New York City. The very name evokes visions of towering skyscrapers, crowded streets, symbolized landmarks, and a vitality found nowhere else. A city that throbs with vitality, with possibility after possibility for discovery, culture, cuisine, and amusement. But for a first-time traveler (or even a repeat guest!), it can be daunting to navigate the sheer list of possibilities.
Where do you even start? Don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of the pure top 10 absolute must-see places that sum up the essence of the Big Apple. Buckle up to tick these off your bucket list!
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
No visit to NYC is complete without a visit to Lady Liberty herself. This legendary symbol of freedom and hope is awe-inspiring. Take the ferry from Battery Park (Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (New Jersey) to Liberty Island for close-up sightings. Your ticket usually grants passage to Ellis Island, where you can tour the historic Immigration Museum and hear about the millions who started their American dream here. Pro Tip: Get ferry tickets in advance, especially if you need crown access!
Central Park
Manhattan’s green lung is a sprawling 843-acre oasis amidst the urban chaos. More than just a park, it’s a destination. Rent a bike, stroll along The Mall to the stunning Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, visit Strawberry Fields (the John Lennon memorial), row a boat on The Lake, see animals at the Central Park Zoo, or simply relax on the Great Lawn and people-watch. It’s the perfect escape.
Times Square
Love it or hate it, Times Square is unmistakably NYC’s electric, pulsating heart. It’s a visual and auditory shock of blinding neon billboards, massive screens, costumed characters, and hordes of humanity from every corner of the world. Grab a spot on the famous red steps, drink in the electric vibe (and especially at night!), and sense the city’s rhythm. It’s also the entrance to the Theater District.
Empire State Building
This iconic Art Deco skyscraper is still among the world’s best-known buildings. Zip to the 86th-floor outdoor open-air observation deck for time-honored 360-degree vistas of Manhattan and beyond. For an even higher view, add on entry to the 102nd-floor indoor gallery. It’s not a view, it’s a piece of architectural and cinematic history.
Brooklyn Bridge
Crossing this engineering wonder is a quintessential New York experience. Spanning Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River since 1883, the bridge provides unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the surrounding boroughs. Begin on either side, but walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan gives the most dramatic skyline reveal. Tip: Go early morning or later evening to steer clear of the largest crowds.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
A moving and powerful site of remembrance at the World Trade Center site. The outdoor Memorial consists of two large reflecting pools within the footprints of the Twin Towers, engraved with the names of the lost. The nearby Museum contains historical exhibits and artifacts of the 9/11 events. It’s a sober but necessary visit to grasp the city’s resilience. (Memorial entry is free; museum needs tickets).
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Get ready to be amazed. Set along Museum Mile on the border of Central Park, The Met is one of the planet’s largest and greatest art museums. Its enormous collection covers 5,000 years of human culture, from Egyptian temples (such as the Temple of Dendur) and Roman art to masterworks by European masters and contemporary idols. You might spend days here and still not experience everything.
Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock Observation Deck
This iconic complex is more than its world-famous Christmas Tree and ice rink (though those are winter magic!). It’s a shopping, dining hub and home to NBC Studios. For arguably the greatest panoramic views featuring the Empire State Building and Central Park, go up to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck with its large indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
Broadway & The Theater District
Live out the wonder of live theatre! Catching a Broadway play is an experience for many travelers. If you adore blockbuster musicals such as “The Lion King” or “Wicked,” perennial favorites like “Chicago,” or the new hits, the energy and artistry are breathtaking. See the TKTS booth in Times Square for possible same-day reduced-price tickets.
Grand Central Terminal
More than a hub for transportation, Grand Central is an architectural marvel. Walk through the grand Main Concourse and look up at the heavenly ceiling mural. See the Beaux-Arts flair, visit the Whispering Gallery off the Oyster Bar & Restaurant, and absorb the history of this hectic landmark. A lovely (and free!) location to roam and people-watch.
Ready to Explore?
This is only the tip of the iceberg for what New York City has in store. From high-end cuisine and eclectic neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village or DUMBO to other incredible museums and secret gems, the city is yours to explore.
So lace up your walking shoes, pack your camera battery, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the city that never sleeps!
