Gary Einloth is from Manhattan, New York where he has established great success as an artist and designer.

Manhattan. It is the cultural and economic heart of New York. Some claim it to be the cultural and economic heart of the world. Throughout his education and career, Gary has been grateful to be so close to such a major and significant city.

Manhattan is steeped in history, dating back to the seventeenth century when NYC was born, when the Dutch established a fort on Manhattan Island. That means there is plenty to see and do on a visit, and you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy it.

Below, Gary Einloth explains some of his favorite things to see and do in the beautiful city of Manhattan.

There are, of course, the famous sights. Don’t be put off by their popularity – they are famous for a reason. Central Park is at the very centre of Manhattan, an oasis of over 800 acres of green space. It has its own zoo – Central Park Zoo – and you can enjoy cycling and walking. In summer, don’t forget to take a picnic, and catch one of the live concerts.

For art lovers, right next to Central Park, on Fifth Avenue, you’ll find the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Here you can find art dating from thousands of years BC to the present day. The museum provides pre-prepared itineraries if the sheer size of the collection is a bit daunting. You should also head south to the Museum of Modern Art, to enjoy its sculpture garden. Don’t forget the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, another modern art museum, with an impressive building design – it’s worth a visit for that alone. While establishing his professional career, Gary Einloth frequented these art museums every chance he had to gain knowledge and motivation from many inspiring artists. 

On the opposite (north-west) side of Central Park is the American Museum of Natural History. It isn’t all fossils. You’ll find IMAX movies, live butterflies, and exhibits covering everything from space to dinosaurs, and it’s popular with families. Similarly family-friendly is the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum at Pier 86 on Manhattan’s west side. You’ll find a USS Growler submarine and the space shuttle – the Enterprise – used in test flights. The kids will love it.

Of course, not everyone likes museums and galleries, but you’ll still be spoiled for choice. Visit Times Square in Midtown Manhattan, with its flashing billboards and crowds. Broadway, with its shows, intersects the Square here, so you can call in at a theatre to book tickets. A bit further south and you’ll hit the Empire State Building – a great sight from the ground, and the views from the top, if you climb all 1,860 steps (or take the lift!), are stupendous. Film buffs might like a trip to admire the awe-inspiring main concourse of Grand Central Station on 42nd Street, which was featured in films including Men in Black and The Fisher King.

Head even further south, towards Downtown Manhattan, and you will find a quirkier feeling and less renowned, but no less interesting, places to explore. This is an area for strolling and taking things easy. Eat dim sum in Chinatown, enjoy the nightlife in East Village, or hang out in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village.

Finally, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or take a ferry to car-free Governors Island, and enjoy the views back over wonderful Manhattan.