New York City is a popular tourist destination – for reasons great and small. From well-known American monuments such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, you can also find the oddest and most unique art exhibits and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Because many people have realized the excitement and beauty of the Big Apple, their tourism has soared along with it.
In 2016, New York City saw more than 60 million visitors. This is over half a million more than the estimate from projected figures in 2015. From 2009 through 2016, the city’s tourism has increased exponentially in terms of travel and tourism growth. This can mean that things become a bit more congested and crowded, as well as more jobs for locals and college students in the area. More people are investing in the city, and half created almost half a million jobs due to this growth.
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While 2016 saw a record high in international tourists, there is an expected dip in these international visitors. Towards the end of 2017, it was predicted that under the current U.S. President’s travel they would see less international tourists. However, while they did see fewer tourists, it was less pronounced than previously expected. Fortunately, domestic tourists are still visiting the Statue of Liberty Cruise in New York City in droves.
Dually, there are several great points of interest within the city. One of the most popular is Times Square: even when you do not appreciate the crowds, this mega-commercial intersection located in Midtown Manhattan is worth even the quickest visit while you’re staying in NYC. Other popular spots include the Rockefeller Center (don’t forget to visit the Top of the Rock), the Williamsburg Bridge, and the fresh, outdoor smells of the Grand Army Plaza.
While in NYC, you also need to take in the world-famous view. Top interest points that offer this incredible view are the iconic Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge is often preferred as it is less costly (heck, it’s free), and from various points, on the bridge, you can see several of the best monuments in the city. And, even when you pay for tickets to head to the top of the Empire State Building, the restaurants at the top and the unbelievable view of Manhattan is always worth it.
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For a more historical look into this iconic city, you can check out a number of museums such as the New York Historical Society and the One World Trade Center’s 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory. Head down to South Street Seaport, where you can see the country’s largest private collection of historic ships – and of course, there is shopping nearby. This area can teach visitors and locals alike about the most important economic area of Old New York.
New York City continues to break records in tourism and growth, and it may continue to do this. As the city grows, more attractions appear and the city becomes more unique than ever, NYC tourists domestic and abroad will continue to flock to the city for a memorable vacation.
