New York City - Something for everyone
There is no place quite like New York City. There is so much to do and see that first time visitors should not even try. If you are new to New York City plan to introduce yourself to the sights, visit the famous attractions, look, read, and make notes for when you return again. After all, there are over one hundred museums, thousands of restaurants, lots of theaters and shops galore. New York City has a marvelous diversity of people and that diversity is for you to explore.
First, New York City is made up of five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. All these boroughs are linked by bridges, tunnels and ferries. Take a look at a map. There are several that can be found on-line. Manhattan is an island, approximately 13.4 miles long and 2.3 miles wide. Queens and Brooklyn make up the western part of Long Island. The Bronx is north of Manhattan and is part of the mainland.
Please take your children. All ages love New York City. There are hands-on museums, huge fabulous toy stores, and plenty of parks to enjoy. There are zoos and an aquarium. You can also rent rowboats and bikes and kayaks.
First time visitors will enjoy visiting the Empire State building, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center and the Brooklyn Bridge. Or perhaps Times Square and a Broadway show. Check out the web page www.nyc.com for shows. Do try to take the opportunity to view New York City and the statue from the water. You can take a cruise or hop on the famous Staten Island Ferry, which is free. And there is Ground Zero where you may wish to pay your respects. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is another unforgettable part of American history that can be found in New York City.
A stroll through a bit of Central Park is a definite must. Old and young alike can find something to enjoy at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is, after all, the largest museum in the Western Hemisphere. And do remember that the cost is “suggested”. If you only have an hour to take the kids to see the Egyptian section or the incredible display of arms and armor, feel free to donate an acceptable amount rather then the entire fee.
New York City is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Most New Yorkers do not own cars. They don’t need too. The public transportation is inexpensive and easy to use. Cost is only $2 a ride and that means however far you travel. And kids under 6 are free. Unlimited MetroCards are available which allow you to jump on and off both subways and buses as often as you like. Taxis are, of course, another way to go and may be the deal for families as the fare is per cab and not per person!
Search this web site www.nycvisit.com. Be sure to look at the events that are free as well as the under $10 section.