17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

New York City is one of the most famous cities in the United States. It is known as “The City That Never Sleeps.” It is divided into five major boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. It is home to famous landmarks, cultural centers, major museums, famous theaters, and skyscrapers.

The city’s main attractions include: the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of American independence. Times Square is lit up at night and is the heart of the city. Central Park is a large green park with opportunities for walking, picnicking, and boating. You can watch a panoramic view of the city from the Empire State Building. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is also home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art, One World Observatory, and Rockefeller Center.

Other popular places in the city include Broadway theaters, where world-class plays and musicals are performed. The New York Public Library is a must-see for book lovers. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum are great for learning about history. Chelsea Market and Grand Central Terminal are great places to eat, shop, and see the city’s architecture. Today, we’ll be discussing 17 tourist attractions that you should definitely know before visiting New York City.

1. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a major tourist attraction in New York City and a symbol of American independence. It was given as a gift from France in 1886 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of American independence. This massive sculpture is located on Liberty Island, a small island in the Hudson River near Manhattan.

The sculpture is made of copper and is approximately 305 feet tall (from the ground to the torch). The Statue of Liberty holds a torch in her right hand and a book in her left, which reads “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI”, meaning July 4, 1776, the day America declared independence. It is one of the most famous monuments in the world and is visited by thousands of people every day.

To visit the Statue of Liberty, you need to take a ferry from Battery Park. The ferry service is operated by Statue City Cruises. Visitors can tour Liberty Island, and with special permission, enter the statue and climb to the pedestal or crown. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

2. Central Park

Central Park is a large public park in the heart of the borough of Manhattan in New York City, which began construction in 1858 and was the first landscaped park in the United States. It was designed by two engineers, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The park is about 4 km long and about 800 m wide.

The park has 21 playgrounds, 26,000 trees, 7 large reservoirs or ponds, 2 ice skating rinks, a large zoo (Central Park Zoo), a castle (Belvedere Castle), and a historic carousel (horse wheel). In addition, the famous Strawberry Fields is a quiet area created in memory of John Lennon. The park has Harlem Meer in the north, The Pond in the southeast, and a large lake called The Lake in the middle.

There are many seasonal events here, such as Shakespeare in the Park, SummerStage Concerts, and ice skating at Wollman Rink in the winter. The Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow are popular areas for sunbathing and picnicking. There is also the Conservatory Garden – a flower garden, which has three different garden styles (Italian, French, and English). The park offers horse-drawn carriages, rickshaws, bike rentals, and guided walking tours for tourists.

3. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous skyscrapers in New York City. It is located at Fifth Avenue and 34th Street in Manhattan. The building opened in 1931 and was the tallest building in the world for many years. The building is approximately 1,454 feet tall (including the spire) and has 102 floors. It is built in the Art Deco architectural style, a popular design style of the 20th century. The building was designed by the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon.

There are two visitor observation decks, one on the 86th floor (open air) and the other on the 102nd floor (indoor). From here, you can see a breathtaking 360-degree view of New York City, such as Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge. It is open daily from 8 am to 2 am, with the last elevator departing at 1:15 am. If you buy your tickets online in advance, you can skip the line.

The Empire State Building has a small museum that displays information about its construction history, design, and cultural significance. The exterior of the building is also illuminated at night, changing colors to reflect national holidays, festivals, and social events.

4.Times Square

Times Square is the brightest and busiest area in New York City. It is located at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Broadway in Manhattan. Millions of people visit it every day, and about a million people gather in Times Square every year on New Year’s Eve to watch the “ball drop”. The huge billboards, bright lights, and lively atmosphere throughout the area keep Times Square alive 24 hours a day.

Times Square is surrounded by theaters, restaurants, shopping, and famous Broadway shows. It is also known as “The Crossroads of the World”. There is a TKTS booth here, where tickets for Broadway shows are available at low prices. There are also Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, M&M’s World, the Disney Store, and the Hard Rock Cafe. Many TV shows and live events are broadcast from here.

Times Square is always open and has 24-hour police patrols for security. As busy as it is during the day, it is equally bright and safe at night. Walking here at night, taking pictures, and spending time in the nearby coffee shops is a great experience for tourists.

5. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or “The Met” for short, is the largest and most famous art museum in New York City. It is located on Fifth Avenue next to Central Park and was founded in 1870. The museum is spread over three separate buildings, of which “The Met Fifth Avenue” is the most popular.

