Must see and amazing things to do in New York

A trip to New York provides excitement, entertainment, culture and long-lasting memories all in one package. You would need to stay weeks to make the most of all the things that NYC has to offer! We have put together our top attractions not to be missed for your college or school trip to New York:

The Statue of Liberty is New York’s most symbolic structure. The Auguste Bartholdi statue was given as a gift from the people of France and stands at 111 feet 6 inches from the toe to the crown. You can see the statue from land or water but to truly appreciate it you need to see it up close by visiting Liberty Island.

Head out on the water and take a cruise on the Circle Line Tour which circumnavigates Manhattan Island allowing you to see many landmark highlights. Another option is a boat trip to Ellis Island which was the gateway for more than 12 million immigrants and visit the Immigration Museum. Alternatively, take a free ferry ride to Staten Island which offers impressive panoramas of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

Head high for the views of this iconic skyline. New York’s famous Empire State Building soars more than a quarter of a mile above the heart of Manhattan. Located on the 86th floor, the observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass enclosed pavilion, on a clear day you can see up to 80 miles. At the top of the One World Trade Center building is the One World Observatory. Ascend the 102 floors to the observation deck in under 60 seconds in one of five sky pod elevators and be rewarded with amazing views of the city. Finally, the Rockefeller Centre is a vast entertainment and shopping complex and home to NBC-TV where you can take your students on a Studio Tour which offers backstage access. On the 70th floor of art Deco 30 Rockefeller Plaza skyscraper is the Top of the Rock Observation Deck where the view is unique and astonishing, unobstructed for 360 degrees and stretching for miles in every direction.

Go for a walk to soak in the atmosphere. Central Park is one of the great pleasures New Yorkers and tourists can enjoy to get away from the hustle and bustle. Stretching 51 blocks between 59th and 110th streets, this 2.5-mile-long park has served its city well since 1859. There are famous statues, castles, lakes, a zoo and an ice-skating rink in the winter. For an alternative view, take The High Line which was once a derelict former freight rail line. Black steel columns that once supported abandoned train tracks now hold up an elevated park offering a unique vantage point to the city un-interrupted by street crossings or traffic lights.

The destruction of the World Trade Center twin 110 storey towers and the tragic loss of life is something people of the time will never forget. The 9/11 Memorial of two reflecting pools is where they once stood. The 9/11 Museum presents the story, as well as recognising the thousands who survived and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath.

For a bit of culture visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMA) houses more than three million works of art from all over the world across history. It is almost impossible to see everything in one day: the two million square feet too much for even the most organised visitor. Instead of wandering through all the galleries, visiting one of the themed exhibitions is a good plan. There is also a roof top garden overlooking Central Park, which is open in the summer.

Grand Central Station is well worth a look around due to its stunning architecture and its Beaux-Arts design incorporating numerous works of art. The stunning concourse is often used as a meeting point and has been featured in many films as well as its distinctive clock. Another example of fine architecture is the famous entertainment venue, The Radio City Music Hall, which also has one of the largest indoor performance stages in the world.

In the evening take a stroll around Times Square where large colourful illuminated billboards light up the whole area. Make the most of your stay by rounding off the day with a Broadway show or alternatively experience a Basketball or Ice Hockey match for that ‘all American’ experience complete with hot dogs and ice cream.

Inspired? A school trip to New York is suitable for many subjects including Art & Design, Business & Economics, Performing Arts & Drama, Film & Media Studies, History & Politics as well as a general Cultural & Enrichment tour.

Give us a call and start your journey to New York with Esto today.