Even if New York city’s soaring buildings and landmarks do not captivate you, the city’s thriving arts, culinary, fashion, and nightlife scenes will. You can spend your morning perusing Fifth Avenue’s designer racks. Or spend your afternoon admiring the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck or the cockpit of a helicopter.
If you’re an art lover, you can admire the striking works on display at the Met and the Guggenheim before feasting on an ethnic fare in Chinatown or Little Italy. For a little more guidance when touring the city’s top attractions, You should consider signing up for a guided tour of the Meatpacking District.
Central Park
This part park, part museum, part-concert hall engulfs Manhattan and many of the city’s most prominent attractions are located nearby. However, visitors insist that you should not simply pass through Central Park on your route to another location. This 843-acre green space is popular among New Yorkers and tourists alike; you may come here to exercise, eat, visit the zoo, and more.
“Central Park is fantastic year-round, and is a must-see for anyone coming to New York,” said Josephine Danielson, the head concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel New York. “People may not realize Central Park has several hidden treasures. If you’re looking for something different, I tell guests to visit the Conservatory Garden.”
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History, located off Central Park West, is popular with visitors. User reviews have a common thread whether you’re visiting interactive exhibitions on land, sea, or space. This museum is fantastic. The café and gift shop are well worth a look.
Inside, there are over 32 million objects dispersed across four city blocks, 25 buildings, and 45 display halls, so don’t expect to see everything in a single day. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a particular favorite, but make time to see the dinosaurs. Also the Hall of the Universe, and the Butterfly Conservatory as well (on display from October through May).
Local experts agree that this museum is one of the top things to do in New York City with your family. “It’s an innovative location, suitable for everyone of any age… Also, it’s informative and participatory,” adds Richard Tucker. He’s the Refinery Hotel’s chief concierge. According to locals, the institution is one of the city’s must-see museums.
Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck
This landmark plaza has it all. To magnificent sculptures, a massive skating rink, a fishbowl vista of NBC Studios, and a plethora of retailers and eateries. Though there will surely be large crowds, this is an experience worth having at least once.
During the winter holidays, the plaza is illuminated with a Christmas tree as skaters glide across the ice rink. Don’t worry if your New York adventure doesn’t take place during the winter. There is a lot to do all year. You can spend a morning watching a taping of the “Today” show. Then an afternoon studying the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Finally, an evening seeing a performance at Radio City Music Hall if you schedule ahead of time.
Travelers believe the Top of the Rock has some of the best views of Manhattan. Honestly, the experience is well worth the money. Visitors recommend purchasing a combined ticket that includes a tour of the building as well as access to the observation deck.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
This huge temple stands among the hustle and bustle of Rockefeller Center. But that doesn’t diminish its unearthly feel. You can’t help but be amazed by St. Patrick’s, whether you’re devout or merely on an architectural pilgrimage.
Travelers praise the little medieval church’s beauty and stained glass windows, but say it doesn’t take much time to view. Previous visitors also recommend going during the Christmas season to view the church in all its splendor.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park, located just south of Times Square, contains some of the most gorgeous 4 acres in Manhattan. Despite the fact that its lush green area has existed for more than 150 years, Bryant Park was a 1990s redevelopment project that transformed it into a haven for both locals and tourists. This is the go-to spot for midtown Manhattan professionals to grab a bite to eat, fashionistas to flash their stuff during fashion week, and artists to display their skills during Broadway in Bryant Park and Piano in the Park.
Bryant Park does not require a planned event; you can simply come here to enjoy the environment or to utilize the free Wi-Fi. Recent visitors, however, have some suggestions, such as visiting the New York Public Library, ice skating around the Pond, or riding on the French-style carousel. The list of things to do does not end there. Yoga and Tai Chi sessions, knitting circles, chess competitions, and literary events are also held at Bryant Park. Not sure where to begin? Consider your options at the park’s restaurants, Bryant Park Grill and Bryant Park Café. Recent visitors say a trip around this park is a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and many comment on how well-kept the grounds are.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the most famous museum in the United States. “The Met” is an art experience unlike any other, brimming with treasures from all over the world. Also including significant collections from Ancient Egypt and ancient antiquity, and, like most of New York. It gets hard to explore everything the museum has to offer in one day. If you’ve never gone, you should absolutely go see its permanent collections.
