New York presents a dizzying array of places to explore; find a list of essential experiences below. Interested in the hidden gems of the city? Ask our savvy Concierge staff for suggestions.
Attractions
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Time Warner Center
The most expensive building ever erected in the U.S. ($1.7 billion), it houses a mix of upscale shops, restaurants, luxury condominiums, offices and a CNN studio at street level. The building also features The Allen Room, a wonderful Jazz amphitheatre that boasts a soaring 50-foot (15-metre) glass wall overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park.
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Rockefeller Center
Built in the 1930s by John D. Rockefeller, Rockefeller Center is the headquarters of NBC, Time Warner, McGraw-Hill and Associated Press. Visit the Top of the Rock for soaring views, stroll pass outdoor gardens and try to choose which of the 100 fabulous stores to shop and 40 restaurants to try.
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Times Square
This distinctive 16.3-acre (6.6-hectare) complex houses the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic Orchestra, NYC Ballet and many more performing arts organizations. One-hour tours are available.
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Central Park
A playground for some, an oasis for others, Central Park is 843 acres (341 hectares) of verdant greenery, bird watching spots and tumbling streams in the midst of Manhattan. Just two blocks from the Hotel, Central Park offers many outdoor activities, including jogging, horseback riding, ice skating, boating, free concerts and theatre. The Children’s Zoo offers daily guided tours. Other highlights include art installations, Belvedere Castle and the famed Carousel.
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Brooklyn Bridge
The first steel suspension bridge in the world. Completed in 1883, it was called the Eighth Wonder of the World.
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Statue of Liberty
Presented to the United States by France in commemoration of the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution. The popularity of the "lady" surged after its 100th birthday restoration in 1986. For advance ticket purchase please contact the Hotel's Concierge.
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St. Patrick's Cathedral
The most famous Catholic church in New York and one of the largest churches in the United States. Two spires over 300 feet (90 metres) high grace the structure, which is in 13th-century Gothic style.
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United Nations Headquarters
A beautifully landscaped riverside area, covering 18 acres (7 hectares) and extending from 42nd to 48th Street. It consists of the majestic Secretariat Building, the domed General Assembly Building, the Conference Building and Hammarskjold Library. All of these were designed by the world's leading architects.
Museums
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Museum of Modern Art
Re-opened on November 20, 2004 after undergoing a complete architectural renovation, Yoshio Taniguchi’s redesign includes a lobby that connects 53 and 54 Streets; an atrium that soars 110 feet (33.5 metres) above street level; and innovative glass curtain walls that provide views of The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden. Advance tickets are recommended.
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Metropolitan Museum of Art
The largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere, at 1.6 million square feet (148,600 square metres). The permanent collection of more than three million works of art from around the world includes objects from prehistoric to modern times.
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Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum features a domed white circular section, in which paintings are hung along the spiral walkway. The museum has especially strong holdings in the French Impressionists, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso.
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The Paley Center for Media
Collections from 25,000 television shows, 10,000 commercials and 15,000 radio programs. Visitors can select material from a computerised file and then watch or listen in one of 23 booths.
Sporting/Concert Venues
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Professional Sporting Events
A multitude of sporting events are available within range of the Hotel. The professional sports teams include the New York Mets and the New York Yankees (baseball), the New York Knicks and the New York Nets (basketball), the New York Giants and the New York Jets (football), and the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders (hockey).
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Carnegie Hall
Series of musical concerts are presented in this famed venue. As part of a celebration of the Hall's recent centennial, renovations included improvements to the building's facade, an enlarged lobby and a modernised backstage.
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Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden takes its name from the junction where the first two incarnations of the venue were located in New York City. The now-legendary arena was principally a boxing venue, and saw numerous near-mythic bouts between some of the best fighters in the world. Today, the Garden is responsible for approximately 320 events annually, including major concerts and serving as home to the New York Knicks basketball team and New York Rangers hockey team.
Theatre/Performing Arts
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Broadway Theatre District
Manhattan's theatre district is comprised of a variety of entertainment options, including dozens of theatres and numerous restaurants. The area extends from Sixth Avenue to Eighth Avenue (east to west) and from 40th Street to 52nd Street (south to north). Guests can reserve a car through the concierge desk, or they can choose to access the theatre district by taxi, subway or on foot. All methods allow for a travel time of 20 minutes.