The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is the backdrop for the spectacular Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. The show is an homage to the city of New York, putting on a display of scale models of New York’s most iconic landmarks, painstakingly made with 100% natural materials like seeds, bark and leaves.

A stroll through the conservatory will reveal famous buildings and structures like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building, among many others.

Image of mini models of NYC’s landmarks with model trains at the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Discover a mini NYC with models of famous landmarks at the New York Botanical Garden

The entire show is brought to life by artist Paul Busse. His design company, Applied Imagination, rose to prominence when he designed the very first Holiday Train Show in 1992.

After the show, you may be itching to see these NYC landmarks in full size, so we’ll take a closer look at the ones you’ll definitely want to visit!

1. The Brooklyn Bridge

Image of a miniature replica of the Brooklyn Bridge and Image of the Brooklyn Bridge over the East River
Get a taste for the fantastic sight of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge with this pint-sized version.

The bridge that finally connected Manhattan to the borough of Brooklyn has been synonymous with the city of New York since it first opened on May 24, 1883. At the time, and for many years after it was unveiled, the Brooklyn Bridge was the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere. For this reason, it was once dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world”.

Today, 135 years after the first pedestrians walked across, it remains an impressive feat of human engineering and an incredible sight to behold. From atop the bridge, one is able to capture the true magnitude of the NYC skyline.

Image of living room of NY-14834 in DUMBO with views of the Brooklyn Bridge
The views of the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge from this loft in DUMBO are unreal!

Get as close as possible to NYC’s famous bridges when you rent this furnished apartment in DUMBO, Brooklyn. You’ll actually have extraordinary views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge looming right outside your living room windows! The apartment faces north with views of the East River and Empire State Building in the distance. The view is so surreal it almost looks like a painting rather than real-life! This gorgeous loft apartment is the quintessential New York apartment you see in movies, but rarely get the opportunity to rent. The apartment is located on the 11th floor (10th floor for Europeans) of an elevator building with a full-time doorman, gym and rooftop terrace. The apartment retains an industrial loft vibe while also being hip and modern and providing amenities such as a dishwasher and an in-unit washer/dryer.

The spacious open layout is light and airy with high ceilings, hardwood floors, crisp white walls and modern decor. The fully-equipped, open-layout chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances is perfect for entertaining, with a center island where friends can congregate and take in the amazing views. Relax in the bedroom with queen-sized bed and a wall of books to browse. The bathroom is also fresh and modern with gleaming white tiles and glass enclosed shower.

Located near scenic Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO has cafes, shops and dining all around. Since it’s only one subway stop away from Manhattan, you can easily visit all of the other great NYC landmarks located just across the river.

2. The Empire State Building

Image of a replica of the Empire State Building with Chrysler Building and other apartment buildings and image of Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline
The Empire State Building and Chrysler Building never looked cuter!

At a whopping 102 stories, this awe-inspiring building towers above the rest of Midtown Manhattan. Known for the impressive views from its top observation deck, the Empire State Building is easily one of NYC’s top attractions. The building has been featured in over 250 TV shows and movies, making it an immediately recognizable part of American pop culture.

Image of living room of NY-17161 in Midtown East with view of Empire State Building
This Midtown apartment has an Empire State Building view!

Live right in the center of Manhattan’s universe on the famed 34th Street in a 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment in a building with views of the iconic Empire State Building — it doesn’t get any more “New York” than that! You’ll be in the center of Manhattan, nestled in the residential area of Murray Hill with restaurants and lounges all around. You’ll also be adjacent to the picturesque East River if you’re in the mood for a stroll. This full-service building features a fitness center, resident lounge with flat-screen TVs, a business center, laundry room and rooftop area with 360-degree views! The apartment is decorated in a contemporary style with dark flooring. Relax on one of the couches and enjoy the city views from your living room, the perfect place to unwind after a day touring the city. The first bedroom has a queen bed and the second bedroom has a king bed; both rooms include flat-screen TVs and air conditioning. The kitchen is fully-equipped for meals at home at the convenient dining table that seats six. When you don’t feel like cooking, remember you are in a city with cuisines available from all around the world, so a late-night craving can always be satisfied!

One of the best perks of Midtown East is access to Grand Central Terminal which, aside from wonderful shopping and dining, is the hub for Metro-North Railroad which connects you with all sorts of out-of-town adventures!

3. Grand Central Terminal

Image of a replica of Grand Central Terminal made of tree bark and image of Grand Central Terminal with bicyclists on the roadway in front
New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal is on display at the Holiday Train Show, and Park Avenue curves around Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan

With 44 platforms – more than any other railroad station in the world – Grand Central Terminal connects New York City to various parts of New York State, as well as Connecticut. Although millions pass through Grand Central because it serves as one of NYC’s main transportation hubs, many also visit simply to admire the Main Concourse and impressive ceiling, designed by renowned French artist Paul César Helleu. Much like the Empire State Building, Grand Central is a popular location in American cinema.

Image of living room of NY-16746 in Midtown East with city views from the window
You’ll be on top of the world with the views from this Midtown apartment

If you’re looking for an apartment spacious enough for a group or family that is close to the travel-friendly Grand Central, yet also has unmatchable New York skyline views, look no further than this 2 bedroom/2 bath in Midtown East with the best of both worlds! You can walk to Grand Central from here in case you feel the need to escape the city, but you may not want to leave home once you set eyes on this apartment! Live in luxury in this full-service building with doorman and concierge. Meet other residents in the on-site fitness center or resident lounge, or just bask in the views from the apartment, the terrace or the communal rooftop! The first bedroom has two double beds and views of the Empire State Building, while in the second bedroom you can drift off to sleep with views of an Art Deco-style masterpiece — the Chrysler Building!

Head a little further uptown and you’ll run into the Museum Mile, where you can indulge your inner art and history buff.

4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Image of small model of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Image of people sitting on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan
This replica of The Met almost looks edible compared to the famous stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art!

With 7.06 million annual visitors, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the second-most visited museum in the world for good reason; The museum houses an extensive collection of art from all major civilizations. Aside from housing world-renowned art pieces, The Met is home to the annual Met Gala, an event that draws the crème de la crème of the fashion and entertainment world and serves as the unveiling of the Costume Institute’s highly-anticipated temporary fashion exhibit.

Located next to Central Park on the Upper East Side, The Met is located along the Museum Mile. This section of 5th Avenue has seven world-class institutions that house some of the best art and culture the world has to offer.

Image of living room of NY-16818 on the Upper East Side
Art enthusiasts will love being close to the Museum Mile when they rent this Upper East Side apartment

Located on the swanky Upper East Side of Manhattan, this 2 bedroom/1 bath is located in a luxury doorman building with a gym and breathtaking rooftop terrace! Perfectly situated in a classy residential neighborhood with elegant dining and boutiques, it’s also walking distance to some of the best art and culture NYC has to offer! Museums abound in this area, so you’ll never be at a loss for things to do. The contemporary furnished living room is cozy and inviting, just the spot to peruse the latest list of art exhibits that are opening. The sofa opens to a bed for guests, the first bedroom has a spacious king-sized bed and the second bedroom is fitted with a double bed. Head to the rooftop deck to catch some sun or the incredible city views in every direction, and see how many of NYC’s famous buildings you can identify.

Everyone has a famous New York City spot they dream of visiting, so why not make your dreams come true this year with a trip to the Big Apple? New York Habitat has plenty of apartment options all over the city in varying sizes and neighborhoods, so check our website to find one near your favorite landmark or close-to-your-heart NYC location!