11 Must-See Attractions In New York City: A Guide to Experiencing the Big Apple Like a Local

Millions of tourists travel to New York City each year because it is the “city that never sleeps” and is a vibrant and diverse destination. It can be challenging to plan your trip because there is so much to see and do.

So have no fear—we have you covered! We’ll take you on a tour of New York City’s must-see attractions in this post.

We’ll show you the top attractions and undiscovered jewels that make this city unique, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park.


🤔 What is the number one tourist attraction in New York City?

The Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty, the most recognizable landmark in America, is at the summit of every first-time visitor’s list of activities to do in New York.


🗽 Iconic Landmarks in New York City

The famous landmarks that have come to represent New York City are typically the first thing that people think about when they think of the city. The following are a few must-see sights in New York City that you shouldn’t miss:

  • Statue of Liberty
  • Empire State Building
  • Brooklyn Bridge

⭐ Cultural Gems For New York City

Some of the best museums and galleries in the world are found in New York City, which is a cultural melting point. Here are a few of New York City’s must-see cultural attractions:

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • The Apollo Theater

💎 Hidden Gems Of New York City

New York City is full of undiscovered treasures beyond well-known landmarks and cultural centers. Some of our top off-the-beaten-path sights are listed below:

  • High Line
  • The Cloisters
  • The Tenement Museum

🤷‍♂️ What’s the best time of year to visit New York City?

The best time to visit New York City will depend on your interests even though it is a year-round travel destination.

The busiest and most busy times are from June to August, yet these months are still pleasant and provide outdoor activities.

Although the winter months (December to February) can be chilly, they also feature indoor activities and festivities.

The best seasons to go are spring and fall because of the nicer weather and lower tourist traffic.


📝 Here Is The List of 11 Must-See Attractions In New York City

After doing a lot of research and considering the tripper’s reviews we have shortlisted some of the must-see attractions in New York City.

  • Statue of Liberty
  • Central Park
  • Radio City Music Hall
  • the Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Broadway and the Theater District
  • Empire State Building
  • Fifth Avenue
  • N.Y. Public Library
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Time Square
  • Brooklyn Bridge

1. Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty | Must-see attractions in New York City

The Statue of Liberty, the most recognizable landmark in America, is at the top of every first-time visitor’s list of things to do in New York.

It was a gift from France to America. One of America’s top tourist destinations, it was constructed in 1886 and continues to serve as a global symbol of freedom.

With a height of just under 152 feet from the base to the torch and a weight of roughly 450,000 pounds, it is one of the biggest statues in the entire world.

The statue can be seen from the ground, and Battery Park, near the southernmost tip of Manhattan, offers spectacular vistas.

The best thing to do, however, is to take a quick boat ride to Liberty Island and see the Statue of Liberty up close to appreciate it fully.

Enjoy a stroll around the base before entering the pedestal if you wish. The crown is still closed as this article is being written.

As part of a tour of the Statue of Liberty, you can go to Ellis Island and see the Immigration Museum.

The historic immigration station complex, where countless immigrants were processed before entering the US, is home to this beautiful museum.

The exhibitions illustrate the procedure, the experiences, and the affairs of the people who went through here on their route to the United States.

You can even lookup a list of immigrants who passed through here by searching the on-site computer database.

Also Read: 11 Best Hair Salons In NYC


2. Central Park

Central Park | Must-see attractions in New York City

The winding walkways of Central Park should be experienced by anybody visiting New York City, whether they choose to walk, cycle, or ride in a carriage.

You can even wear your skates in the winter and skate across Wollman Rink. One thing that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city is this enormous park in the middle of the town, which is a half-mile wide and 2.5 miles long.

The majority of the attractions in Central Park are free, making it one of the few inexpensive things to do in NYC, in addition to being a great place to experience some nature.

Some famous tourist attractions include Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, Central Park Zoo, and The Lake. Pick up a map at one of the visitor centers and plan your route if you are exploring the park alone.

Also Read: Best Time To Visit New Orleans


3. Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall | Must-see attractions in New York City

Radio City Music Hall, a well-known entertainment venue and recognized city landmark, is located beneath Rockefeller Center. The Rockettes’ home theatre, an Art Deco structure built in 1932, shows movies and musical extravaganzas.

The Rockefellers constructed and funded the structure in the 1930s, and it at the time housed the biggest indoor theater in the entire globe.

Significant events like the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards are routinely held at the arena. Its large marquee is unmistakable since it wraps around the structure and extends down the street.


4. the Metropolitan Museum of Art

the Metropolitan Museum of Art | Must-see attractions in New York City

One of the most well-known museums in the United States is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, as it is more commonly known.

It was established in 1870. There are more than two million works of art in The Met’s permanent collection, which spans 5,000 years.

The Met Fifth Avenue serves as the museum’s focal point despite having three locations. The collection’s highlights include American decorative arts, weapons and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, and many other items.

The public can view some of the most well-known works in exhibitions. Consider taking a VIP: Empty Met Tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art if you’re serious about going there.

You’ll see this fantastic museum with just 25 other people before it opens to the public in the morning.


5. Broadway and the Theater District

Broadway and the Theater District | Must-see attractions in New York City

One of the most popular things to do in New York City is to see a Broadway performance. This theatre, which is regarded as the best in the country, features both the most recent productions and time-honored classics.

The term “Broadway” is typically used to refer to only “Broadway theatre,” which includes a sizable number of theatres in the Theater District and on Broadway itself. Tickets for the most well-liked performances should be ordered well in advance.

