Explore New York City: 15 Must-Visit Attractions

Three life-changing words: New York City. Millions are drawn to it; some never shake it. Monumental, artistic, cultural, commercial, cosmopolitan – the City That Never Sleeps is everything you’ve imagined. You’ll never be bored here; the only problem is narrowing down what to do from the endless list of possibilities.

To help you get started, here’s a list of highlights that are perfect for your next trip. However, the big sights lure big crowds, so brace yourself. If you’re after a calmer NYC experience, sights in the “outer borough” (beyond Manhattan) will generally be less crowded.

Ticket costs can also be substantial, so consider looking for discount options at top attractions.

1. Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The iconic copper-green Statue of Liberty dominates a small island in New York Harbor, casting a protective shadow over neighboring Ellis Island, the site of a stirring Immigration Museum. Still symbolic today, these two landmarks served as an uplifting gateway through which over 12 million soon-to-be-Americans passed from 1892 to 1924.

Planning tip: Boats to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from The Battery in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Early planning is essential if you hope to spend time in Liberty’s pedestal or crown.

2. Soak up the views from the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings

The tallest building in the world when it opened in 1931, the 1454ft Empire State Building remains a much-loved character on the NYC skyline. Views from the outdoor, 360-degree 86th-floor deck and the indoor 102nd-floor observatory are breathtaking, especially at sunset. Look northeast at the art deco Chrysler Building, which was also once the world’s tallest.

Planning tip: Buy tickets in advance and take a moment to explore the second-floor Story of an Icon museum.

The museum at the National 9/11 Memorial is a humbling place to explore © Pit Stock / Shutterstock

3. Pay tribute to lost lives at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The National 9/11 Memorial is located where the World Trade Center Twin Towers once stood. It features poignant tributes to lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, with two sunken pools representing the fallen towers’ footprints. Adjacent to the memorial is a deeply moving museum with remnants and reminders of that tragic day.

Planning tip: The memorial is free; museum tickets are best purchased online in advance.

4. Have family-friendly seaside fun at Coney Island

Jutting like a Brooklyn thumb into New York Harbor’s Lower Bay, Coney Island boasts a wide beach, a lively amusement park, and a popular seaside boardwalk. Popular attractions include the family-friendly New York Aquarium, famous Nathan’s hot dogs, and thrill-filled Luna Park, featuring the wooden Cyclone rollercoaster – a city and national historic landmark.

Planning tip: Walk to nearby Brighton Beach for classic Russian and Ukrainian eats.

With its vast art collection, the Met is one of New York’s top museums © Guillaume Gaudet / Lonely Planet

5. Tour the vast collections at NYC’s major museums

The Met is NYC’s most visited museum for very good reasons. With 5000 years of art from all over the world and 17 acres of exhibition space, it is massive and astounding. The Met’s lesser-known uptown Cloisters were assembled from authentic sections of European medieval monasteries.

Across Central Park from the Met is the American Museum of Natural History, where your ticket grants you access to more than 50 exhibits and 34 million artifacts!

Art lovers will find modern masterpieces from Warhol, Pollock, and others at the Museum of Modern Art. For something unique yet less crowded, try Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Museum, an impressive art space that still maintains a comforting atmosphere.

Central Park is one of the city’s most popular places to go © Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

6. Hang out in Central Park

Hemmed in by buildings, Central Park serves up 843 acres of green space – meadows, groves, gardens, and lakes. The park is a favorite for runners, skaters, and cyclists. Seeking some green space with fewer people? Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, created by the same landscapers as Central Park, offers a similar charm with far less crowding.

7. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Undoubtedly NYC’s most beautiful river crossing, the 1596ft-long Brooklyn Bridge was one of the world’s first steel suspension bridges. A walk along its pedestrian walkway delivers stunning views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines. Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches along the East River shoreline, prolonging your enjoyment of the incredible skyline.

The Manhattan skyline delivers icons aplenty © Cavan Images RF / Getty Images

8. Gaze upon the Manhattan skyline

Manhattan’s skyline offers a mesmerizing spectacle, particularly at dusk and at night. Harbor cruises provide fantastic views but land-based vantage points are plentiful. Check out locations like Brooklyn Heights Promenade or Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens for breathtaking perspectives.

Planning tip: For a splurge, consider a helicopter tour over NYC for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

9. See art and architecture on the High Line and at Hudson Yards

The 1.5-mile-long High Line is an art-filled community green space, crafted from an abandoned elevated railway. The northern terminus of the High Line is the Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s newest luxury development, showcasing gourmet restaurants, shops, and distinct attractions like Vessel, an impressive public landmark.

10. Visit the landmark Rockefeller Center

Best known for its winter backdrop – a world-famous ice-skating rink and giant ceremoniously-lit Christmas tree – the art deco Rockefeller Center remains a busy, art-filled national historic landmark throughout the year. It features the Top of the Rock observation deck and the Radio City Music Hall.

You’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in and around Times Square © Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

11. Be dazzled by the lights of Times Square and the Theater District

The neon lights shine bright in Times Square, providing sensory overload at the heart of the world’s most celebrated theater district. Broadway’s marquee-fronted playhouses host box-office hits, accompanied by Bryant Park, a small but vibrant green oasis nearby.

12. Ride the New York City Subway and Staten Island Ferry

The wheels never stop turning in NYC, aided by its sleepless subway system and the free Staten Island Ferry, a fantastic way to snap pictures of Lady Liberty.

Head to the Bronx to visit the New York Botanical Garden © Boogich / Getty Images

13. Support conservation at the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens

New York City is home to the US’s largest and oldest zoo, the Bronx Zoo, which hosts over 6000 animals in specially designed habitats. Adjacent to the zoo is the New York Botanical Garden, which showcases numerous indoor and outdoor gardens.

14. Find art and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is known for its hip industrial areas occupied by entrepreneurs, artisans, and artists. Industry City boasts several companies, while the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal and Naval Yard point to the borough’s vibrant, innovative spirit.

15. Go to a game at a New York stadium

New Yorkers take pride in their sports teams, making it exciting to attend a game. Yankee Stadium and Citi Field are grand open-air stadiums, while Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center are enclosed venues that are perfect for rainy days.

Planning tip: If you’d prefer to catch a football game, the Giants and Jets play in nearby New Jersey.

Continue Exploring NYC

Discover which NYC neighborhood fits your vibe.
Find the best time of year to visit.
Learn how to navigate NYC’s transportation system.
Explore tips to cycle through New York City like a pro.

This article was first published on May 25, 2021, and updated on March 23, 2024.

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