[{"address":"Rockefeller Center","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRvSsQINvUZEjEqVOKizr%2Ftts_0.mp3?alt=media&token=d210bbd1-6e1d-4269-b107-88f26db4cee4","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":40.7584707636874,"longitude":-73.97927345},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Rockefeller Center"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2Fpexels-david-vives-5549190%20(1).jpg?alt=media&token=577551ed-6b3d-4d08-8550-582ce4f5b1dc"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FRockefeller.mp3?alt=media&token=56671f00-29c6-41fd-810a-c8d47ea54dd4"},{"type":"text","content":"People often say that this large group of commercial buildings between 5th and 7th Avenues in New York is like a city within a city because of the way it is built. The layout of all the buildings at Rockefeller Center is the same, and they are all connected by a tunnel called \"The Catacombs.\"\n\nThis network of underground passageways is an attraction in and of itself because it has many stores and shops and is both convenient and fun. Rockefeller Center is one of the best places to shop and eat in Midtown Manhattan. It has more than 100 unique stores, quick bites, and fine dining options. Some of the most popular places are Blue Bottle Coffee Co., Blue Ribbon Sushi, Jacques Torres Chocolate, Eddie's Shoe Repair, USPS, and more. There are many ways to wander and explore, whether you want a pick-me-up, need an ATM, or just want to get out of the rain. Just a few steps from Rockefeller Plaza, you can find everything here, from designer clothes to gifts from New York.\n\nIn the 1920s, D. Rockefeller Jr. rented this land so that the New York Metropolitan Opera could build a new building there. After the Great Depression, though, the Metropolitan Opera decided not to move, and Rockefeller made changes to the building so that it could house radio and TV companies. The headquarters of the Radio Corporation of America, or RCA, was the first building to be done. It has a deck where you can look out over Central Park and the Empire State Building. With deck chairs and pipes that looked like chimneys, the style was like that of a ship. It was completely redone in 2005 and reopened as the Top of the Rock, a new deck with an art deco style. Since 1933, this is where the holiday season in New York starts with a ceremony to light the Christmas tree.\n\nPeople can take guided tours of the complex and see the art deco interiors, frescoes, and sculptures that are all over the place.\n\nWhy you should go: There are laser lights and the biggest Christmas tree in New York City at this place. There is also a great food court inside with a lot of different kinds of food.\nFrom Top of the Rock, you can see a great view in every direction. You can see Central Park and a lot of famous buildings.\n\nTip: If you want to go up to the Top of the Rock, buy your ticket online to skip the lines.\nYou could also skip the observation deck and get a drink at the Top of the Rock, which is on the 65th floor and has great views of the city.\n\nEvery day from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2Fpexels-charles-parker-5845744.jpg?alt=media&token=79e6c21d-bbbf-4f8f-925b-c059afdf4140"}]},{"address":"St. Patrick's Cathedral","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRvSsQINvUZEjEqVOKizr%2Ftts_1.mp3?alt=media&token=55e3965e-5246-439a-bb71-6b2cf0cbd16d","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":40.75851906368746,"longitude":-73.97616685},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# St. Patrick's Cathedral"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FExterior-1933-web.jpg?alt=media&token=c8a9d6f4-6783-4328-b797-2706c3de65bb"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FSt.%20Patrick's%20Cathedral.mp3?alt=media&token=821e9478-38f7-41c1-aca6-9db4cc651619"},{"type":"text","content":"The Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York lives in St. Patrick's Cathedral. This is the biggest Gothic style temple in the country. It is made of brick and covered in white marble. It is in the middle of the city, right across from the Rockefeller Center, and over 3 million people visit it every year.\n\nAn old St. Patrick's Cathedral was torn down to make way for the current building, which is now a parish church. In 1850, Pope Pius IX made the Archdiocese of New York. The building was made by the American architect James Renwick in the decorated geometric ecclesiastic Gothic style, which was popular in Europe from 1275 to 1400. The building started in 1858, but it was put on hold during the Civil War. Work on the cathedral started up again in 1865, and it was finished in 1878 and dedicated the next year. It has stained glass windows from France and England, as well as the Great Rose Window, which is the best piece of stained glass art by the American artist Charles Connick. It also has three beautiful organs.