Must-Visit New York City Attractions
The Empire State Building. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Statue of Liberty. These are merely a sampling of the New York City attractions that tourists travel miles across the globe to experience.
If you’re planning a vacation, you’ll probably want to explore a selection of these iconic places. But I recommend choosing a few––don’t try to see them all on a single trip––unless you’re in New York for an extended stay. You don’t want to feel like you’re rushing from one tour or NYC attraction to the next and not have time to appreciate the moments that make New York a one-of-a-kind city.
Whether you want to savor captivating views of the skyline or immerse yourself in one of the world’s most beloved public parks, here’s an overview of the top New York City attractions. I suggest planning ahead and purchasing any tours and tickets in advance.
The Empire State Building, 350 5th Ave
Experience 360-degree views when you ascend to the 86th floor of this Art Deco treasure, one of the most celebrated buildings in the world. I recommend visiting early in the morning or late at night, and trying to avoid weekends when crowds peak. Regardless, the long line is worth it for the views from this legendary skyscraper.
Expect to spend anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour at the ESB.
Nearby: Macy’s Herald Square–-the world’s largest department store––at 34th and Broadway
Purchase tickets for the Empire State Building.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Rockefeller Center remains a cornerstone of Manhattan, as well as a hub for shopping and dining. See the city that never sleeps from the 70th floor of this famed landmark, also one of the top New York City attractions to visit and the setting of the award-winning television show, 30 Rock.
This experience lasts about 1 hour.
Nearby: Radio City Music Hall at 50th and Sixth Avenue.
Purchase tickets for the Top of the Rock
American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St
Meet the world-famous Titanosaur, tour the stunning Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Hayden Planetarium when you visit one of the most fantastic history museums in the world – the AMNH on the Upper West Side. In addition to the museum, stroll around the grounds and see Upper West Siders (including four-legged ones) in action.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to wander around the AMNH.
Nearby: Zabar’s, a gourmet institution at 80th and Broadway
Purchase tickets for the American Museum of Natural History
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave, The Met Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Dr
Immerse yourself in over 5,000 years of international art. A ticket includes same-day admission to The Met Museum on the Upper East Side and The Met Cloisters, a treasure trove of medieval art in Inwood.
Allow about 2.5 hours for a private tour (below). I recommend a full afternoon, but you could spend several days at The Met and not see it all.
Nearby: Museum Mile––a string of museums along Fifth Avenue north of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights surrounds The Met Cloisters.
Take a guided tour of The Metropolitan Museum or Art
9/11 Memorial and Museum, 180 Greenwich St
Honor the victims of 9-11 when you visit this memorial and museum at the site of the 2001 attacks in Lower Manhattan. The guided excursion also includes Ground Zero.
This tour lasts 2-4 hours.
Nearby: City Hall Park, located at Broadway and Chambers Street
Purchase tickets for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, New York Harbor
Even today, the Statue of Liberty continues to be a welcoming symbol to people from all around the world. Explore Lady Liberty and the rich history of immigration in the United States at nearby Ellis Island.
This tour lasts 3-5 hours.
Nearby: Ideal for a stroll and photo ops, the Battery Park City Esplanade is near the ferry terminal.
Purchase tickets for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86 W 46th and 12th Ave
Explore the Intrepid––an aircraft carrier that fought in World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War––the Space Shuttle Pavilion, the submarine Growler, and watch the Story of Intrepid film.
Allow about 1.5 hours for this museum.
Nearby: Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen offers a parade of restaurants and bars.
Purchase tickets to the Intrepid Museum
Central Park
All 843 glorious acres of every New Yorker’s backyard is worth exploring. But even as a local, I haven’t seen every square inch of this magnificent public park (yet). You can begin at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue and hit the highlights on your own, or tour with an expert and learn about the park as you make your way through it via pedicab. Walking the length of the park on the outside––along Fifth Avenue on the East Side or Central Park West on the West Side––will take about an hour or a little less with no stopping.
Allow 1-3 hours for this tour (below) and the same amount of time if you choose to explore the park on your own.
Nearby: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts at 62nd and Broadway
Book a private guided pedicab tour of Central Park
Brooklyn Bridge
Pretend that you’re in a movie when you stroll across one of the most beloved New York City attractions. Walk from Manhattan into Brooklyn like most tourists, or do the local thing and walk from Brooklyn into the city. Either way, the views are magnificent so don’t forget your camera.
Set aside at 2.5 hours for this walking tour.
Nearby: On the Manhattan side, The Seaport is a short walk away. On the Brooklyn side, Grimaldi’s pizza is a must. And budget time to see Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Book a walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and the DUMBO neighborhood
The Edge Observation Deck, 30 Hudson Yards
Soak in panoramic views of Manhattan and beyond from the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Before The Edge, embark on a guided 3-hour walking tour and explore Wall Street, Chinatown, Little Italy, the Flatiron Building and more New York City sites and attractions.
Budget about 5 hours for this tour and The Edge. If you decide to do only The Edge, budget about 2 hours.
Nearby: The Edge is situated in Hudson Yards, a city within a city.
Purchase tickets to The Edge Observation Deck
Which of these New York City attractions have you visited? What are your favorite things to do in NYC?
Also, my go-to travel bag. I never leave home without it.
Plus, my tips for walking over the Brooklyn Bridge.
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