You’ve dreamed about a New York City vacation ever since you first read “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” for the first time or maybe since you watched the pilot of the “Sex and the City” television series, and now your dreams are about to come true. Your vacation days have been reserved, your airplane tickets have been purchased, and you have reserved your Mighty Tree Properties vacation sanctuary in the Essex House, but are you truly ready to visit New York City? Making your dreams come true is important, and there are so many attractions you have wanted to see, so many restaurants you have wanted to try, and so many places you have wanted to visit, and because we understand how much it means to you, we have created this ultimate first-time visitor guide to New York City, helping you see it all!
Classic Broadway When You Visit New York City
Once upon a time, you wouldn’t have been able to say that you truly saw it all without a viewing of Cats, a Broadway play that ran for 18 years and 7485 performances. The curtain fell on Cats in 2000, but there’s another crop of classic Broadway plays that you might want to add to your itinerary, including the ones listed below.
The Lion King, Minskoff Theater, 200 W 45th Street
The very first opening night of the Lion King was on November 13 in 1997, and for nearly 30 years its wonderful story, catchy music, and innovative costumes have captured our imagination, making it number one on our list of Broadway plays you should add to your bucket list. Unless you have been living under a rock, you know the story, so we aren’t going to bore you with the details, we are just going to encourage you to buy your tickets today!
Wicked, The Gershwin Theater, 222 W 51st Street
As we write this, the Academy Awards are about to start and the movie Wicked is up for quite a few Oscars, but Wicked on Broadway is where it all began back in 2003. Telling the story before Dorothy arrived in Oz, this fantastic show has awed audiences for over two decades and will be a great addition to your vacation experience.
Chicago, The Ambassador Theater, 219 W 49th Street
Opening for the first time all the way back in 1996, Chicago is the longest running show currently on Broadway and lives up to the hype. Roxie Hart has danced and sung her heart out for over 11,000 performances, (Don’t feel sorry for her, it hasn’t been one Roxy, there have been many performing the part over the years!) and when a show has been around for that long, you know it has to be a part of your New York City experience.
The Landmarks of New York City
This category may go on a little longer than usual as we try to get in all of the places you don’t want to miss on the list, so bear with us. We have your best tourist interests at heart!
The Empire State Building, 20 W 34th Street
Built in 1931, this art deco building has starred in movies, has celebrated holidays, and honored the bad times with light shows that have moved us to tears. The lines are long and the ticket prices could be considered a little steep, but if you don’t take that elevator ride up to the 102nd Observatory Deck and take selfies with the city of New York all around, you will be missing out on a big part of what makes our city special.
The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Although these are two completely separate landmarks, tours for both have been combined for most of their existence, so we will combine them here for you as well. The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the US, given to us as a gift of friendship from France in 1886 and dedicated as a national monument in 1924. Today, Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ticket seller for tickets to both the statue and Ellis Island, and visitors can actually tour inside the statue, all the way up to the crown. (Limited tickets are sold for the crown, so be sure to purchase far in advance of your travels if that interests you.) Ellis Island is where many of today’s American stories began, serving as both an island of hope and tears, and their stories are told in the museum on the island in the most impactful of ways. Both landmarks may change the way you look at this city, this state, and our country.
Wall Street and the Charging Bull
Wall Street has held the financial heart of the world in its hands for over 200 years, and although it feels as if the infamous charging bull bronze has been around for an equal amount of time, you may be surprised to learn that it was created after the big crash of 1987 and installed in 1989, making it one of the newer landmarks in the Big Apple. Stone Street, on the other hand, also located in the financial district is NYC’s oldest street, dating back to the 1600s and still lined with cobblestones holding the echoes of history within their depths.
Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd Street
The architecture of Grand Central Terminal, which opened to the public over 100 years ago in 1913, has made it a beloved structure and a must see for travelers visiting from all over the world. More than a transportation hub, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, protecting it forevermore. And yes, if you watched the reboot of Arthur, the Whispering Gallery is real and worth visiting.
One World Trade Center
The newest landmark in New York City, One World Trade Center is the one with the most tragic of histories while also serving as proof that you can’t keep America down; we will always rise again like the phoenix. Also known as the Freedom Tower, it is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and stands 1776 feet tall, a nod to the first time we showed the world we were a force to be reckoned with. This landmark is one that deserves to be visited by everyone who enters our city limits.
Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple
Many New York restaurants are iconic institutions that deserve to be explored every bit as much as the landmarks we have been talking about, and the ones listed below will ensure that your stay in NYC is authentic and delicious.
Katz’s Delicatessen, 205 E Houston Street
If you want service with a smile and healthy diet food, keep walking, but if you like cranky servers, sandwiches piled high with meat, and maybe want to sit where Meg Ryan performed an iconic scene, Katz’s Delicatessen should be the first restaurant you try. Serving sandwiches and tradition since 1888, we haven’t mentioned that the food is delicious because that almost doesn’t matter, but it is delicious, and you will not leave hungry.
Keen’s Steakhouse, 72 W 36th Street
Just like Katz’s, the history of Keen’s Steakhouse is as important as its food, and it is even older than the deli, having been a part of the Pipe Club prior to 1885 and then officially opening its doors as an independent restaurant in 1885. Famous for its mutton chops, it was originally called Keen’s Chophouse, and today, its legendary mutton chops take first spot on the menu.
John’s of Bleecker Street, 278 Bleecker Street
There’s an ongoing battle in our country over which pizza is better, NY style or Chicago style, but when you visit John’s of Bleecker Street, the war will be over, the battle will be won, with New York style pizza taking the celebratory bow. 1929 may have been a very bad year for the world, but it was an excellent year for the culinary landscape of New York City, as that is when John’s first opened and started selling its iconic pizzas that are still being sold today, nearly 100 years later.
More New York City Adventures
We could go on and on forever with ideas about what you should not miss while in New York, but unless you are planning on staying for at least 100 years, you won’t be able to see it all. These next adventures, however, should be able to fit nicely into your week of wow in the city that never sleeps.
Central Park
Even if you only have a little bit of free time, you need to visit the oasis in the middle of NYC, Central Park. This is the place where America renewed its belief in Santa, where Strawberry Fields memorializes John Lennon, and where the big question has been popped and agreed to during carriage rides through the park, and the park can play an important role in your NY adventures as well.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Older than Katz’s and Keen’s, the Brooklyn Bridge has been a destination point for travelers from all parts of the world since 1883. The object of perhaps one of the first scams with George Parker selling immigrants “his” Brooklyn Bridge, and one of the most popular places for protesters to march, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists make this bridge an everyday part of their commute.
Times Square
Perhaps the most famous block in the world, Times Square is known as the “Crossroads of the World,” and its bright lights and gigantic television screens can be seen from outer space. The scene of NYE celebrations for over 100 years and home to hidden art that will be a joy to uncover. Your selfie’s taken on the square will become treasured memories of the time you made your NYC dreams come true.
Coney Island
Located in the Southernmost corner of Brooklyn, Coney Island is famous for its hot dogs, for bringing the world’s first roller coasters into existence, and for introducing NY to fun and excitement all the way back in 1823. A visit to the amusement park isn’t necessary for the success of your visit, but if you can swing it, it will add an extra shine to your trip.
Retail Therapy
Shopping is another iconic vacation adventure, and of course you will partake in some retail therapy during your visit, exploring the famous Macy’s of Herald Square (especially during a Thanksgiving or Christmas visit) the shops of Soho, and Bloomingdale’s with its famous brown bags. Vintage shoppers will want to wander the aisles of the Brooklyn Flea, and shoppers will enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty from Brookfield Place, a shopping mall located not far from the 9/11 Memorial and the World Trade Center. Rockefeller Center is a popular shopping destination and at Christmas it is the site of the NYC Christmas tree and ice skating rink; the list of shopping opportunities is an endless one, so be sure to pack an empty bag or two to be filled with all your treasures.
One More New York City Iconic Building
The history of New York is told in the buildings that line its streets, and your Mighty Tree Properties vacation escape has its own story to tell. Offering more than luxurious sanctuaries that will bring you peace and tranquility and a sense of hope and wonder each night of your stay, the building our retreats are located in, Essex House, has been a part of the history of this beautiful city since 1931, with its sign being added to the structure in 1932. And although its history is important and will be felt, the spaces that will bring you comfort are filled with modern amenities that are luxurious and welcoming. Generously sized windows frame views of Central Park to perfection, state of the art televisions bring entertainment options to a quiet evening at home and the most comfortable beds in the state will pave the way for deep sleep and happy dreams. Reserve your favorite escape today!