\n\nThe cathedral has mass every day, so you can go inside and look at the beautiful architecture or just enjoy the quiet. Either way, you won't be disappointed. There is a gift shop that sells books and religious items, and people can look at the schedule to see when the Cathedral's organ concerts are being held.\n\nWhy you should go: Step inside this old building and you'll feel like you're in a dblob:https://app.freeguides.com/36eac966-c627-4a9a-b318-015cafb6868aifferent world. Now that all of the repairs are done, you can see how beautiful the building really is.\n\nTip: If you can, try to go to a Mass every day with powerful organ music and a solo singer. Also, if you're lucky on a Sunday afternoon, you might stumble upon a chorale concert that sounds like heaven.\nArmed NYPD officers stand outside to keep people safe, so you should expect to have your bags searched before you can get in.\n\nEvery day from 7am to 8:30pm."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FSaint_Patrick's_Cathedral%2C_looking_upwards.jpg?alt=media&token=e6a23b79-8ec0-4ce9-93a7-c02a4f936617"}]},{"address":"Grand Central Terminal","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRvSsQINvUZEjEqVOKizr%2Ftts_2.mp3?alt=media&token=1e5854a7-cb7d-4a4f-b753-e8940c36fe7b","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":40.75283461368471,"longitude":-73.97688480000001},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Grand Central Terminal"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2Fpexels-charlotte-may-5824814.jpg?alt=media&token=429af7a1-d1fa-4aa0-bbab-71958cfda775"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FTerminal.mp3?alt=media&token=54d99b71-6171-4ffc-a081-bd20a0aeaadf"},{"type":"text","content":"The Grand Central Terminal is the biggest train station in the world. It has 44 platforms, 67 rail tracks, and two levels. It was part of the New York Central Railroad when it opened to the public in 1871. At that time, long-distance passenger trains were the most popular way to get around the U.S.\n\nThe station got its current name, Grand Central Terminal, after it was remodelled in 1913. The fancy building is in the Beaux-Arts style and has grand staircases and Corinthian columns. Paul Hellou, a French artist, painted a beautiful blue fresco with gold constellations on the ceiling of the top floor. The Oyster Bar is a restaurant on the lower level. It has vaulted ceilings that are supported by terracotta Gustavino tiles.\n\nGrand Central Terminal was remodelled again in 1994. This time, the ceilings were made lower, and there was room for a shopping mall and food court. It is now not only a major transportation hub in New York City, but also a popular tourist spot.\n\nWhy You Should Go: This is a great place to go when it's raining because most of it is inside. The size is great, and there are a lot of interesting things to look at.\nThere are a lot of places to eat and cute shops to look in between train rides.\n\nTip: The Oyster Bar on the lower level has a huge selection of oysters and other seafood.\nDon't forget to stop by the Whispering Gallery, which is right next to the Oyster Bar. If you stand in opposite corners, you can hear the other person very well. Quite fun!\n\nEvery day from 5:30 a.m. to 2 a.m."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2Fpexels-charlotte-may-5824823.jpg?alt=media&token=0ccfaa0b-4fcf-400a-b215-e4e7e7840672"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2Fpexels-charlotte-may-5824859.jpg?alt=media&token=f648e308-56a8-4441-a4ef-fc5a21fa1a19"}]},{"address":"Chrysler Building","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRvSsQINvUZEjEqVOKizr%2Ftts_3.mp3?alt=media&token=c5701be6-ef1a-4215-9ce7-5ab3b4cf063f","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":40.7515456136841,"longitude":-73.97564940000001},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Chrysler Building"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2Fpexels-suhail-suri-4802550.jpg?alt=media&token=05bdf091-c270-47cc-a466-90795ba7613a"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FCrysler.mp3?alt=media&token=71bfaab2-ef4d-474b-925e-e490643ad865"},{"type":"text","content":"The Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world for almost a year (11 months) before the Empire State Building was finished. It was built at a crazy fast rate of four floors a week, but despite the rush, nothing bad happened while it was being built.\n\nThe auto magnate Walter P. Chrysler hired architect William Van Alen to design the skyscraper in 1928. It was meant to be the headquarters of the Chrysler company, which is why steel car parts were used as decorations on the lower floors. Many well-known modern architects think that this building is the most beautiful building in New York City. It has an art deco style with steel arches that get smaller and smaller and triangle-shaped windows. At 319 metres tall and with 77 floors and a 38-meter spire on top, this is the world's tallest brick building held up by steel. The 71st floor used to have a viewing gallery, but it was closed in 1945. The lobby is made of marble, and on the ceiling is a painting of a car assembly line.