When the first rays of sunshine in the morning penetrate through the trees and bathe the park in a golden morning light, they are already on their feet: the first joggers and dog owners walking their four-legged friends. Later, office workers rush through it on their way to work, then young mothers with prams. On sunny days, the park is a popular place to be: young people picnic on the lawn, children play ball, dogs romp across the grassy areas.
Cherry blossoms in Central Park: A popular photo opportunity for young couples
Central Park in Manhattan, the city’s green lung, is the favorite spot of many New York City residents. It’s beautiful at any time of the year, but it’s spectacular in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom.
A sea of white blossoms then transforms the park into a romantic fairytale landscape. Young couples take photos under the snow-white splendor and children collect the fallen flowers.
Olivia has lived in New York City for two years and she loves this city. She likes to chat with the tourists who come to her shop and give them sightseeing tips. When asked what she likes best about New York, she can’t decide at first, but Central Park is at the top of her list of favorite places.
Park bench overlooking the New York skyline
This is where the Canadian, who comes from Toronto, spends a large part of her free time. Sitting on a bench by the small pond with a stunning view of the city skyline, she can relax and watch the turtles sunbathe on the stones by the edge.
She also always has a little treat for the cheeky gray squirrels that populate the park.
But she also likes some of the most famous sights of Manhattan in the immediate vicinity of Central Park. The Empire State Building rises proudly into the cloudless sky at a total height of 443 meters (including antenna). After its completion from 1931 to 1972 it was the tallest building in the world and Olivia is always fascinated by the imposing sight. From the viewing platform you can enjoy a fantastic view of the whole of Manhattan.
Insider tip: Viewing platform of the “Top of the Rock”
Nearby is Rockefeller Center with its plaza lined with luxury boutiques. In winter, the plaza is known for its oversized and colorfully decorated Christmas tree and the ice skating rink right in front of it.
The highest building in the complex (Top of the Rock) also offers a viewing platform for visitors, which is usually not so crowded. From there, Olivia enjoys viewing her new home from above.
Bryant Park is a haven of peace between 5th and 6th Avenue. Because of its central location, the small green area is a popular place for New Yorkers, who like to spend their lunch break there. This is where Olivia likes to meet up with friends during lunch breaks. Right next to the park is the New York Public Library, another superlative of the city, as it is one of the largest libraries in the world.
“Lady Liberty” watches over the city’s harbor
To the south, at the tip of Manhattan, is Battery Park. From here you can already see the symbol of New York, which you absolutely have to see up close: the Statue of Liberty, which proudly watches over the harbor. The gift of the French people to the Americans is among the tallest statues in the world with a total height of 93 meters.
There is direct boat access from Battery Park to the impressive monument on Liberty Island, giving you the opportunity to see Lady Liberty up close. The boat then continues to Ellis Island. The island has long been the seat of immigration for the United States and a collection point for immigration. The fate of 12 million immigrants was decided on the island between 1892 and 1954.
North of the park you come to “Ground Zero”. This is where the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center collapsed after the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 that changed the world forever. Today the new “One World Trade Center” stands here, the main building of the newly built complex, which at 541 meters is currently the tallest building in the USA.
World Trade Center Memorial: Gedenken an 9/11
The heart of the area is the World Trade Center Memorial with its museum and memorial for the 2,749 operas of the attacks. Exactly where the collapsed towers stood are large pools filled with water. The borders of the pools are inscribed with the names of the victims. It is a beautiful gesture for the victims of the attacks and a place for their families to mourn. This sight always makes Olivia very thoughtful and sad.
