20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

Are you searching things to do in New York City? We will show Top 20 Tourist Attractions in New York. We hope you’ll enjoy it.

New York, that frenetic, multicultural city, full of life and energy, is one of those great cities that you have to visit at least once in your life.

A city full of museums, markets, ethnic neighborhoods, spectacular skyscrapers and, of course, unique experiences.

There are so many things to see and do that it will delight any type of visitor. And that is New York is the city that never sleeps.

CENTRAL PARK

This 341-hectare space located in the metropolitan district of Manhattan is one of the most famous places to see in New York. The construction of Central Park began in 1853 when the poet William C. Bryant and the architect Andrew J. Downing expressed the need for the city to have a public park.

Although many people would consider going to a park boring, Central Park is full of many places of interest: 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, monuments and sculptures of great historical value; and 36 bridges. There’s also plenty to do: bike tours, picnics, boat rides and trail walks; so there is no doubt that in Central Park entertainment is everywhere.

Must see at the met: Sheep Meadow, The Loeb Boathouse, Shakespeare in the Park, Belvedere Castle, Central Park Zoo, Central Park Conservatory Garden, “The Mall” in Central Park, The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, The Arcade at Bethesda Terrace, Bethesda Fountain, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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Official Website: www.centralparknyc.org

Address: 1 West 96th Street &, Central Park West, New York, NY 10025, United States.

STATUE OF LIBERTY

Considered a symbol of freedom and independence, this imposing statue could be considered one of the most famous monuments in the United States and a destination to see in New York. Its inauguration was in the year 1886 when the French, in commemoration of the 100 of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, gave it as a gift.

Thanks to its historical importance, UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site in 1984. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island, south of Manhattan and the only means of transportation is by taking a ferry from Battery Park. Once on the island, it is possible to visit the Liberty Island Museum or go up to some of the viewpoints and have a panoramic view of the entire Liberty Island and all of Manhattan.

Must see at the met: The Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, Crown of the Statue of Liberty, Statue of Liberty Museum, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, The Great Hall – Ellis Island.

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Official Website: www.nps.gov

Address: New York, NY 10004, United States.

METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the destinations to see in New York if you are an art lover. Inaugurated in 1872, it is considered one of the most important art museums in the world and one of the most emblematic and recognized buildings on Fifth Avenue.

This museum has an art collection of more than 2,000,000 works from all over the world; it is home to valuable pieces of Egyptian, Greek and Roman art; of paintings and sculptures by important European artists such as Picasso and Raphael; and also of renowned American works. The museum is so large that it’s almost impossible to see all the exhibits in one day, but if art touches your heart, multiple visits are well worth it.

Must see at the met: However, some of the most famous pieces of art at the Met include The Death of Socrates (1787) by Jacques-Louis David, Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851) by Emmanuel Leutze, Perseus with the Head of Medusa (1545) by Benvenuto Cellini, Venus Italica (1802) by Antonio Canova.

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Official Website: www.metmuseum.org

Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States.

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THE NATIONAL 9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

In the World Trade Center, in the space previously occupied by the Twin Towers, we find today the two fountains that form the monument of the 9/11 Memorial. The fountains are surrounded by bronze plaques on which the names of those who lost their lives in the tragic terrorist attack of 2001 are engraved.

The official name of this memorial is “Reflecting Absence”, which means something like “Being aware of the absent”. The 9/11 Memorial is made up of these two fountains and a public park with various sculptures and poignant reminders for the families of the victims. The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located just feet from the 9/11 Memorial and was opened to the public in 2004, with an emotional opening ceremony presided over by then-President Barack Obama.

Although at the time there were many critical voices against the opening of the museum, over the years it has become a fundamental part of the site. A hard but fascinating visit, a celebration of those who risked their lives that September 11 to prevent this great tragedy from being even greater.

Must see at the met: The 9/11 Memorial Museum’s permanent collection is an unparalleled repository consisting of material evidence, first-person testimony, and historical records of response to February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001 and the ongoing repercussions of these terrorist events.

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Official Website: www.911memorial.org

Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, United States.

HIGH LINE PARK

The High Line Park is built on the elevated track of the old railway. Initially it was planned that this road would be demolished to make room for new buildings but thanks to a citizen initiative, called “Friends of the Highline”, these plans were finally canceled to make way for this innovative project.

