Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

New York

New York City is unlike any other city in the world, and you have to experience it to fully appreciate it. For first-time visitors, walking the streets can be like walking through a movie set, with famous landmarks around every corner, from the Empire State Building to Rockefeller Plaza, the Chrysler Building, Central Park, The High Line. , Times Square, 5th Avenue, Broadway and of course the Statue of Liberty.

Sightseeing during the day, catch a Broadway show at night, work in time for shopping or a walk, and relax and remember with a fantastic meal. This is New York. With so much to see and do in a day or a weekend, this is a city worth visiting over and over again.

1. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, America's most iconic sight, is at the top of every new visitor's list of things to do in New York. It was a gift from France to the United States. Built in 1886, it remains a global symbol of freedom and is one of America's top attractions.

It is one of the largest statues in the world, standing just under 152 feet tall from base to torch and weighing approximately 450,000 pounds.

You can view the statue from the ground, with particularly good views from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. However, to truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, the best thing to do is take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and see it up close. You can walk around the base, enter the pedestal, or, with advance reservations, go directly to the crown.

On a tour to the Statue of Liberty, you have the option of stopping at Ellis Island and exploring the Museum of Immigration. This fantastic museum is located in the historic immigration station complex, where thousands of immigrants were processed before entering the United States.

The exhibits focus on the process, experiences, and stories of the people who passed through here on their trip to the United States. You can even search the computer database on the site to see a record of immigrants who passed through here.

Tickets to enter the statue are sold out. Advance ticket purchase is a must during peak season and a good idea at any time of the year. The Skip-the-Line Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island + Pedestal Upgrade guided tour is a four-hour drive that takes you to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This tour allows early access to the reservation line to board the ferry and includes access to the Pedestal Museum and the Ellis Island Museum.

Note: Buying tickets on the ferry can be tricky as street vendors claiming to be "official representatives" try to sell you more expensive tickets before you can find the ticket office.

2. Central Park

Walking, pedaling, or carriage rides through Central Park's criss-cross paths is a must on any New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even strap on your skates and slide down the Wollman Rink. This huge park in the center of the city, half a mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city.

In addition to being a great place to experience a bit of nature, Central Park has many attractions within its borders, and most of them are free, making it one of the few inexpensive things to do in New York. Some of the more popular places to visit include Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, the Central Park Zoo, and the lake. If you're exploring the park on your own, start by picking up a map at one of the visitor centers and plotting your route.

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Central Park is the backyard of New York. This lush 843-acre parcel in midtown Manhattan is one of the city's greatest attractions and assets, enjoyed by tourists and locals year-round. Countless movie scenes and TV shows have been filmed here over the years.

The park is home to picturesque hills; meadows playgrounds; rinks; ball fields; and many popular attractions including Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, and the Central Park Zoo. Be warned; the park is huge. The best way to explore it is to stop by the visitor center and pick up a map of Central Park showing the various attractions and things to do, and then plan a walking route or take a tour.

Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle is a stone castle atop Vista Rock, offering a spectacular view of the park and the city from its rooftop observation deck. Looking north, you will see the open green space of the Great Lawn and the Delacorte Theater, where free productions of Shakespeare performed by some famous names take place each summer. To the south is the forest area known as Ramble.

It should be noted that the "castle" is not really a castle, but a miniature castle built in 1869 specifically to serve as a lookout point within the park. It eventually fell into disrepair and was renovated and opened in the 1980s. Inside is a visitor center and gift shop.

Central Park's climate is measured from the top of the castle.

Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo features animals from Asia, the polar regions, and the California coast. In the Temperate Territory, keep an eye out for red pandas, snow leopards, and snow monkeys. Head to the polar circles to see the beloved penguins. Other notable animals include grizzly bears, California sea lions, and lemurs.

Also housed in the zoo is a 4D theater intended for visitors ages six and up. The theater charges a fee, but it is included with a Total Experience ticket.

Near the entrance is the charming Delacorte Musical Clock, where bronze animals surround the clock and play children's songs or seasonal pieces every half hour.

Location: 64th Street and 5th Avenue

3. Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock Observation Deck

When it comes to New York City attractions, Rockefeller Center is on almost every tourist itinerary. This vast shopping and entertainment complex in midtown Manhattan is home to NBC-TV and other media, but the centerpiece is the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Plaza, an Art Deco skyscraper that offers stunning views of Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock. Observation platform.