The Shubert at 221 West 44th Street and the Booth at 22 West 45th Street are two renowned playhouses that pedestrians can only enter in the Theater District’s Shubert Alley.

In the past, aspiring performers would frequently visit Shubert Alley in search of chances to appear in a production supported by theatrical magnate Sam S. Shubert.


6. Empire State Building

Empire State Building | Must-see attractions in New York City

One of New York’s most recognizable iconic structures and a popular destination for tourists is the Empire State Building.

The 102-story, 381-meter-tall building held the record for world height until the 1 World Trade Center tower surpassed it 41 years later.

When the Empire State Building opened in 1931, it was topped with an airship mooring mast and instantly became a landmark and a representation of New York City.

The Empire State Building has two observatories, but both have breathtaking views. Looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, you may see up to 80 miles away on clear days.

The city’s tallest open-air viewing deck, the 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet), is what most visitors anticipate seeing as they climb the Empire State Building. It may seem recognizable because it has appeared in many films and television programs.


7. Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue | Must-see attractions in New York City

Fifth Avenue is New York’s premier shopping district and one of the most well-known shopping streets in the country. Here, many renowned designers have their flagship stores.

This upscale route is lined with luxury stores, including Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store Fifth Avenue, Saks Fifth Avenue, and many more.

Even people who don’t shop can enjoy a stroll down Fifth Avenue. The ideal region is between 60th Street and 40th Street, or roughly from the south end of Central Park to the New York Public Library.


8. N.Y. Public Library

N.Y. Public Library | Must-see attractions in New York City

The main branch of the New York Public Library was created in the Beaux Arts style by architects Carrere & Hastings. The library is a well-known local landmark with stunning interiors in several films and television programs.

Although it is sometimes called the main branch, the Stephen A. Schwarzman building is its official name. It was well received when it debuted in 1911.

A massive library with two city blocks of the Main Reading Room and 10,000 current magazines in the Periodicals Room. To put it mildly, the collection here is enormous.


9. American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History | Must-see attractions in New York City

The American Museum of Natural History is one of New York City’s top museums for family outings since it offers something for everyone to enjoy.

All the fascinating aspects of our planet’s natural environment are displayed in eight permanent exhibit rooms, including science, the environment, animals, and fossils.

The museum additionally hosts temporary special exhibitions. A shark display showcasing models of these incredible creatures that you can touch is among the current exhibits that are highly recommended. The rare 22-carat Okavango Blue Diamond is another eye-catching showcase.

Walking through the Butterfly Conservatory is a must-do experience, no matter where you go. Five hundred fluttering butterflies will share the space inside this warm, humid, climate-controlled building.


10. Time Square

Time Square | Must-see attractions in New York City

The place to be in New York at night, Times Square, is lined with enormous, brilliantly lighted billboards and screens, but it’s fascinating any time of day.

The famous “ball drop” at midnight occurs here as part of New Year’s Eve festivities in New York, and the square and nearby streets are crowded with revelers.

Times Square is constantly busy and packed, but it has a unique charm. A great place to pause and take in the scene is the bleachers that are set up at one end.

Times Square, formerly Longacre Square, was renamed in 1904 in honor of the New York Times Tower. The newspaper was the first in the world to display the most recent headlines along a moving sign in 1928.


11. Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge | Must-see attractions in New York City

The Brooklyn Bridge, one of the city’s most famous sights with Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables, has inspired countless poets, musicians, and artists.

The first steel suspension bridge ever built, this historic bridge spans the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn. It was finished in 1883.

The Brooklyn Bridge is visible from several boats and the east side of Manhattan, but walking across it for an hour is the most excellent way to appreciate this landmark. Only walkers and bicycles have access to the wood-plank walkway that runs above the lanes of traffic.

If you don’t feel like trekking all the way, at least make it to the first pillar, where there is a viewing platform from which you may get a close-up look at one of the granite towers.


😇 Conclusion

Everyone can find something to enjoy in New York City. The Must-See Attractions In New York City should be at the top of your list whether you’ve been to the city before or are a seasoned traveler.

This city is filled with unique experiences that will leave you desiring more, from the famous sites to the little-known jewels. Pack your luggage, wear your walking shoes, and get ready to explore New York City like a local!


🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQs About Must-See Attractions In New York City

When it comes to choosing the must-see attractions in New York City, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Below, I’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions to help you plan your unforgettable visit to the Big Apple.

Q. How many days do you need in New York?

A. How long should I stay in NYC? If this is your first trip to New York City, 5 days are truly the ideal length. Three days in New York City are possible, but it won’t be enough and you’ll need to return. You can still see Manhattan if you only have one day in New York City.

Q. What is NYC’s most famous street?

A. Fifth Avenue, also referred to as Millionaire’s Row, is the most well-known thoroughfare in the Big Apple. It runs from north to south across the entirety of Manhattan. With the most expensive store spaces in the entire globe, it is New York’s most expensive and finest shopping thoroughfare.

Q. How much does it cost to go to Central Park?

A. Although Central Park is open, it also has paid activities of its own. Given its size, you’ll undoubtedly need a guide to help you decide where to go and what to do there when you’re short on time.

Q. What is New York’s most famous street?

A. One of the most well-known avenues in New York City, if not the entire globe, is Broadway.

Q. Are there any free attractions in New York City?

A. Many museums in the city provide free entry on specific days or at specific times. It’s also free to visit Central Park, the High Line, and the Brooklyn Bridge.


🗨️ Share your thoughts in the comments about what you believe is the must-see attraction in New York City!

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with Fiery Trippers. Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.



Avatar of Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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