New York City, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, is always buzzing with activity, with famous attractions around every corner and never enough time to see them all. Many of New York’s greatest attractions are within walking distance of one another or only a short train ride away, making sightseeing a snap. Our guide to New York’s major attractions will help you plan your vacation.
Statue of Liberty
On Liberty Island, in Upper New York Bay, is the Statue of Liberty. It is a revolutionary edifice that will endure as a symbol of liberty and democracy.
It is, without a doubt, the most well-known landmark on the planet. This renowned sign is more than just a tourist attraction; it serves as a welcoming beacon for immigrants seeking opportunity in America. The Statue of Liberty was conceived as a joint effort by the United States and France to honour the two countries’ long-standing relationship. Liberty Island, south of Ellis Island, has a well-placed statue on a pedestal. When people from all around the world visit Ellis Island to see this marvel, it gives them a sense of pride. It contains a spiral staircase with 162 steps from the lady’s feet to the crown, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Central Park
A stroll, bike ride, or carriage ride through Central Park’s crisscrossing pathways is a must-do for anybody visiting New York City. In the winter, you can even put on your skates and skate across Wollman Rink. One of the aspects that makes New York such a pleasant and quiet city is this large park in the city centre, which is a half-mile broad and 2.5 miles long.
Apart from being a great place to catch some fresh air, Central Park contains a wealth of attractions, the bulk of which are free, making it one of the few cheap things to do in NYC. The most popular tourist attractions include the Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, Central Park Zoo, and the Lake. If you’re going to explore the park on your own, get a map from one of the visitor centres and plan your route.
Westfield World Trade Center Oculus
The Oculus, the world’s most costly train station, is home to a stunning mall and serves the PATH train and 12 underground lines. The exterior, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is shaped like a whale’s skeleton and features white metal-clad steel ribs that reach up and out, symbolising a hand releasing a dove. The structure serves as a constant reminder of the September 11th assaults. It is aligned with the sun’s solar angles on September 11th, from 8:46 a.m., when the first plane crashed, through 10:28 a.m., when the second tower collapsed. Its central skylight fits this alignment and casts a beam of light across the Oculus floor.
Edge Observation Deck
Hudson Yards now offers the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Unfortunately, the Edge, a bird’s-eye view attraction, will not be ready to the public until 2020. But, based on the rendering, it appears to be worth the wait—if you’re not frightened of heights, that is. The outside terrace of the skyscraper reaches 65 feet into the sky, making it the city’s highest public balcony. Not only does the terrace offer sweeping views of our city’s skyline, but it also has a fantastic vantage point below. Brave people can wave to passers-by 1,100 feet below on a vast, see-through glass floor. On the 101st level, there’s a 10,000-square-foot bar, restaurant, and event space, similar to the Top of the Rock idea at Rockefeller Center.
The American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History, located on Central Park West, is a popular destination for visitors. User reviews have a consistent theme whether you’re viewing interactive exhibitions on land, sea, or in space. This museum is fantastic. The café and gift shop are well worth a look.
Don’t expect to see everything in one day because there are over 32 million objects distributed across four city blocks, 25 buildings, and 45 display spaces. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a particular favourite, although the dinosaurs, the Hall of the Universe, and the Butterfly Conservatory are also worth seeing.
Times Square
The sights of Times Square are unlike anything else you’ll see. Times Square is a popular location for locals and visitors alike, with neon signs blazing, music emanating from trendy clubs and bistros, and a large number of people thronging the Square throughout the year. There are some stores that must be visited, such as the Disney Store. There are a number of restaurants and cafes where you can relax and take in the starry sky. People frequently see real-life celebrities here, but if they don’t, they can always visit Madame Tussauds Wax Works to see their wax reproductions. Another big attraction in this area is NBC Studios.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
This colossal cathedral stands amid the hustle and bustle of Rockefeller Center, which is distinctly secular. But that doesn’t change the fact that it has an extraterrestrial feel about it. You can’t help but be amazed by St. Patrick’s, whether you’re devout or merely on an architectural pilgrimage.
