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New York City has a proud history of being the first home to those who have come from Europe and other parts of the world, seeking freedom and opportunities. And, as the most populous city in the United States, New York has much to offer its inhabitants or visitors.

For visitors, getting an overall view of the city is one way to start their introduction to the “Big Apple.”

 

Rockefeller Observation Deck

 

Providing tourists a wonderful overview of the city, Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan is arguably the best site to visit first. Those visitors who arrive in the morning can watch a taping of the Today Show. Later, they can view the huge city from the Rock Observation Deck with three floors of viewing areas.

 

Times Square and Manhattan

 

While they are in this area of the “Big Apple,” families can enjoy a three-hour scavenger hunt in Midtown Manhattan and Times Square. This hunt provides an enjoyable lesson in the city’s history and its landmarks. Many New Yorkers and tourists have welcomed in the New Year at Times Square with the ball-dropping ceremony begun by Adolph Ochs, publisher of The New York Times. At another popular site, the renowned Radio City Music Hall, visitors can take in performances.

 

There are other activities in which tourists can participate. With a smartphone, tourists can assume a number of challenges with a team of two-to-five people who solve puzzles with the theme of New York. In their searches, tourists may visit the World Observatory atop the western hemisphere’s tallest building. They can view the virtual city skyline change as it transforms across centuries, displaying such structures as the Statue of Liberty and others with sweeping views across the city from different vantage points.

 

Helicopter Tour

 

A helicopter ride can quickly take in the Empire State Building and the One World Observatory atop the tallest building in the western hemisphere. On the 102nd floor, tourists can view the virtual city change through centuries of history (construction of the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks.

 

Entertainment

 

Broadway shows are traditional entertainment for tourists and there are great nightclubs, too. The city is home to some of the best art museums. The Metropolitan and the Guggenheim museums are home to great works. Others include the Museum of the City of New York and the New York Historical Museum.

 

Ethnic Areas

 

Chinatown and Little Italy are not to be missed as there is great food and entertainment, such as jazz clubs. The clubs and rooftop bars light up the Meatpacking District at night. For anyone wishing more guidance through different areas, there are tour groups available.