Only have a day and want to see the best of New York? New York City covers 302 square miles. There’s 22 million people living here. Every year, 50 million tourists pass through the city. Closing in on four centuries old, New York has become the cultural capital of the world. Fortunately, a lot of things to do means there’s a lot to choose from. Here are some of my top picks, all within walking distance of each other, for visitors on a tight schedule.
Carnegie Hall
Start your day at Carnegie Hall, located on 7th Avenue and 57th Street. Carnegie Hall opened its doors on May 5, 1891. It was built by Andrew Carnegie, a steel mogul and philanthropist. In the 1950s, the music hall came under financial problems and there was serious consideration to replace it with a skyscraper. Fortunately, music lovers gathered together and convinced he city to purchase Carnegie Hall. In 1962, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Carnegie Hall is now a prestigious concert hall, having served famous artists like the Beatles and Tina Turner. It was home to the New York Philharmonic up until the 1950s. If a concert happens to be playing the day you’re here, I recommend you attend it to fully appreciate the music hall. If not, Carnegie Hall is open for tours where visitors can learn more about its historic impact.
From Carnegie Hall, walk south on 7th Avenue and make a left on 53rd Street. Between 6th and 5th Avenue is the Museum of Modern Art.
The Museum of Modern Art
Also called the MoMa, the Museum of Modern Art is recognized as the most influential modern art museum of the world. It was established during the Great Depression right after the Wall Street crash of 1929. Three ladies, including Abby Rockefeller, worked together to grow a collection of modern art for the public. The doors opened on November 7, 1929. The MoMa’s permanent collection includes architecture, design, print, paintings, photography, and electronic media.
From the MoMa, walk south on 6th Avenue for about two blocks. At 50th Avenue, on your left, you’ll see Radio City Music Hall.
Rockefeller Center
Radio City Music Hall is a part of Rockefeller Center, a complex of buildings that covers 89 thousand square miles right in the heart of Manhattan. It was constructed between 1930 and 1939 by John D. Rockefeller. His original intention was an opera house, but the Great Depression changed his mind. Rockefeller Center is home to Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studio, and the GE Building. Radio City Music Hall is another concert hall which has housed stars like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. NBC Studio films a few of their shows here including The Today Show and Saturday Night Live.
The GE Building is a 872 feet high building at the middle of Rockefeller Center. Its observatory is our next destination.
Top of the Rock
Inside Rockefeller Center, make your way to Top of the Rock. Top of the Rock is the commercial name for the GE Building’s observation deck. It opened in 2005 and offers amazing views of New York City. Many people prefer the view from Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building, if only because you can actually see the Empire State Building from here. You’ll also get a full view of Central Park!