After hearing President Trump’s anti-immigration announcements last year quite a few people believed that the tourism situation in NYC will take a turn for the worse. Yet, 2017 set a record with 62.8 million visitors coming to admire the great city. In 2018, same doubts reared their heads due to the Trade War and some presidential policies. However, the pull of New York City managed to win again, setting a new record with 65.2 million visitors. If 2019 doesn’t drop the ball, it will complete a decade of steady growth for the NYC tourism industry.
It’s no wonder that people from all over the world come to visit New York. The city is incredibly diverse and offers entertainment that can impress anyone. One can never be bored in New York, just as well as everyone can find something to enjoy in this mammoth of a city.
4 Most Popular Things to Do in New York City According to Tourists
Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty National Monument is, probably, the most recognized American symbol in the world. Seeing it up close while on a tour of the monument is one of the most popular activities among tourists.
Stopping at the famous Ellis Island to visit the Immigration Museum while on the way to the Statue is the preferred way to complete this adventure. Tickets to these tours sell out extremely fast, so one has to book well in advance. With over 65 million people visiting the city in a single year, those plans must be set in motion months beforehand.
Attending various events and shows
Everyone knows that New York is a city that never sleeps. And it’s also the city where one can always find something to see. The NYC event calendar is full to the brim with all kinds of shows, exhibits, workshops, etc.
It’s not only classics, like Broadway theater shows or David Zwirner Gallery exhibits that attract tourists. There are also NYC events hosted by the Museum of Jewish Heritage, which allow one to learn the horrific history of the Holocaust or 9/11 Memorial Museum, where one can learn about the devastating tragedy. New York is a multidimensional city that can take one on an unforgettable journey filled with both laughter and tears. With that in mind, it’s obvious while people from all over the world, who are so very different, all find something to admire here during their visits.
Having a picnic in Central Park
Central Park is nearly as much of an iconic symbol of New York as the Statue of Liberty. It’s also a place beloved by both tourists and New Yorkers, so it’s busy at all times. Having a picnic in the park or at least a walk and a hotdog are experiences that the majority of visitors are after.
The park is filled with attractions and food stalls, so everyone can have a good time there, regardless of their budget. Tourists are particularly fond of the Central Park Zoo.
Admiring the view from the Rockefeller Center
New York is full of high places from where one can admire the city skyline. However, Top of the Rock Observation Deck is one of the most popular for tourists. One cannot deny that the view of Manhattan from its top floors is breathtaking.
However, the place has another major attraction, which appears after every Thanksgiving and is rightfully considered the best Christmas tree in New York. Hundreds of tourists come to the city at this time specifically to see the spectacular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and have a good time on the rink around it.