Travelers praise the little historical church’s beauty and stained glass windows, but claim that seeing it does not require too much time. Previous visitors recommend going during the Christmas season to view the church in all its splendour.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park, located just south of Times Square, contains some of Manhattan’s most stunning 4 acres. Bryant Park was a 1990s redevelopment initiative that turned it into a haven for locals and tourists alike, despite the fact that it has been a lush green space for more than 150 years. This is where midtown Manhattan professionals meet to eat lunch, where fashionistas parade during fashion week, and where entertainers show off their skills during Broadway in Bryant Park and Piano in the Park. Bryant Park does not require a planned event; you may simply come here to take in the view or utilise the free Wi-Fi. The list of activities doesn’t end there: visit the New York Public Library, ice skate around the Pond, or ride the French-style carousel. Yoga and tai chi courses, knitting circles, chess matches, and literary activities are all held at Bryant Park.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is the major memorial to the almost 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of 2001, as well as the six people killed in the 1993 bombing. Where the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers once stood, the memorial’s twin reflecting ponds and man-made waterfalls serve as haunting footprints. The 1-acre ponds are surrounded by bronze panels with the names of each victim etched on them. The museum covers 110,000 square feet and uses multimedia exhibits, real-time recordings, actual relics, and an interactive table to tell the storey of the attacks.
The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, in Midtown Manhattan, is a magnificent 102-story skyscraper that attracts people all year.
When the Empire State Building was being built in the mid-1930s, it was dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder.’ It stood as the world’s highest structure until 1972. During the Great Depression, this limestone masterpiece took only 410 days to complete, requiring seven million hours of labour. The Empire State Building is the world’s most famous skyscraper, located in Manhattan, New York City, United States. The top of the Empire State Building features a lightning rod, which is struck by lightning over 20 times every year. There are two observation decks, one on the 86th floor and the other on the 102nd floor, both with spectacular views of the city. To avoid standing in large lines, you can get express passes on the website or through a travel agency.
Grand Central Terminal
You may have lunch or shop until you drop at this lovely train station, but recent visitors preferred to simply take in the surroundings. Take a few photos of the elaborate beaux-arts neoclassical edifice outside before entering. Glistening marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers, and a sky-themed ceiling greet you inside the famous main concourse. The food selections range from sophisticated to legendary to fast and simple. As previously said, there are numerous purchasing opportunities, yet most travellers recommend leaving the majority of Grand Central’s high-priced products in the store. Visit The New York Transit Museum Store in the shuttle tunnel if you want a train-themed item.
Little Island
A 2.4-acre island sanctuary named Little Island will soon float on the Hudson River, right off the Chelsea shoreline, allowing New Yorkers to escape for some good fun. The $250 million public park is expected to open in the spring of 2021, with undulating hills, walking routes, and lawns for activities, as well as 100 different varieties of trees and bushes. Little Island will contain a 700-seat amphitheatre for year-round entertainment, in addition to all the beautiful scenery. Billionaire Barry Diller, who is supporting the initiative with his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, has guaranteed that 51% of the tickets for these performances would be free or under $30, so you can expect this to be a cheap or free activity to do in NYC.
High Line
The High Line, a former rail line that has been converted into an urban walking trail above city streets, is a new and exciting attraction in New York City. This one-of-a-kind linear public park contains a unique combination of flora and trees, many of which are endemic to the area. Many of these blossom in the spring. The park is surrounded by glass fences in most parts, giving it a natural feel while also allowing amazing views of the city.
There are a variety of intriguing places to explore just off the High Line. In the south, the Meatpacking District is home to a slew of stylish cafes and delectable cuisine. The Whitney Museum of American Art, located near the southernmost entrance point, is well worth a visit. The popular Chelsea Market, which is built in a former Nabisco plant and has cafes and unique businesses, is only a short walk from the High Line’s 16th Street entrance.