The Met houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, European, American, and modern art. It houses more than two million works of art, including mummies, armor, ancient paintings, sculptures, jewelry, musical instruments, and textiles. Works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, and Renoir are also exhibited here. There is also an original Egyptian temple called the “Temple of Dendur”, which is completely housed inside the museum.

The museum is open 6 days a week (closed on Thursdays), from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available online and offline, and there is a pay-as-you-wish option for New York residents. Visitors can take a guided tour or use an audio guide.

6. Broadway and the Theater District

Broadway and the Theater District are located around Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, and are home to some of the world’s most popular plays, musicals, and live shows. The area is home to about 40 major theaters, including the Minskoff Theater, the Gershwin Theater, the Majestic Theater, and the Shubert Theater. Famous musicals and plays are performed here every day—such as The Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked, Chicago, and Phantom of the Opera. Broadway shows are known worldwide for their high-quality acting, music, set design, and costumes. Many Hollywood actors began their careers on Broadway.

Discounted tickets can be purchased at TKTS booths in the Theater District. In addition, many theaters also offer discounted tickets through a “rush ticket” or lottery system. In the evening, the area is filled with lights and is bustling with tourists, artists, and theatergoers.

7. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most historic and popular landmarks in New York City. It connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn and spans the East River. The bridge opened in 1883 and was the world’s first steel cable suspension bridge. The bridge is approximately 1,833 meters (about 1.1 miles) long and is crossed by millions of people every day – on foot, by bicycle, and by vehicle.

The Brooklyn Bridge is a remarkable example of New York architecture and engineering. The bridge’s two Gothic arch towers and steel cable structure make it unique. There is a separate walkway at the top of the bridge, where visitors can walk or bike to see the magnificent skylines of Manhattan and Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center. The experience of walking is especially beautiful at dawn or sunset.

The bridge is always open and crossing is completely free. It is an ideal place for history, architecture, nature, and photography enthusiasts. On the Brooklyn end of the bridge is Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can sit and relax and enjoy the riverside views.

8. Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is a famous street in Manhattan, New York City, stretching from Washington Square Park to the Harlem River. It is the city’s official street divider, meaning it is used to define east and west addresses. The street is one of the most expensive and luxurious shopping destinations in the world. It is home to many famous brand flagship stores – such as the Apple Store (open 24 hours), Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

In addition to shopping, Fifth Avenue is also home to many important tourist attractions. These include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In addition, a section known as the “Museum Mile” contains several famous museums. Every year during the holiday season (especially Christmas and New Year), millions of people flock to Fifth Avenue to see the lights and window displays.

9. Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a famous commercial and entertainment center in Manhattan, New York City. It is located between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, between 48th and 51st Streets. This large complex was built in the 1930s and consists of 19 buildings. The most notable building is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, known to many as “30 Rock”. It is home to the headquarters and studios of the famous TV station NBC.

The most popular attraction for tourists is the “Top of the Rock” Observation Deck. From here, you can see Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the magnificent New York City skyline. In winter, Rockefeller Center’s ice skating rink and huge Christmas tree are internationally famous. Every December, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is held here, which is enjoyed by millions of visitors.

Rockefeller Center is home to many shops, cafes, restaurants, and public art. There is a large underground shopping plaza (Concourse Level) at the bottom of the building. From here, it is easy to travel to various subway routes.

10. One World Observatory

One World Observatory is one of the most modern and popular tourist attractions in New York City. It is located on the upper floors of the One World Trade Center building, which was built after the 9/11 attacks and is currently the tallest building in the United States (1,776 feet).

One World Observatory is located on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors. From here, a 360-degree view of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River, and the surrounding states can be seen. Visitors reach the top in just 47 seconds using the SkyPod Elevators, during which a special video shows 500 years of New York City’s history. There is also the Sky Portal, a glass floor that allows visitors to see the streets below, which is a thrilling experience for tourists.

Tickets to One World Observatory can be purchased online or on site. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk, but hours may vary depending on the season. There is a restaurant, a gift shop, and interactive displays that provide information about the building, city, and history.

11. High Line

The High Line is a popular public park in New York City, built on an old elevated railway. It is approximately 1.45 miles (2.3 km) long, starting from the Meatpacking District in Manhattan and ending at Hudson Yards. The park opened to the public in 2009.

