Tips + Planning

Visiting New York City? Don’t Miss Seeing These Unique Sights

Without a doubt, New York has some sites and attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here are some of the places that should be mandatory in your itinerary.

Washington may be in all the newspapers by virtue of being the capital, but New York is by far the most famous American city. After all, it’s the city that never sleeps. The place where dreams come true.

It’s also where the world’s economy often hangs in the balance, and it has iconic locations everyone should see at least once in their life.

1. The Statue of Liberty

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Of all the things to see in New York, perhaps nothing beats seeing the Statue of Liberty up close. Ellis Island is also a big tourist hotspot but Liberty Island’s view certainly gets the top place in the list.

Try to join a tour if you also want some historical context to this world-famous landmark. Don’t miss out on climbing the pedestal either for some fantastic views of the island and the city. The Statue of Liberty Museum is also worth a trip for history buffs and regular visitors alike.

Remember that it’s a unique statue and symbol of the entire country. And taking a few pictures from far away won’t do it justice.

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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If you’re no stranger to traveling, you’ve likely seen a few museums in your lifetime. But the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is unparalleled in the world. That’s why it enjoys global popularity and has an outstanding collection that attracts visitors all year long.

The museum’s permanent collection houses at least 2 million works of art. The Met is so big that it will probably take you two days to really see everything on display and learn a thing or two. Now that’s a world-class museum.

3. Central Park

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Call it famous or infamous, but Central Park is simply an iconic attraction of The Big Apple. In fact, there’s no New York sightseeing tour that excludes a stroll in the vast urban oasis.

Even a quick visit can give you a first-hand experience of life in NYC. All year round, whether it’s summer or winter, the park offers everything from tranquility to the hustle and bustle of the city. In a way, it perfectly encompasses life in New York.

4. The Financial District

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One of the most essential things to see in New York is the Financial District. It’s a neighborhood that’s inextricably intertwined with the world’s economy, yet most New Yorkers who don’t live or work there probably don’t even give it a second thought.

You can also trace the district back to the beginnings of the US government here. That’s why saying that it’s rich in historical and current significance would be an understatement.

While exploring the area, you should check out a couple of historic locations. Wall Street, the NY Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, and Trinity Church are all within the Financial District.

5. The 9/11 Memorial

There’s no denying that this memorial marks one of the darkest times in the 21^st century. But if you want to do something unique, then an emotional experience at ground zero surely checks everything on your checklist.

The 9/11 Memorial also has one of the most moving pieces of art created by people from all over the world. And from the memorial site, you can also see all the hard work put in over the years to rebuild the city after the devastating attack.

6. The City’s Skyline

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One of the most popular things to do in New York is to gaze upon the city from the Empire State Building. However, it’s been romanticized in the movies to the point where you may have to stand in line for hours to reach the top.

But that’s not the only place you can visit to get a high-rise view of the city.

You can get a glimpse of other amazing New York sights from the One World Observatory and the Top of the Rock viewing platforms.

Interestingly enough, the Empire State Building observation deck stays open later than other observation decks. That’s why despite its infamous long queues, a visit here to take in NYC’s sights may be more comfortable to fit into your schedule.

7. Broadway

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Every country has a live theater scene. But there’s theater, and then there’s Broadway. It’s even synonymous with New York, as the city hosts well over 40 such theaters.

You can catch many amazing live shows and often watch some of the world’s best stage and screen actors perform onstage. But if you can’t find tickets in time, organized Broadway tours that run daily can still provide you with a unique experience and a behind-the-scenes look at the US’s theater culture.

8. The Brooklyn Bridge

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The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is awe-inspiring enough that you can just sit and stare at it from afar. But it’s not just one of the most impressive things to see in New York. It’s also one of the top attractions and paths you have to walk – literally.

Admittedly, a train ride to Brooklyn is no fun. But if you walk the entire length of the bridge, you’ll realize the trip is worth it – it’s where you can enjoy some of the finest views in the city.

9. The New York City High Line

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Ever wondered what it would feel like to walk among the skyscrapers but not on the ground level? Well, now you can discover it for yourself.

The New York City High Line is a park built on top of an old railway line. It soars around 30 feet in the air and follows the entire length of 10^th Avenue. The old industrial railroad now has a fantastic variety of plants, stretching from Gansevoort Street to 34^th Street.

Completed in 2016, the High Line is one of New York’s newest iconic experiences.

10. The Grand Central Terminal

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No discussion of things to see in New York can possibly exclude Grand Central Station. After all, everyone’s seen part of it in movies and pictures. But it’s a different experience when you’re right there as part of the crowd.

The buzz of the station is insane, given that around 700,000 commuters pass through it daily. There’s no other terminal in the world that spans 76 acres. Yet, it’s as majestic as it is large.

