Today, we honor and remember those fallen in the horrible tragedy that shook our country and the world on September 11, 2001. 15 years later, I am grateful to have experienced New York City first-hand and felt the inspiration it fosters for everyone who has visited. For a guy raised in “a town no one has heard of,” MO, it was a life changing experience.
While walking past Trump Tower I remember turning to Brooke and saying, “I want to own a building here someday.” Looking back, I realize that I may have been aggressively ambitious, but I was driven by this city like nowhere I had ever gone. I was left with a newfound desire to explore the world, find my purpose, and fulfill my dreams.
Eleven “Must See” Spots in New York
If you are going to tackle a large city like New York, be sure to have a plan. Not only will it help you see more during your visit, you will not be as overwhelmed. In Honor of 9/11, here are 11 “Must See” spots for a first timer in The Big Apple!
1. One World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial
At 1,776 feet, the One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and overlooks the reflecting pools and museum of the 9/11 memorial. After the collapse of the Twin Towers, the One World Trade Center was resurrected in honor of those fallen and has become a staple monument showcasing America’s fortitude and perseverance.
The two reflecting pools that mark where the twin towers stood is nothing short of majestic. The memorial is inscribed with the names of each person who lost their life on 9/11. This is a truly humbling experience and covers a much larger area than any picture or video can show.
2. Times Square
Times Square is a must see in New York, but don’t spend too long here. Once you have eaten a Dirty Water Dog on the bleachers (of course while people watching and enjoying the street performers), taken a selfie, and walked past the controversial painted naked ladies, you have experienced Times Square.
3. Central Park
Block off a full morning for Central Park. Its 843 acres looks manageable from atop the Rockefeller, but walking the entire park in no small feat! It is a great way to start your day in the city. You will come across marathon runners, baseball players, picnickers, and horse carriages, just to name a few. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy your time! There are plenty of benches to rest on the long hike and take in the amazing scenery.
4. Rockefeller Center (Top of The Rock)
You can’t go to NYC without scaling the Rockefeller and visiting the Top of The Rock. It has the best views in town, overlooking Central Park, the Empire State Building and the skyline of Manhattan.
5. Empire State Building Observation Deck
If you can also make it to the top of the Empire State Building, do it. We recommend the Top of The Rock at day time and the Empire State Observation Deck at night for the downtown lights, but if you can only do one, make it the Rock.
6. The View (Marriot Marquis)
If you want to grab a drink after dinner, The View at the top of The Marriot Marquis (in Times Square) is the place to be. This restaurant turns a complete 360 degrees every hour! If you are traveling on a budget, just go for drinks, because with the amazing view comes a highly ranked (and expensive) menu! So grab dinner at Club A Steakhouse beforehand- one of New York’s top steakhouses at an affordable price (and an awesome place to enjoy a birthday dinner!).
7. SoHo and West Village
A great way to wind down the afternoon is to stroll through the quaint streets (and shopping) of SoHo and then make your way to Magnolia Bakery in West Village. There are plenty of piers nearby to eat your pastry and watch the sun set over the Hudson.
8. Staten Island Ferry (Statue of Liberty)
An inexpensive way to see the Statue of Liberty and downtown Manhattan skyline is to take the free ferry to Staten Island. Unfortunately, it does not stop on Ellis Island, so be sure to book a tour if you want to see that specifically!
9. Financial District (Wall Street)
My personal favorite area of Manhattan is the Financial District. The city transforms from towering steel and glass sky-rises to commanding marble and stone buildings. If you get inspired by flocks of professionals in suits like I do, kick back near the cobblestone streets and enjoy the chic fashion of Wall Street.
10. Little Italy and China Town
You cannot go wrong with your pick of restaurants in Little Italy! We chose Il Cortile because of the hilarious host and the accordion playing on the street beside us. Be sure to stroll through China Town, as well!
11. Broadway!
And finally, for the true New York experience, you must see a Broadway show! Even a small-town guy like myself (who never dreamed Broadway was a form of entertainment I would enjoy) was BLOWN AWAY! If this is something on your bucket-list and you are traveling on a budget, be sure to enter the lottery for a chance to win free tickets to a show! Another way is to catch a matinee (afternoon show), which sometimes offers cheaper rates!
That wraps up my 11 picks for your first time in the city!
I am thankful for my experiences in this amazing city and how it cultivated my passion for exploring the world. In a day of remembrance of the tragic event, 9/11, I feel blessed to be able to share my memories of The City That Never Sleeps and Never Forgets.
~Zain Hartman
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