Overview Hotels Things to Do Restaurants Nightlife Itineraries Facts Explore Travel

New York is full of things to do, but not all of them are created equal. Here are 10 essential spots you should make a point to check off your list, especially if you're a first-time visitor to the city, or haven't been here in a while. Central Park, a sprawling oasis of green, offers a welcome respite from the city's crowded streets. Art lovers might head first to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA, while die-hard shoppers might choose Rockefeller Center. If the Top of the Rock offers a great bird's eye view of the city, so does the iconic Empire State Building, a little further downtown. Bustling Times Square can be a little overwhelming, but it's a must-see, especially if you're on your way to take in a Broadway show. Downtown, the WTC site is home to a moving tribute to the victims of 9/11. A walk across the majestic Brooklyn Bridge offers some of the best views of the city skyline, while the Statue of Liberty is only a ferry ride away. Finally, the Bronx is home to one of the city's most peaceful and beautiful outdoor spots--the New York Botanical Garden.