Ready to experience the best of the Big Apple? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, our guide to tourist attractions in New York has it all. Get ready to fall in love with the city that never sleeps – start planning your trip today!
1. Central Park
Central Park is a public park in New York City that covers 843 acres (341 ha) of land. It is the most visited urban park in the United States, with an estimated 42 million visitors per year. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the 19th century and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It features numerous recreational facilities, including a zoo, ice-skating rinks, tennis courts, and a number of playgrounds. The park also has a number of cultural attractions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Belvedere Castle.
2. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan. It was completed in 1931 and was the tallest building in the world until 1971. The building has an observation deck on the 86th floor, which offers panoramic views of New York City and beyond. The Empire State Building is a popular tourist attraction, with an estimated 4 million visitors per year. It is also a popular location for films and television shows.
3. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a bronze sculpture located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States and was dedicated in 1886. The statue stands 305 feet tall, including its pedestal, and is a symbol of freedom and democracy. Visitors can take a ferry from Manhattan to Liberty Island to see the statue up close and tour the pedestal and museum.
4. Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is a massive art museum located in New York City. It is the largest art museum in the United States and one of the most visited museums in the world, with an estimated 7 million visitors per year. The museum has a collection of more than 2 million works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and other objects from around the world. The Met also hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year.
5. Times Square
Times Square is a bustling commercial intersection in Midtown Manhattan. It is known for its bright lights, billboards, and large digital screens, as well as its numerous theaters, restaurants, and stores. Times Square is a popular tourist destination and is often crowded with people. It is also the site of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop.
6. Broadway
Broadway is a street in New York City that is home to a number of theaters, many of which host Broadway plays and musicals. Broadway is known for its world-class theater and is a popular tourist destination. Many famous actors and actresses have performed on Broadway, and tickets to Broadway shows are often in high demand.
7. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks. It is located at the site of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan and consists of two pools that mark the footprints of the Twin Towers, surrounded by the names of the victims. The museum is located underground and features exhibitions about the attacks and their aftermath. It is a sobering and moving tribute to the lives lost on 9/11.
8. High Line
The High Line is a public park built on a former elevated railroad track in Manhattan. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, passing through the neighborhoods of Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. The park is built on a 1.45-mile-long (2.33 km) section of the former New York Central Railroad’s West Side Line and features a variety of plants, art installations, and views of the city. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique way to experience New York City.
9. One World Observatory
One World Observatory is an observation deck located at the top of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States. It is located in Lower Manhattan and offers panoramic views of New York City and beyond. The observatory has three levels, with the highest level being 1,250 feet (381 meters) above the ground. It features interactive exhibits, a restaurant, and a gift shop. One World Observatory is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to see the city from a bird’s-eye view.
10. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a large natural history museum located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It was founded in 1869 and is one of the largest museums in the world, with an estimated 5 million visitors per year. The museum has a collection of more than 33 million specimens and artifacts, including dinosaurs, minerals, and cultural objects from around the world. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a number of research centers. It is a popular destination for families and those interested in science and natural history.
Last but not least, if you are on a budget, consider reviewing our list of the top 10 completely free tourist attractions of New York!