Its high overhead, chandeliers, and style reminiscent of a Roman public bath make it a truly unique complex.

A Powerful Blast of American Culture

What’s more American than the city of New York? It has Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, amazing bridges, financial and media headquarters, and so much more.

No trip to the East Coast is complete without visiting some of the city’s attractions. But know that it takes days to see all the important sites and learn a bit more about their history.

A New York City vacation will keep you constantly occupied and entertained.

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Tips + Planning

The 12 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Denver, Colorado

The 12 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Denver, Colorado

Planning a trip to the Mile High City? The views are spectacular at one mile above sea level and higher. And there are many outdoor and indoor activities for tourists all year round.

Denver is the most populous city in Colorado. It’s also a tourist hotspot due to its fantastic scenery and quirky attractions. It has parks, museums, and miles of trails, among many others. And almost no amazing area is off-limits throughout the year.

Not sure where to spend some time while in Denver, Colorado? Check out these locations.

1. Spend Half a Day at the Red Rocks Park

Denver-Red-Rocks-Park — _{“5 Ways to Fall in Love with Red Rocks.” Colorado.com, 2 Mar. 2023, www.colorado.com/articles/5-ways-to-fall-in-love-with-red-rocks}

The Red Rocks Park in Denver offers amazing views and miles of hiking trails. It’s where you can see amazing sights, namely the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

But that’s not all the 700 acres of rust-colored scenery has to offer.

The park also features a massive amphitheater that hosts world-renowned artists. What’s even better is that you get to experience the unique acoustics created by the park’s natural features. Bordered by the red rocks, the amphitheater is always worth a visit, if nothing at least for the view.

2. Visit Washington Park

Denver-Washington-Park — _{Washington Park, Denver. (2023, April 13). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Park,_Denver}

For more outdoor recreation, visit the Washington Park. It’s just three miles from the city center so it’s easy to fit in your itinerary. The park occupies 165 acres and has two huge lakes.

For Denverites, it’s a regular weekend hangout spot. And for tourists, it’s an amazing spot near Denver where you can rent a boat or play some tennis.

The park is open all the time but, the facilities have their own schedules.

3. Sightsee on Colorado Highway 5

Denver-Mount-Evans-Scenic-Byway — _{Murray, Jon, and The Know. “For the First Time since 2019, You Can Drive to the Summit of Mount Evans — If You Have a Reservation.” The Denver Post, The Denver Post, 4 June 2021, www.denverpost.com/2021/06/04/for-the-first-time-since-2019-you-can-drive-to-the-summit-of-mount-evans-if-you-have-a-reservation/}

Denver is all about the views. That’s why you shouldn’t miss out on sightseeing on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. This spot is accessible by car so it’s easy to get to at any time. With an elevation of 14,264ft, the view here of the Rocky Mountains is amazing.

And if the idea of standing on the tallest paved road in America excites you, there are multiple stopping points along the road for you to do so. It makes it easy to avoid crowds of tourists who want to do the same.

4. Tour the Denver Art Museum

When you’re ready to immerse yourself in art, the Denver Art Museum is a great choice. It consists of two buildings featuring over 70,000 works of art. Even better, the museum’s collection features exhibits from artists with diverse backgrounds.

And it’s not just for art lovers. There’s a bit of everything here for everyone, including nice architecture.

5. Have a Beer at Coors Field

Denver-Coors-Field — _{“Coors Field – Home of the Colorado Rockies.” Denver.org, 2023, www.denver.org/listing/coors-field-home-of-the-colorado-rockies/4340/}

Visiting Coors Field is on many tourists’ to-do lists. After all, it’s the Colorado Rockies’ home field that’s sponsored by the famous beer.

Ground tours are available in the off-season. There are video batting cages that scream fun for all ages. Why not try your luck at hitting fastballs?

Best of all, you’ll always have a view of the Rocky Mountains that tower over the ballpark.

6. Check Out the Museum of Transportation

Denver-Museum-of-Transportation — _{myself (User:Piotrus), CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

If you’re out of luck with Denver weather, here’s another indoor destination – the Museum of Transportation. It has a large collection of quirky automobiles, including Amelia Earhart’s Big Boy locomotive. And your kids might get a kick out of seeing Herbie the Love Bug.

Everything looks alive in this weird little museum. Especially with all the mannequins posing in and around the exhibit pieces.

7. Take a Stroll Down Larimer Square

Denver-Larimer-Square — _{Staff. “Need a Break? Check out One of These Outdoor Spaces within Walking Distance of Campus – CU Denver News.” CU Denver News, 30 Aug. 2021, news.ucdenver.edu/need-a-break-check-out-one-of-these-outdoor-spaces-within-walking-distance-of-campus/}

If you’re looking for things to do in Denver, a trip to Larimer Square should bring up plenty of opportunities.