You should absolutely go see its permanent collections (the first floor’s Greek and Roman art, Egyptian art, and Islamic art shows are particularly popular with visitors). If you’ve previously been to the Met, arrange your next visit around the Costume Institute’s semiannual displays. Or head to The Met Cloisters, an offshoot museum dedicated to medieval Europe’s art and architecture housed in Fort Tyron Park.
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is the major memorial to the almost 3,000 terrorist victims of the 2001 attacks. As well as the six killed in the 1993 bombing. The memorial’s twin reflecting ponds and man-made waterfalls stand as haunting echoes of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. The 1-acre ponds are surrounded by bronze plaques bearing the names of each casualty. The museum is 110,000 square feet in size. It also tells the story of the attacks with multimedia displays, real-time recordings, actual relics, and an interactive table.
Recent visitors described the National September 11 Memorial & Museum’s general mood as somber but poignant. “The entire city changed, the mentality changed after 9/11,” says Shawn Harris, head concierge of the WestHouse Hotel New York. “We rebuilt what was destroyed, and it stands as a testament to our fortitude. Even if it’s a touch gloomy on the inside, it’s stunning.” Many visitors were impressed with the facility as a whole, praising its polite and informative presentations.
Grand Central Terminal
You may have lunch or shop until you drop at this lovely train station, but recent visitors preferred to simply gaze out the window. Before you enter, take some pictures of the elaborate beaux-arts neoclassical edifice outside. The famed main concourse features gleaming marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers, and a sky-themed ceiling. The food selections range from the luxurious (Michael Jordan’s The Steak House New York City or The Campbell Apartment) to the renowned (the Oyster Bar or the gourmet kiosks at Grand Central Market) to the quick and easy (Starbucks). As previously said, there are numerous purchasing possibilities, though most visitors recommend leaving most of Grand Central’s pricy products in the store. Visit The New York Transit Museum Store in the shuttle tunnel if you want a train-themed item.
Travelers describe the train station as “iconic,” saying it’s a lovely place to meander through or have a lunch and people-watch.
Empire State Building
This midtown Manhattan landmark skyscraper is a must-see for any New York City tourist. Despite the high admission prices, crowds, and long lineups, recent visitors say you won’t be disappointed. In fact, a journey to the top of the Empire State Building is an excellent way to start or end your trip to New York. On a clear day you’ll be able to see the city’s major landmarks from 1,050 feet below. Pick up the multimedia tour, which is accessible in eight languages and walks visitors through the icon’s displays and views while also providing historical context. The tour is included in the admission charge and is provided to tourists to help them make the most of their stay.
Looking up at the art deco tower from the ground is also rather magnificent. Especially in the evenings when mood lighting is used. Since 1976, the Empire State Building’s tower lights have changed color to commemorate various occasions and organizations throughout the year. In 2012, the Empire State Building’s famous tower lighting system was upgraded by replacing its flood lights with a dynamic lighting system exclusive to the Empire State Building. It features more than 16 million colors in unlimited combinations and effects. The Empire State Building hosts magnificent light shows to commemorate holidays and occasions. It is frequently synced to music aired simultaneously on iHeartMedia radio stations.
Statue of Liberty
This brightly flashing beacon attracts visitors all year. So let’s talk about your visiting alternatives. The most popular approach entails waiting at least 90 minutes for a ferry to transport you from Battery Park (in Lower Manhattan) to the Liberty Island statue, then stopping at Ellis Island before returning to the mainland.
The first boat of the day departs at 9 a.m., and the final boat departs at 3:30 p.m., but practically all passengers grumble about long, chaotic queues and security searches, on top of the $18.50 ferry charge for such a short trip.
Travelers give a few pointers to help you save time and make the most of your day. One, get in line early so you can board one of the first boats. Two, buy a ferry ticket and board it in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.
If you’re pressed for time, you may still see the monument from Battery Park or the High Line. A guided tour is another convenient method to visit the historic landmark. Several of the city’s greatest boat trips surround the Statue of Liberty, providing spectacular photo opportunities. Consider one of the greatest New York City helicopter excursions for a bird’s-eye view.