\n\nThe Chrysler Building is still the most-loved skyscraper in New York. It came in ninth place in a survey of Americans' favourite architectural memories, ahead of many well-known landmarks like the World Trade Center, which has since been destroyed. The Chrysler Building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976.\n\nWhy should you go there? It's an art deco landmark that looks good from any angle, but it's worth going out of your way to look at it more closely.\n\nTip: If you don't have much time, you can see the beautiful walls and floor of the lobby just by walking in. The ceiling is a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2Fpexels-matthis-2156922.jpg?alt=media&token=701ce4b5-9ab2-4220-9ffc-7bfe03e19884"}]},{"address":"New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRvSsQINvUZEjEqVOKizr%2Ftts_4.mp3?alt=media&token=7e118384-42f2-4baf-ae2e-b1ce7c84a73a","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":40.75329991368491,"longitude":-73.98180299999999},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# New York Public Library"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FNew%20York%20Public%20Library.mp3?alt=media&token=a94902a7-50da-4bb2-82fa-f0e968a844f7"},{"type":"text","content":"The Library of Congress is the largest public library in the United States. The Library of Congress is also the largest public library in the world. It has almost 53 million items and is a nonprofit organisation that is run on its own. It is supported by both private and public money and has branches in Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island.\n\nThe NYPL's best-known librarian, Dr. John Shaw Billings, made a rough sketch of the main building that was used to build it. He thought that a big reading room at the top, along with seven floors of book stacks and stairs, would be one of the fastest ways to get books to people. Carrere and Hastings, who are both architects, came up with the plan in the Beaux Arts style. The site chosen was an old reservoir, and it took workers two years to take it apart and make it ready for a library. The building of the library began in 1902, and it opened to the public in 1911. At the time, it was the biggest building in the U.S. to be covered in marble. At the time it was opened, it had more than a million books. There are a lot of first editions and important historical documents there now. There are two free tours of the library that are led by docents every day."}]},{"address":"Empire State Building","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRvSsQINvUZEjEqVOKizr%2Ftts_5.mp3?alt=media&token=a4ba213f-bbdf-4bfd-9f59-9470d998bec6","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":40.7487120636827,"longitude":-73.98566915},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Empire State Building"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FState%20building.mp3?alt=media&token=84d8048e-f74a-48b7-882b-d79cce202e58"},{"type":"text","content":"The Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for 40 years, but the World Trade Towers passed it in 1972. After the attack on the WTC on September 11, 2001, it was once again the tallest building in New York City.\n\nWilliam Frederick Lamb of the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon made the plans for the building. It has a simple art deco style that was common in high rise buildings in New York before World War II. The budget, the time limit for building, and the city's zoning laws all made the design simple. 3400 people worked on the project. These people included European immigrants and Mohawk metal workers from Canadian reserves. It took one year and 45 days to finish. The American Society of Civil Engineers named the building one of the seven wonders of the modern world when it opened in 1931.\n\nThe Empire State Building is 1,250 feet tall and has 102 floors. Since 1986, it has been a Historic Landmark because it is such a well-known part of the skyline in New York City.\n\nWhy you should go: On a clear day or evening, the views are beautiful. If you don't have a fear of heights, you should buy a ticket to the 86th-floor observatory or, for a little more, the 102nd-floor observatory to get a spectacular 360-degree view that is in the middle of the city. It's an open deck, so it's great for taking pictures, and there are binoculars there so you can look around!\n\nTip: Before you go, check the weather report. DO NOT go if it's not a clear day.