Top of the Rock (Source: Matt McGee)

To take  a view of the famous Manhattan skyline all tourist make a beeline to the Empire State Building But it can be very crowded at any time you visit. You would have wait in different queues for hours to reach to the top. A better option is the  Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller center 70th floor observation deck. the view of the central park as well as the Empire state building is absolutely wonderful.  Visit in the evening when you can take in the sights in light as well as see the beautifully lit up city.

Our last trip to NYC we went to Empire State Building so this time we decided to check out Top of the Rock this time. I really like that they give you a time to come back before going up, instead of waiting in long lines, still found it less crowded than Empire State B. We came at night, which was a beautiful view of the city, and the Empire State B.

 (Source: Top of the Rock - Midtown West - New York, NY)

Address:  50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
Phone:  212-698-2000 or  1-877-NYC-ROCK     

Tickets: Adult (13-61) $17.50
Senior (62+) $16
Child (6-11) $11.25

Timings: 8 a.m. - midnight daily

One cannot describe the popularity of the Central Park. A ‘park’ to anyone sounds nothing really exciting when out for site-seeing, but this one has something special in store.

Walk through the central park early in the morning the crowd is much less and you can smell the fresh air and see the dew on the lush lawn. Buy some breakfast from the street cart and much on it while walking through the more wooded bylanes of the park.

 (Source: kevin dooley)

Here's a snippet from Wikitravel:

The park contains several natural-looking lakes and ponds that have been created artificially, extensive walking tracks, bridle paths, two ice-skating rinks (one of which is a swimming pool in July and August), the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, a wildlife sanctuary, a large area of natural woods, a 106-acre, billion-gallon reservoir with an encircling running track, and an outdoor amphitheater, the Delacorte Theater, which hosts the 'Shakespeare in the Park' summer festivals. Indoor attractions include Belvedere Castle with its nature center, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, and the historic Carousel. In addition there are seven major lawns, the 'meadows', and many minor grassy areas.

 (Source: Wikipedia)

The horse drawn Carriage rides, the Park Zoo and Wildlife Center and the Obelisk are some of the prime attractions within the Park.

 (Source: Trodel)

Here's a link to all one should discover at Central Park.

Timings: 6am-1am daily

Contact: (212) 360-8236

Address: 830 5th Avenue

Circle Line Cruise (Source: gonsee)

Take a Circle line cruise to the Ellis Island and the statue of liberty. It is a great way to get an overview of the city. There are various cruises that you can take that range from 30 minutes to 3 hour cruise. The tour guides provide a running commentary on the various landmarks of the city. Riding the  30 minute speed boat cruise is an exhililarating way to see the statue of liberty.

We experienced the Beast as part of the New York Pass, and we were not disappointed. the ride was fast, loud, wet and thoroughly enjoyable. only criticism....could have been longer. we were just getting into it when it ended. The staff were enthusiastic and really made the ride.

 (Source: Beast Speedboat Ride Reviews - New York City, NY Attractions - TripAdvisor)

Ticket: Circle Line's Beast Speed Boat Cost: Adults $17, Children $11

 Telephone:  212-563-3200    

You can buy a pass here 

Recognized as one of the top ten shopping streets in the world, the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market provides a shopping experience like no other. With something for everyone, shopping in the market is more like a treasure hunt, where one may find everything from Gucci bags to vintage vases and plates.

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market (Source: Carl MiKoy)

Here is a tourist review where a visit to this flea market has been highly recommended:

The Devil Wears Prada...that she found at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. Great (name brand) finds, not too crowded, and some vendors even take credit card! Ever since I stumbled upon this lil jem in my backyard, I go almost every weekend. This place is now responsible for about 50% of my closet. Perfect for all you bargain hunters - these folks looove to negociate! Latest awesome find: one of the vendors there bought out an old sunglass store so she's got lots of vintage ray bans and guccis.

 (Source: Hell's Kitchen Flea Market - Hell's Kitchen - New York, NY)

Address: 39th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues

Ph. No.:  212-243-5343

Timings: Saturday and Sunday 9am–6pm

Battery Park City - Memorial Day (Source: baslow)

The 25 acre Battery park is a gem that many tourist forgo while seeing the sights of the NYC. It got its name after the artillery batteries that were placed in the park to protect the settlement. Located on the Southern tip of Manhattan Islands, It runs along the Hudson River. There are beautiful trees , shrubs, flowers and walkways. It is also a free- form canvas of public art. You can take a walking tour or see one of the special  music or dance event that takes place there. There are three museums in the area that you can visit.

What a great place to re-charge, Battery Park City! We stumbled upon this park on our way to the Shake Shack. I love that the food trucks come around here, and wished that I could stay in NYC long enough to try some of those out. I am impressed by all the benches that you can sit on and the nice pathway for bikers and joggers to use. It was neat to see people out there enjoying the beautiful day and soaking in the warm sunshine. I like all the little architectural and artistic touches along the riverwalk. How nice it must be for those working in the financial district to come and enjoy the outdoors in such tranquility.

 (Source: Battery Park City - New York, NY)

Address: 1 World Financial Ctr
New York, NY 10281
(212) 417-2000

Contrary to what the name might suggest, the Museum of Sex apart from being thoroughly entertaining, is surprisingly educational. It dedicates itself to 'the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality' and apart from the permanent collection, has had recent exhibitions that have included 'Action: Sex and the Moving Image'. The plenty of sex toys certainly does not make this a place to visit with your kids and you must be above 18 to visit. So do not forget to take your valid age proof.

You can avail a discount of $3 by booking online.

Deer Threesome (Source: nickjohnson)

Here is a tourist review where the museum has been highly recommended:

The exhibition is basically divided into two sections. The first being about the evolution of sex within the animal kingdom. This is interesting but certainly throws a wet towel on the idea of learning all about sex. The other section is about the evolution of sex amongst humans. There are lots of interesting exhibits and some amazing artifacts to check out. Overall its really worth a visit and a great place to take your partner.. but maybe not on a first date =p

 (Source: Museum Of Sex - New York, NY, 10016 - Citysearch)

Address: 233 5th Ave, at 27th St, New York, NY, United States

Ph. No.: +1 212-689-6337

Price: $17.50 + tax

Timings: Sunday - Thursday: 10am-8pm · Friday - Saturday: 10am-9pm