The Brooklyn Bridge. (Photo by Alexander Rotker)
You can visit New York City dozens of times and still not see everything the The City That Never Sleeps has to offer. For first-time visitors, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park are must-sees. As you become more familiar with the city, you might be drawn to less crowded, more unconventional attractions. It's hard to narrow down the best tourist attractions in the Big Apple to a list of the top seven, so we sought out the consensus must-see spots according to the experts.
From the historic streets of Greenwich Village to the bustling lights of Times Square, each location offers a unique glimpse into the heart of New York City. Whether you're exploring the world-renowned museums along the Museum Mile or taking a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, our list highlights the best tourist attractions in NYC as recommended by travel experts across 10 websites. These picks ensure you will have a memorable experience. Did we miss a spot you love? Comment below.
The List: Best Tourist Attractions in NYC, Ranked
1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The top tourist spot on our list is no surprise! The Statue of Liberty embodies American ideals like democracy and freedom. If you’re in NYC, it's a must-see, along with Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants first entered America. It's popular, attracting millions each year. For the best experience, Lonely Planet suggests you catch a boat from The Battery in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey, but remember to book your tickets early—they sell out fast!
Visiting the Statue of Liberty is on the bucket list for many who travel to NYC. You can climb to the statue's base or, for a more adventurous experience, up to the crown. Just remember, tickets are required for both experiences, explains Earthtrekkers.
You can spot the Statue of Liberty from many spots around Manhattan, but for an up-close and personal experience, U.S. News recommends the 15-minute ferry ride to the small island where the statue stands. If you plan to make your way to the crown, be sure you can climb stairs, there are 162 of them!
2. Central Park
It's hard to believe there are 843 acres of man-made green space in this concrete jungle! There's nothing better than a stroll through Central Park, complete with sculptures, bridges, playgrounds, and arches. Also, don't miss the ice skating rink in the winter and the row boats in the summer. Some landmarks to map out include the Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, and the Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial, writes Conde Nast Traveler.
The best part about the park? It's free! While everything is so expensive in NYC, a walk through the park doesn't cost a dime and is a great way for a family to spend the day. Of course, you can opt to pay for a horse-drawn carriage ridge if you get tired of walking. Either way, Sea The City encourages you to “relax and enjoy the scenery.”
If biking through the park is more your thing, there are plenty of places to rent a bike outside the park. Earthtrekkers recommends the bike stand located one block south of the park near 5th and 6th avenues. If you work up an appetite from biking, there are plenty of street vendors throughout the park or you can opt for a more upscale lunch Tavern on the Green and the Loeb Boathouse.
3. Broadway
Can you visit New York City and skip a Broadway show? I'm not so sure that's possible! Seeing a show on Broadway is one of the top ways to soak in the vibrant authenticity of NYC. With a huge variety of performances, from tear-jerking dramas to hilarious comedies, Timeout guarantees there’s something for everyone. You can find many discount deals online or stand in line at TKTS Live for the best deals of the day!
The most popular part of Broadway is the Theater District with 41 major theaters. But, the road that stretches from State Street up through Manhattan also boasts some of the best eateries, bars, and more, according to Thrillophilia. If you're hoping to catch a show on a Monday, you will be out of luck. Most Broadway shows operate on six-days-a-week schedules and are “dark” on Mondays.
Experience First has uncovered something cool to do on Broadway if you're a theater buff — take a tour with a real-life Broadway actor! It's a one-of-a-kind experience you can enjoy before or after catching a matinee!
4. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks and the six lives lost in the 1993 bombing. At the site where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood, the memorial features twin reflecting pools and waterfalls, each set within the footprints of the original towers. Visitors say the site is “sobering and moving.” U.S. News recommends you budget three or four hours at ground zero to make sure to take in all the exhibits without rushing.
The memorial and museum serve as a vital educational tool for a new generation that wasn't alive when the attacks occurred. Beneath the plaza, Viator writes, the museum offers an in-depth exploration of the day's events and impact, leaving visitors deeply moved.
One of the most emotional parts of this memorial is the names of all the victims inscribed into the bronze walls surrounding the reflecting pools, says Town and Country Magazine. Downstairs you can witness artifacts linked to the events firsthand.
5. Empire State Building
When it opened in 1931, it was the tallest building in the world, and today, this NYC skyline icon continues to draw crowds with its stunning 360-degree views. If heights aren't your thing, you might prefer the 102nd-floor indoor observatory over the 86th-floor outdoor deck. Lonely Planet recommends that you visit at sunset for spectacular views. Don't forget to look to the northeast to see the Art Deco Chrysler Building.
The Empire State Building isn't just about jaw-dropping views of the city, it's a star in its own right, featured in tons of movies! Ever seen “Sleepless in Seattle” or “King Kong”? How about “An Affair to Remember,” “Elf,” “Independence Day,” or “Superman II”? They all showcase this famous skyscraper. So, when you visit, you're not just taking in the sights; Earthtrekkers says you're walking through a real-life movie set!
Visiting the Empire State Building is “Tourism 101” according to U.S. News. Yes, it has some steep admission fees and there are crowds and long lines, but the views are spectacular and the experience won't disappoint. On a clear day, you can see 1,250 feet below you.
6. Metropolitan Museum of Art
And then there's the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or “the Met,” as it's affectionately known. It's the most celebrated museum in the U.S., packed with masterpieces from around the world, including ancient Egypt and classical antiquity. U.S. News guarantees you'll need more than a day—or even two—to take in all its wonders, including a seasonal rooftop bar.
On Manhattan's Upper East Side, art enthusiasts will find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a must-visit in New York City. Be sure to put on your walking shoes, The Met sprawls across 13 acres and houses a staggering collection of over two million works, according to Earthtrekkers. Even if you've visited before, there's always something new to discover!
Talk about a journey through time! During your visit to the museum, you'll explore artworks that cover an incredible 5,000 years of human creativity. According to Thrillophilia, the collection includes pieces from every era, from prehistoric times to the modern day, and spans cultures from across the globe. It's like traveling through centuries and continents, all within the walls of a single museum.
7. Brooklyn Bridge
A fun walk along the Brooklyn Bridge is a great addition to any NYC itinerary. An insider tip from Experience First? Start on the Brooklyn side and walk towards Manhattan. You'll experience fewer crowds and the view stays in front of you the whole time!
The Brooklyn Bridge is not just a way to hop from Brooklyn to Manhattan, it's an architectural marvel and a key spot on any list of NYC must-sees, according to Sea the City. Whether you walk or drive across this 1,595-foot bridge, you get some of the most breathtaking views.
If you want to avoid the crowds, U.S. News recommends walking the signature suspension bridge before 9 a.m. You can also drive over it or ride over it on two wheels. It doesn't cost anything and is a great free activity if you're tapped out! Wear a hat if you're walking during the summer, it can get quite hot.
Sources we used for our list:
- Time Out
- U.S. News
- Harper's Bazaar
- Conde Nast Traveler
- Sea the City
- Lonely Planet
- Viator
- Earth Trekkers
- Thrillophilia
- ExperienceFirst
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
