New York City is a global powerhouse, a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse cultures, towering ambition, and endless opportunities for discovery. With a history that shaped the modern world and a skyline that continues to evolve, the list of iconic sights and unique experiences seems infinite. Deciding what to see in New York can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors, but even seasoned travelers find new wonders on every return trip. This guide dives into the must-see landmarks, hidden gems, cultural hotspots, and unforgettable activities that make NYC truly special.
From historic statues greeting millions of immigrants to cutting-edge art museums and bustling street corners featured in countless films, New York City offers a unique blend of history, culture, and pure energy. We’ll explore the classic attractions alongside local favorites, helping you craft a journey that captures the essence of the Big Apple, ensuring you experience the very best of what to see in New York. Discover what to visit in new york to kickstart your adventure.
Iconic Landmarks: The Essential What to See in New York
No trip to New York is complete without visiting its world-famous landmarks. These are the places that define the city’s image and tell its most compelling stories.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Standing tall on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty is perhaps the most potent symbol of freedom and hope, a must-see for anyone visiting New York for the first time. This magnificent copper statue, a gift from France, has welcomed visitors and immigrants since 1886. Its framework was notably designed by Gustave Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame. Holding a tablet inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence, Lady Liberty is a powerful historical figure.
You can take a ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan to visit Liberty Island, explore the grounds, and even climb the statue’s pedestal or crown (tickets for these are highly sought after and require significant advance booking). A visit often includes Ellis Island, home to the poignant Ellis Island Immigration Museum, where millions of immigrants were processed. The round trip typically takes about 4 hours, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the harbor along the way.
Statue of Liberty, an essential part of what to see in New York
The Empire State Building
A true Art Deco masterpiece, the Empire State Building dominated the New York skyline for decades and remains one of its most beloved icons. Completed in 1931, it was the world’s tallest building until the World Trade Center was built. Featured in classic films like King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle, it holds a special place in popular culture.
Visiting the Empire State Building offers more than just panoramic views; it’s an experience steeped in history and architectural marvel. There are observation decks on the 86th floor (outdoor) and 102nd floor (indoor). While the 86th floor provides fantastic vistas, the 102nd offers a slightly higher, all-glass enclosed perspective. Timed tickets are recommended to minimize wait times.
Midtown Manhattan view from the Empire State Building, a popular choice for what to see in New York
Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
Rockefeller Center is a sprawling complex of buildings in Midtown Manhattan, a hub of activity, especially during the holiday season with its famous Christmas tree and ice skating rink. It’s home to Radio City Music Hall, Channel 4’s Today Show studios, and a stunning collection of Art Deco architecture and public art, including the iconic Atlas statue.
Atop the Comcast Building within Rockefeller Center sits Top of the Rock, another premier observation deck. Top of the Rock is renowned for its unobstructed views of Central Park to the north and the Empire State Building and Lower Manhattan skyline to the south. Many argue it offers the best overall perspective for capturing the diverse landscape of New York. It provides fantastic photo opportunities and a different feel compared to the Empire State Building or One World Observatory.
Top of the Rock observation deck, offering panoramic views of what to see in New York
One World Observatory
Dominating the Lower Manhattan skyline, One World Trade Center stands as a symbol of resilience. At its summit is One World Observatory, offering breathtaking views from the tallest point in the Western Hemisphere. The journey up is an experience in itself, with high-speed elevators displaying a time-lapse history of the city’s skyline growth.
The observatory provides sweeping 360-degree views, encompassing the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and the vast expanse of Manhattan. It’s a state-of-the-art facility designed for contemplation and appreciation of the city’s scale and history, making it a powerful addition to the list of what to see in New York.
View from One World Observatory, providing expansive views of what to see in New York
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Adjacent to One World Trade Center is the deeply moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The memorial plaza features two reflecting pools set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, inscribed with the names of those lost. It’s a place for quiet reflection and remembrance, surrounded by a grove of trees.