Broadway theatre
Seeing a Broadway show is one of the most popular things to do in New York City. As the apex of American theatre, this is the place to go to see the most recent plays as well as long-running classics.
The term “Broadway theatre” refers to a large number of theatre venues located across the Theater District and along Broadway. The most popular concerts should be purchased ahead of time.
Shubert Alley is a well-known pedestrian-only alley in the Theater District that houses two renowned theatres: the Shubert and the Booth. Ambitious actors have always flocked to Shubert Alley in pursuit of opportunities in plays.
Queens County Farm Museum
This Queens County gem is well worth the bus or car excursion, despite not being as easily accessible by public transportation as most NYC museums. Because it is the city’s longest continually cultivated land, the 47 acres feel like a distinct universe from Manhattan. Feed and pet the barnyard animals, such as lambs, ponies, and goats, take a hayride, and return during the fall harvest season to go pumpkin picking and try to navigate the Amazing Maize Maze. On your way out, don’t forget to swing by the store for some fresh fruits and vegetables grown on the premises!
Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is a light-filled midtown gallery that also serves as a shrine to pop culture and twentieth-century history, so you don’t have to be a fan of art to enjoy it. Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans,” Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Dale’s “The Persistence of Memory,”Monet’s “Water Lilies,” and the list goes on and on are just a few of the works on display. The museum reopened in October 2019 after finishing an expansion project that added over 40,000 square feet of gallery space and a performance studio with live programming.
New York Public Library
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the main branch, draws a large number of bookworms, history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts. Most visitors stop by to say hi to Patience and Fortitude (the famed stone lions who guard the gate) and to enjoy the beautiful beaux-arts design.
If you’re looking for something to read, there’s an extensive map collection as well as specific collections of English and American literature, English Romanticism, and rare books. There are also various lecture series and a children’s section at this library.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
In 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or simply the Met) was founded. It is home to some of the world’s most valuable art collections.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is the country’s largest and busiest museum. It houses magnificent works of art that span more than five thousand years of world history and civilization. The show features work from ancient to relatively contemporary eras, as well as from all across the world. By purchasing tickets online, you can avoid standing in lines and pay the same price as you would in person.
The Chrysler building
The Chrysler Structure is actually an office structure that is open Monday through Friday, although its splendour may be appreciated without going inside. The building’s unusual architectural style has been lauded by recent visitors. The Chrysler Building, which was completed in 1930, had a brief reign as the city’s tallest structure before being surpassed by the Empire State Building. Nonetheless, New Yorkers love this 1,046-foot-high skyscraper because of its classic art deco architecture. Unlike the Empire State Building, you won’t need a costly admission ticket, a strong stomach to withstand soaring heights, or patience to wait in long lines to see what all the hype is about at this location. Many places in Manhattan offer views of the building’s scary gargoyles and triangular holes. If you have the opportunity, walk inside to see the ornately painted ceiling in the lobby and the lovely woodwork on the elevators.
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the city’s most iconic structures, with its Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables inspiring generations of poets, musicians, and artists. When it initially opened in 1883, this historic bridge, which connects Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River, was the world’s first steel suspension bridge.
A wood plank boardwalk that runs above the traffic lanes is only accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge offers stunning views of Manhattan, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty. Cycling over the bridge is another option. The bridge’s entry is placed back from the water’s edge, so keep that in mind.
Fifth Avenue
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Fifth Avenue is one of America’s most famous shopping streets, and it is home to several of the world’s most well-known designers’ flagship businesses. This upscale boulevard is lined with Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the iconic Apple Store Fifth Avenue, and of course, Saks Fifth Avenue, among many others.
A stroll down Fifth Avenue is enjoyable for shoppers and non-shoppers alike. The ideal region is between 60th Street and 40th Street, which runs roughly from the south end of Central Park to the New York Public Library.