The "platform," as it is known, includes three floors, located on floors 67, 69, and 70. Indoor and outdoor viewing spaces offer spectacular views by day or night. You can buy a ticket to the Top of the Rock observation deck in advance. These tickets come with a flexible coupon redemption policy, so you can change the date if your plans change or the weather is uncooperative.

Skating on the outdoor skating rink at the base of the tower is one of the most popular winter activities in New York City and a fun activity for families and couples. The track is usually open from October to April.

After Thanksgiving, a massive Christmas tree is erected in front of the skating rink, lighting up the complex for the holiday season. Many people visit New York in December just to see this site.

Another point of interest in this area is the famous bronze sculpture of Atlas in front of the International Building. It is a popular subject for photographers.

4. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or Met, as it is commonly known, was founded in 1870 and is one of the most famous museums in the United States. The Met's permanent collection contains more than two million works of art, spanning 5,000 years.

Although the museum has three sites, the centerpiece is The Met Fifth Avenue. The highlights of the collection include American decorative arts, weapons and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, and much more.

The exhibitions bring the public closer to some of the most famous works in the world. If you're serious about your visit to the Met, consider a VIP: Empty Met Tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and see this incredible museum with just 25 people before it opens to the general public in the morning.

The Met Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan, is another extremely popular New York museum. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, housed in an exceptional structure, built around medieval cloisters, chapels and corridors, focuses on the medieval art and architecture of Europe.

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, New York.

5. Broadway and the Theater District

Attending a Broadway show is one of the best things to do in New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theater, this is the place to see the latest shows and full-length classics.

Broadway generally refers simply to Broadway theater, which encompasses a large number of theater venues in the Theater District and along the streets of Broadway. For the most popular shows, tickets must be purchased well in advance.

Shubert Alley is a famous pedestrian-only alley in the theater district and home to two well-known theaters: the Shubert at 221 West 44th Street and the Booth at 22 West 45th Street. Historically, aspiring actors frequented Shubert Alley in search of opportunities to act in a play sponsored by the theater baron, Sam S. Shubert.

A Chorus Line played The Shubert for a record 6,137 shows. The musical Oklahoma debuted in 1941 at the St. James playhouse down the street. Other legendary venues include the Sardi restaurant, where many famous actors gathered, and the Music Box Theater, where Irving Berlin presented The Music Box Revue in 1921.

6. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmark buildings and key tourist attractions. The 381-meter-tall, 102-story building was the tallest in the world until Tower 1 of the World Trade Center rose 41 years later. With a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and symbol of New York when it opened in 1931.

There are actually two observatories atop the Empire State Building, but both offer jaw-dropping views. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles, looking toward the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is the tallest outdoor observation deck in the city, and what most people expect to find when they climb the Empire State Building. If it's familiar to you, it's because this area has been featured in countless movies and TV shows.

Accessible by high-speed automatic elevators, it has a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and wide open-air corridors on all four sides of the building. The views are incredible. The upper deck on the 102nd floor sits 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. While it is 16 stories higher, the viewing area here is closed.

The line to go up to the Empire State Building is almost always long; moves slowly; And during peak hours, it can get ridiculous, making the whole experience more frustrating than necessary. Keep in mind that you can easily burn off half your touring day at this attraction alone.

It is worth buying the Empire State Building - Observatory ticket and the optional skip-the-line ticket that allows you to skip the lines. This is a flexible ticket, valid for up to one year, so if the weather is bad you can save the ticket and use it another day.

7. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The 110-story twin towers of the World Trade Center once dominated the Manhattan skyline, but were destroyed by airliners with suicide pilots on September 11, 2001, with a tragic loss of life. Where once the two World Trade Center towers stood, there are now two square reflecting pools, each one acre in size.

Known as the September 11 National Monument, the area is a moving tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and also to the six people who died in the previous World bombing. Trade Center in February 1993.

Surrounded by trees and lawns, the pools are recessed, with water cascading down the sides and leading to a seemingly bottomless plaza. These are the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. Around the pools are bronze panels with the names of all those who died in the attacks.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is housed in a curved glass building with impressive architecture, between the two pools. It features exhibits that include artifacts, photos, and videos, presenting the history of September 11, as well as the aftermath and impacts.