The underground museum offers a comprehensive and respectful exploration of the events of 9/11 through artifacts, personal stories, and powerful exhibits. It’s a somber but essential visit that provides historical context and honors the resilience of the city and its people. Visiting the memorial and museum is a profound experience among what to see in New York. A separate, smaller museum, the 9/11 Museum Workshop in Chelsea, offers another unique perspective through the eyes of Ground Zero recovery workers.
9/11 Memorial Plaza and the Oculus, a site of remembrance among what to see in New York
Exploring Neighborhoods: More of What to See in New York
Beyond the major landmarks, New York City’s soul is found in its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character, history, and vibe.
Central Park
An expansive green oasis in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park offers a welcome respite from the urban hustle. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, this magnificent park is a National Historic Landmark. It’s a place for locals and tourists alike to relax, play, and connect with nature.
Activities in Central Park range from simply strolling the tree-lined paths like The Mall, relaxing on the Great Lawn, visiting memorials like Strawberry Fields (honoring John Lennon), or enjoying recreational activities like biking, boating on The Lake, or visiting the Central Park Zoo. It’s free to enter and provides endless possibilities for leisurely exploration, truly a vital part of what to see in New York.
The Mall in Central Park, a relaxing place among what to see in New York
Greenwich Village
Known historically as a haven for artists, writers, and counterculture movements, Greenwich Village retains a bohemian charm despite significant gentrification. Washington Square Park, with its iconic arch, is the heart of the neighborhood, a lively public space often filled with street performers, chess players, and students from nearby NYU.
Exploring “The Village” involves wandering its winding streets, browsing independent bookstores and boutiques, finding classic jazz clubs, and enjoying the vibrant restaurant scene. It was a key site for the Stonewall Uprising and played a crucial role in the modern LGBT rights movement. Look for iconic filming locations like the ‘Friends’ apartment building. Greenwich Village offers a taste of NYC’s rich cultural and social history, making it an interesting place to decide what to see in nyc.
Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, a historic neighborhood to explore as part of what to see in New York
The High Line
An innovative urban park built on a historic elevated railway line, the High Line is a testament to imaginative urban renewal. Running along the west side of Manhattan, primarily through the Chelsea neighborhood, it offers a unique perspective of the city streets below and curated gardens and art installations along the path.
Strolling the High Line is a popular activity, providing a pleasant walk with scattered seating areas, food vendors, and occasional public art exhibits. It connects various points of interest, including Chelsea Market and Hudson Yards, offering elevated views and a refreshing green space above the urban grind. It’s a unique and free experience among what to see in New York.
The High Line elevated park, offering unique city views among what to see in New York
SoHo
South of Houston Street (SoHo) is famous for its striking cast-iron architecture, upscale boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Originally an industrial area, it transformed into an artists’ enclave due to cheap rents and spacious loft spaces. While now one of the city’s most fashionable and expensive neighborhoods, its artistic roots are still visible in its galleries and creative energy.
Spending an afternoon in SoHo is perfect for those who enjoy shopping, people-watching, and admiring unique architecture. The streets are a pleasure to walk, with beautiful facades and stylish storefronts around every corner. It offers a glimpse into the evolution of a New York neighborhood from industry to art hub to high fashion.
SoHo street with classic cast-iron architecture, a stylish area among what to see in New York
Chinatown & Little Italy
Adjacent in Lower Manhattan, Chinatown and Little Italy offer distinct cultural experiences and fantastic culinary adventures. Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest Chinese enclaves outside of Asia, a bustling neighborhood filled with vibrant markets, tea houses, temples, and authentic restaurants. Exploring its lively streets feels like stepping into another world.
Historically, Little Italy was a large neighborhood, but it has significantly shrunk over the decades. Today, it’s primarily concentrated around a few blocks of Mulberry Street and serves mainly as a tourist draw with Italian-themed restaurants and shops. While not as expansive as it once was, it retains a nostalgic charm and is worth a quick stroll, often combined with a visit to Chinatown. Sampling dim sum in Chinatown and cannoli in Little Italy are quintessential experiences in these areas of what to see in New York.
