Like a superhero, soar through New York City

If Metropolis is a thinly veiled doppelgänger for Manhattan, then New York City’s Central Park is most clearly represented in the DC Comics’ universe by Centennial Park. The park hosts a giant memorial to Superman erected in the wake of his death in the landmark comic event “The Death of Superman” in 1992. Closely resembling Centennial Park, Central Park is home to another form of hero worship in its Strawberry Fields, an intimate dedication to John Lennon.

The Brooklyn Bridge played host to one of the most infamous and tragic deaths in superhero lore when Spider-Man failed to “save the girl.” For many fanatic readers, the death of Gwen Stacy at the hands of the Green Goblin over the Brooklyn Bridge was a heartbreaking loss. But traversing the Brooklyn Bridge on the guided DUMBO neighborhood tour is a surefire way for anyone with a lover to enjoy a spectacular, and safe, time.

When DC Comics and Marvel Comics finally agreed to introduce Superman to Spider-Man in 1976, nothing but the most culturally iconic backdrop in the city would do. It was atop the building’s spire that the two heroes first appeared together on the same cover of Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man. A trip to the 86th-floor observation deck will give you a 360-degree view of the city, or you can and venture to the top deck on the 102nd floor, where you’ll be able to stand just beneath the spire.

In the 2000 film X-Men, Wolverine and the team have an epic battle in, and on top of, this immediately recognizable landmark. Hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free and reimagine the incredible, crown-top fight between Wolverine and Sabretooth as you see Lady Liberty with your own eyes.

With a uniquely triangular design, this building was used as the exterior filming location for The Daily Bugle newspaper. Spider-Man’s alter ego, Peter Parker, worked at The Daily Bugle as a photographer in the first three Spider-Man movies starring Tobey Maguire. As you think about the stories Parker photographed for the Bugle, walk to the neighboring Madison Square Park for a frozen custard shake, or a burger, at the original Shake Shack.

One of the most dynamic buildings in Manhattan is also the location of an epic scene in the 2012 film The Avengers. The iconic spire on top of the Chrysler building helped Thor harness an amazing bolt of lightning, which ultimately defeats a horde of evil aliens and saves the day. From Tudor City Place, on the east side of Manhattan, you can enjoy a great view of this Thor-protected sparkling skyscraper.

Maybe we can thank Daredevil for cleaning up this part of New York since his character’s introduction to the comic book world in 1964. Since then, this neighborhood has become a place for artists to hone their craft in places like the famous Actor’s Studio. Hip restaurants, fitness centers and grocery stores also abound in this up-and-coming neighborhood. As you make your way to one of the bustling local establishments like the rustically upscale Dutch Fred’s, ask someone to regale you with stories of how the neighborhood used to be before the guardian devil came along.

Before you leave this Metropolis, you can pick up your own comic book to read on the way home. Midtown Comics has three locations in the city, including one near Grand Central Station.