The building is built around the remains of the World Trade Center and incorporates the old structures within the extraordinary new museum building. The monument and museum are located on the south side of the One World Trade Center, on Greenwich Street.

Also worth seeing in this area, on the opposite side of Greenwich Street, is the striking Westfield World Trade Center, which contains Oculus Plaza. You cannot miss this building with its white fins and spaceship appearance. This is a public building with upscale shops and stores, but it's worth a visit for a quick look at the architecture.

Tickets for the 9/11 Museum must be purchased online or at the window in advance. This is one of the most popular activities in New York, so booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment. If you're traveling as a family, be sure to book the discounted family rate for up to five people.

When purchasing your tickets, you will have the possibility to select a time to visit, and you will need to mark your time slot. On Mondays, admission to the museum is free from 3:30 to 5 p.m., but tickets must still be reserved in advance and are limited to four per person.

8. High Line

The High Line, an exciting and recently expanded attraction in New York City, is a former rail line that has been transformed into an urban walking path on city streets. This unique linear public park has been planted with a variety of plants and trees, many of which are native species. In spring, many of these bloom. The park is lined with glass railings in most areas, giving it a natural feel, while also offering exceptional views of the city.

This oasis on the West Side of Manhattan runs from Gansevoort Street at the southern end (just south of West 13th Street) to West 34th Street at the north end, and runs parallel to 10th Ave most of the way. You can access it at various points along the route, some of which offer only stair access and others with elevator access.

Although the High Line is only two or three stories above street level, the views of the city's architecture and gazebos above the streets offer a whole new perspective. Along the route are art installations, benches, and near the south end is a living room with tiered seating and a glass wall overlooking the city. The trail is heavily used and on the weekends it can be extremely busy, but without the surrounding traffic it is still a peaceful haven.

One of the highlights of the High Line is the Hudson Yards lookout, called The Vessel, near 34th Street. This is an impressive multi-level structure.

You will find other interesting places to visit right off the High Line. The southern section runs through the Meatpacking District, with many trendy restaurants and great food. The southernmost access point is next to the Whitney Museum of American Art, which is also worth a visit. If you get off the High Line at the 16th Street access (elevator access), you are just a short walk from the popular Chelsea Market, housed in a former Nabisco factory, where you will find unique restaurants and shops.

9. Times Square

With large billboards and brightly lit displays, Times Square is the place to go in New York at night, but it's still exciting at any time of the day. This is the site of New York's New Years Eve celebrations and the famous "ball toss" at midnight, when the square and surrounding streets fill with people.

Times Square is busy and constantly crowded, but it has its own unique appeal. The bleachers at one end are a great place to take a break and appreciate the scene.

Formerly Longacre Square, Times Square was named in 1904 in honor of the New York Times tower. The newspaper first published current headlines alongside its moving sign, the first of its kind in the world, in 1928.

Address: Broadway and 7th Avenue, New York, New York.

10. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge, with its Gothic arches and suspension cables, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and has inspired generations of poets, composers and painters. This historic bridge, which spans the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, was completed in 1883 and was the world's first steel suspension bridge.

You can see it from many of the ferries or from the east side of Manhattan, but the best way to experience this icon is to take an hour and cross the Brooklyn Bridge. A wooden plank walkway, only open to pedestrians and cyclists, runs over lanes of traffic. If you're not up to walking the entire way, at least go to the first pillar, where there is an observation deck, and you can get a close-up look at one of the granite towers.

From the bridge there are beautiful views of Manhattan, the East River and the Statue of Liberty beyond. Biking across the bridge is another option, but foot traffic is often very heavy and cycling can be slow and challenging on busy days. Note that access to the bridge begins well behind the water's edge.

The title of the most populous district in New York City goes to Brooklyn and as such it boasts a multitude of attractions and things to do. From iconic Coney Island to the brand new Barclays Center and neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, and Park Slope, you can choose from year-round activities and places to visit.

A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or a subway ride from Manhattan will take you to neighborhoods and attractions like museums, gardens, parks, food markets, and more.

On your day trip or weekend getaway to Brooklyn, don't miss out on watching the Brooklyn Cyclones play at MCU Park, have a picnic at Prospect Park, stroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and admire the masterpieces at the Brooklyn Museum. Finish it all off with a stop at an outdoor food market to sample various foods and mingle with New Yorkers.

