One of the greatest cities in the world, New York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers. Many of the best places to visit in New York City are within walking distance of each other, or just a short ride away, making this city a delight for sightseeing. Plan your trip with this guide to the top attractions in New York City.

1. Central Park

A walk, peddle, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must-do on anyone’s New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink. This huge park in the city center, a half-mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city. Read more: https://www.centralparknyc.org

2. Statue of Liberty

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

You can see the statue from land, with particularly good views from Battery Park, on the southern tip of Manhattan. However, to truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, the best thing to do is to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and see it up close. Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm

3. Times Square

Lined with huge, brilliantly lit billboards and screens, Times Square is the place to go in New York in the evening, but still exciting at any time of day. This is the location of New York’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations and the famous “ball drop” at midnight, when the square and surrounding streets are filled with people. Times Square official website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org

4. Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock Observation Deck

When it comes to New York attractions, Rockefeller Center is on almost all tourist’s itineraries. This vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of 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 awesome views over Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck. The “deck,” as it’s known, includes three floors, located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Indoor and outdoor viewing spaces offer spectacular views by day or night. This is a must visit place during Christmas, watch below video of Christmas in Rockefeller Center:

Rockefeller Center Oficial Website: https://www.oneworldobservatory.com

5. Brooklyn Bridge

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

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Explore the sweeping vistas, rich ecology, expansive piers, and vibrant programming of this special waterfront park. There is something for everyone. Watch the below video for the glimpses of Brooklyn Bridge Park:

Learn more: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org

6. The World Trade Center Observatory, and 9/11 Memorial and Museum

See the New York City skyline from over 100 stories above the streets – the highest point in the city. Take in breathtaking 360° views from the comfort of an indoor climate-controlled space. Get ready to elevate your senses at One World Observatory! Learn more: https://www.oneworldobservatory.com

The World Trade Center’s twin 110-story towers once dominated the Manhattan skyline but were destroyed by suicide-piloted jetliners on September 11, 2001, now stand two square reflecting pools, each one acre in size, known as the National September 11 Memorial. Surrounded by trees and grass, the pools are recessed, with water cascading over the sides and flowing into a seemingly bottomless square. These are the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. Around the pools are bronze panels with the names of all those who were killed in the attacks. Learn more: https://www.911memorial.org

7. Little Island

Rising from the Hudson River, Little Island, a new, 2.4 acre free public park, was opened to the public on May 21st, 2021, providing New Yorkers and visitors from around the world with a unique green space in New York City. This park provides peaceful spaces to explore, new venues for live performances and cultural events, and unique points to view the surrounding area. Learn more: https://justgiji.com/little-island-new-york-city/

8. 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-storey building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher, 41 years later. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC when it opened in 1931. There are two observatories atop the Empire State Building, but both offer astounding views.

Official site: www.esbnyc.com

9. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as Met, was founded in 1870, and is one of the most famous museums in the United States. The permanent collection of The Met contains more than two million works of art, spanning a period of 5,000 years. The museum has three sites, the centerpiece is The Met Fifth Avenue. Highlights of the collection include American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, and much more.

Official site: http://www.metmuseum.org/

10. Grand Central Terminal

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

Outside, the 42nd Street colonnaded faces and the statuary on top are some of the key highlights. Inside, you can’t miss the Grand Staircase, where you can stop to gaze out over the concourse. The beautifully restored ceiling here shows a celestial scene. You’ll also find an extensive selection of retail shops and restaurants inside.

Official site: www.grandcentralterminal.com

11. Edge

Edge is the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere located at 30 Hudson Yards, with a one-of-a-kind design, it’s suspended in mid-air, giving you the feeling of floating in the sky with 360-degree views you can’t get anywhere else. Look 100 stories down from the thrilling glass floor, lean out over the city on angled glass walls and sip champagne in the sky.

Official Site: https://www.edgenyc.com/en

12. Fifth Avenue

One of the most famous shopping streets in America, Fifth Avenue is New York’s premier shopping area, where many top 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 posh avenue.

Official Site: https://visit5thavenue.com

13. Lincoln Center

If you plan on taking in one of the performing arts such as ballet, symphony, or opera, it’s likely that your plans will involve an evening at the Lincoln Center. Musicians, dancers, and performers of all kinds dream of gracing one of the 30 indoor and outdoor stages spread throughout the center.

Official site: https://www.lincolncenter.org/lincoln-center-at-home

14. Broadway and the Theater District

Attending a Broadway show is one of the top things to do in New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theater, this is the place to see the latest shows and the long-running classics. Broadway usually refers simply to Broadway theater, which encompasses a large number of theater venues in the Theater District and along the street of Broadway. 

Official site: www.broadway.com

15. Gantry Plaza State Park

Gantry Plaza State Park, also affectionately called Gantry Park, is a waterfront park located in Hunter’s Point, Long Island City, New York. It offers visitors the most amazing views of the New York skyline. Though small in size, Gantry Park is one of America’s most uniquely beautiful urban parks.

Learn more: https://gantrypark.com

16. Battery Park City

“Palm Trees in New York!” The Winter Garden Atrium at the north end of Battery Park City is probably one of the only places in NYC where you can see palm trees. In this massive glass edifice originally constructed by César Pelli in 1985, the majestic palms of the species Washingtonia stand tall. 

Brookfield Place is a massive and sometimes overlooked shopping plaza located in Battery Park City. There are plenty of stores which you may know such as Hermès, Diane Von Furstenburg and Gucci, but guests will also find other lesser-known ones like DVF and Cos Bar. Moreover, the dining options at Brookfield Place aren’t your typical, run-of-the-mill eateries found at a suburban mall, here guests will find upscale, elegant restaurants like Amada for tapas, Blue Ribbon Sushi and there is even a P.J. Clarke’s inside. This iconic NYC saloon/restaurant is actually one of its many hidden secrets.
Learn more: https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/manhattan/battery-park-city/

17. Bryant Park

A popular, year-round New York City destination with lush seasonal gardens and a multitude of free activities. The Ice Theater has been performing in New York for more than 30 years, and regularly performs at both Bryant Park and the famed Rockefeller Center rink. Ice Theatre of New York also hosts figure skating classes at the Chelsea Piers ice rink.

Official site: https://bryantpark.org/

18. American Museum of Natural History

One of New York City’s best museums for a family outing, the American Museum of Natural History has something to entertain everyone. Eight permanent exhibit halls showcase all that’s interesting about the natural environment of our planet, from science and the environment to animals and fossils.

Official site: https://www.amnh.org/

19. The Seaport

On the East River. Under the Brooklyn Bridge. Downtown’s downtown. A historic neighborhood reborn. Cobblestones. Row houses. Waterfront views. Raw history imbued by contemporary culture. The Seaport has endured centuries of change. Home to rooftop extravaganzas. Hidden alleyways. The city’s largest outdoor bar. Its oldest lightship. Culinary experiences. Musical happenings. Art encounters. Year-round community programming. NYC history immortalized.

Official Site: https://theseaport.nyc

20. Wall Street

Wall Street is situated in Financial district in the lower Manhattan, New York City . Wall Street is a major attraction for all the Financial experts and enthusiasts. One may take a tour of this street with an iconic building of world finance, i.e. the New York Stock Exchange. Also located nearby are the impressive Trinity Church and Federal Hall. Look for the bronze statue of Charging Bull at Bowling Green, on Broadway. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Financial District and a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

Just Giji