New York | The Top Attractions of the City

It can be pretty overwhelming when you try to choose among all the enticing attractions in NY beckoning you to check them out. It’s not called the Big Apple for anything: New York City the centre of the worlds of finance, fashion, music, art, theatre, literature, and architecture. And it is the scene of lots of history as a bonus. You just can’t see it all in one trip, and what’s open that time of year.

To get a feel for the city, start with this list of its top attractions and landmarks. Many of the attractions on this list are iconic NYC institutions and could very well be on your bucket list. Check a few off and get a feel for one of the greatest cities on the planet. These picks are in no particular order; they’re all top-of-the-list spots.

If you have some time after visiting these landmarks, check out Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park, shop on Fifth Avenue, ride to the top of One World Observatory, take a walk on the High Line, and go bar-hopping in the Meatpacking District.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States in 1886 from France in honour of the friendship established between the newly minted United States of America and France during the French Revolution. It has become an American symbol of freedom and welcomes to the immigrants who come to the United States looking for a better life.

 Only visitors who are in good health and plan in advance visit the crown of the Statue of Liberty because tickets are limited to allow roughly 240 people per day crown access. It’s amazing to see the statue from Liberty Island and realize just how large it is. Ranger-led tours of the island are free and offer a great deal of information about the Statue of Liberty and its history.

Staten Island Ferry

Of its approximately 22 million annual riders, roughly 1.5 million of the Staten Island Ferry passengers are tourists who take the free ride for the iconic New York views. Commuters and tourists get a view of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty during this hour-long ride between lower Manhattan and St. George, Staten Island.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is the most iconic and recognized symbol of New York City, and a visit to this legendary structure and its observation deck is a must. This classic New York City attraction gives millions of visitors each year spectacular views of New York City and the surrounding area from its 86th- and 102nd-floor observatories. The Empire State Building, which opened during the Great Depression in 1931, reflects its Art Deco era in its architecture and lobby. Buying tickets to the observation decks in advance cuts waiting time and is especially important if you’re in New York City during high vacation season.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

More than 2 million works of art from around the world and throughout history are housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the No. 1 art museum in the United States. If you’re an art lover, the Met is well worth a visit to its vast and diverse collection. There’s no way to see everything this museum offers in a single day, but just a few hours give you a taste of its most important gems.

The Museum of Modern Art

Founded in 1929 as the first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, the Museum of Modern Art is home to an impressive collection of modern works of art. From painting and sculpture to film and architecture, MoMA’s diverse collection has something for just about everyone. Don’t miss its gift shop, where you can buy classy souvenirs of your trip.

American Museum of National History

Since opening to the public in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has evolved and grown. In addition to the Rose Center planetarium and permanent displays, the museum hosts a revolving series of temporary exhibitions.

This is a great place for kids, with IMAX shows and a Discovery Center that is full of hands-on activities for children. The food court and several cafes offer visitors a variety of different dining options and a chance to refuel during an extended visit.

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is both an essential New York City transit hub and an authentic example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Renovations since its opening in 1913 have turned Grand Central into more than just a hub for transportation. You can shop, eat, have a drink, and just marvel at this architectural landmark of New York City. Its special spots, including the Campbell, Whisper Gallery outside of the Oyster Bar, and the Main Concourse Information Booth Clock, make this a particularly special destination, and it’s all free.

Central Park

Central Park’s 843 acres have offered a welcome escape from the concrete jungle of New York City since the mid-19th century, and 42 million people visit this green oasis every year. New Yorkers and visitors alike come to Central Park year-round to exercise, relax, and explore.

One of the reasons that Central Park is such a magical place is that no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover or explore. Visitors might enjoy a picnic in Central Park, watching a SummerStage concert or even taking a free walking tour offered by the Central Park Conservancy.

Central Park was the first major landscaped public park in the United States and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The pair also designed Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, somewhat smaller but also beautiful to behold and a star attraction in Brooklyn.

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a great destination for visitors any time of year, but it’s an especially big draw during the holiday season, with its famous Christmas tree and ice-skating rink. Built during the Great Depression, the complex’s Art Deco architecture and works of art make it destination-worthy, even without all the shops, restaurants, and activities happening.

 Besides its Christmas tree and ice-skating rink, the midtown Manhattan landmark also offers visitors the wonderful Top of the Rock Observation Deck, where you can enjoy a great view of Manhattan from 850 feet above street level, and Radio City Music Hall, which hosts concerts, shows, and performances year-round.

Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan

A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights, across the East River, is such an authentic New York experience that it’s often dramatized in movies and TV shows to set the scene. It’s free and magnificent. Walk along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade on the Brooklyn side for spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and grab a hot dog from a street vendor on the Manhattan side of the bridge, just across from City Hall Park.