Kenya Airways has recently passed a huge milestone by launching a daily flight to and from New York. This is an exceptional feat as it is the first airline to offer a nonstop flight between East Africa and America. This cements its position as one of the leading African carriers. myjoyonline.com actually explains even further how with over 40 American multinationals located in Nairobi and much more across Africa, the launch of daily flights is expected to further spur trade between America and Africa. The flights will also create new jobs and promote tourism from the region as this is the only direct flight from the region. And of course, the most exciting thing to Kenyans is now the idea that we could get to the ohh so famous New York City in one flight. Imagine how incredible it would be to be able to see all the sites New York is famous for. This may just be the excuse you needed to finally plan that vacation to the Big Apple. Even if you are only in New York for a couple of hours as you wait for your flights to another US city you can still get in some sightseeing.
New York City. Image from https://www.tripcentral.ca/blog/new-york-city-travel-guide/So what are some of the things you can experience in this city of skyscrapers and American work ethic? There are a vast number of tourist attractions, that you may not even have the time to visit them all. In case your time is short and you know you can’t see and do everything, the following list is a mini guide to have the most diverse experiences in a short amount of time.
1. Visit the Rockefeller Center.
The centre is a vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of Manhattan, and home to NBC-TV and radio, and other media. It contains an art deco skyscraper that offers awesome views over Manhattan. The “deck” includes three floors, which are located all the way up on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. If you are into photography and capturing moments this would be a brilliant experience. Also right below the centre one of the most popular things to do especially during the cold season there is to go Skating on the outdoor skating rink. If you have kids they would have a field day with this outdoor skating experience. But you don’t have to have young ones to enjoy the mini-adventure yourself.
2. Broadway
Can you even begin to imagine how exciting this would be? Being in the presence of so much great theatre. Learning the origins and history of musicals which have been turned into global performances. Attending a Broadway show is one of the highlights of a visit to New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theatre, this is the place to see the latest shows in the drama sphere. The official site can be found here- broadway.com.
3. Visit the Empire State Building.
What even is a trip to New York without experiencing the height of the Empire State Building? It is like going to Paris without ever visiting the Eifel Tower. Or living in Nairobi without having ever been to the top of KICC. According to planetware the 381-meter-tall, the 102-storey building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Centre tower rose higher, 41 years later. The high-speed, automatic elevators take you to the top with both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building. There can be a frustratingly long line though so it is definitely worth checking into the Empire State Building Ticket – Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Ticket that lets you bypass the lines.
4. Visit Central Park.
Central Park is another overly emphasized spot to see that seems to be worth every bit of airtime it has received. Being one of the greenest places in New York, Central Park is a sight for sore eyes. Imagine spending a day touring around the city and then taking the evening to enjoy the beautiful scenery the park offers. A walk, peddle, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must-do on anyone’s New York City itinerary. Also, the park contains the Central Park Zoo which was made a little more famous by the animation movies “Madagascar.” The park has something for everyone and definitely would not leave you bored.
5. Visit the Museum of Modern Art.
You don’t have to be an art lover to appreciate the Museum of Modern Art. According to us this beautifully described midtown gallery also doubles as a shrine of pop culture and 20th-century history. Some of the most significant contemporary pieces hang on its walls, including a few of Picasso’s pieces, some of Van Gogh’s work and the list goes on to several others.
6. Visit the New York Public Library.
If you are a book junkie this would be considered literature heaven for you. This main branch officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, attracts plenty of book lovers, history junkies and architecture aficionados. It is guarded very faithfully by the two stone lions named Patience and Fortitude. The vast size of the collection of books would leave a heavy impression on any reader’s memory. Definitely an experience worth experiencing.
7. Visit the Metropolitan Opera House.
Last but not least you definitely must try something new. The opera house gives you the perfect opportunity to do that and feels slightly boujie at the same time. The tickets can be slightly expensive but you can try your luck at scoring a same-day discounted ticket, also if you travel with older family there is the benefit of the senior citizens discount. If you still aren’t able to get a ticket for the opera show itself, just take a walk through the house. Every element of this opulent building – from the limestone architecture to the lobby’s glittering chandelier, to the acoustics in the concert hall – is gorgeous.
If you want to do more and who wouldn’t check out this list by US News – Best Things To Do in New York City. Also check out this list by TripAdvisor.
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Featured image via https://travel.usnews.com/New_York_NY/Things_To_Do/
