New York City is a popular tourist destination, which is known for its diverse culture, vibrant food scene, nightlife, and famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Cultural and Historical sites in New York have a different appeal altogether.
In this blog, we will talk about some of the best New York historical places, and offer a glimpse of its diverse and vibrant culture.
Top NYC Cultural and Historical Sites
1. Times Square
One of the most iconic commercial intersections in the world; Times Square is a must to visit in NYC. It was originally known as Long Acre (also Longacre) Square, named after London’s carriage district. It served as the early site for William H. Vanderbilt’s American Horse Exchange. Since the 1980s, Times Square has transformed as the center of vice and crime to an area where millions of people pass through every year. It is kind of a contemporary cultural attraction in New York.
Timing: Daily (9 am- 8 pm)
Entry Fee: Free
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art or simply “the Met”, is the largest art museum in the Americas. It houses 17 curatorial departments with permanent collections that contain over two million works. It was founded in 1870 with a mission to bring art and education to the people of New York.
Timing: Sun- Thu (10 am – 5 pm)| Fri- Sat (10 am – 9 pm)| Wed (Closed)
Entry Fee: Adult: $30| Sr. (65 or above): $22| Student: $17| Children (under 12): Free| Member & Patron: Free
3. The American Museum of Natural History
The AMNH is one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in NYC. It is also the largest natural history museum in the world, spanning about 4 city blocks and has 25 interconnected buildings. It takes a minimum of two and half hours to experience the museum.
Timing: Daily (10 am- 5:30 pm)
Entry Fee: Adult: $28| Student: $22| Sr. (aged 60+) $27| Children: $20
Also, check out our blog on Top 5 Museums in New York City.
4. The Statue of Liberty
This neoclassical sculpture needs no introduction. It was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States. She made her way to America on June 17, 1885, when she reached the harbor, the statue was housed in 214 crates. Fast Forward to today, people visit this New York historical landmark, to witness the proof to the story of immigration and recognize the spirit of our country’s ideals.
Timing: Daily (9 am- 5 pm)
Entry Fee: Adults (aged 13+): $24| Sr.(aged 62+): $18| Children (aged 4-12): $12| Children (under 4): Free
5. Ellis Island
The island was named after Samuel Ellis, a colonial-era landowner, who owned the island in the late 1700s. Today, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a popular tourist destination, where visitors can learn about the history of immigration to the United States and see exhibits about the lives of the immigrants who passed through Ellis Island.
Timing: Daily (9 am- 5:15 pm)
Entry Fee: Free
6. Central Park
Central Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the late 1850s and officially opened to the public in 1857.The park also features several lakes, gardens, and recreational areas. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, boating, and picnicking.
Timing: Daily (6 am- 1 am)
Entry Fee: Free
Do read our blog free things to do in New York to gain insights on the hidden gems you can unfold on a budget.
7. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum honors the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. It consists of two reflecting pools set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, with the names of the victims inscribed around the edges. The Museum is a powerful and emotional tribute to the victims and serves as a reminder of the tragic events of that day and the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Timing: Daily (10 am- 5 pm)
Entry Fee: Free
8. The Metropolitan Opera House
The Met is one of the most renowned opera companies in the world, and has been a leading cultural institution in New York City since its founding in 1883. Designed in the neo-renaissance style and has a seating capacity of 3,800 seats. The Met’s season typically runs from September to May, and features a diverse range of operas, from classic works by composers such as Verdi and Puccini to contemporary pieces by living composers.
Timing: Weekdays (3 pm)| Sundays (10:30 am & 1:30 pm)
Entry Fee: General Public: $35| Guild Member: $30| Student & group of 10: $25
Here are Some of the Interesting New York Historical Facts
- Did you know that the original name of the city was New Amsterdam and when the English took over the place in 1664 they renamed the city to honor the Duke of York?
- New York City is the most populous city in the US and what makes New York City more interesting is that New Yorkers speak more than 800 languages.
- Did you know that the iconic monument, the Statue of Liberty, was a gift from the people of France?
- You probably know that the Empire State Building was once the tallest building in the world. But didn’t you know that this colossus structure gets struck by lightning between 25-100 times a year?
- Central Park is the most filmed location in the United States. According to a report by Giggstar, Central Park has been featured in at least 325 movies.
Conclusion
Explore and wander the historical sites of New York city by spending some quality time at museums and cultural places, also as there are many places that are listed above which can’t be covered by you in just one day right?
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