Empire State Buidling and other New York City, NY Things to Do Tips

Unbeleivable I only got to the Empire State Buidling this past January after several trips to New York, while it was hectic finally making it to the top on the the very cold and busy Sunday I visited all were rewarded with the amazing views of all boroughs from the observation deck. Also got to enjoy the beautiful Art Deco lobby of the building.

One of those "must do's" when your in New York.

There is a large giftshop selling all types of Empire State Buidling paraphanelia at the observation deck

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Phone: (212) 947-1360
Address: 350 5th Avenue
Directions: 1, 2, 3 or 9 (Seventh Avenue Lines), A, C or E (Eighth Avenue Subway) to 34th Street/Penn Station.
Website: http://www.esbnyc.com/

While I certainly have not visited many places I have often said that no city I have yet been to can match the sheer size and overwhelming might of Manhatten and no where is that more obvious than in Times Square. Just walking around and through the square will have most shaking their heads at the marvel that is New York with its signs, neon, noises etc. Times Square is also one of those New York sights that is just as awe inspiring the 20th time as it is the first.

For things to do Times Square is home to several large hotels, several Broadway theaters, much NYC souveneir shopping and various restaurants i.e. Planey Hollywood, Olive Garden etc.)

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Directions: 42nd Street, Brodway & 7th avenue

Though many would tell you that this is one of the places to avoid around the holiday season due to the crushing crowds but I cannot think of a place I would rather visit in New York around Christmas than the large tree in Rockafeller Center. While I will agree the crowds in December can be difficult to manage what with the tour buses and people trying to get some ice rink time but if in the right frame of mine it just would not be Christmas in New York without that hustle and bustle that comes with the area.

If you are interested in ice skating at Rockafeller Center the line and wait can be mighty at this time of year. Better served checking out my off the Beaten Path tip for Wollman Rink.

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Address: 47th-51st Streets and between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Directions: B,D,F,V Subways to 47-50th Sts, Rockefeller CenterNot sure on the busses right now. :(

Central Park is enormous and encompasses so much area and activities it would be impossible to describe in so small a space. Some of my personal highlights would be:

-Ice skating at Wolman Rink in winter
-Watching the sailboats at the Conservatory Boat Pond
-The Sheep Meadow for sunbathing in the summer.

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Website: http://www.centralpark.org/

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Phone: (212) 423-3500
Address: 1071 5th Avenue (at 89th Street)
Directions: To reach the museum by subway, take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street. Walk west on 86th Street, turn right at 5th Avenue and proceed north to 88th Street.

INTERESTING FACT***John F Kennedy was married to Jackie at St Patrick's Cathedral.

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Address: East 51st St, 5th Avenue.

After a recent visit to New York I realized I had never been in the New York Public Library and while my time was horribly short I got a very brief time to tour this magnificent location in Midtown. From the lions, Patience and Fortitude that sit sentry outside to the magnificiently ornate reading room the buidling looks more like an ornate Museum than a library which I suppose fits NYC represeantion as one of the great citied of the world.

The gift shop was great with many outstanding items and gifts.

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Phone: (212) 930-0830
Address: Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
Directions: Take 1,2,3,9 to 42nd Street and Broadway. Walk two blocks east to Fifth Avenue.
Website: http://www.nypl.org/

Although not as high as the Empire State Building, Rockafeller Center's Top of the Rock opened in 2006 to much fanfare. An obeservation deck had always been a part of Rockafeller Center but ever since theirs fell into disrepair I believe in the early 80's it was closed for more than 20 years only to recently reopen. The floor to ceiling clear glass makes it more accessible for beautful photos of the New York skyline. There is a nice gift shop located at the top and boasts a huge area in which to walk around and view the city.

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Address: 47th-51st Streets and between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Directions: B,D,F,V Subways to 47-50th Sts, Rockefeller CenterNot sure on the busses right now. :(

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Phone: 1-(212) 684-6770
Directions: (Between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue)
Website: http://www.littlechurch.org/