With its diversified culture, spectacular history and picturesque sights, NYC attracts visitors from all around the world. From Broadway and the Theater District to Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Museum of Modern Art.
Take a stroll through The Ramble or pay tribute at the 9/11 Memorial, and you'll see what makes New York so special.
1. The Statue Of Liberty
A symbol of political freedom and democracy, the 151ft statue is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. A gift from France for the centennial of American independence, it’s been greeting visitors to New York City since 1886. Most tourists visit on a ferry loop that also includes Ellis Island, the former immigration centre where 12 million people checked into America.
With a little advance planning, visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s well worth it. Make sure to reserve a pedestal ticket in advance to avoid soul-crushingly long queues, and don’t miss the new Statue of Liberty Museum, which gives colour and context to the iconic monument. You can climb the crown for an even more spectacular view of NYC, but it requires a separate ticket. Check out the official website for more information.
2. The Empire State Building
One of the most famous landmarks in all of Manhattan, the Empire State Building is a must-see for visitors to New York. With its 102 floors and iconic art deco design, it is instantly recognizable to anyone who sees it. The building has also been featured in numerous movies and television shows, including King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, and An Affair to Remember.
The entrance to the Empire State Building is on 20 West 34th Street, and once you enter you will see a number of exhibits about the history of the building as well as some information about how it was built. From there, you can take an elevator up to the 80th floor, where you will be able to enjoy a view from the observation deck. Then, you can take another elevator up to the 86th floor and enjoy a view from the top of the building.
3. Central Park
Central Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in New York. It’s home to a multitude of statues, fountains and bridges. It’s also the perfect place to escape the busy streets of the city and enjoy a little bit of nature.
Embark on a relaxing stroll through Shakespeare Garden. This four acre area is reminiscent of a traditional English cottage garden and features numerous quotes from William Shakespeare.
Discover an incredible variety of fall colors in the Hallett Sanctuary, or take in the beauty of the park at a romantic spot like Gapstow Bridge. You can even embark on a guided tour that showcases the many famous TV and movie locations throughout the park. And, don’t forget to ride around in a classic horse-drawn carriage while you’re here! It’s a sure way to feel like royalty.
4. The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see for visitors to New York City. The bridge is free to cross and is one of the best ways to see the city from a unique perspective.
The bridge opened in 1883 and has been a major part of the city’s history since then. It has a beauty that is hard to describe. Its Gothic towers and crisscrossing cables have inspired many artists and poets.
The Brooklyn Bridge is located in Downtown Manhattan, near City Hall and the courthouses. It is easy to reach by subway; the Manhattan Bridge/City Hall station (served by the 4,5, and 6 Trains) and the Brooklyn Bridge/Chambers Street and High Street subway stations are nearby. The Brooklyn Bridge is also a great place to walk or bike. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay in the pedestrian lane.
5. The Museum Of Modern Art
New York City's art scene is world-renowned. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a must-see for culture buffs visiting NYC. This massive museum features six floors of modern art, including pieces like Starry Night by Van Gogh and Drowning Girl by Roy Lichtenstein.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is another museum that New Yorkers and visitors love. This huge museum is home to a wide variety of priceless art, from Renaissance masterpieces to modern masterpieces.
Other quintessential NYC attractions include the bustling streets of Times Square, the incomparable spectacle of a Broadway show and her majesty The Statue of Liberty. For panoramic views of the city, visitors can take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or scale 30 Rockefeller Center's iconic Art Deco skyscraper to Top of the Rock. Those who enjoy music will want to check out the New York Philharmonic or Birdland, an iconic jazz club.
6. The 9/11 Memorial
No other place in New York inspires emotion quite like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It's a powerful reminder that even though tragedy can strike, it doesn't have to defeat you.
The memorial's twin reflecting pools sit within the footprints of the original Twin Towers. Between them is The Survivor Tree, which grew from seeds found in the rubble of Ground Zero. Also, don't miss the chance to visit One World Trade Center (also known as The Freedom Tower) and One World Observatory.
You can take the subway or a cab to get there. If you're driving, you should know that the area around the memorial is pretty restricted so you might have to park a bit further away and walk. You should also check the hours for the museum and memorial as they are closed on September 11 every year.
7. Coney Island
Coney Island is one of the most popular things to do in New York. It is a seaside neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough that has seen several rebirths throughout its long history.
The most famous feature of the area is the Coney Island Boardwalk, which is also known as the Riegelmann Boardwalk and is more than 100 years old. This iconic boardwalk stretches 2.7 miles from West 37th Street to Corbin Place.
This is a great spot for visitors with kids, as they can enjoy eating Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and visiting the Coney Island Art Walls, which are a series of murals that were painted by local artists. The artwork ranges from pictures of Brooklyn and other cityscapes to social commentary and global landmarks. The exhibit is free for visitors to enjoy. The area is also home to MCU Park, which is the minor league baseball stadium for the Brooklyn Cyclones.
8. The Upper East Side
The upscale Upper East Side may have the reputation of being a quiet urban expanse of classic brownstones and upscale high-rises, with posh residents and purebred dogs, but it’s also home to a lot of culture. The neighborhood’s “Museum Mile” draws crowds to cultural institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim, and the Jewish Museum.
The Guggenheim is an architectural marvel that spirals upward like a white seashell and showcases modern and contemporary artwork from around the world. This is one of the Upper East Side’s most significant places to visit for art aficionados and novices alike.
The 92nd Street Y has been a fixture of the cultural scene in the Upper East Side for over a century, from enlightening talks with world leaders to mesmerizing musical performances. You can explore the renowned art gallery and museum, or indulge in Viennese coffeehouse culture at Cafe Sabarsky.
9. The Rockefeller Center
A visit to New York isn't complete without a stop at the iconic Rockefeller Center. This vast complex in the heart of Manhattan is home to NBC Studios, a famous ice skating rink, and the world-famous Radio City Music Hall. It's also a hub of activity, with a variety of art, history, and multimedia exhibits.
It's also a great place to shop, with Fifth Avenue boasting high-end boutiques like Cartier and Tiffany as well as department stores like Saks and Bergdorf Goodman. And if you're feeling hungry, there are tons of restaurants to choose from.
10. The Three Neighborhoods
In addition to offering a wealth of entertainment, New York is also home to a huge range of cultural landmarks. Art lovers can visit one of the world's largest art museums, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (also known as the MET). Music fans can take in a performance by a classical music orchestra or jazz at iconic venues like Birdland and Minton's. History buffs can visit the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt or walk through Federal Hall, where George Washington was sworn in as America's first president.
And sports fans can head to Queens to watch a baseball game at Citi Field or Corona Park, which was created for the 1964 World's Fair. Or, they can pay a visit to Grand Central Station, where a gorgeous concourse ceiling boasts a hand-painted celestial design. Guests can also pop into Albertine, an elegant NYC bookstore that is devoted to French literature.