This square is actually a street no longer than one block. And yet, it is rich in historic buildings, shops, boutiques, and restaurants. You’ll have lots to do here both day and night, what with the lively atmosphere that seems to never end.

8. Reach for the Skies at the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Denver-Rockies-Air-&-Space-Museum — _{“Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – Denver, CO.” Uncovercolorado.com, 2020, www.uncovercolorado.com/activities/wings-over-the-rockies-air-space-museum/}

If you thought the Museum of Transportation was a weird hotspot, wait until you see this museum.

Not only is it rich in history, but it also features amazing aircraft. Where else would you see a B-18A Bolo and a Star Wars X-Wing Fighter in the same hangar?

The guided tours are great for taking in some knowledge. And the unique collection of space vehicles is one you won’t find anywhere else.

9. Go Climbing

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Being next to the Rocky Mountains, Denver is one of the best cities to visit if you’re a climber. But even if you’re not, you can try your hand at it if you want to. That’s because there are many companies that offer lessons and guidance.

For starters, check out the Outdoor Climbing School for a variety of programs for those traveling with or without kids. You don’t have to be an expert to take a shot at climbing the Rockies.

10. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens

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The gardens are a beautiful place to go for a walk. They feature multiple conservation programs and a variety of natural habitats for many species. There’s even a tropical biosphere if you want to see some exotic plants. And the Japanese garden section looks as authentic as it can be.

Did you know that you can also have a picnic at the Denver Botanic Gardens? It’s an amazing destination for those who want a more relaxing outdoor adventure.

11. Quick Stop at the Colorado State Capitol

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Are you a history buff with a thing for the Gold Rush? You might want to make a quick stop at the Colorado State Capitol building. Commissioned in the 1980s and made out of white granite, this historic building is impressive to see in person.

It’s a landmark location that perfectly commemorates the Colorado Gold Rush, complete with a golden dome made with actual gold leaf. In fact, you can climb and get to the top of the dome if you want an amazing view of the city.

12. Visit the Denver Zoo

Denver-Denver-Zoo — _{Denver Zoo. (2023, April 17). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Zoo}

The zoo’s 8 acres of land houses over 4,000 animals – from aquatic creatures and invertebrates to birds, reptiles, and mammals. And it’s not the only sight to behold.

There are also some cool Lego animal replicas around the compound. These are sure to excite the younger audience, especially once they see the animatronic dinosaurs.

Prepare for a Rocky Adventure

Back in 2016, Denver received the award for being the best place to live in America. And the city hasn’t slowed down since.

But if you’re just visiting, you might want to plan a longer vacation because there’s a lot you won’t want to miss.

There’s so much to do here in Denver – whether it’s hiking the Rockies or touring unique museums and attractions.

Romantic Trips

Brussels Isn’t Just About Sprouts – 12 Gorgeous Sights in Belgium’s Capital

Brussels Isn’t Just About Sprouts – 12 Gorgeous Sights in Belgium’s Capital

Brussels is the seat of today’s European politics. And it’s also a city with gorgeous and unique landmarks.

Brussels has two parts – the old part of town and the new part of town. As such, it is a very diverse tourist destination that makes it Belgium’s most visited city. What’s even better? The city is small enough for you to easily visit all the important landmarks and monuments.

When you’re done munching on Belgian fries and sampling the local beers, here are some places you might want to visit.

1. Take a Grand Tour of the Grote Markt

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The Grote Markt, or Grand Place, is the center of Brussels Old Town. This main plaza is well-preserved and features unique architecture. Don’t forget to check out the stonework – it’s amazing and everything is highly detailed.

Most of the buildings and sculptures here date back to before 1700. While there is some Flemish influence in the style, everything is predominantly Baroque.

The town hall building still looks great for a building commissioned in 1402. But then again, so does everything else in the Grand Place.

2. Tour the Saint-Michel Cathedral

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Construction on the Gothic Saint-Michel Cathedral started in 1225 but was only finished in the 15^th century. And over time, numerous artists contributed to the cathedral’s artwork and stained-glass windows.

A majestic building with twin high towers and a lavish interior, it’s a top Brussels attraction for anyone, especially architecture students and history buffs.

3. Photo Shoot at the Royal Palace

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The Royal Palace is still the official residence of the Belgian royal family. That’s why the iconic Changing of the Guard event still happens here at 2:30 pm every day.

You can also take photos of various Neoclassical buildings surrounding the palace. Don’t forget to walk around the garden. It looks perfect all the time and makes for a great photoshoot location on a sunny day.