One luck! This park in the form of a greenway runs along the west coast of Manhattan from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to W 30th Street in Hudson Yards. Thus, in the Meatpacking area we find the Whitney Museum, which houses more than 18,000 works of contemporary art, and the Chelsea Market, the ideal place to buy something to eat and enjoy it while sitting in the park.

In the Hudson Yards area are the architectural wonder The Vessel, the newly opened shopping center The Shops and the new viewpoint The Edge. All this makes a walk along the High Line not only a beautiful experience, but also the best way to move between some of the most important points of interest in this part of New York.

Must see at the met: Whitney Museum of American Art, Standard Hotel, Chelsea Market, The Amphitheater, IAC Building, General Theological Seminary, London Terrace Towers, Pershing Square Beams.

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Official Website: www.thehighline.org

Address: 7077 High Line, New York, NY 10001, United States.

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Who doesn’t know this emblematic New York building? The setting for stories, tales, films and television series, the New York Public Library in the heart of Manhattan is much more than just a book store. A regular destination for students and workers looking for a corner of peace in the midst of the chaos of Manhattan, it attracts all kinds of people, far beyond bookworms or cultured people.

Thus, this beautiful building is also regularly visited by tourists and curious people who do not want to miss the opportunity to get to know one of the most important cultural institutions in the United States.

The New York Public Library is located in an old building in Manhattan, at the corner of 42nd Street and 5th Avenue, next to Bryant Park. It is one of my special points in the city, walking through its rooms full of books or enjoying a good novel in one of its reading rooms is one of the best activities to do if you are in the area, a unique feeling that is indescribable. It is something of a quiet and calm oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of chaotic New York.

It will certainly sound familiar to you from movies like the catastrophic “The day after tomorrow” or romantic series like “Sex in New York” (Sex and the City). In addition to all this, for many New Yorkers this library is the ideal place to celebrate their wedding, especially in the summer months it will not be difficult for you to find an event of this type here.

Must see at the met: Astor Hall, Rose Reading Room, McGraw Rotunda, Public Catalog Room, The Lions, Children’s Center, Croton Reservoir, Rare Book Division.Astor Hall, Rose Reading Room, McGraw Rotunda, Public Catalog Room, The Lions, Children’s Center, Croton Reservoir, Rare Book Division.

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Official Website: www.nypl.org

Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, United States.

TIMES SQUARE

Considered a symbol of the city, Times Square is one of the main attractions to see in New York. Formerly known as Longacre Square, this intersection of streets, named after the offices of The New York Times, has evolved into the “crossroads of the worlds” and one of the most visited places in the city.

Times Square is known for its marquees, its LED screens and its imposing buildings. In addition, in this area there are hotels, shops, restaurants, museums and of course, thanks to its proximity to Broadway, many theaters. Walking through these streets it is common to see people dressed as Disney characters, celebrity impersonators and the famous guitarist Naked Cowboy with whom you can take a photo to remember your visit.

Must see at the met: Browse the Colorful Midtown Comics Store, Hear Live Music at the Historic Town Hall, Shop for All Things Disney, Play Arcade Games, See an Off-Broadway Show, Experience the Story of Broadway, Dine on Restaurant Row.

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Official Website: www.timessquarenyc.org

Address: Manhattan, NY 10036, United States.

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

Who has never heard of the famous Grand Central Station located in the heart of Manhattan? The backdrop to numerous Hollywood movies is one of New York’s most recognizable buildings. Thus, located a few meters from Penn Station and the Port Authority, it is one of the most important points for New York’s infrastructure, as well as a tourist attraction that attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world every day.

This train station is another of the essential places to see in New York. Built in 1871 by Cornelius Vanderbilt, Grand Central Terminal is considered the largest station in the world and one of the most important subway stations in the city. The station has 75 tracks and about 50 platforms; In addition, inside you can find popular shops and restaurants. Approximately 100,000 New Yorkers use the station daily. A large number of tourists arrive with the intention of taking photos of the incredible Vanderbilt lobby and delight in the architectural details that have made this building one of the most beautiful in New York.