The High Line’s main attraction is its open walkways, greenery, flower gardens, public art, and great views of the city. While walking, visitors can see Manhattan’s buildings, streets, the Hudson River, and modern architecture. There are also seating areas, small performance spaces, food stalls, and art installations. Free tours, art workshops, and cultural events are held here during the summer. The High Line is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is surrounded by The Vessel, The Whitney Museum of American Art, and Chelsea Market, which are additional attractions for tourists.

12. American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most popular museums in New York City. It is located on Central Park West in Manhattan and was founded in 1869. The museum has a large collection of Earth, animal life, space, and human history. It is an important repository of knowledge for students, researchers, and general visitors.

The museum has 45 permanent exhibition halls, a planetarium (Rose Center for Earth and Space), and a library. It displays giant dinosaur skeletons, a full-size model of a blue whale, the history of early humans, the natural environment of different regions of the world, and a collection of rocks and minerals. The Hayden Planetarium offers modern technology presentations on space, planets, and stars, which are very interesting for children and adults. The museum is open daily, and tickets are available online and on site. There is a cafeteria and a gift shop inside the museum, which is convenient for tourists. This museum is definitely not to be missed when traveling to New York City.

13. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most important and historic churches in New York City. It is located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, directly across from Rockefeller Center. This Roman Catholic church was built in 1879 and is the largest Gothic-style cathedral in the United States.

The main attractions of the church are its two 330-foot-high towers, colorful stained glass windows, marble altars, and a magnificent pipe organ. Inside, there is a peaceful, quiet, and spiritual atmosphere for prayer. Many tourists, devotees, and architecture lovers visit here every day. It is also used as an important venue for popes, bishops, and presidents. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is open 7 days a week, and admission is completely free. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own. Thousands of people gather here during special festivals such as Christmas and Easter.

14. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, where the World Trade Center Twin Towers stood after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It opened to the public in 2011 and is a memorial to the victims and the horrors of that day. The memorial features two large reflecting pools, built on the original foundations of the Twin Towers. The pools are surrounded by the names of the 2,977 people who died in the 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

The museum is located primarily in the lower part of the towers. It contains artifacts, photos, videos, personal belongings, audio clips, and a detailed account of the events of that day. Tickets can be purchased online and are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA, is one of the most famous art museums in New York City. It is located on 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan. It was founded in 1929. It is a large collection of modern and contemporary art, which houses the works of many world-renowned artists.

MoMA has more than 200,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, film, design, and digital media. It houses original paintings by many famous artists, including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, and Jackson Pollock. Among the most popular paintings are Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Monet’s “Water Lilies”. The museum is open daily. MoMA has an art bookstore, a cafe, and a beautiful garden area where you can relax.

16. New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is one of the major cultural and historical institutions in New York City. The New York Public Library (NYPL) was founded in 1895 by the merger of three libraries, the Astor Library, the Lenox Library, and the Tilden Trust. It is currently the second largest public library system in the United States. The library’s main building is located at the corner of 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. It is a Baroque Gothic building with two famous lion statues, Patience and Fortitude, on its facade.

The library contains approximately 50 million books, magazines, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and audio-visual collections. Notable collections include the Gutenberg Bible, ancient Greek and Roman manuscripts, first editions of Shakespeare’s works, and World War II documents. The Rose Main Reading Room, which is about the length of a football field, is very popular with students and researchers.

17. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal, also known as Grand Central Station, is one of the busiest and most iconic transportation hubs in New York City. It opened in 1913 and is owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). It is located at 42nd Street in Manhattan and is used primarily by Metro-North Railroad trains. It provides access to nearby New York City cities such as Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, and the Bronx.

Grand Central is architecturally remarkable. Its Beaux-Arts-style building was designed by the architectural firms Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore. The main concourse inside has a large star map painted on the ceiling, which is a reflection of the night sky. It is home to the famous four-faced clock, made of opalescent glass and estimated to be worth between $10 and $20 million. It also has 44 platforms and 67 tracks.

There is Grand Central Market, which has local food and merchandise shops, and the Dining Concourse, which has many restaurants and food chains. The most famous restaurant is the Grand Central Oyster Bar, which has been open since 1913. There is also the Whispering Gallery, where whispering in one corner can be heard in the other, a fun experience for tourists.