If you’ve recently moved to New York City, you might be feeling overwhelmed with the abundance of things there are to do. From landmarks and famous attractions to the vast variety of restaurants, bars and clubs around every corner, what do you do first?
For new residents who are itching to get out and explore their new home, there are a number of awesome and easily accessible locations to check out as you get settled. Here are a few destinations that should be at the top of your list.
Must-see landmarks
New York City is home to more than a few of the most famous destinations in the country. New residents of the city should make sure they check out these three NYC landmarks.
- Times Square: Known for its many theatres, cinemas, shops and and electronic billboards, Times Square is an amazing place to be. While the famous square is a sight to see any day of the year, it’s particularly popular on New Year’s Eve and can get crowded in the evenings as people venture from one destination to the next.
- Empire State Building: The Empire State Building is one of the most popular tourist destinations in NYC and is a must-see attraction for newcomers. If you venture to the top, the building provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. This building is an inspiration to aspiring architects and has been featured in many films and TV series.
- American Museum of Natural History: Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History is another well-known NYC destination. The museum is packed full of interesting exhibits and information that will enthrall children and adults alike. It’s the perfect destination for families thanks to its Discovery Room and hands-on learning. Kids especially love the dinosaur halls and their many fossils and models.
New York’s nightlife
There’s a reason they say NYC is the city that never sleeps! Among the many attractions the city has to offer, New York’s nightlife is particularly famous. Adventurous souls will find a diverse selection of clubs and bars on nearly every street of the city. Here are a few clubs that both newcomers and locals can enjoy.
- O.B.’s: S.O.B’s, or Sound of Brazil, is a Latin American night club that plays some of the best foot-tapping numbers you can find in the city. Your body will move and groove to the music all night long! This nightclub offers lip-smacking beverages and is open till 4 a.m. on the weekends.
- La Belle Epoque: La Belle Epoque is a dance club that turns outrageous on Friday nights. It is well-known for holding Latin Music and Argentine Tango dance functions. Head here if you’re ready to move to the beat!
- bOb Bar: bOb Bar is famous for its commendable music selection, great energy and incredible vibes. It’s a small club, so the dance floor is always packed!
Relaxing parks
Among NYC’s hustle and bustle, you’ll find a selection of amazing parks that hold wildlife and recreation. In fact, nearly 27 percent of New York City is covered with green spaces, and some stand above the rest. If you need a place for some relaxation, check out these major parks.
- Central Park: Central Park is the heart and soul of the borough of Manhattan. Spanning 840 acres, this massive park is one of the best places to just hang around, do recreational activities in or enjoy a stroll. The park is home to a ton of attractions, including tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, an ice-skating rink, a carousel and the Central Park Zoo. If you want to be surrounded by nature, wander through “The Ramble,” a wooded section of the park popular amongst birders, or rent a rowboat or kayak and spend some time on the pond.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: Near the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in NYC, a chunk of the Brooklyn waterfront was transformed into a nearly 85-acre expanse called the Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are several unique attractions here, such as Jane’s Carousel, a restored 1920’s-era carousel, and riverside esplanades with gorgeous Manhattan views. The park’s latest addition, Pier 5, was designed specifically for “active recreation” like sporting leagues and events.
- Flushing Meadows—Corona Park: Located in the northern part of Queens is Flushing Meadows—Corona Park, also called Flushing Meadows. This is the city’s second-largest park, most often recognized by the Unisphere, a steel globe structure created for the 1964 World’s Fair. The park’s lush-green fields contain a zoo, a boating lake, a skate park, a barbecue area, playfields and a $66 million aquatic and hockey center. Recently, wetland plants like swamp azalea and swamp milkweed were added to handle the park’s water runoff, improving the catch-and-release fishing in Meadow Lake.
Clearly, there are a ton of fun things to do and see around NYC. Remember that you don’t have to see everything right away! Take your time and enjoy all the wonders the city has to offer.