Must see at the met: The Whispering Gallery (right outside the Oyster Bar), The Biltmore Room, Carvings of acorns and oak leaves, Ceiling Smudge, The Clock, Main Concourse.

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Official Website: www.grandcentralterminal.com

Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States.

LINCOLN CENTER

This set of buildings is another of the icons to see in New York. Construction of Lincoln Center began in 1962 and was completed in 1991. From that date to the present, the complex has undergone several changes and renovations to house new and prestigious cultural and artistic institutions. As one of the most important cultural centers in New York, and perhaps in the United States, Lincoln Center is known for its opera, ballet and theater performances. Also, guided tours of the facilities are offered to delight in the architecture and pieces of art that adorn the buildings.

Must see at the met: Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Ballet, The New York Philharmonic, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, The School of American Ballet, The Film Society of Lincoln Center, The Lincoln Center Theater, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Julliard School, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

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Official Website: www.lincolncenter.org

Address: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States.

BROADWAY

Along with Fifth Avenue, Broadway has become one of the most important streets in Manhattan thanks to its important shops and internationally famous theaters. Thanks to its illuminated marquees, Broadway is known as the “Great White Way” and as the heart and soul of American theater.

If you are a lover of dramatic art, you have come to the right place! And it is that Broadway has many functions of international fame that do not disappoint; If you are looking for another type of entertainment, being close to Times Square, this street is home to cinemas, bars and small variety rooms ready to receive the thousands of visitors who come to the city.

Must see at the met: Broadway Museum, Gin Blending Broadway, Heritage Railway, Broadway Tower, Gordon Russell Museum, Cotswold Motoring Museum, Children’s Park, The Regal Cinema, Cotswold Farm Park.

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Official Website: www.broadway.com

Address: Broadway, New York, NY 10036, United States.

ROOSEVELT ISLAND TRAMWAY

An essential plan in a good visit to New York is a visit to the small Roosevelt Island in the East River. The best way to get here is by taking the cable car, a unique experience in New York. The Roosevelt Island Tramway reaches a height of 80 meters suspended above the Queensboro Bridge and offers a spectacular view of the East River and the Manhattan skyline, with the United Nations Building and the Chrysler Building in the foreground.

The trip costs the same as a metro ticket and although it only lasts 5 minutes, it is definitely worth it. Roosevelt Island is a quiet island and an ideal place to rest and enjoy the good weather in the city. A walk through here offers a different vision of New York that in our opinion is worth discovering.

Must see at the met: Blackwell House, a 1796 farmhouse, serves as a visitors’ center. At the southern tip is Southpoint Park, site of Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, while nearby is the Renwick Ruin, what’s left of an 1854 smallpox hospital, as well as the Strecker Laboratory (1892).

Official Website: rioc.ny.gov/302/Tram

Address: 254 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, United States.

CONEY ISLAND

This popular neighborhood of Brooklyn is another of the popular destinations to see in New York essential for visitors who come to the city. Since the 1800s, Coney Island Beach has been a popular tourist destination within the city and today, it has become a fun-filled place to spend an unforgettable time. On the Coney Island promenade there are restaurants and several tourist attractions: Luna Park, where there are fun mechanical attractions; the freak show, with the bearded lady and the two-headed baby; the hot dog eating contest that takes place every 4th of July, the New York Aquarium, and of course, the beach, which is perfect for taking a dip in the summer.

Must see at the met: Friday Night Fireworks, Wonder Wheel, Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, Williams Candy, Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Coney Art Walls and Smorgasburg, The Cyclone, Coney Island History Project.

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Official Website: www.coneyisland.com

Address: 3100 Ocean Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11235, United States.

BRYANT PARK

This green lung of the city is another of the essential destinations to see in New York. Opened in 1843, Bryant Park has become one of the most visited parks in the city as it is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, which is the most important business area in the city.

Bryant Park is known for two reasons: first, the New York Public Library, which is one of the most popular buildings in the city, is located right in front of the entrance, and second, visitors who come to the park have a list of activities to do quite fun. In the green areas of the park, film festivals and presentations of Broadway hits are held; and during the winter, the Citi Pond skating rink opens its doors and the well-known Christmas Fair also begins.