Here’s an interesting fact: if you see the flag flown up on the roof, it means that the sovereign is home.

4. Enjoy Some Pop Culture Exhibits

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Brussels isn’t just about the old part of town and historic buildings.

The Comic Strip Center, commissioned in 1906, is a different kind of attraction. This spot hosts some of the largest cartoon and comics exhibits around. In fact, many Belgian and French artists have rotating exhibits here.

Don’t forget to check out original artwork, drafts, and manuscripts of various artists. It will leave you in awe at their talent.

5. Tour the Royal Museum of Fine Arts

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The first collection in this museum dates back to 1797. And today, it hosts not just one of Belgium’s greatest art galleries but also the world’s.

Most of the paintings on display here are by Flemish and Dutch painters. There’s a good selection of classic pieces here, as well as artwork mainly from the 19^th century and 20^th century.

6. Take in a Surreal Landmark Attraction

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One of the most popular things to do in Belgium is to check out the Atomium. This unique building, designed after a molecule of iron, is made of steel and aluminum. It stands 334.6ft tall and is very unusual from an architectural standpoint.

What surprises people the most is that the building is fully functional. You can go inside in four of the nine existing spheres. That’s where you can catch the show known as Biogenium. And it’s an interesting presentation, particularly if you’re interested in biology, chemistry, and human life.

7. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Brussels-Museum-of-Cocoa-and-Chocolate — _{Lemmin-Woolfrey, Ulrike. “11 Best Destinations for Chocolate Lovers around the World.” TravelAwaits, 2 Dec. 2022, www.travelawaits.com/2836280/best-places-for-chocolate-lovers-around-the-world/}

Belgium is famous for its chocolate and beer. And for chocolate lovers, a tour of the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate is a must.

It’s also one of the most intriguing museums in Brussels, featuring sculptures, exhibits, and demonstrations. The small entry fee and free samples make it worth your while. But if you’re not interested in history, go here at least for the spinning wheel that pours melted chocolate.

8. Look at More Weird Attractions

Brussels-Manneken-Pis — _{“Manneken-Pis, Brussels’ Most Famous Son.” Visit.brussels, 2022, www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/what-to-do/manneken-pis-brussels-most-famous-son}

Interested in more unique attractions in Brussels? Belgium has no shortage of weird landmarks. A case in point is Manneken Pis. This little bronze statue of a boy “filling up” the fountain underneath gathers huge crowds.

What makes it most interesting, and hilarious, is that the statue gets dressed for various occasions, depending on what events are taking place. While it is a bit weird that it gets so much attention, it’s also a free tourist spot.

9 Relax and Take in the Scenery

Brussels-The-Bois-de-la-Cambre — _{“The Bois de La Cambre.” Visit.brussels, 2023, www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/venue-details.The-Bois-de-la-Cambre.230548}

While many know Brussels for its majestic historic buildings, it’s also home to a huge park. The Bois de la Cambre spans 247 acres and is an ideal place for anyone to relax.

You can go on a bike ride through the park, have a picnic or enjoy a boat ride while enjoying the view and fresh air. You don’t even have to pay an entrance fee to enjoy the park.

There aren’t any cars allowed on the weekends, which makes it even better.

10. Tour the Cinquantenaire Park

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Dating back to the 1800s, its construction marked Belgium’s 50^th year of independence. And this park is host to amazing gardens and fountains. But, it’s not the only attraction here.

The park houses several museums, too. These include the Royal Military Museum and the Autoworld museum, which are among the most popular. Various events also happen here throughout the year, so it’s best to plan ahead.

11. Enjoy the Winter Festivities in Brussels

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Summer is not the only time to visit Brussels. Because if you go during the winter you can experience the Christmas markets, which are famously known as Winter Wonders.

During this time, the Grand Place turns into a Christmas-themed location where you can get your trinkets, drinks, light shows, and more. There are even live performances and traditional carnival rides, not to mention parades, that you don’t want to miss out on.

12. Check Out the European Union’s Headquarters

Brussels-European-Union’s-Headquarters — _{Berlaymont building. (2023, March 29). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlaymont_building}

Believe it or not, the European District is one of the most unique places to visit in Belgium.

While it’s undeniably an important district for European politics, economics, and social rights, it’s also a very lively spot in the evening. There are many parks and bars around where you can spend some time while feeling the culture and history of the EU around you.

Brussels – Go for the Food and Drinks, Stay for the Scenery

Many visit Brussels to sample some of the best beers, fries, and chocolates in the world. But the city is more than that – it’s also rich in history and art. And given the size of Brussels, you can easily see a lot of everything even with limited time here.

There is plenty to do in the summer and winter. Whether you want to see a car museum, military exhibits, or take a boat ride, nothing is off-limits.