Top 10 Destinations for Taiwanese Traveling Abroad Series / 12 Must-Visit Attractions in New York

Written/Compiled & Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network | Information Provided by Moleskine Editorial Department

In 2011, the number of Taiwanese traveling to the United States reached as high as 400,000, making it the top overseas travel destination in Asia. As a result, the recent news that Taiwan was being considered for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program was met with great enthusiasm by many. The United States not only leads the world politically and economically, but also has a profound influence globally in areas such as art, culture, and theater. Among its many cities, New York plays an especially pivotal role—sites like Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and Rockefeller Center are all key indicators of global politics, economy, and culture. Below are 12 must-visit attractions in New York, allowing visitors to the United States to savor the diverse wonders of the "Big Apple."

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This grand museum, the greatest in the Western Hemisphere, spans an area of 2 million square feet and houses a collection of over 3 million items, ranging from the Paleolithic Age to modern art. Its American art collection is particularly extensive—just a brisk walkthrough can take 2 to 3 hours. The museum began planning in 1870 and took a decade before officially opening. However, the majestic Greek temple-like structure that now stands proudly on Fifth Avenue was completed in 1902, built using gray Indiana limestone.

2. MOMA (Museum of Modern Art)

To accommodate its ever-growing collection, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) underwent a large-scale two-and-a-half-year expansion and renovation, increasing its floor space to 630,000 square feet—twice the size of the old building. The new structure was designed by Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, who incorporated innovative concepts of Eastern art into the architecture. He transformed the formerly secluded and enclosed garden into an open space, featuring approachable installations and sculptures that allow for more direct interaction with visitors.

3. Broadway Theaters

For many first-time visitors to New York, mentions of shows like *Les Misérables*, *Cats*, and *Miss Saigon* instantly evoke a vibrant cultural scene. Though these classic musicals have long since closed, Broadway is home to dozens of theaters with new productions premiering daily. Shows like *The Little Mermaid*, *The Lion King*, and *Chicago* remain immensely popular. Making it to the stage often requires years of experience—many productions first perform at smaller theaters, refining their acts based on audience and critic feedback before eventually gracing the Broadway stage.

4. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The building of the Guggenheim Museum is itself a masterpiece, arguably the most outstanding architectural artwork in New York. It is the final creation of renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was highly controversial from design to completion, with Wright passing away before its completion. The museum’s collection largely consists of works sponsored by Peggy Guggenheim during the two World Wars to support European artists, including over 3,000 pieces of sculpture, painting, and other artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries. Among them are works by modern masters such as Cézanne, Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Chagall, Miró, and Brâncuși.