Whatever your mood, taste or interest, there is always something to do in New York. The dynamic, adrenaline-filled city is one of the most captivating urban playgrounds on the planet, home to postcard-worthy landmarks, world-class museums and iconic entertainment venues.
Whether you want to experience dazzling art exhibitions, iconic attractions, lush green spaces, or top-notch shopping, it’s all here in New York City.
where do i start? This handpicked New York bucket list is a good place to start. There is something for everyone here, from art lovers to first-time visitors.
Keep reading to discover 13 New York attractions you must see on your next trip.
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New York City’s 13 Best Attractions
Times Square
A stroll through Times Square is a unique way to soak up the energy of New York. Often called the ‘Crossroads of the World’, this vibrant area throbs with energy 24/7, dazzling visitors with its giant billboards and flashing neon lights.
As you stroll Times Square, expect to come across historic theaters, restaurants, street performers, and cutting-edge flagship stores of brands such as M&M’s, H&M, GAP and Krispy Kreme.
Empire State Building
At 1,250 feet tall, the majestic Empire State Building is the fourth tallest building in New York City. From the building’s observation deck, you can marvel at the Manhattan skyline in all its glory.
New York City attractions that can be seen from the Empire State include the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Empire State Building was built in the middle of a race to build the tallest building in the world? Yes. Click here to learn more fun facts about New York that will surprise you.
central park
Gorgeous green spaces beckon even in New York. To experience nature in a unique and picturesque setting, head to the 843-acre Central Park, the most visited urban park in the United States.
Central Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. This sprawling lush destination is beautifully dotted with dazzling plant species such as elms, cherry trees, pines, tupelos, daffodils and magnolias. 275 of North America’s 800 bird species live here.
This breathtaking natural setting provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities such as jogging, walking, picnicking and biking.
At the 6.5-acre Central Park Zoo in the southeast corner of Central Park, visitors can come face-to-face with a variety of wildlife, including leopards, monkeys, penguins, bears and pandas.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is one of New York’s most impressive architectural wonders. Located at He 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, the station is the largest commuter rail terminal in the Americas, serving 750,000 visitors daily.
Even if you can’t take the train, Grand Central Terminal is worth a visit. The station’s cathedral-like building was designed in the Beaux Arts style and features a 125-foot ceiling vault depicting constellations.
One of the most prominent features of this Beaux Arts building is the Booth Clock, adorned with sculptures of American eagles and Roman gods, estimated to be worth as much as $20 million.
A little-known fact: The Whispering Gallery is located in the dining area of Grand Central Terminal. In this gallery, people can stand in opposite corners of a tiled wall and whisper messages to each other.
Museum of the City of New York
New York has a long itinerary of in-store museums and galleries. Home to more than 2 million works of his art spanning more than 5,000 years, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) is New York’s largest and most visited art museum. See masterpieces such as Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat and Claude Monet’s Bridge over the Water Lily Pond.
The Museum of Modern Art houses about 200,000 works of modern and contemporary art. If you’re short on time, take MoMA’s Quick His tour to see works by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, and Andy Warhol.
Another bucket list museum in New York is the Guggenheim Museum. Housed in a building designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum displays his 1,700 works of modern and contemporary art by artists such as Kandinsky, Rene Magritte, Jeff Koons, Francis Bacon, and Marc Chagall.
Visiting NYC with kids? Then head to the Natural History Museum. Here, little ones come face-to-face with a giant T-Rex, a blue whale and a 15.5-ton iron meteorite.
the statue of Liberty
Riding the Staten Island Ferry is an experience every visitor to New York should have at least once. This iconic ferry runs 24 hours a day from downtown Manhattan and offers heartwarming views of Ellis Island, Lower Manhattan, Governors Island and Brooklyn Her Heights.
This scenic ride also gives you the chance to see the majestic Statue of Liberty. This gigantic neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island was given to the United States by France as a birthday gift and has become one of the most famous landmarks in the world for her.
new york aquarium
The New York Aquarium is the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the United States. Occupying 14 acres, his 120-year-old facility is home to over 200 species of aquatic life, including sea lions, penguins, rays, eels, sea otters, octopuses and jellyfish.
Be sure to check out “Ocean Wonders: Sharks!” It holds over 500,000 gallons of water and is home to 18 species of sharks and 100 species of marine life.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a sparkling architectural gem in New York City. Built in 1858 in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, this charming neo-Gothic cathedral features his two minarets 330 feet above the ground and weighs over 9,000 pounds. It features a huge bronze door.
Walk through doors depicting several saints to see the cathedral’s stunning high altar with its 57-foot bronze canopy and the stunning stained-glass windows behind it. You can also see his two majestic pipe organs of 3,920 and his 5,918 pipes, and his spectacular sculpture of the Pieta, which is three times larger than Michelangelo’s Pieta in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. increase.
brooklyn bridge
Considered a marvel of 19th-century engineering, the Brooklyn Bridge is a rare suspension bridge spanning the East River between Manhattan and the boroughs of Brooklyn. This 3,460-foot bridge he completed in 1883 was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time.
Thanks to its iconic steel wire structure, the Brooklyn Bridge has become a legendary New York City landmark and has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service.
As you walk along the bridge walkway, you’ll see the Freedom Tower (aka One World Trade Center), the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan Bridge, and the dreamy New York City skyline.
high line park
Take a 40-minute walk through idyllic High Line Park. This 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park is located on the disused New York Central Railroad, redesigned by James Corner Field Operations, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Piet Oudolf.
During the summer, High Line Park hosts outdoor workouts and yoga classes.
1 World Trade Center
Located in the business and cultural hub of Lower Manhattan, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States. This is the main building of the reconstructed World Trade Center complex.
The building complex also houses the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which tells the story of 9/11 through a collection of media, stories and authentic artifacts.
At the top of the One World Trade Center is the 1,250-foot observation deck (One World Observatory), offering heartwarming views of New York City.
Rock Observatory at Rockefeller Center
Home of Radio City Music Hall
Bryant Park
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City? Then head to Bryant Park. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this lush 9.6-acre park is filled with lush green lawns and shaded walkways perfect for jogging.
But Bryant Park’s crowning jewel is its 17,000-square-foot ice rink, Christmas season in New York.
new york public library
The New York Public Library (NYPL) is the second largest public library in the United States with approximately 53 million items and 92 locations.
The main building of the New York Public Library, a 1-minute walk from Bryant Park, is an acclaimed Beaux Arts building that has been designated a New York City Landmark.
Sitting side by side in front of the library’s entrance, two lion statues named “Perseverance” and “Fortitude” welcome visitors from all over the world. Inside, there are several spectacular spaces housing his 15 million items in the humanities, social sciences and fine arts.
The building’s more prized space is the majestic Rose Main Reading Room, which measures 78 feet by 297 feet and features a 52-foot-high ceiling and a mural of vibrant sky and billowing clouds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New York City known for?
New York is known as one of the most visited places in the world. This iconic city attracts around 10 million visitors each year due to its famous landmarks, charming shops and international restaurants.
What are New York’s top attractions?
New York’s top 13 attractions are:
- Times Square;
- Empire State Building;
- central park;
- Grand Central Terminal;
- Museum of the City of New York;
- the statue of Liberty;
- New York Aquarium;
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral;
- Brooklyn Bridge;
- High Line Park;
- 1 World Trade Center;
- Bryant Park;
- New York Public Library.
How many days are enough in New York City?
If you are visiting New York for the first time, five days is the ideal time to stay in New York.
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