Often referred to as the ‘City that Never Sleeps,’ New York stands as a global icon. It is renowned for its vibrant entertainment, diverse culture, cutting-edge fashion, and breathtaking scenery. The must see Places in New York City and architectural wonders have consistently captivated visitors from around the world. From the sprawling Central Park to the bustling Times Square, the iconic Empire State Building to the historic Yankee Stadium, New York City provides numerous places to grab attention of tourists.
Top 10 must-see places in New York City
1. Statue of Liberty
The Lady Liberty is one of the must-see places in New York City and tops every traveler’s bucket list. This iconic landmark of NYC is a famous neoclassical sculpture and is officially known as the ‘Liberty Enlightening the World.’ The symbol of hope and freedom was gifted to the United States by France as a gesture of friendship.
How to get there?
Statue cruises generally leave every 20-25 minutes from Battery to Liberty as well as Ellis Island. The ferry is the only way to the islands. These locations can be easily accessed by people in wheelchairs.
Nearby Attraction
- The Museum
- Gift Shop
- Food Stalls
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
2. Central Park
The 843-acre park is a lush urban retreat and a beautiful location with gardens, rolling meadows, arches, and sculptures. Many popular TV shows and movies have used the park as a shooting location. Located in the middle of Manhattan’s bustling neighborhood, it is one of the cool places to visit in NYC because of its mesmerizing beauty. Tourists can get involved in various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, ice skating, or relaxing. The park also organizes numerous live events that tourists can enjoy from time to time.
Tourist attractions inside Central Park:
- Central Park Zoo
- Friedsam Memorial Carousel
- Wollman Rink and Victorian Gardens
- Strawberry Fields/Imagine Mosaic
- Bethesda Terrace/Fountain
- Conservatory Water
Timings: 6 am – 1 am
3. Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is also popularly known as the Met and ranks high in the must see places in New York City. It is the largest museum in the United States of America. It is one of the best museums in NYC, housing over 2 million art pieces from the prehistoric era to the present times.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art also showcases porcelain, sculptures, musical instruments, historical artefacts, costumes, and armaments. At present, the museum holds 20 permanent collections.
Timings:
Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm
Closed Wednesday
4. Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is one the best museums in NYC and is famous for displaying art in the transformative spirit.
The museum acts as an exhibition space rather than housing permanent collections. If you are an art lover, you will enjoy walking in the classroom-size galleries and stairwells that have been converted into art spaces.
Timings:
Sunday – Friday: 10.30 am – 5.30 pm
Saturday: 10.30 am – 7 pm
5. Empire State Building
Ruling the skies of NYC, the Empire State Building is one of the iconic landmarks of NYC.
There’s plenty to discover about this architectural marvel, from its history to its unique architecture to the observatory deck 86th and 102nd floor. The observatory deck in the building takes the experience to another level by offering breathtaking views in every direction.
Shops & Restaurants
- State Grill and Bar
- Tacombi
- Chipotle
- Chop’t
- Sushi-teria
Timings: 9 am – 12 am
6. Brooklyn Bridge
Walking on the Brooklyn Bridge is an easy-peasy fun adventure and the perfect excuse to visit Brooklyn. Brooklyn Bridge is one of the cool places to see in NYC for unparalleled views, and we all know that the bridge is a wonderful experience on its own.
If you are seeking the best views, start from Brooklyn and walk/ride towards Manhattan. Consider taking a stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge in the evening and see how Manhattan glitters to life. It keeps the view in front of you, and you start off with less crowd.
Timings: 24 Hours
7. National Lighthouse Museum
Located on the site of the United States’ General Depot in Staten Island, the lighthouse museum is one of the cool places to visit in NYC.
The museum educates about the history and technology of nation’s lighthouses. Visitors receive a quick orientation to the self-guided museum, which is a three-minute walk from the St. George Terminal of the Staten Island Ferry. The Wall of Lights, a collection of more than 160 tiny lighthouse replicas and displays on lighthouse keepers, foghorns and sound signals, illuminants, and optics, are just a few of the exhibits. By request, guided walking tours of the location are also offered.
Timings: 11 am – 4 pm
8. Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens attracted approximately 100 million people from all over the world long before it became one of the must-see places in New York City. The park is home to a variety of places to see and participate in recreational activities, including the Queens Museum, the Queens Zoo, the iconic Unisphere, and a lot more.
Tourist Attractions inside Corona Park:
- Queens Botanical Garden
- Fantasy Forest Amusement Park
- Queens Zoo
- Queens Night Market (Seasonal)
Things to Do Inside Corona Park:
- Wheel Fun Rentals
- World Ice Arena
- Maloof Skate Park
9. Edge
Located at 30 Hudson Yards, Edge is the highest outdoor Skydeck in the Western Hemisphere and the fifth highest in the world. Its suspension in mid-air will give you a one-of-a-kind feeling of floating in the sky with a 360-degree view you will not get anywhere else.
Timings: 10 am – 10 pm
10. Summit One Vanderbilt
Atop NYC’s tallest skyscrapers, Summit One Vanderbilt takes the observation deck to new heights. Three layers of immersive environment will challenge, inspire, and excite your senses. Be prepared to give in to new ideas about what is possible.
Timings: 9 am – 12 amv Every year tourists from all around the world visit New York City to experience the unexpected. Every activity and attraction in New York City are a new experience that one must explore. To get the best of the city, ensure to put several of the must-see places in NYC mentioned above.
11. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest museums in the world. The museum houses millions of specimens from all walks of life. The specimens entails a fascinating story and covers the realms of natural science, anthropology, and astronomy. Visitors can find numerous captivating exhibits including the fossils of dinosaur, cosmos, evolution of humans and much more. The museum is perfect outing place in NYC for history buffs and knowledge enthusiasts in general.
Address: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY
Timings: 10 am – 5:30 pm
Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $20 for students, and $14 for children
12. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is an iconic hub for transportation. The location has a noticeable architecture in the are of Midtown Manhattan. The working station is a cultural and historical landmark from the old days of America. It is known for housing a great clock and nearby restaurants providing the best view of the location.
13. Madison Avenue
Madison Avenue is a place of luxury and style. It is a world-renowned destination for high-end shopping, fine dining, and cultural experiences. The avenue stretches through the Upper East Side and Midtown Manhattan, offering a sophisticated ambiance. Madison Avenue is lined with designer boutiques, art galleries, and upscale establishments.
14. View of Liberty and Ellis Island
The breathtaking view of Liberty and Ellis Island unfolds the rich history of America. While looking across the harbor, visitors witness the Statue of Liberty. It is a symbol of freedom and democracy. Whereas Ellis Island tells the story of millions who sought a new life in the United States. Whether viewed from Battery Park or experienced up close on a harbor cruise, the panorama of Liberty and Ellis Island showcases the emotions behind American dream.
Must See Places In New York City FAQs
Q1. What is popular in New York?
A1. New York City is known for its upscale lifestyle, luxury restaurants, informative museums, alluring churches, beautiful bridges, and fascinating history.
Q2. What can be done in NYC for free?
A2. Stroll through Central Park
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Visit the 9/11 Memorial
Explore NYC Neighborhoods
Walk the High Line
Visit a Free Museum
See the Splendor of Grand Central Station
Q3. How many days are enough to explore NYC?
A3. To visit the key highlights, you’ll need at least three days (but a “quick hits” tour may be done in two days in NYC). However, we recommend 4-5 days to explore the key attractions without hurrying.
Q4. What are the top outdoor activities in Central Park?
A4. Outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, ice skating, and relaxing in its gardens.
Q5. What are the timings for the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
A5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is open on Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.