For more ideas on places to visit in one of New York City's coolest boroughs, check out our list of the best things to do in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Bridge

Drive, bike, or stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, a New York City landmark that connects Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights. Appreciate the massive towers built of limestone, granite, and concrete, and incredible views of the world-famous skyline from various vantage points on the pedestrian walkway.

The Brooklyn Bridge was the first bridge built over the East River; It took 24 years and opened in 1883. It once held the title of the longest suspension bridge in the world, until Japan's Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge appeared.

Since this is one of New York City's top attractions when you visit during peak season, you may be rubbing shoulders with other tourists; go early in the morning or in the evening for a more relaxing experience.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Located on the banks of the East River, is the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park, an inviting place to relax and enjoy views of bustling New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

The park features the restored 1920s carousel, playgrounds, docks, and lawns for a picnic. Visitors can enjoy events such as open-air movies, concerts, fitness classes, rowing, kayaking, and more. Other amenities include basketball courts, an inline skating rink, and a small beach for non-motorized boat launches. A seasonal ferry takes people from the park to Governors Island.

Brooklyn Museum

Admire the masterpieces of Cézanne, Monet, Bierstadt, Rothko, and other renowned artists in this beautiful space near the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and Prospect Park. The prestigious Brooklyn Museum houses a huge collection of Egyptian antiquities, along with African, European, Japanese, oceanic and American art, with the goal of helping people better understand the world. He is especially known for presenting Judy Chicago's feminist piece The Dinner Party.

The Brooklyn Museum houses nearly 1.5 million works in a 560,000-square-foot space. Even though it is the third largest museum in the city, it receives far fewer visitors than Manhattan's world-famous art museums, giving you the opportunity to admire famous pieces without many others around.

For more than 21 years, the museum has hosted a First Saturday program, with free programming for visitors each month. Programming includes art classes, music and dance performances, art workshops and gallery talks, as well as music performances and film screenings.

Address: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Lose yourself in nature as you stroll through the manicured grounds of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, located next to Prospect Park on 52 acres. You'll find tranquil gardens like the Cherry Esplanade, Fragrance Garden, Herb Garden, Magnolia Plaza, Cranford Rose Garden, Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and the new Woodland Garden, among others.

Even during winter, relax in the warmth of greenhouses with lush tropical flora and desert cacti. Don't miss the Sakura Matsuri Festival in the spring, which draws thousands of locals and visitors to the blooming Cherry Esplanade.

Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, New York.

Prospect Park

Beginning at the Grand Army Plaza Triumphal Arch and surrounded by the Park Slope, Crown Heights, and Windsor Terrace neighborhoods, the 526-acre Prospect Park is a gathering place for local residents. You can see them using the trails for jogging, biking, dog walking, exploring the Ravine forest, and picnicking at Long Meadow and Nethermead.

The bucolic park, with its intricate wetlands and man-made trees, is designed by the same architects behind New York's Central Park: Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It includes similar attractions such as a boathouse, a zoo, a lake, sports fields, an ice rink, a carousel, a band shell, and a variety of play areas and recreational activities.

Prospect Park is also home to the first urban Audubon Center, managed in partnership between Audubon New York and the Prospect Park Alliance. On Sundays near the Breeze Hill entrance, a Smorgasburg Prospect Park food festival serves a variety of cuisines from local restaurants April through October.

11. Fifth Avenue

One of the most famous shopping streets in America, Fifth Avenue is the main shopping area in New York, where many of the best designers have their flagship stores. Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store Fifth Avenue and, of course, Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as many others, line this elegant avenue.

Even non-shoppers can enjoy a stroll down Fifth Avenue. The best area runs roughly from the southern edge of Central Park to the New York Public Library, or more specifically, between 60th and 40th streets.

12. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal, often called Grand Central Station, is a fantastic Beaux Arts-style building, and it's definitely worth a visit to take a look at this famous landmark. The building first opened in 1913 as a terminal for the metro and train stations.

Outside, the colonnaded faces of 42nd Street and the statues on top are some of the highlights. Inside, you can't miss the Grand Staircase, where you can stop to contemplate the esplanade. The beautifully restored ceiling here shows a heavenly scene. You will also find a wide selection of retail stores and restaurants indoors.

