Christmas season is a big attraction and ofcourse with lounges and awesome eateries, its a wonderful place to relax any time of the year.