\n\nEvery day from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m."}]},{"address":"Macy's","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRvSsQINvUZEjEqVOKizr%2Ftts_6.mp3?alt=media&token=b0509e11-4e65-4bf2-9f3c-e752a037b9f7","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":40.7507377136837,"longitude":-73.98915545},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Macy's"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FMacys.mp3?alt=media&token=f9295439-05e3-4ef4-aa73-dc01397dede2"},{"type":"text","content":"Since it first opened in 1902, the famous Macy's flagship store in Herald Square has been a shoppers' paradise and a New York City landmark. It's a store like no other, and it's always been ahead of the curve. For example, it was the first building to have a modern escalator. Macy's is one of the biggest department stores in the United States. It has a total of 1,250,000 square feet (116,000 m2) of retail space under one roof. In 1978, it was named a National Historic Landmark and put on the National Register of Historic Places.\n\nThe store takes up an entire city block and has 11 floors full of the latest fashions and a wide range of designer brands that never fail to amaze with their variety and quality. There are restaurants and cafes all over the store, and there are fun events almost every day.\n\nWhen compared to other big department stores in New York City, this place is known for having great sales. There are many places to eat and drink at Macy's, from fast-food places like Starbucks, Tabo Noodles, The Rooster's Crow, etc. to more upscale sit-down restaurants like the Herald Square Cafe, Rowland's Bar & Grill, and Stella 34 Trattoria. There's no reason to go hungry or thirsty while you're there.\n\nTips: The best time to go is before lunch on weekdays.\nMost of the time, the lower floors are busier than the upper floors.\nAt the Visitor Information Center on the Mezzanine Level, you can leave your bags and coats.\nYou can ask the cashier to ship your items right to your home.\nAt the Visitor's Center, shoppers from other countries can get a discount card that gives them a 10% discount on most purchases."}]},{"address":"Flatiron Building","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRvSsQINvUZEjEqVOKizr%2Ftts_7.mp3?alt=media&token=02fdeefd-9357-4a2e-bca1-3db92dc8d2bc","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":40.74107906367903,"longitude":-73.98955994999999},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Flatiron Building"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FytOPPcUcIpzxqVGHAYsD%2FFlatiron.mp3?alt=media&token=105fea4f-7495-4d35-a921-45b029635d22"},{"type":"text","content":"The Flatiron Building may be the most photographed building in New York City. Its popularity and name come from its unique shape. The building in the shape of an isosceles triangle may not be as tall as the skyscrapers nearby, but when it first opened in 1901, it was one of the tallest in New York. At 307 feet and 21 floors, it rose like a Greek column, while the other skyscrapers in New York rose from a lower base block.\n\nDaniel Burnham, an architect in Chicago, made the Flatiron building for the Fuller Construction Company to use as an office building. It looks like a renaissance palazzo and has some details from the beaux arts style. The outside is made of steel covered with terra cotta. When the building opened, people who didn't think it would stand up to strong winds called it Burnham's Folly. But despite their worries, the design has stood up to the test of time and is still strong. The headquarters of the McMillan Publishing Company are now there.\n\nIn picture postcards, TV ads, and documentaries, the Flatiron building is used to represent New York City. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and made a New York City landmark in 1966.\n\nWhy you should go: The outside of the building is very interesting and worth a picture.\n\nTip: This shouldn't be the only thing to see at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Broadway. The neighbourhood is hip, and you can spend all day just sitting outside at one of the many cafes or in Madison Square Park and watching people go about their lives. If you'd rather be more creative, the area has a lot of stores for people who love art and design, as well as cool cafes and restaurants.\n\nEvery day from 10am to 5pm."}]}]
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Welcome to Sofitel New York! Experience the best of the city with our self-guided tours and curated local recommendations. Find all your hotel information here and enjoy a luxurious stay with us!
Welcome to Sofitel New York! Experience the best of the city with our self-guided tours and curated local recommendations. Find all your hotel information here and enjoy a luxurious stay with us!
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