Landmarks of New York: My one week itinerary

Photo of Landmarks of New York: My one week itinerary 3/10 by Magdalene — Staten Island Ferry

Photo of Landmarks of New York: My one week itinerary 4/10 by Magdalene — Brooklyn Bridge

Photo of Landmarks of New York: My one week itinerary 5/10 by Magdalene — China Town Festival

Photo of Landmarks of New York: My one week itinerary 6/10 by Magdalene — Guggenheim Museum

Photo of Landmarks of New York: My one week itinerary 7/10 by Magdalene — Times Square

Photo of Landmarks of New York: My one week itinerary 8/10 by Magdalene — Yankees Stadium

Photo of Landmarks of New York: My one week itinerary 9/10 by Magdalene — Central Park

Photo of Landmarks of New York: My one week itinerary 10/10 by Magdalene — Empire State Building from NJ

New York is one of the most sought after cities in the world. It's glamorous and bubbling lifestyle has been an aspired by many. With its soaring skyline, legions of yellow taxis and glittering lights, New York City is the ultimate metropolis: big, brash and on the move 24/7. Yet, geographically speaking, Manhattan is quite compact. Everything you could possibly want to do or see is crammed into just 23.7 square miles – a kaleidoscope of attractions, restaurants, shops and arts for every taste and budget. And if that isn’t daunting enough, there’s more to discover in the outer boroughs, such as über-hip Brooklyn.

The most populous state of USA, New York is very difficult to explore in a short time. In fact, all the time in the world seems less to explore this coveted place. There is just so much life in New York, on the streets, in the bars, in the parks, in it's history. New York's energy and vibrancy, probably, cannot be compared to any other city. In New York, you should look out for luxury, for its nightlife, for its open spaces and its much celebrated monuments. This city is all about the fun.

What makes New York equally interesting are its various neighborhoods that concentrates various ethnic cultures. People of various nationalities have come here and settled to add to the vibrancy of this place. Little India or Chinatown are much evidence of the little pockets of culture that fill up this city. There are somethings that are so symbolic of the place, that if you haven't seen them, it shall be considered that you haven;t seen New York. Here are a few highlights of this eternal city that you shouldn't miss.

Central Park

New York's Central Park is known from the umpteen number of movies it has featured in. One of the most frequently visited and protected open spaces in New York, the Central Park has been declared a National Historic Landmark. Whether it's walking, biking, rollerblading, ice-skating during the winter, taking a boat ride during the summer, or bouncing from play ground to play ground this perfect outdoor sanctuary offers fun for children and adults. Don't forget to visit Central Park Wildlife Center and Children's Zoo

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn bridge was the world's longest bridge and remains to be a major landmark of New York. It is around 5,989ft-long and provides a splendid opportunity for a relaxed evening long drive. It was the first bridge in the world to use steel suspension cables. From it, you’ll enjoy striking views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

Broadway

Any performing arts lover knows what Broadway is, and even if theater doesn't interest you Broadway is not worth a miss. Synonymous with theater and the performing arts, the street itself is the oldest North to South thoroughfare in the city, but the Theater District in Midtown is where the bright lights flicker for audiences and actors alike. My Fair Lady to Phantom of the Opera, it all happened here. Catch a show for once in your life. Even if it is a dud, it will be unforgettable. Till today, Broadway remains to be the heart of the American theater industry.

Chinatown

Manhattan’s Chinatown is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city - not only for Asian travelers, but for visitors from all over the world. It is one of the oldest ethnic enclaves outside Asia. It provides an amazing cultural exposure, with restaurants serving delicacies and shops catering to various souvenirs and items. The Chinese community here is on a rise and flourishing, thus Chinatown attracts large number of tourists who want to experience something different in New York.

Empire State Building

The fourth-tallest skyscraper in New York, The Empire State Building is a National heritage structure and one of the seven wonders of the Modern World. The enclosed observatory on the 102nd floor is the city’s highest lookout point. From here, you can enjoy views of all five boroughs and five neighboring states; at sunset, you can glimpse an elongated urban shadow cast from Manhattan all the way across the river to Queens. It highlights the Art Deco style and its architecture is in sync with American culture. It was ranked number one by Americans for its architecture.

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village is a residential neighborhood known for giving rise to the Beat Generation. It is a haven for artists. Fabled artists like Bob Dylan, Jack Kerouac and Dylan Thomas walked these tree lined streets back when. The bohemian flavor of the area is still found in the coffee shops and bars of Washington Square Park. Rows of townhouses and charming alleyways around the park literally transport visitors back in time here. This is a great area to visit for newcomers, if for no other reason than to say they were here.

Yankee Stadium

Baseball is a sport that is loved with a passion here. A visit in New York is not complete if you haven’t seen the New York Yankees playing. The Yankees' home ballpark used to be Yankee Stadium, famous all over the world. Built in 2008, this stadium is the home turf for the much beloved Yankees. It is the most expensive baseball stadium in the world and incorporates elements form the previous stadium. The first game here was played in April 2009.

Staten Island

Staten Island is one of the five Boroughs of New York City. The north Shore is the more urban and populated area of Staten Island. There are a number of parks here that serve as a recreational area. During this commuter barge’s 25-minute crossing, you get superb panoramas of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Staten Island is much more quiet and peaceful as compared to the loud and busy New York City. It is more of a relaxing spot for travelers in the city.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is where art can be found and admired. One of the best known museums of art, Guggenheim displays a number of masterpieces. Impressionists, Post- Impressionist, Modern, Contemporary, all art forms are found here. It also indulges in special exhibitions once in a while. Architecturally, this cylindrical museum looks just as artistic. The museum owns Peggy Guggenheim’s trove of cubist, surrealist and abstract expressionist works, along with the Panza di Biumo Collection of American minimalist and conceptual art from the 1960s and ‘70s. As well as works by Manet, Picasso, Chagall and Bourgeois, it includes the largest collection of Kandinskys in the US.

Tribute WTC Visitor Center

Tribute WTC Visitor Center was built as a remembrance to the drakest day in Ameircan History, September 11. A tribute to the people who lost their lives in the unfortunate attack, this place has become important for any tourist who wants to connect to the local beat of the city .Through walking tours, exhibits and programs, the Tribute WTC Visitor Center offers “Person to Person History,” linking visitors who want to understand and appreciate these historic events with those who experienced them.

Times Square

Who doesn't know Times Square? A Commercial neighborhood of New York city, this area is where the pulse of the city gets louder, higher and more energetic. It is one of the world's most visited tourist attractions, which means it remains constantly crowded. But, this hustle-bustle is what makes Times Square so special. It lights up at night to look even more spectacular. Times Square is called the “Crossroads of the World.” The iconic landmark stands as the symbol of New York City. Animated digital billboards, New Years Eve, and news period, this is the center of Manhattan’s ego for city dwellers and tourists alike.

Coney Island

Coney Island is a neighborhood of Brooklyn, and one of New York City’s more traditional attractions for tourists and locals. It is where the locals and the travelers go to have some fun. It is known for its amusement parks and seaside resorts. More than 35 amusement rides, a beach, and an aquarium, await visitors on this island. It also has its won baseball team that is gaining popularity. Coney Island is a day full of fun!