New York is the most populous metropolis in the US. With over 8 million people living in its five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—and is situated on the east coast of the United States.
New York is one of the best places to visit in the US. You will find a distinctive blend of history, culture, and tourist attractions here.
Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building are just a few tourist attractions in Manhattan, the center of the metropolis. The borough is also the center of the worldwide financial system, with Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange being essential components of the world economy.
Recognized for its diverse and artistic atmosphere, Brooklyn is home to the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood, the Brooklyn Bridge, and lively neighborhoods.
The world’s most ethnically diversified metropolitan area, Queens, is home to Citi Field, Flushing Meadows, and a wide variety of international cuisines.
While Staten Island has a more suburban feel with lovely parks and the historic Richmond Town, the Bronx is home to Yankee Stadium, the New York Botanical Garden, and the Bronx Zoo.
With its Broadway theaters, renowned institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a bustling music and nightlife scene, New York City has an unmatched cultural influence. There are so many famous places to visit in New York. Its cuisine scene is equally amazing, with everything from popular street food to restaurants with Michelin stars.
The place continues to be an ever-evolving beacon of opportunity and excitement, drawing millions of tourists from all over the world each year for sightseeing in New York.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
It is one of the most famous places to visit in New York, especially its enormous collection of artwork.
The largest art museum in the United States and one of the most well-known worldwide is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or “th ae Met” as it is more often known.
Things to Do at the Metropolitan Museum of Art:
There are lots of things to do in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a few of which are described below.
Witness unique art collections from historic and contemporary times.
Dine at the Great Hall Balcony Café & Bar and The Dining Room for dining.
Visit the Met Cloisters for medieval European art.
Attend special exhibitions and guided tours.
Entry Fees of Metropolitan Museum of Art:
Adults $30, Seniors (65+) $22, Students $17, Free for Members and children under 12.
Timings of Metropolitan Museum of Art:
Sunday–Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm
Closed on Wednesdays
2. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
A popular tourist place in New York is the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the site of the World Trade Center, a melancholy reminder of the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
With interactive elements, images, video, and artifacts, it narrates the tale of that tragic day. Additionally, there is the Survivor Tree, a Callery pear tree that survived the bombing and is now a representation of rebirth and resilience.
Things to Do:
Mediate at the twin reflecting pools.
Explore exhibits detailing the events of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Visit the Survivor Tree.
Entry Fees:
Adults: $26
Young Adults (13–17), Seniors (65+), College Students, and U.S. Veterans: $20
Children (7–12): $15
Timings:
Sunday–Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm
Fri & Sat: 9 am – 9 pm
3. Top of The Rock
Visiting the Top of the Rock observatory, situated at Rockefeller Center, is the best way to see a full view of New York. It is undoubtedly one of the best attractions in NYC.
The breezeway, the Radiance Wall, and the Mezzanine Exhibit are visible along the route. In celebration of the iconic picture of construction workers eating lunch on a steel beam, you can also experience the interactive Beam Walk.
Things to Do Top of The Rock:
Enjoy the attractive views of New York City.
Visit the interactive exhibits.
Take a photo with the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (seasonal).
Entry Fees:
Adults: $40
Seniors (62+): $38
Children (6–12): $34
Free for children 5 and under.
Timings:
Daily: 9 am – 11 pm
4. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is the most visited place in New York, you can enjoy stunning views of the New York City skyline and Manhattan Island.
A journey to New York cannot be planned without a stop at the Empire State Building. Because of the enormous amount of work that went into its creation, the well-known cultural symbol is also regarded as a wonder.
It was formerly the highest building in the entire globe. It is a popular tourist place in New York, schedule a visit to the observatories on your sightseeing tour in New York City to witness the city’s layout from below.
Things to Do in the Empire State Building:
Visit the 86th and 102nd-floor observatories.
Look at the exhibition on the building’s history.
Enjoy the nighttime lighting displays.
Entry Fees of Empire State Building:
Main Deck (86th Floor): Adults $44, Seniors (62+) $42, Children (6–12) $38.
Top Deck (102nd Floor): Adults $79, Seniors $77, Children $73.
Timings of Empire State Building:
Daily: 9 am– 12 pm
5. Ellis Island Museum and Statue of Liberty
Visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about the history of immigration to the United States. With the use of exhibits, an interactive section, and an audio tour, it narrates the story of the 12 million immigrants who entered the nation through Ellis Island.
It is impossible to visit Ellis Island without seeing the famous Statue of Liberty. It’s also one of the most visited places in New York. Get tickets several months in advance to ensure you have time to explore the crown and pedestal.
Things to Do:
Tour the Statue of Liberty and its pedestal.
Visit the National Museum of Immigration.
Explore the Immigration Museum’s exhibits.
Entry Fees:
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Adults $24.50, Seniors (62+) $18, Children (4–12) $12, Free for children under 4.
Access to Crown: Additional $3.
Timings:
Daily: 9 am – 5 pm
6. American Museum of Natural History
The AMNH(American Museum of Natural History) is one of the amazing museums in NYC. Manhattan’s Upper West Side is home to one of the biggest museums in the world.