13. One World Observatory

On top of the newly constructed One World Trade Center building, One World Observatory is an observation deck offering exceptional views from floors 100, 101 and 102, 1,776 feet above the city. The elevator to the top is part of the attraction. As you climb, the surrounding panels show New York City as it has transformed over the years, from a rural landscape to the metropolis you see today.

This glass building, which can be seen from across the city, is a unique structure on the Manhattan skyline, with angles that give it a very different look. If you stand near the base and look up, the tower appears pyramidal.

If you want to go up and see the view, you can purchase a skip-the-line ticket to the NYC One World Observatory to save you some time, but keep in mind that you will still have to go through security.

Address: One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, New York.

14. The Frick Collection

When it comes to atmosphere, the Frick Collection tops the list when it comes to New York City museums. Housed in an early 1900s mansion, the original building and collection were donated by Henry Clay Frick, who had the mansion built to display his art collection.

The artwork, which includes a mix of paintings, porcelain, and furniture, is beautifully distributed across sixteen galleries. Works by Monet, Rembrandt, Bellini, El Greco, and many other famous artists are on display.

The collections are not organized by era, artist or country, but in a more random way designed for enjoyment. The rooms surround a beautiful covered garden, with tropical plants and a central pond.

Address: 1 East 70th Street, New York, New York.

15. New York Public Library

The main branch of the New York Public Library was designed by the architects, Carrere & Hastings, in the Beaux-Arts style. The library, with its impressive rooms, is a prominent attraction in the city that has been featured in many movies and television shows over the years.

Although known colloquially as the main branch, the proper name is actually the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. It opened in 1911 with immediate success. A huge library, the Main Reading Room only stretches two city blocks, and the Periodicals Room has 10,000 current magazines. The collection at this location is huge, to say the least.

Location: Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, New York.

16. Wall Street

Stretching eight city blocks from Broadway to South Street is the world famous Wall Street. This street and its surroundings are home to some of the most important stock exchanges in the world, including the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ and the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Also nearby are the impressive Trinity Church and Federal Hall. Look for the bronze Charging Bull statue in Bowling Green on Broadway. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the financial district and a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

17. Radio City Music Hall

In the shadow of Rockefeller Center is Radio City Music Hall, a famous entertainment venue and designated city landmark. This 1932 Art Deco theater offers musical extravagances and movies and is home to the dance company, The Rockettes.

The building was built and financed by the Rockefellers during the 1930s and contained the largest indoor theater in the world at the time. Today, the venue frequently hosts major events, including the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards. Its prominent canopy is hard to miss, as it curves around the building and runs the length of the block.

Address: 1260 6th Avenue, New York, New York.

18. St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of the finest examples of New York's Gothic Revival, with its massive bronze doors, white marble facade, 330-foot spiers, the Grand Organ, rose window, bronze baldachin, 2400-seat capacity, and the statue of Pieta in next to the Lady Chapel. With millions of visitors a year, the cathedral is a major destination for both believers and tourists.

The building was erected in 1879 and has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence, including a $ 200 million renovation that was completed in 2016.

Location: 5th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets, New York, New York.

19. Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall opened in 1891 as New York's first great concert hall. Musicians from Tchaikovsky, who conducted the opening night, even Leonard Bernstein and The Beatles filled the room. It is said to have one of the best acoustics in the world.

While the best way to enjoy the venue is to attend a performance, one of the best ways to learn about it is on a guided tour. The tour offers a complete view of the hall, an insight into the construction, and analyzes some of the artists who have taken the stage. The tours end at the Museum of Roses.

Address: 881 7th Ave, New York, New York.

20. Bryant Park

On a summer day, it's hard to beat a quiet afternoon in Bryant Park. The grounds feature monuments and gardens, and "Le Carrousel", a popular carousel. A games area makes chess, checkers and backgammon boards available for a small fee.

Bryant Park was a seedy area known for crime and a hangout for undesirables until 1989, when the city reclaimed it and turned it into a beautiful urban oasis. The locals have embraced this park, and today, it is a pleasure to walk through it. If you don't want to play, it's interesting to watch others play. The park is located next to the New York Public Library.

Location: Between W 40th Street and W 42nd Street, at 6th Ave, New York, New York.