Little Italy street scene, a cultural neighborhood in New York City
World-Class Museums: Delving Deeper into What to See in New York
New York City is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, offering everything from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary art.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Located on the edge of Central Park’s Museum Mile, The Met is the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere and a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. Its vast collection spans over 5,000 years of world culture, featuring everything from Egyptian temples and classical sculptures to European masters and modern American art.
Navigating The Met can take days, so it’s often best to focus on specific wings or exhibitions depending on your interests. Highlights include the Temple of Dendur, the European Paintings galleries (featuring Vermeer, Rembrandt, and more), the Medieval Art collection, and the Costume Institute. The rooftop garden offers stunning views of Central Park.
Metropolitan Museum of Art building facade, a major cultural attraction among what to see in New York
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Situated in Midtown, MoMA is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and holds one of the most significant collections of its kind globally. Here you can stand before iconic works such as Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory, and masterpieces by Picasso, Matisse, and Monet.
MoMA’s collection includes painting, sculpture, drawing, prints, photography, film, and architecture. Its carefully curated exhibits offer insight into the artistic movements of the past two centuries. It’s a vital stop for anyone interested in the evolution of art and design.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Designed by the visionary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture, a spiral rotunda that dramatically contrasts with the surrounding city grid. Located on Museum Mile, the building’s unique design dictates how the art is viewed – visitors often take an elevator to the top and spiral down, viewing art displayed along the curved walls.
The Guggenheim’s collection focuses on Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern, and contemporary art. Viewing art within Wright’s iconic space is a distinct cultural experience and a highlight for lovers of both art and architecture when considering what to see in new york.
Inside the Guggenheim Museum, showcasing unique architecture and art among what to see in New York
American Museum of Natural History
Located across from Central Park on the Upper West Side, this enormous museum is a favorite for families and anyone fascinated by the natural world. It’s one of the largest natural history museums globally, with dozens of interconnected halls covering everything from dinosaur fossils and ocean life to human origins and global cultures.
Highlights include the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs (featuring T. Rex and Apatosaurus), the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life (with its iconic blue whale model), and the exhibits on mammals, birds, and ancient peoples. It’s an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
Exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History, a family-friendly option for what to see in New York
Unique Experiences & Thrills: More of What to See in New York
Beyond traditional sightseeing, New York offers thrilling and immersive experiences that showcase its dynamism.
The Edge at Hudson Yards
One of the newer additions to NYC’s observation deck scene, The Edge offers a dramatic, cantilevered platform extending 80 feet from the side of the skyscraper at 30 Hudson Yards. Perched 100 stories high, it provides unparalleled views looking south over the Financial District and west over the Hudson River.
The unique design, including angled glass walls and a glass floor panel, offers exciting perspectives and photo opportunities. It’s a modern and exhilarating way to see the city from above.
The Edge observation deck in Hudson Yards, offering thrilling views as part of what to see in New York
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Also a recent addition, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt takes the observation deck concept to a new level with immersive art installations and multi-sensory experiences. Located atop One Vanderbilt, adjacent to Grand Central Terminal, SUMMIT combines stunning views with mirrored rooms (called ‘Air’) that create dizzying reflections of the sky and city.
With three levels of exploration, including glass boxes extending from the building and an outdoor area with a bar, SUMMIT offers a highly curated and visually striking experience. It provides incredible close-up views of the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, setting it apart from other decks and making it a must for your list of what to see in New York.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt interior with mirrors, an immersive experience among what to see in New York
Take a Ride on the Staten Island Ferry
For a completely free and incredibly scenic experience, hop on the Staten Island Ferry. This commuter ferry travels between Battery Park in Manhattan and St. George on Staten Island. The best part? It passes right by the Statue of Liberty, offering fantastic, unobstructed views and photo opportunities without the tour cost.
The approximately 25-minute ride each way provides beautiful perspectives of the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, and the bridges. It’s a simple, authentic New York experience popular with both locals and budget-conscious tourists. Remember to exit the ferry on Staten Island and re-board for the return trip.
