Going to New York City? Five popular attractions worth checking out

(ARA) - This is the time of year when a lot of people start planning their summer vacations, and 2010 is going to be a great time to visit New York City. Many of the airlines are once again offering discounted tickets to popular destinations, and The Big Apple is definitely one of them.

Also known as "the city that never sleeps," New York City is home to an estimated 8.3 million people, and there's always something going on. Whether you're interested in arts and entertainment, fine cuisine or American history, you're sure to be delighted by what you find.

As you make your travel plans, it's a good idea to start by coming up with a list of the things you most want to see. Here are five popular attractions that should be on that list.

1. Empire State Building (www.esbnyc.com)
If you're hoping to squeeze a lot of activities into your day, this is a good attraction to do first or last. Doors open at 8 a.m., well before most of the other attractions in the city open. The last elevator of the day ascends at 11:15 p.m., well after most other attractions are closed.

It's best to buy tickets online, and bring your receipt with you so you don't have to wait in another line after getting through security. Tickets to the top are $18.45 plus tax for adults, $12.92 plus tax for children, 6 to 12 and $16.61 plus tax for seniors (62 and older).

When planning your visit, pay attention to the weather forecast. The views from the top are best on clear, dry days. If you purchased a ticket for a day that ends up being not-so-nice, don't worry. While you have to select a date when you purchase tickets online, the tickets can actually be used on any date the Observatory is open.

2. Statue of Liberty (www.nps.gov/STLI)
There are few symbols of America more memorable than the Statue of Liberty. Located on a 12-acre island, the universal symbol of freedom and democracy was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States.

There is no entrance fee for the Statue of Liberty, but you do have to pay for the ferry ride to the island. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to12 and $10 for seniors, 62 and older. And if you want to make the strenuous 354-step climb to the top of the crown, you'll need to buy a $3 ticket. Current park hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Metropolitan Museum of Art (www.metmuseum.org/)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, founded in 1870, is one of the world's largest and finest art museums. Located in New York City's Central Park, its collection includes more than two million works of art, spanning 5,000 years of world culture.

The American wing currently includes 24 period rooms that display paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. The Museum also has Rembrandts and Vermeers, as well as Impressionist and Post-Impressionist canvases. There is also an extensive Egyptian display, as well as medieval and Renaissance art, musical instruments, drawings and a whole lot more.

Admission is free for museum members and children younger than 12 when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and older and $10 for students.

4. Times Square (www.timessquarenyc.org)
No visit to New York is complete without a stop in Times Square, a small area in New York City bound by 42nd Street to the south, 50th Street to the north, 6th Avenue to the east and 9th Avenue to the west.

There's something for everyone in this small pocket of the metropolis. Dining galore, Broadway shows, and incredible shopping, including the biggest Toys 'R' Us store your kids have ever seen.

5. Rockefeller Center (www.rockefellercenter.com)
Just a short distance away from Times Square is Rockefeller Center, home of NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, a big outdoor skating rink and the famous Christmas tree that has delighted crowds for 75 years. The Today Show hosts lots of concerts on the plaza. Log on to www.TheTodayShow.com to see a schedule.

Once you narrow down the attractions you'd like to see, start looking around for a hotel. If you want to stay close to the action, just about any of the New York City hotels you choose will offer excellent accommodations. Expect the bill to average around $300 per night.

Those who want to spend a little less on accommodations may want to check in to one of the motels at the edge of the city. Be sure to look for one along the Subway line, so getting to the attractions you want to see will be a breeze.

Courtesy of ARAcontent