Must see at the met: Chess, Backgammon & Board Games in the Park, Statue of José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe bronze bust, The William Cullen Bryant Memorial, The Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain, The skyscrapers around Bryant Park, Free Summer Movies, Winter Village Holiday Market, The Rink, American Radiator Building, Refinery Rooftop Bar.

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Official Website: bryantpark.org

Address: 25 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018, United States.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

One of the first things you want to do when you visit New York is to cross the famous Brooklyn Bridge, so often seen in movies, advertisements and IKEA paintings. It is a beautiful and imposing bridge, but above all it tends to fascinate for what it has as a symbol in a city where great popular icons are not lacking: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State, Central Park, etc. We had the opportunity to walk through it in March and, despite the rain, it was one of the best experiences we had in the city. In this post we talk about its history, some curiosities and the practical details to visit it.

Must see at the met: The views of the New York skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge include views of Lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center and even the Statue of Liberty. If you look opposite of Lady Liberty you’ll also get great views of the Manhattan Bridge.

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Official Website: www.brooklynbridgepark.org

Address: Brooklyn Bridge Blvd, New York, NY 10038, United States.

WALL STREET

Wall Street is one of the most attractive streets in New York. It is not large, but the monetary pulse of the world beats here, financial empires gain power and collapse. The street, only 1,100 meters long, is located in the south of Manhattan, between Trinity Church and South Street. There are disputes about the origin of its name, according to one version, it was here in the 17th century that an earthen protective rampart was located on the northern border of the Dutch New Amsterdam. The street along the rampart was called in Dutch “de Waal Straat”.

The local skyscrapers are among the tallest in the city, the street at times resembles a narrow canyon. The most famous buildings on Wall Street are the old Trinity Church, the 14 Wall Street skyscraper on the corner of Broad Street (it is crowned with a likeness of the mausoleum in Halicarnassus), Federal Hall, which now houses the National Memorial, the New York Stock Exchange, the Trump skyscraper. In the part of the street where cars are allowed to drive, its width is barely enough for a single lane. But since 2011, real clashes between the police and adherents of the Occupy Wall Street protest movement have taken place in this tiny space from time to time.

And to think about the amount of money that moves behind that facade and of course, the economic debacles to which it has led us on many occasions. Despite the years, the New York Stock Exchange is still the largest stock market in the world and the epicenter of the world economy, a situation very different from its origin, when in 1792, 24 investors met under a tree to carry out transactions . If you want to see it in all its splendor, it is best to visit it on a weekday so that you can see the stressed-out executives and brokers. By the way, this is where the well-known sculpture of the “fearless girl” is currently standing, denouncing gender inequality.

Must see at the met: The New York Stock Exchange, The Charging Bull, Learn about the 2008 financial crisis, Battery Park, Trinity Church, Stone Street, The 9/11 Memorial, The Oculus, Federal Hall, South Street Seaport.

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Address: 63 Wall St, New York, NY 10005, United States.

ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY

Opened in 2014, the One World Observatory was an emotional release for the city; finally an observatory returned to the financial heart after the attacks on the Twin Towers. And it is not just any skyscraper, but the seventh tallest skyscraper in the world. After an express trip in the elevator, you reach the 100th floor where you see a video, shortly after everything opens and New York appears before you from above. The observatory is located on the 100th to 102nd floor; a real pass.

Being located in the south of the island and being so high up, the views, for my taste, are very different from those of the observatories located in Midtown. The feeling I have is that from One World it is possible to better analyze New York (not just Manhattan), New Jersey and the surrounding islands. That is why, for me, it continues to be part of the recommendations despite the arrival of the new viewpoints.

Must see at the met: The Oculus, SkyPod Elevators, The See Forever Theater, One World Explorer, Sky Portal, Dining at OWO.

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Official Website: www.oneworldobservatory.com

Address: 117 West St, New York, NY 10006, United States.

THE FRICK COLLECTION

The Frick Collection (The Frick Collection) is one of the most important art museums in New York.
Just as special as what’s inside is the museum’s own location: steel tycoon Henry Clay Frick’s mansion, a massive 16-room house with amazing decorations. The mansion was built between 1913 and 1914.

Since Frick’s death in 1919, the collection has expanded in both size and number of works.

