Whether you’re looking for entertainment, shopping, history, art or scenic beauty, these iconic NYC sights have been attracting tourists for decades.
Made famous through an endless list of cinematic appearances, Grand Central Terminal is a must-visit for many. Join a guided tour for a deeper insight into its legendary design.
1. Times Square
The lights, people and buzzing energy top 10 tourist spot Times Square make it an essential experience for visitors. From a somber tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks to the Survivor Tree, a Callery pear that withstood the bombings, this area has something for everyone.
Shoppers can find everything from a giant M&M store to the world’s largest Disney Store. The TKTS booth in Times Square and Lincoln Center sells discounted same-day tickets to Broadway shows. Photo opps abound. And, when winter comes around, Rockefeller Center is the perfect place to skate under its famous ice rink.
2. Central Park
The most famous park in NYC and a beloved cultural icon, Central Park is the place to go for fresh air and beautiful scenery. This vast green swath of Manhattan is home to calm lakes, babbling brooks and quiet woods.
It’s also where you’ll find iconic landmarks and movie locations. Take a horse-and-carriage tour of the park to see its sights and learn about New York’s unique history and culture.
3. Grand Central Terminal
With its hollywood-like appearance and 44 platforms, Grand Central is as much of a destination as it is a train station. Its most recognizable feature is the main concourse, which features an astronomical mural on its ceiling and an iconic clock. It’s also a popular spot for locals and tourists to meet, especially before the age of cell phones.
Among the highlights of this cavernous space is the Whispering Gallery. This plain-looking corner can transmit sound from one end of the room to the other – so whispering into one corner can be heard by someone standing in the other!
4. The Empire State Building
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to this iconic skyscraper. It appears on virtually every first-time visitor’s sightseeing list and is a must for anyone who wants to see the Big Apple in all its glory.
Arguably the world’s best art museum, MoMA has a lot to offer visitors from all walks of life. From Egyptian hieroglyphs to modern masterpieces, it’s a must-visit for any culture vulture. It’s also a popular stop for celebrities and VIPs like Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Emma Stone, Novak Djokovic, and more.
5. The Statue of Liberty
A longstanding symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see for travelers visiting New York. A ferry from Battery Park takes visitors to Liberty Island for postcard-worthy views of the neoclassical beauty.
Arguably the world’s most famous museum (although the Louvre would certainly have a say on that), MoMA is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum’s collection includes works from the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet.
6. Rockefeller Center
Travelers flock to this massive commercial intersection where the bright lights of Broadway shine. They also take in the city’s skyline from the Top of the Rock observation deck and visit Radio City Music Hall to see The Rockettes or check out the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on a World War II aircraft carrier.
This grandiose Art Deco complex offers a taste of everything. Find works of art like Paul Manship’s gilded bronze sculpture Prometheus or Isamu Noguchi’s News on the AP building and take in killer views from 30 Rock.
7. The New Museum
A short walk from MoMA, this sleek architectural addition serves as an incubator for adventurous ideas birthed by domestic and international emerging artists. Complex art and thoughtful interior design make this a must-see for contemporary enthusiasts.
New York City has more sky-high observation decks than you can shake a stick at. Go for the views from iconic structures like One World Trade Center, Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center or brave relative newbie Edge at 30 Hudson Yards. This soaring skyscraper is so high that its main concourse ceiling showcases gold-leaf constellations.
8. Fotografiska
Founded in Sweden in 2010, Fotografiska is the global home of photography. It’s designed to “inspire a more conscious world” through thought-provoking exhibitions. Guests can expect photography by both celebrated and rising stars from around the globe.
The New York outpost opened in 2019 in the landmark 1800s Renaissance Revival Church Missions House in Gramercy Park. It’s a stunning space designed by the firm CetraRuddy. The museum features floor after floor of windowless gallery spaces, a bar and the restaurant Veronika.
9. The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a dazzling architectural masterpiece with plenty to keep visitors busy. Visitors are encouraged to sign up for one of the guided tours that show off the best of this NYC landmark.
The Statue of Liberty is the top attraction for many first-time visitors to New York City and a key symbol of American freedom. A visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum and Survivor Tree are also somber but powerful experiences.
10. Staten Island Museum
Many NYC attractions feature sky-high observation decks – and for good reason. Whether it’s the iconic One World Trade Center, Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center, these spots are some of the most popular in town for their far-reaching views across Manhattan.
Conclusion
The Staten Island Museum is an art and natural science destination located in a historic 19th-century landmarked building on Sailors’ Snug Harbor. Its collections include historical artifacts such as authentic land grants and military documents signed by a British commander named William Howe. It also has an extensive collection of nature specimens.