New York is the largest city in the USA and undoubtedly one of the most sought-after destinations for people on summer work programs. The city is a source of nonstop excitement, different cultures, landmarks, entertainment, countless skyscrapers and temptations. When you visit New York for the first time, you're intoxicated by the gleaming buildings and the endless stream of people and cars, and you race against the little time you have to "steal" as much as you can of this incredible place. If you want to see more of "the Big Apple," it's a good idea to make a list of the things you want to visit so you don't waste time wondering. Here are a few suggestions from us:
- The Statue of Liberty – the first thing that comes to mind when we hear New York is the Statue of Liberty, and you should definitely visit it. If your budget is limited, you can ride the free ferry that carries passengers between Manhattan and Staten Island. Although you won't be able to walk around the island where the statue stands, you'll get to enjoy the view of the statue and Manhattan.
- The Empire State Building – if you want a bird's-eye view of New York, you can get it from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building. Take the elevator to the top floor and the view will take your breath away. The best time to visit is before sunset, so you can see the grandeur of the city in daylight and wait for the beautiful sunset, after which New York will be covered in thousands of lights.
- Central Park – this is the oasis of the megacity. If you're tired of the crazy rush around the city, the park is the perfect place to rest. It is full of colorful paths, lakes, fountains, meadows and artists, and in the evening there are often live concerts.
- The American Museum of Natural History – here you can immerse yourself in antiquity, learn the secrets of nature and plunge into the vastness of space. To explore the museum you'll need to set aside more than a few hours, because you lose track of time when you see giant mammoths, walk along the Milky Way and touch huge whales. If you make a donation to the museum (a few dollars, for example), you'll get a free admission ticket.
- Fifth Avenue – one of the most expensive streets in the world awaits you. The avenue is full of stores, boutiques, restaurants and museums. Stroll around and enjoy all that glamour. And don't forget to visit Rockefeller Center, which offers an amazing view of all of Central Park.
- Times Square – this is the heart of New York, beating wildly all year round – traffic, lights, billboards, streams of people, TV studios, loud concerts – that's just part of this bustling square. In Times Square there's a booth where you can buy same-day tickets to Broadway shows at up to 50% off.
- Little Italy – when you're near the end of your summer work program and you're missing Europe, you can immerse yourself in the spirit of Italy right in New York. Little Italy is a romantic New York neighborhood known for its Italian immigrants. There you'll find small restaurants serving Italian specialties, cafes, shops and every kind of pasta.
And here's something interesting – in the middle of Manhattan there's a real waterfall. It is located at 217 East 51st Street.
This is just a small part of the city's charm. If you didn't manage to visit everything you wanted during your first summer work program, you can always take part in the Work and Travel program again (as long as you meet the WAT program requirements).