Things to do in New York City

Times Square St Patrick’s Cathedral Columbus Circle Statue of Liberty Brooklyn Bridge

There are many attractions to see and fun things to do in New York City. Enjoy everything from Times Square and St. Patrick’s Cathedral to Fort Tyron Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. Some of the best things to do and places to visit in New York City are easy to get to from Highbridge House, our budget youth hostel hotel. For your convenience, we’ve listed some of them below.

Times Square. Located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, Times Square is home to shops, restaurants, hotels and the theater district. Just a few subway stops from Highbridge House, Times Square is also famous for the yearly New Year’s Eve celebration where a million people gather to watch a giant glowing ball drop down a flagpole. For more information, visit www.timessquarenyc.org/.

Fort Tryon Park. One of the highest points in Manhattan can be found at Fort Tryon Park, a ten-minute walk from Highbridge House 173rd Street and just two subway stops from Highbridge House 146th Street Uptown. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Palisades and the lower Hudson Valley. The park also features two playgrounds. For more information, visit www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=12315.   [Top]

St Patrick’s Cathedral. Known as the center of Catholic life in America, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of New York. The country’s largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral, St. Patrick’s was constructed in 1858. It’s easy to get to by subway from both Highbridge House locations. For more information, visit www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/about.html.

Highbridge Park. Walk just five minutes from Highbridge House 173rd Street and you’ll be at Highbridge Park (it’s only two subway stops from Highbridge House 146th Street Uptown). The park, which is named for High Bridge, New York City’s oldest standing bridge (built in 1848), features a water tower, recreation center, incredible cliffs and large rock formations. For more information, visit www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=7732.   [Top]

Columbus Circle. Named for Christopher Columbus, Columbus Circle is located at the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, Central Park South and Eighth Avenue-and is just a handful of subway stops from Highbridge House. Surrounded by a fine collection of shops, restaurants and the Time Warner Center, Columbus Circle features a monument that was built in 1892 in honor of the 400th annivesary of Columbus discovering America. For more information, visit www.shopsatcolumbuscircle.com/scs/user/index.aspx.

Central Park. A green oasis in the middle of New York City, Central Park covers 843 acres and features performance facilities, the Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Center, a children’s zoo and two restaurants, including Tavern on the Green. Best of all, it’s just couple of subway stops from our youth hostel hotel. For more information, visit www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions.html.  [Top]

Statue of Liberty. A gift from France, the Statue of Liberty is a world-renowned symbol of freedom. Dedicated in 1886, the Statue of Liberty is located on a 12-acre island. Explore the Statue of Liberty exhibit, which features photographs, videos and oral histories. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/stli/.

Rockefeller Center. Discover lots of fun things to do at Rockefeller Center, a National Historic Landmark in Midtown Manhattan. Rockefeller Center is where you’ll find Radio City Music Hall, the world-famous ice rink and the NBC Studio Tour. For more information, visit www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html.  [Top]

Brooklyn Bridge. Take a walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge, which stretches nearly 6,000 feet across the East River and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. One of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, the Brooklyn Bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. For more information, visit www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridge.html.

Empire State Building. Experience New York City from the tallest building in Manhattan-the one and only Empire State Building. There are two observatories, one on the 86th floor and one on the 102nd floor, where high-powered binoculars provide breathtaking and unforgettable views of New York City. For more information, visit www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_visitorinfo.cfm?CFID=25710631&CFTOKEN=6595561   [Top]