During the visit, all the rooms of the Frick mansion are visited: the hall, the staircase, the bookstore, the living room or the interior garden are some of the most important places. In each room you will find paintings and sculptures by well-known artists such as Vermier, Bellini, Goya, El Greco or Rembrandt.

Although at first we did not have much faith in the visit, the Frick Collection was the great surprise of the trip. It has become one of the essential visits in New York and, even if you don’t like art, the decoration of the mansion and the surroundings will not leave you indifferent.

Important, if you are traveling as a family you should know that children under 10 years of age cannot access this New York museum.

Must see at the met: Included in the collection are Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s masterpiece The Progress of Love, three paintings by Johannes Vermeer including Mistress and Maid, two paintings by Jacob van Ruisdael including Quay at Amsterdam, and Piero della Francesca’s St. John the Evangelist.

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Official Website: www.frick.org

Address: 1 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021, United States.

ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL

St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York is the largest Gothic Revival-style Catholic cathedral in North America. It is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Ireland.

Although construction work on the cathedral began in 1858, work stopped during the American Civil War and the building was not completed until 1879.

The design of the cathedral was intended to be that of a great temple with two towers over 100 meters high that would rise triumphantly over the city, something that was achieved for a short time. Today the cathedral has a more humble aspect compared to the imposing Rockefeller Center, located in front of it.

Patrick’s Cathedral is made of white marble, with the ornate appearance characteristic of the neo-Gothic style. This is something that makes it a very special building, especially if we compare it with the quadrangular buildings that surround it.
Once inside, it is worth noting the enormous organs, made up of 3,920 and 5,918 pipes, and the sculpture of La Pietà, three times larger than Michelangelo’s, located in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Must see at the met: The Lady Chapel, the towering twin spires, and the 9000 lbs bronze doors which can be opened by a single person,the main altar, the stained glass windows and the Pieta sculpture which is 3 times the size of Michelangelo’s.

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Official Website: saintpatrickscathedral.org

Address: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

Until 1970, when the World Trade Center was built, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world. It was built in 1931 and is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

In addition to attracting visitors, the Empire State Building has been featured in numerous movies. The list is long, but the most popular movies are Sleepless in Seattle, King Kong, An Affair to Remember, Elf, Independence Day, and Superman II.
A visit to the Empire State Building is more than just a great view of the city. You will also be visiting a historical landmark and one of the most famous buildings in the world.

The Empire State Building has two observation decks: the 86th floor exterior observation deck and the 102nd floor interior observation deck. All tickets include the 86th floor observation deck; you just have to decide if you want to shell out the extra money for the 102nd floor.

You can also buy special tickets to visit the Empire State Building at sunrise, at night, or both.

Must see at the met: The Interactive Museum on the 2nd Floor, Enjoy 360-degree unobstructed views of New York City from the 86th and 102nd floor Observation Deck – located in the very heart of NYC.

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Official Website: www.esbnyc.com

Address: 1 West 96th Street &, Central Park West, New York, NY 10025, United States.

FIFTH AVENUE

Fifth Avenue is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. It runs from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to Harlem.

The section between 59th and 96th streets is nicknamed “Millionaire’s Row” because of the number of mansions located here in the early 20th century.

The section between 82nd and 110th streets is nicknamed “Museum Mile” because of the large number of museums here.
Famous buildings and monuments located on Fifth Avenue include Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, the New York Public Library, the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection, the Plaza Hotel, Rockefeller Center, the St New York Regis and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Fifth Avenue also runs along the east side of Central Park.

Must see at the met: Washington Square Park, the Empire State Building, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center, the Flatiron Building, The New York Public Library, Central Park, Bryant Park, etc.

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Official Website: fifthavenue.nyc

Address: 944 5th Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States.

Conclusion About Attractions in New York

After reading this article you will know how not to waste time in New York. We show only Top-Rated Attractions to explore in Year.

No other American city, not even the capital of the United States, comes close to this colossal city in terms of area, population, diversity of culture, entertainment, business and commerce. Everything that is on this planet is collected here, all samples of its culture, art, history and religion, all the best and worst features of human civilization.

If you are planning on seeing a few New York Sites like the Statue of Liberty, the Top of the Rock, The Empire State Building and the Museums – Metropolitan, Natural History, MOMA and more, get the New York Pass to expedite your experience and save a lot of money.