A Guide To Collecting The Big Apple’s Big 10 Attractions

Posted on 19 Jan 2011 | by Ben | Filed under Blog

When travelling somewhere for the first time, I get an overwhelming urge to see the icons of the destination first. To visit the places I’ve heard about, read about or seen in a movie. Once I’ve ticked them off my list I typically start seeking out the so called hidden gems. Though to be honest, it’s usually while wandering the streets between icons that I stumble across these ‘secret’ spots anyway.

I think travelling follows this pattern for the vast majority of us. We develop an urge to visit a destination driven largely by what we know about it. But usually the most memorable moments of that trip come from the unexpected encounters we have along the way. And for me as a photographer, travelling to new places fulfils an additional urge to collect images of these icons and special moments to expand my portfolio.

Recently I had the opportunity to visit New York for the first time while I was living in Los Angeles. Catching a Virgin America red eye, I arrived at 5:20am with only 36 hours on the ground to see some of the world’s greatest travelling icons.

So here’s my guide for those of you wanting to collect the Big Apple’s Big 10. Either as travellers or photographers or both. It’s the express version based on the short time I had, but you can easily split this list over more days.

1. Statue Of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is arguably New York’s most famous landmark, so what better place to start! Take the subway to South Ferry then it’s only a short walk to Battery Park where Statue Cruises depart from. This ferry stops at both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, letting you spend as long as you like on each. The ferry gets extremely crowded. To avoid waiting in long queues make sure you book your ticket online, print it out and bring it with you. My advice would also be to catch the first boat for the day to avoid some of the crowds. You’ll probably want to spend at least an hour on Liberty Island, but you have plenty of options with ferries arriving every 30 minutes. Make sure you walk right around the island to take in all the angles and to get some stunning views and photos of the city skyline.

2. Wall Street
Your Statue Cruise will return you back to Battery Park. From here walk along Water Street for about 5 minutes and you’ll arrive at Wall Street, arguably the world’s financial heart. The wealth is obvious as too is the history. Highlights are the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall and The Charging Bull, which is actually two blocks south at Bowling Green, facing up Broadway, after being moved from Wall Street in the late 80s.

3. Ground Zero
No one will ever forget the events of September 11th 2001 and I don’t think I’ll forget the stories I heard told to me on one of the walking tours around Ground Zero by a lady who had been in one of the towers on that fateful day. The mood of the area is still so solemn and the events of that day play vividly in front of you as you stare upwards to the emptiness in the skyline. From Wall Street, turn right on Broadway then left onto Liberty Street. The best views into Ground Zero can be found on the walkway over West Street.

4. The Flatiron Building
If you’re feeling energetic then take your time and walk about 30 blocks north to 175 Fifth Avenue, taking in the sights, smells and sounds as you go. Otherwise catch a cab or take the subway. Here you’ll find the Flatiron Building. Built in 1902, it is widely acknowledged as one of the first skyscrapers in the world and is one of New York’s most iconic buildings.

5. The Empire State and Chrysler Buildings
These two towering structures are definitely icons of the New York skyline. Continue up Fifth Avenue a few blocks and you’ll find the Empire State Building. In my opinion don’t worry about going up to the top of the Empire State Building as you will get far better views from The Top of The Rock (detailed below as icon #7). Instead get some photos outside then carry along Fifth Avenue until you reach 42nd St. Turn right and you’ll get unobstructed views of the Chrysler Building and its famous scaly spire.

6. Grand Central Station
Keep walking along 42nd St towards the Chrysler Building, but stop at Grand Central Station before you get there. The main ticket hall is a stunning space full of the hustle and bustle you would expect from one of the world’s most famous stations. For the best photo opportunity climb the stairs at the end of the room. And for refreshment, make sure to grab a beer from Michael Jordan’s bar behind you. By now it will be late in the afternoon. I’d recommend you get a hotel somewhere in the vicinity of Grand Central Station as it is a good central base. Head back there, have a bit of a rest and freshen up.

7. Top Of The Rock – Manhattan From Above
It should be an easy stroll from your hotel to the Rockefeller Center and its observation deck ‘Top of the Rock’ on 50th Street. Without a doubt, the 360 degree unobstructed views from 70 stories above the city are stunning, making it the best spot for catching the sunset. Watch as the shadows lengthen over Central Park, the final rays of sunshine cast a golden hue across the skyline and the famous lights on the Empire State Building take hold against the night sky.

8. Times Square and Broadway
Once the sun has set, head back down to street level. It’s your call, either get some dinner then call it a night, or keep going. I carried on to Times Square, grabbed a few hot dogs from the street vendors, and experienced this neon lit icon for a few hours. It’s a crazy place; a merging of everything you imagine New York to be. The hustle of humanity, yellow cabs as far as the eye can see and neon signs in every colour imaginable. While you’re here catch a show on Broadway if you have time. I’d also recommend coming back to Times Square during the day, it’s a little less crowded and provides some great photo opportunities.

New York really doesn’t sleep and I’d been going for nearly 20 hours by this point, so I headed back to my hotel for some well deserved rest.

9. Brooklyn Bridge
One of the most memorable experiences I had in New York was walking over Brooklyn Bridge as the sun rose. I can’t recommend it highly enough. The photo opportunities are fantastic and to be able to watch the skyline of one of the greatest cities on earth take shape from one of the world’s most iconic bridges is awesome. And apart from momentarily sharing it with a few early morning joggers and revellers on their way home, it is yours to experience all for yourself. To get to the bridge, either get a cab or take the subway from your hotel to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Station which is at the start of the pedestrian walkway. Spend some time in Brooklyn while you are there and get some breakfast before walking back to Manhattan.

10. Central Park
By now it will be late morning. If you’re like me you probably have a late afternoon or evening flight back home. There’s no better place to while away the time than Central Park and to tick off the final icon on the list. Wander through the 843 acres, sit under a tree and read a book or watch a local game of baseball. You could also visit the Guggenheim Museum or Museum of Natural History which border the park, a fitting finale to your New York city break.