View of the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, a free way to see an icon of New York
See a Show on Broadway
A quintessential New York experience is catching a performance on Broadway. The Theater District is located in Midtown Manhattan, primarily around Times Square. From long-running classics like The Lion King and Wicked to brand new productions, there’s a show to suit every taste.
Experiencing live theater in the world’s most famous theater district is an unforgettable part of a New York visit. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or, often at a discount, from the TKTS booth for same-day performances.
Cultural Hotspots & Hidden Gems: Expanding What to See in New York
Dive deeper into the city’s culture and discover places off the main tourist path.
Grand Central Terminal
More than just a train station, Grand Central Terminal is a magnificent Beaux-Arts building that is a destination in itself. Its Main Concourse is a stunning space with a celestial ceiling mural, grand windows, and bustling energy. It’s the largest train station in the world by the number of platforms.
Admire the architecture, visit the Whispering Gallery near the Oyster Bar, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries. Grand Central is a beautiful piece of New York history and a testament to the golden age of rail travel. It’s a fascinating place to simply observe the constant flow of city life. Discover what to do in manhattan new york including this historic hub.
Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal, a beautiful architectural site in New York
Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge Park
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge offers one of the most iconic views of the Manhattan skyline. Completed in 1883, it was an engineering marvel and remains a beloved landmark connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. The pedestrian walkway is elevated above the car traffic, providing a safe and scenic stroll.
On the Brooklyn side, explore Brooklyn Bridge Park, a beautiful waterfront area with playgrounds, green spaces, and, crucially, unbeatable views back towards Manhattan and the bridge itself. Nearby Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) offers the famous view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by historic brick buildings, a prime photo spot. Exploring these areas provides excellent perspectives of the city and is a vital part of what to see in New York.
Brooklyn Bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, a famous structure and walking path among what to see in New York
View of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge from Pebble Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Attend a Sporting Event
New York City is a major sports hub with teams across various leagues. Depending on the season, you might catch a Yankees or Mets baseball game, a Knicks or Nets basketball game, a Rangers or Islanders hockey game, or a Giants or Jets football game. Attending a live professional sports event is an electric experience that showcases a different facet of American culture and New York passion.
Major stadiums like Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and Citi Field in Queens are destinations in themselves. Experiencing the energy of a New York crowd cheering on their team is an exciting addition to any trip.
Experience the Holidays in New York
New York City truly comes alive during the holiday season, especially from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. The city is adorned with festive decorations, including the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Ice skating rinks pop up in various locations like Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Bryant Park.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national spectacle, and New Year’s Eve in Times Square is globally renowned (though incredibly crowded!). Seasonal shows like the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular are also major draws. Visiting during the holidays offers a magical, albeit often chilly and crowded, experience of what to see in New York. For specific seasonal planning, consider what to do in new york in december.
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink during the holidays, a festive attraction among what to see in New York
Planning Your Visit: Tips for What to See in New York
New York City is vast and requires some planning to make the most of your time. Here are a few tips:
- Use Public Transport: The subway is the most efficient way to get around Manhattan and connect to other boroughs. Purchase a MetroCard or use contactless payment.
- Walk: Many of the best experiences in New York come from simply walking through neighborhoods and discovering hidden gems. Wear comfortable shoes!
- Prioritize: You can’t see everything on one trip. Choose a few must-sees from your list of what to see in New York and build your itinerary around them.
- Book Ahead: For popular attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Broadway shows, and observation decks, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
- Consider a CityPASS: If you plan to visit multiple paid attractions, a CityPASS can save you money.
- Explore Beyond Manhattan: While Manhattan has many iconic sights, consider visiting Brooklyn (Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo, Williamsburg), the Bronx (Bronx Zoo), Queens (Flushing Meadows-Corona Park), or Staten Island (via the free ferry) for different perspectives.
Whether you’re drawn to history, art, food, theater, or simply the electric energy of a global city, New York offers an unparalleled array of experiences. Use this guide to help shape your adventure and discover the best of what to see in New York. What will be at the top of your list for what to do in new york today?
If you have questions about planning your trip or deciding what to see in New York, feel free to leave a comment below!