The first time Jennifer came to New York, it was late fall. The air was cool, the leaves in Central Park were golden and the city hummed with that singular mix of desperation and awe. She had no actual plan, only a camera, a notebook and a lengthy list of aspirations. She knew that she needed to find the best places to visit in New York but soon she learned that this city does not open up all at once. Rather, it slowly unfurls, one block at a time, that you will never forget.
A stroll through the Village became a night of jazz in a secret basement club. A brief visit to a museum became an afternoon of three hours wandering through the centuries of art. Jennifer lingered in the Statue of Liberty’s shadow, walked across the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk and discovered peaceful moments amidst the fray such as having coffee near the steps of the New York Public Library. New York is not a location; it is an experience, multilayered and vibrant. Our New York travel guide 2025 enlists breathtaking places that you must visit.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or back again for a second helping of discovery, our list of the top 10 places in New York will lead you past the blindingly obvious and into the very centre of what makes this city so irrepressibly memorable.
Best Places to Visit in New York (NYC)
New York City, referred to as ‘The City That Never Sleeps’, is a city where each street has a story, each neighbourhood is a world and each trip holds a new surprise. With its towering skyscrapers and celebrated landmarks, its iconic museums and secret treasures, NYC is filled with memories and experiences waiting to be had. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, choosing what to see can be daunting.
That is why we have put together this New York must see attractions, with a perfect blend of top sights and city icons. Whether you are walking through Central Park, taking in the view of the skyline from a rooftop or seeing a Broadway musical in Times Square, this guide will help you experience the very best of what New York City has to offer.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Among NYC top tourist spots, nothing symbolises American freedom as much as the Statue of Liberty. A brief ferry ride from Battery Park puts you eye-to-eye with this giant icon and provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Next door, Ellis Island recounts the moving tale of millions of immigrants who came to America in search of a better life.
The Immigration Museum is compelling, intimate and informative. For optimal enjoyment, reserve tickets ahead of time, particularly if you wish to visit the crown or pedestal. Bring your camera with you; the scenery from the ferry ride is well worth the ride alone.
Central Park
Encompassing over 840 acres in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is a peaceful haven amidst the city’s nonstop activity. You can stroll or bike on picturesque paths, row on the lake or sit on Bethesda Terrace and observe performers and artists. Iconic locations such as Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields and the Central Park Zoo are offered in the park.
Every season brings a new hue to the park, from the orange and red autumn leaves to spring flowers. Whether you are a nature lover, jogger or photographer, Central Park is a must-visit. It is the green heartbeat of New York travel highlights.
Empire State Building / Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Centre)
Few things compare to the excitement of viewing New York from the sky and both Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building have spectacular vistas. The Empire State Building has a timeless experience from its 86th and 102nd-floor observation decks, particularly enchanting at night.
While Top of the Rock has unmatched views of Central Park and the Empire State Building itself, it is perfect for photos. Both are iconic, so it is up to your preference for views. Try going in the late afternoon for sunset golden hour magic. Booking ahead of time is strongly advised to avoid the long lines.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
If you are stuck on ‘what to see in New York’, one of the biggest and most famous art museums globally, The Met, is a treasure house of culture. With more than two million pieces dating back 5,000 years, you can expect to see everything from Egyptian mummies to European masterworks and contemporary art. The museum itself is a work of art, particularly the staircase and the city-view rooftop garden.
A trip to The Met can easily consume several hours, if not an entire day. Use the museum floor plan or mobile app to chart your course economically. Art aficionado or simple appreciator, The Met will awe you.
9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory
The 9/11 Memorial is a moving tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks. Twin reflecting pools mark the outlines of the original Twin Towers, where the victims’ names are engraved in bronze. There is a poignant exhibit, personal testimony and artefacts from the day at the nearby museum in New York.
Next, ride the elevator to the observation deck at the top of the One World Observatory on the west’s tallest building. The view is breathtaking and stretches for miles. It is a site of contemplation, remembrance and awe at the resiliency of New York City.
Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO / Brooklyn Heights
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on foot is one of NYC’s greatest thrills, with spectacular cityscapes of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the East River. On the Brooklyn side, the DUMBO neighbourhood features cobblestone streets, trendy cafes, art studios and one of the city’s most celebrated photo opportunities.
An easy walk away, Brooklyn Heights features brownstones with history and the breathtaking Promenade with skyline views. Sunrise or sunset is ideal for crossing the bridge with fewer people and golden light. It is an optimal combination of scenic, historic and neighbourhood appeal.
Grand Central Terminal
Amongst the hidden gems in NYC, Grand Central is not merely a train station; take it as a work of Beaux-Arts art and a living part of NYC history. Its grand concourse, with the famous celestial ceiling and four-faced opal clock, is instantly recognisable. Look out for the Whispering Gallery near the Oyster Bar, a quirky acoustic phenomenon.
The terminal also houses upscale dining, markets and shops, making it a destination in itself. Whether you are catching a train or just passing through, it’s worth stopping to admire the details. It’s one of the city’s most photographed and iconic indoor locations. If you are looking for travel packages for US, you can explore our New York to Las Vegas Trip blog.
High Line and Chelsea / Meatpacking District
The High Line is a raised park constructed atop an old rail spur, running along the west side of Manhattan. It is an innovative combination of green space, public art and interesting city and Hudson River views. There are murals, sculptures and peaceful areas to sit along the way.
The route passes through Chelsea, where there are art galleries and the bustling Chelsea Market. It terminates (or starts) in the trendy Meatpacking District, which is full of hip restaurants and shops. This walk is ideal for those who want to discover NYC’s contemporary, artsy side.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA is heaven for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. From Van Gogh’s Starry Night to Andy Warhol’s pop art and works by Picasso, Pollock and Monet, the museum features an impressive array of 20th and 21st-century masterworks. Its minimalist design and carefully curated galleries ensure that it is simple to move through, even for visitors with no prior knowledge.
MoMA is not only paintings, it has photography, sculpture, film, design and multimedia art. It also has a peaceful sculpture garden. Whether you prefer timeless icons or revolutionary innovation, MoMA will broaden your vision for art.
Times Square and Broadway / