New York City. Ah, “The City That Never Sleeps.” You’ve heard the legends, seen the movies, and probably dreamt of seeing that iconic skyline in person. It’s home to everything from the Statue of Liberty to Broadway’s dazzling lights, plus enough incredible food to make your head spin. But let’s be real: trying to figure out what to see and do in NYC can feel like an impossible task, right? The list is as long as Fifth Avenue!
Well, I’ve got you covered! Drawing from some fantastic insights by Allison Gibson for GetYourGuide (updated October 17, 2024), here’s my personal rundown of the 10 New York City tourist attractions you absolutely can’t miss, especially if it’s your first time. Get ready for an unforgettable trip!
My Top 10 Must-See NYC Spots:
1. Broadway: Catch a World-Class Show!
First up, it’s a no-brainer: Broadway! Seeing a show here isn’t just an activity; it’s a rite of passage. Picture it: dazzling lights, incredible songs, jaw-dropping sets, and costumes that will make your heart beat with the music. This is where you experience world-class theater that you’ll be talking about for years.
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My Take/Insider Tip: Arrive about 30 minutes early to soak in the atmosphere. Keep your phone silent (please!). And if you’re feeling bold, try heading to the stage door after the show – you might just meet some of the cast!
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How Much Time? Depends on the show, but budget 1.5 to 3 hours.
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Location & Hours: Theater District, New York, NY, USA. Showtimes vary by theater.
2. The Empire State Building: Views for Days!
For those iconic skyline views, you simply have to hit the Empire State Building. This famous 102-story skyscraper gives you some of the most breathtaking panoramic vistas over the entire city, from not one, but two observation decks. It used to be the tallest building in the world, standing at a whopping 1,250 feet! Don’t worry about climbing stairs; grab a fast pass and zip up in one of the 73 elevators.
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Best Time to Go: My absolute favorite time? Sunset! You get to watch the sun dip below the horizon, then see millions of city lights twinkle as darkness falls. Pure magic!
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How Much Time? An hour is usually plenty if you grab those skip-the-line tickets.
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Location & Hours: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001. Open daily with seasonal hours (check their official site for specifics, as they change!).
3. The Statue of Liberty: Lady Liberty Up Close
It’s safe to say that Lady Liberty herself is probably the most iconic symbol of NYC. Standing tall on her island in New York Harbor, this grand lady was a gift from France to celebrate the alliance during the American Revolution. Want a free view? Hop on the Staten Island Ferry! For a closer look, an NYC Harbor Cruise is fantastic.
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My Take/Insider Tip: Want the ultimate experience? You can actually climb all the way up into her copper crown, but you need to book those advanced reservations way ahead of time.
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How Much Time? Set aside at least 2 hours for the Statue of Liberty, plus an extra hour if you plan to visit Ellis Island afterward.
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Location & Hours: Statue of Liberty Monument, New York, NY 10004. Open 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily (closed Christmas and Thanksgiving).
4. Central Park: The City’s Green Heart
You can’t visit New York and not spend at least a few hours roaming around Central Park. This sprawling green oasis truly is the heart of the city. It’s home to gardens, waterfalls, beautiful bridges, and even impromptu music performances. It’s the oldest landscaped park in the U.S., and it’s the most visited for a reason! However you choose to experience it, Central Park is pure joy.
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Highlights: You’ll recognize so many spots from movies! Don’t miss the romantic Gapstow Bridge, the tree-lined Mall, or Sheep Meadow, where you can kick back for a picnic.
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How Much Time? You could easily spend half a day here, especially if you want to explore hidden gems like the Shakespeare Garden.
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Location & Hours: Central Park, New York, NY. Open 6:00 am-1:00 am every day.
5. 9/11 Memorial and Museum: A Powerful and Essential Stop
This is a profoundly important and moving visit: the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It beautifully honors the victims of the 1993 and 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center. Two stunning waterfalls mark where the Twin Towers once stood, the largest of their kind in the USA. The memorial itself is free to visit and is one of the most powerful spots in NYC.
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My Take/Insider Tip: Please make sure you also visit the museum. It’s a deeply moving experience that allows you to see artifacts, special exhibits, and hear powerful stories from locals who lived through 9/11 and the days that followed.
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How Much Time? Take your time. 1 to 1.5 hours is usually recommended to fully absorb the meaning.
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Location & Hours: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007. The Memorial is open daily 8:00 am-8:00 pm. The Museum hours vary (check their official website for specifics).
6. Grand Central Terminal: Architectural Marvel (and It’s Free!)
Prepare to be wowed by Grand Central Terminal – and it’s completely free to explore! This National Historic Landmark isn’t just a train station; it’s the largest railway station in the world and an architectural masterpiece. Just soaking in the stunning interior design is an experience in itself.
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Highlights: You absolutely must look up at the iconic 125-foot-long constellation ceiling painted along the concourse. It’s breathtaking!
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How Much Time? If you just want to see the main hall, 30 minutes is enough. But if you want to explore deeper or even do a tour, budget a couple of hours.
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Location & Hours: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017. Open 5:15 am-2:00 am every day.
7. Brooklyn Bridge: A Walk with a View
The Brooklyn Bridge is easily one of the most picturesque places in New York. Take a leisurely stroll across this huge 1.1-mile-long suspension bridge spanning the East River for spectacular, postcard-perfect views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan. While Manhattan has many of the big-name attractions, the Brooklyn side offers plenty to do too, from Brooklyn Bridge Park to great food and shopping.
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Best Time to Go: Grab a coffee and walk across in the early morning for fewer crowds and a quiet city vibe. Or, head over just before sunset for that perfect golden glow on the skyscrapers.
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How Much Time? About 30 minutes to walk the bridge itself, maybe a bit more if you stop for tons of photos.
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Location & Hours: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038. Open all day, every day.
8. Times Square: The Bright Lights, Big City Vibe
Okay, whether you love it or find it overwhelming, you have to experience Times Square. This bustling pedestrian hub, plastered with giant billboards and flashing advertisements, is one of the most famous places in NYC. It’s truly a sensory overload! Explore it at night when all the lights come alive, or take a walking tour of the Theater District during the day.
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Best Time to Go: My favorite tip? Aim for 11:57 pm to witness the “Midnight Moment.” All the screens synchronize for a unique 3-minute nightly spectacle showcasing rotating art installations from around the world. It’s cool!
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How Much Time? Most people spend no longer than 30 minutes here, just soaking it in and grabbing a few photos.
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Location & Hours: Times Square, Manhattan, NY 10036. Open all day, every day.
9. The Guggenheim: Art and Architecture Combined
Art lovers and architecture buffs, this one’s for you! The Guggenheim Museum isn’t just a museum; it’s easily one of the coolest buildings in New York City. Designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, it’s an iconic structure on Fifth Avenue and one of only two UNESCO World Heritage sites in NYC. Plan a few hours to wander its unique spiral ramp and explore its eclectic collection of modern and contemporary art.
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My Take/Insider Tip: Entry lines can get seriously long, wrapping around the block! Do yourself a huge favor and book your entry tickets online ahead of time to skip the wait.
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How Much Time? On average, about 3 hours to visit the museum and all its collections.
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Location & Hours: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128. Open 10:30 am-5:30 pm daily (closed Christmas and Thanksgiving).
10. Top of the Rock: The Other Great View!
For some of the absolute best views of the NYC skyline (and especially a fantastic view of the Empire State Building!), head to Top of the Rock. This observatory on top of Rockefeller Center offers sweeping vistas across the city. Exploring its three floors of indoor and outdoor viewing areas is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to take in the city’s grandeur.
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Highlights: Want to make it extra special? Dine downstairs at the famous Rainbow Room or sip a cocktail on the open-air terrace at Bar Sixty-Five – it’s a super romantic way to enjoy the views. You can also try “The Beam” experience to recreate that famous 1932 photo!
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How Much Time? About an hour to admire the views. Add 30 minutes if you want to do The Beam.
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Location & Hours: Rockefeller Centre, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112. Open 8:00 am-midnight daily (last entry 11:10 pm).
Your NYC Questions Answered: FAQs
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What is the number one attraction in New York City?
While it’s tough to pick just one in a city this amazing, the Statue of Liberty is often cited as the top iconic attraction. But as you can see, there’s a ton more to explore! -
What is there to do in New York City during the day?
During the day, you can hit most of the famous attractions mentioned above, explore the city’s incredible museums (like the Guggenheim or the 9/11 Memorial Museum), try out delicious local cafes and restaurants, or simply stroll through one of the many sprawling parks like Central Park, Bryant Park, or Brooklyn Bridge Park. -
What is there to do in New York City at night?
New York earned its “City That Never Sleeps” nickname for a reason! Nights are for catching a world-class musical on Broadway, enjoying a concert at Radio City Music Hall, or experiencing the dazzling energy of Times Square, especially during its “Midnight Moment” light show. -
What’s the prettiest part of New York City?
NYC is full of beautiful spots! Central Park is arguably the most famous and gorgeous, but don’t miss the charm of Bryant Park, the waterfront views from Brooklyn Bridge Park, or the serene Hudson River Park. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder here! -
What part of NYC is most visited?
Times Square is hands-down the most visited part of New York City. Its flashing lights and vibrant energy are an experience you really shouldn’t miss.
So there you have it – my top picks for making the most of your New York City adventure. It’s a city that truly has something for everyone, and I hope this guide helps you feel a little less overwhelmed and a lot more excited! Get ready to make some unforgettable memories in the Big Apple!