The best site to view dioramas, exhibits, models, and videos depicting biodiversity and space in New York is the American Museum of Natural History. It is the best place to take your kids to weekend parties and stuff.
Things to Do:
Visit the iconic dinosaur exhibits.
Watch an IMAX movie or planetarium show.
Entry Fees:
Adults $28, Seniors (60+), Students $22.50, and Children (3–12) $16.50.
Timings:
Daily: 10 am – 5:30 pm
Check also: Places to Visit in the USA
7. Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum is a short drive away in the Upper East Side; it’s an art museum unto itself! The renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright created it, and public tours allow visitors to examine its architecture.
Guggenheim Museum is a popular tourist place in New York, the museum showcases pieces by masters including Picasso, Gauguin, and Kandinsky in its permanent collection of Impressionist, post-Impressionist, Modern, and Contemporary art. Additionally, the museum offers a store online where you may purchase sculptures, ceramics, archival prints, and other items.
Things to Do in Guggenheim Museum:
Observe contemporary and modern art collections.
Attend special exhibitions and artist talks.
Explore the unique architecture of the building.
Entry Fees of Guggenheim Museum:
Adults: $25
Seniors (65+) and Students: $18
Free for Members and children under 12.
Timings of Guggenheim Museum:
Daily: 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Closed on Thursdays
8. Theater District
While most people are aware of Times Square, few may be aware that it is situated in Midtown West’s Theater District. There are a ton of eateries, recording studios, and Broadway theaters in the vicinity.
It will take days to visit them all because there are so many fantastic New York tourist attractions here. Apart from the obvious, which is to see a Broadway production, you ought definitely do a culinary tour of the many restaurants.
Things to Do:
Watch a Broadway show.
Dine at iconic restaurants like Sardi’s.
Visit Times Square for its vibrant atmosphere.
Don’t miss Times Square which is the most visited place in NY.
Entry Fees:
Varies by show and venue; ticket prices range from $50 to $300+.
Timings:
Showtimes are typically in the evening with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
9. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is another tourist place in New York. It is an engineering marvel that took 14 years to build and resulted in the deaths of up to 20 individuals, including the original designer, due to accidents and “the bends.”
Every day, over 150,000 cars and pedestrians cross the magnificent bridge. It frequently appears in movies and television shows, including Transformers 2, The French Connection, and Limitless.
Things to Do in Brooklyn Bridge:
Walk or bike across the bridge.
Take photos of the Manhattan skyline.
Visit nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Entry Fees of Brooklyn Bridge:
Free
Timings of Brooklyn Bridge:
Open 24/7
10. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the last in our list of best places to visit in New York. It is also a popular tourist attraction in NYC, known for its stunning neo-Gothic design, which is a significant landmark and a well-known representation of Roman Catholicism in New York.
The St. Patrick’s Cathedral is three times larger than Michelangelo’s Pietà, and the spectacular façade has spires that reach 330 feet. Put it on your list of things you really must visit in New York, particularly if you have an interest in architecture and history.
Things to Do:
Attend a mass or special service.
Take a guided tour of the cathedral.
Explore the cathedral’s architecture and art.
Entry Fees:
Free (donations accepted)
Guided tours: $20 (suggested donation)
Timings:
Daily: 6:30 am – 8:45 pm
Wrapping Up
In summary, New York City is a representation of the vibrancy and diversity of the world’s cultures. It is a well-known travel destination because of its active arts scene, prominent landmarks, and various neighborhoods.
The city’s distinct fusion of modernity and history provides countless chances for exploration, from the busy streets of Manhattan to the diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn and beyond.
Whether you are driven to New York City by its wealth of cultural attractions, culinary delights, or economic power, its perennial attractiveness and unwavering vitality guarantee that every guest or resident has an exceptional time.
April through June in the spring and September through early November in the fall are the ideal seasons to visit New York City. There are lots of outdoor activities and events, and the weather is nice. Still, the city is a year-round destination with something new to do in every season.
The subway is the most effective means to move about New York City. It can transport you to practically all of the main sights and is quick and reasonably priced. Other common modes of transportation include taxis, buses, ridesharing services (like Uber and Lyft), and walking. Think about getting a MetroCard for unlimited bus and subway travel.
Some budget-friendly activities include:
- Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge
- Checking out the New York Public Library
- Visiting Times Square
- Visiting Central Park
- Exploring the High Line
- Attending free events or festivals
- Visiting museums on their pay-what-you-wish days or free admission hours
Travelers can feel safe visiting New York City, particularly in the tourist-friendly and densely populated neighborhoods. Like in any big city, it’s critical to maintain awareness of your surroundings, stay away from dimly lit places after dark, and safeguard your possessions. There is a lot of police presence throughout the city, especially in tourist hotspots.
Yes, several city passes offer discounts on multiple attractions, such as:
- New York CityPASS: Includes admission to top attractions like the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and more.
- The New York Pass: Provides access to over 100 attractions and tours.
Explorer Pass: These passes can save you money and often allow you to skip the lines at some attractions.
