New York City is home to a few of the most famous attractions in the world, iconic, historic and even new (such as the National September 11 Memorial & Museum). Here are what we consider to be the very top of the heap, your absolute must-sees before leaving town.
Some of these places (such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island) require advance planning, since a ferry trip to the venue is involved. Others get sold out quickly (the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum), so buying tickets ahead of time is a must. Then there are others, like the Met, the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park, that you can take in on the spur of the moment, though be forewarned: These are the top sights to see in the Big Apple, so you should pretty much expect crowds everywhere you go.
But trust, us, it will be worth the long lines and the crowds. This is, after all, our city at its very best.
New York City
Home to famous spots like the Empire State Building and Central Park, there are plenty of attractions to see in NYC.
The Empire State Building, a definite must-do NYC experience.
(Courtesy Empire State Building)
This venerable skyscraper is known worldwide as the setting for meet-cutes in romantic comedies (Sleepless in Seattle comes to mind) and also reigned as the world’s tallest building for a number of years. The structure offers breathtaking Art-Deco ceiling murals and, of course, Kodak moment-worthy photo ops of the cityscape.
Practically since its inception, the city has been the gateway for immigrants to the United States, with many reaching the city via the New York Harbor and seeing the welcoming glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. Today visitors go inside the 300-foot landmark pedestal or crown and also visit the museum located at the base of the statue.
The observatory is housed on levels 100, 101 and 102 of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center. Besides panoramic views of NYC, visitors can expect interactive exhibits and dining options, and get whisked to the "top of the world" in under 60 seconds, via sleek Sky Pod elevators.
Immigrants to NYC yearning for a better life in the U.S. made the trip to Ellis Island before embarking on their new lives, and this former federal immigration processing station processed more than 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954. Today, visitors can explore historic areas and possibly even learn about their own ancestors.
This sobering museum honors the memory of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 and Feb. 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing and examines the ongoing significance and impact of the events of September 11. While in the area, visit 9/11 Memorial, a tribute to those nearly 3,000 killed on Sept. 11 in NYC, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.
The most well-known institution on the Upper East Side’s famed Museum Mile, The Met is home to almost any and every art discipline imaginable, including Gothic Revival, Ancient Near Eastern Art, medieval armor, arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas; the Costume Institute's dazzling collection of 35,000-plus costumes; and much more.
Founded in 1869, this Upper West Side institution is home to exhibits of the natural and anthropological variety and also boasts a world-class planetarium—the Hayden Planetarium in the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Check out the gigantic whale in the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life, and the museum is also ideal for dinosaur fans.
This elevated freight rail line turned public park snakes from Manhattan’s W. 34th St. south to Gansevoort St. in the Meatpacking District. The park covers little more than a mile, and along the way visitors can enjoy views of the West Side and Hudson River, art installations and tours of species of perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees.
These grassy grounds span 843 acres from 59th to 110th streets, between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West, and activities to enjoy are limitless—from paying your respects to Beatle John Lennon at Strawberry Fields to people-watching, visiting the Conservatory Garden, having a picnic at the Sheep Meadow or visiting the Central Park Zoo.
Originally a gift to New Yorkers from John D. Rockefeller, today folks still get the chance to enjoy panoramic views of Manhattan’s splendor from the 67th and 69th floors of the Art Deco GE Building, aka 30 Rock. Visitors can take in grand views of Central Park, northern Manhattan and the so-close-you-can-touch-it Empire State Building.
In this bustling district, the twinkling lights of theater marquees and the multimedia displays of ads screened on skyscrapers wow visitors. The area boasts larger-than-life retailers, including a Toys “R” Us with a 60-foot Ferris wheel. Get discounted theater tickets from the TKTS booth under the red staircase in Duffy Square.
This Upper West Side cultural oasis is home to the New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet and The Metropolitan Opera. Visitors enjoy a year-round schedule of classical music, ballet, theater, opera and jazz in more than 40 concert halls and public spaces on and off its revitalized campus. The attraction also boasts free events.
While visiting this historic transportation hub, travelers can take pictures of the four-face clock and astronomical-themed ceiling in the Main Concourse, share secrets in the Whispering Gallery, savor a steak at Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C. or sip cocktails in the luxurious Campbell Apartment.
The longest suspension bridge at the time of its opening in 1883, this iconic structure connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. The historic site lends itself to picture-perfect views of the awe-inspiring Manhattan cityscape, so opt for a stroll across the attraction to Brooklyn—Brooklyn Bridge Park waits on the other side.
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Classic
Historic
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