Top 3 quintessential places to visit in NYC (New York City)

 

Statue of Liberty, New York City

I’m a recent early retiree at the age of 48.  August 2020 was when I decided to forgo regular paychecks to travel and spend more time with our family.  We have been living like nomads since August, and we’ve been slow traveling across the eastern parts of the United States.  We are followers of the FIRE (financial independence retire early) movement.

My wife and I both grew up in New York City.  I spent 22 years in NYC, and my wife spent 20 years there.  We went to schools there, worked there, and entertained ourselves there.  We still visit our family who are still living in NYC and its surrounding areas (Long Island) on a regular basis, now that we have time on our hands!

We always wondered what makes New York City what it is.  We couldn’t help but come up with these 3 things:  Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, and Times Square.  

These places are where we would take someone if someone was visiting from out of town.  It is perhaps the most popular places to visit when someone thinks of NYC.

These are our top 3 quintessential places to visit in NYC:

  1. Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island:
We’ll bump both of these attractions as one attraction.  When buying a ferry ticket from Statue Cruises to get to one, you’ll get to the other.  This ticket gives you access to the ferries, grounds, museums, and audio guides.  

What more can you say about Statue of Liberty?  Well, it’s perhaps the most recognizable thing to behold as you’re coming in to the New York harbor.  A montage of New York City wouldn’t be complete without including the Statue of Liberty.  

It is the most iconic symbol of promise and possibility.  Liberty Island, where Statue of Liberty is located, is a beautifully maintained park with panoramic views across the New York Harbor.  It is one of the best places to see the New York City skyline.  Liberty Island also has an innovative museum you can explore.

When permitted, be sure to walk up the stairs to the top of the statue for an awesome view.  It is quite a hike and there are no breaks or resting areas.  Please plan ahead!

It’s estimated that about 40% of Americans can trace their roots back to an ancestor who landed at Ellis Island.  If this isn’t one of the most significant places in US history, I don’t know what is!  It shows the indomitable spirit of those immigrants who crossed over to the New World in hopes of finding a better life for their families.  

Each time I visited there, I couldn’t help but be awed by different stories of people who braved the long voyage across vast oceans.  It is and always will be one of the most awe inspiring places I’ve visited...

     2.   Empire State Building:

Empire State Building was constructed in 1931 in a record breaking 1 year and 45 days.  The 102 story building may no longer be the tallest building in the world these days, but it certainly has character and history!  

Empire State Building may be the most iconic Art Deco style building in the world.  It is without a doubt an instantly recognizable symbol of New York City skyline.  You can see the building as you drive into the city from anywhere.   

Although to some people, visiting the Empire State Building is too touristy, I still get a kick out of visiting the building that was made world famous by starring in such movies as King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, Superman II, Independence Day, and Elf.  

The old fashioned elevators are also different.  Unlike new skyscrapers that takes you to the top in one swoop, the elevators at the Empire State Building will take you to the top in stages.  First stage is to the 86th floor/observatory.  Second stage is to the 102nd floor.  Be sure to check out both floors!

Empire State Building, New York City 

     3.   Times Square:

For most, Times Square is famous for the New Year’s Eve bash with what seem like a million souls hanging out on the coldest night in New York City!  For me, Times Square is where both New Yorkers and tourists comingle.  It is a place where locals would choose when meeting someone nearby.  One well known location is under the NASDAQ MarketSite.  You can’t miss that one...

It’s also the place for locals and tourists alike to take in a Broadway show or go grab something to eat.  I always liked the energy of Times Square.  Of people moving at one hundred miles per hour (these are the locals), of tourists gawking at everything nearby, and of crazy/amped up electronic billboards that seem to occupy every square inch of the buildings’ facades nearby.

Be sure to walk around and take in all the visuals like the aforementioned electronic billboards, the buildings, and the people.  Take in all the smells of food cart vendors selling everything from hot dogs, Mexican food, Middle Eastern food, and pizzas!  Be immersed with all different languages as you walk by.  It’ll be a shock to your senses but you must do Times Square at least once!
Times Square, New York City 

*Disclaimer:  Due to the pandemic, please confirm each attractions’ hours of operations as they may change.

We certainly hope you enjoyed our top 3 quintessential New York City places to visit.  Thank you all for reading!

Jake
Wandering Money Pig 


P.S. If you’ll be visiting more than one attraction, you may be better served by ‘citipass’ for NYC.  This pass gives you access to famous attractions that include Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, among others.  It should save you some money in visiting both (or more)...


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