The city that never sleeps, New York is one of the choice summer destinations for Irish J1 students every year, along with the likes of San Francisco and Chicago. The most populous city in the US, New York City plays host to 8.5 million people. You're likely to spot a number of Irish students out in their vast numbers supporting one of the city's many different sports teams each summer! There's so much to do in this city, that you'd be hard-pushed to do it all in 2 weeks.
Here are the top 16 things you must do in New York this summer.
16. Take a stroll through Central Park.
Perhaps the most famous park in the world, Central Park is the iconic enclosed park in the midst of New York's vast maze of towers and skyscrapers. There's always something to do in the park, and it's extraordinarily beautiful in winter and summer. Take advantage of some of Central Park's many events and be sure to take a bicycle or walking tour while you're here!
15. Climb The Empire State Building.
Located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street, lies New York City's old prized landmark, the Empire State Building. The 103-story skyscraper is an iconic image of New York and was completed over 80 years ago! The Empire State offers an breathtaking 360 degree view of Manhattan from its 86th Floor and 102nd Floor Observatories. Be sure to ride the elevator up to the top after dark for the most spectacular view of the city's skyline.
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14. See an event in Madison Square Garden.
No matter whether you see a concert, a hockey game, boxing match or random showcase event, Madison Square Garden always delivers the goods. "The World's Most Famous Arena" is one of the most illustrious arenas in the world! The "piano man," Mr. Billy Joel holds residency in MSG, so you can be sure to catch him whenever you visit!
13. The Statue of Liberty.
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Resting in the middle of New York Harbor on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in a ceremony on October 28, 1886. The monument had been constructed in France and sent overseas in crates. The illustrious lady, officially called "Liberty Enlightening The World" is universally recognised as a symbol of freedom. Snap a selfie with the fabled face of freedom while you're in New York!
12. See Times Square.
You simply can't go to New York, and NOT see Times Square. Dubbed around the globe as "The Crossroads Of The World", Times Square is a bustling metropolis of skyscrapers, flashing lights, restaurants and lots, and lots of shops! Ladies, get in there and do your damage!
11. Eat at Katz's Deli.
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Home to arguably the best sandwich you'll find in New York, Katz's has been serving up delicious sandwich's to the Lower East side since 1888. They go through a whopping 10,000 pounds of meat every week. The ultimate pigout spot in Manhattan, I dare you to finish one of Katz's 1 pound sandwiches!
10. "Mad Men" Cocktail Tour of New York.
Channel your inner Betty or Don Draper into a luxurious cocktail experience, reminiscent of the advertising industry in 1960s Manhattan. Any fans of the hit TV show, Mad Men, WILL want to do this!
9. Explore The American Museum of Natural History.
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Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) collection consists of over 32 million specimens of plants, humans, animals, fossils, meteorites and cultural artifacts. The museum hosts several amazing events and exhibitions such as The Power of Poison, IMAX: Great White Shark, Space Show: Dark Universe and many more!
8. Grand Central Terminal.
Stand in the place where countless movies and film stars showcased the infamous Grand Central Terminal. Whether you have to catch a train or not, a photo by the immediately recognisable Grand Central clock wouldn't go amiss!
7. See a New York Yankees Game at Yankee Stadium.
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Baseball is the national sport in the US, and the New York Yankees are one of the most successful franchises in sports history, with 18 division titles, 40 AL pennants and a record 27 World Series Championships! Catch a night time summer game at Yankee Stadium while you're in town, and enjoy some of the best game food around.
6. Visit Rockefeller Center.
A huge complex of buildings in the heart of the city, Rockefeller Center is a beautiful sight in the summertime. The centerpiece of the complex is the GE Building which hosts the infamous Rainbow Room, NBC headquarters and the home of Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show, and Saturday Night Live. In summer it opens into a beautiful beer garden and restaurant.
5. Explore The Museum of Modern Art.
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Widely regarded as the most influential museum of modern art in the world, MoMA's collection covers a vast area of architecture, photography, painting, sculpture, design, film and electronic media. Well worth a look for all you art lovers out there!
4. See The Phantom of the Opera.
The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running, most successful show in Broadway history, with over 10,000 performances in 25 years and still going strong. Broadway and The Phantom of the Opera go hand-in-hand!
3. Take a walk along Brooklyn Bridge.
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The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River. It has become an icon of New York City and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
2. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The largest museum in the USA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has one of the most rivaled art collections in the world, boasting over 2 million works among 17 different curatorial departments. The Met occupies a whopping 2 million square feet! Its works on show from Ancient Egypt are particularly impressive, along with paintings and sculptures from almost every European master and much, much more. How much for admission into this unparalleled looking glass into the history of art? A recommended price of just $25 - you'd be crazy not to visit The Met!
1. Night-time Helicopter Tour.
Take a once in a lifetime nigh time tour of the New York City skyline for a truly unforgettable experience. Viator offer special packages in the NYC helicopter ride and you certainly won't regret it. Wow!
