New York attractions range from the iconic (the Statue of Liberty) to interactive (Brookly Bridge) and everything in the middle depending on your interests and itinerary. These eight attractions are definitely worth seeing, with suggestions on how to enjoy them just like a native New Yorker.
New York may be an urban jungle, but locals tell us that this is a park city. Many of the best places to visit in NYC are parks—from the iconic Central Park in the middle of Manhattan, to the Hudson River views of Riverside Park, to the rolling hills and hidden trails of Prospect Park in Brooklyn. What makes parks a great place to see in New York City is that they are always free and open, despite the weather. Rain, snow, or sleet–that won’t stop New Yorkers from walking their dogs, taking long strolls, and going on runs.
Where you decide to go may depend on your travel style. Your trip planner can recommend activities that fit how you want to see NYC! During the spring and summertime, locals are seen enjoying picnic lunches, playing volleyball, or even sunbathing in the parks!
Check out the many park tours exploring the greenery of New York!
If it’s your first time in NYC, locals tell us you should definitely see the iconic Statue of Liberty.
The area surrounding the Statue of Liberty offers a variety of sights and experiences.
1. Ellis Island:
Nearby Ellis Island is visible from Liberty Island. This historic site was the gateway for millions of immigrants entering the United States and now houses the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
2. Manhattan Skyline:
Looking back toward Manhattan, you'll see the iconic skyline with its towering skyscrapers, including the One World Trade Center. This view is particularly stunning at sunset or when the city lights up at night. (You can hop on a cruise in the afternoon and take in the views while sailing past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the spectacular views of Manhattan)
3. The Statue of Liberty Museum:
On Liberty Island, the museum offers exhibits on the history of the statue, its construction, and its symbolism. The museum also features artifacts and the original torch.
The area around the Statue of Liberty is rich in history and offers a variety of perspectives on both New York City and the broader American experience.
Built at the end of the 19th century, the Brooklyn Bridge is beautiful, iconic, and, often, quite crowded.
The hustle and bustle shouldn’t dampen your enthusiasm for the bridge! Walking across is a cool activity—you’ll get incredible views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, aim to cross early in the morning.
Once there, don’t skimp on one of the coolest places to visit in NYC—Brooklyn itself. The DUMBO area at the base of the bridge is full of cute shops (and a great weekend flea market). Plus, it’s easy to hop on the subway to explore places like Williamsburg or Park Slope.
One look at the ceiling of Grand Central Terminal and you’ll feel like you’ve waltzed into the Harry Potter universe. (The ceiling is painted green-blue and covered with golden constellations—so beautiful!)
There’s a good chance you’ll swing through Grand Central en route to something else. Your trip planner can help you add extra time to your itinerary so that you don't have to rush to catch your train or subway. You’ll find a great food court here (really) and the station is lovely and clean. Also if you need a quick pit stop to charge your iPhone, you can stop by the gorgeous Apple Store and browse the latest devices to add to your collection.
The Empire State Building, a world-famous skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, is one of those iconic NYC sights - when you see it, you know you're here.
The building has 102 floors, with its topmost floors housing an observation deck that offers breathtaking panoramic views of New York City and beyond.
The Empire State Building is not just an office building; it’s a cultural symbol. It has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and photographs, making it an enduring symbol of New York City’s skyline and a must-visit destination for tourists from around the globe.
It’s impossible not to visit a museum while you’re in New York and there are so many options to pick from: The Met, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History are some local favorites to visit in New York, but there are well over 80 other museums to pick from!
And we haven’t even mentioned the Whitney...or the Brooklyn Museum...or the smaller, more obscure museums throughout New York—like the ultra-cool New York Transit Museum.
The New York Public Library is another Hogwartsian treasure in the middle of Manhattan. Scale the grand steps in front of the library and meet the two stone lions guarding the place—their names are Patience and Fortitude.
If you’re traveling to NYC on a budget, NYPL is a great place to visit in Manhattan. Fun fact: there are 92 NYPL locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Our trip planners recommend checking the library’s calendar. They offer fantastic events and temporary exhibits.
Union Square has a year-round green market, where you can sample goods from local farmers, lounge in the nearby Madison Square Park, or listen to local musicians play their craft. This is a historic neighborhood, but one that is so easy to get to by trains (the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, and R go here!) or by foot. There are a number of cozy coffee shops and bakeries too, so don’t miss out on a freshly baked scone while you’re here.
Although you'll find plenty of attractions to enjoy in the city, there's plenty to explore upstate as well.
It's easy! Hop on a Metro-North train from Grand Central and soon you'll be in an entirely different universe.
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