Vessel
Vessel, another sky-high attraction for Gothamites to climb, has been added to New York’s ever-changing skyline. Although some New Yorkers joke that it looks like a rubbish can, the 60-ton sculpture, which is located at the modern cultural hotspot Hudson Yards, resembles a honeycomb. We think it’s a fantastic reason to exercise and post on Instagram. While the current state of development is less than ideal, the numerous vista locations offer panoramic views of the Hudson River that will appear very lovely after sunset.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
If you walk down Washington Avenue in Brooklyn, you’ll come across this lush 52-acre park. The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, with its wooden bridges and Japanese maples, is a must-see. When the beautiful cherry blossoms burst into bloom at the end of April, the Cherry Esplanade (Sakura Matsuri) is a must-see. The Shakespeare Garden, which comprises over 80 plants described in the playwright’s works, is another highlight.
Frick Collection
This extensive art collection, housed in an 18th-century New York townhouse that previously belonged to steel magnate Henry Clay Frick, spans the Renaissance through the end of the nineteenth century. You can see works by great artists such as Manet, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Goya, Degas, and Turner, among others, while you’re here. There are numerous permanent galleries in the collection, as well as the Portico Gallery, which exhibits sculpture, pottery, and decorative arts.
One World Observatory
One World Observatory, located at the summit of the newly constructed One World Trade Center building, offers spectacular views from floors 100, 101, and 102, 1,776 feet above the city. The ride to the top in the elevator is part of the attraction. As you climb, the surrounding panels depict New York as it has evolved over time, from a rural environment to the modern metropolis.
This glass structure, visible from all around the city, is a one-of-a-kind structure on the Manhattan skyline, with angles that give it a distinctive aspect. The tower seems pyramidal if you stand near the base and stare straight up.
Prospect Park
The 526-acre Prospect Park was developed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same urban visionaries who created Central Park. Long Meadow and Nethermead amenities provide plenty of space to pull up a spot of grass and conduct some people-watching, and the Ravine’s forested expanse is a towering forest within bustling Brooklyn. But we have to give credit where credit is due: Robert Moses, the notorious city planner, was responsible for several of the park’s kid-friendly attractions, like the zoo and the LeFrak Center at Lakeside, which offers roller skating and ice skating.
Wall Street
The world-famous Wall Street runs for eight city blocks from Broadway to South Street. Some of the world’s most important exchanges are located on this street and in the adjacent region, including the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ, and the New York Mercantile Exchange.
The majestic Trinity Church and Federal Hall are also nearby. On Broadway, look for the bronze monument of Charging Bull in Bowling Green. This is a great photo opportunity for visitors and one of the most prominent tourist sites in the Financial District.
Brooklyn Museum
Though the inventive and powerful goods found inside are just as essential as anything you’ll find in the city, Brooklyn’s main institution offers a less-crowded alternative to Manhattan’s bigger-name spaces. The museum, which is located on the outskirts of Prospect Park, houses a huge collection of Egyptian art as well as Judy Chicago’s famous feminist piece, The Dinner Party. The collection also includes works by Impressionist masters such as Cézanne, Monet, and Degas, as well as great examples of Early American Art, period interiors, and much more.
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall, a popular entertainment facility and a designated city monument, is located in the shadow of Rockefeller Center. The Rockettes dancing troupe performs at this 1932 Art Deco theatre, which also hosts musical extravaganzas and films.
The Rockefellers built and funded the structure in the 1930s, and it housed the world’s largest indoor theatre at the time. The facility now hosts a number of notable events, including the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards. Its large marquee, which arcs around the building and runs down the street, is difficult to miss.
Ellis Island
This was the principal immigration entry point for the United States for 62 years, and many Americans have at least one ancestor who crossed through here. When standing on the shores of Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, you can see Ellis Island (north of Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty). Most people agree, however, that the best way to properly enjoy this historic landmark is to take one of the Statue Cruises ships over.
Swing by the Main Building and the Immigration Museum within while you’re on the island. Visit the “Treasures from Home” exhibit to see some of the family antiques and mementos brought over by immigrants on their journey.