Moving to Manhattan - Best Attractions to Visit

People all over the world fantasize about what it would be like to immerse themselves in the cultural melting pot that is New York City. Despite the fact that the whole city has a lot of good things to offer and every neighbourhood has something special, Manhattan seems to always win when it comes to charm.

There are numerous reasons why individuals from all over the world fall in love with this enigmatic island known as Manhattan, one of them probably being its cinematic representation. Simply put, Manhattan may feel like the center of the universe, and it's no surprise that so many people want to visit and live in this wonderful, iconic place. There is always something going on here, no matter what time of year, week, or day it is. 

You genuinely have the ability to do anything at any time: see some of the country's finest and most cutting-edge art and fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, shop on Fifth Avenue, see a stand-up comedy show and visit the Comedy Cellar to see where legends like Dave Chappelle started out or see one of the many on- and off-Broadway shows and musicals playing in Manhattan, many of which have received critical acclaim.

So, if you are moving to Manhattan and are still not sure how to fill your weekends and what to put at the top of your must-see list, here are some suggestions from some New York experts!

What Are the Must See Manhattan Attractions

So you're ready to go exploring in New York!

Regardless of how long you are planning to stay in Manhattan, there's so much to see that you'd need a lifetime to see it all. Aside from Times Square, it appears that there is no definitive answer as to where you should spend your time in this vast urban jungle but we will definitely try to boil it down to the most important ones:

• Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

The top spot on this list may come as no surprise, but both of these attractions are unquestionably must-sees. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of not only New York, but of America as a whole. And Ellis Island represents our country as well; after all, nearly half of all Americans can trace their ancestors back to this single island.

• Broadway

The Theater District is home to over 40 Broadway theaters, which contributes to New York's reputation as having some of the best live theater on the planet. Whether it's a new musical, a smash-hit, or a long-running classic, seeing a Broadway show transports you out of your seat and into another world. That is the allure of Broadway!

• The Iconic Skyscrapers: Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, and Edge.

New York City has an incredible urban skyline, and we have the observation decks to match. Three of the best are the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, and the One World Observatory. Whatever you choose, you'll be treated to an incredible view and an unforgettable experience.

• Central Park

Nothing beats a beautiful day in Central Park. Take a stroll through The Ramble, pay your respects at Strawberry Fields, skate at Wollman Rink, or picnic in Sheep's Meadow — there are plenty of options, and you'll see other New Yorkers doing the same. Visiting Central Park is a great way to experience authentic New York City life.

• Chinatown and Little Italy

One of the many wonderful aspects of New York is its diversity, which you will see when you visit Little Italy and Chinatown. What's the best part? These two very different neighborhoods are right next to each other. That's the beauty of living in New York: you can visit two equally fascinating but completely different neighborhoods within a few blocks of one another.

• The High Line

On the west side of Manhattan, you'll find one of New York's most unexpected attractions. It winds back and forth along 10th Avenue and reaches a height of 30 feet above the ground. 

The park opened in 2016, so it's still relatively new to the tourist circuit. The park is built on a former industrial railroad and extends from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District all the way up to 34th Street. As you walk up and down the paths, you'll notice different plant species and the original tracks snaking in and out of view.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of New York's most fascinating and historically significant museums that definitely manages to stand out from the crowd. It is the largest art museum in the United States and one of the world's most visited museums. Over 2 million works are in the permanent collection alone. Its halls are so densely packed with art and culture that you could spend an entire day there and not see it all.

How to Handle the Move to Manhattan

Moving to an amazing, culturally diverse city like New York is an exciting decision, but it requires careful consideration and planning. To avoid last-minute stress, plan out all of the details of your move weeks ahead of time and begin packing as soon as possible. Get quotes from at least three different moving companies, investigate their credentials, and book one right away as movers tend to get pretty busy during key periods of the year. Plan your own travel to NYC ahead of time to ensure that you arrive at the same time as your belongings.

It’s also important to keep in mind that if you're moving to NYC without a place to live, rent a storage unit to keep your belongings until you find a place. This is also becoming a popular option for city dwellers who simply want less clutter and more space. Make sure to plan ahead of time for the rental, as the demand for storage is currently greater than the supply.

In order to make your move go as smoothly as possible it’s best to choose a moving company that is either based in New York or that at least knows the city well since there are a lot of unexpected issues that might arise when it comes to parking and unloading moving trucks.

That being said, once you’ve taken care of all your moving needs all you have to do is to fully enjoy everything this magical city has to offer.

About the Author

Michaela Smith is the marketing director at Empire Movers, a well established family owned and operated moving moving company based in New York.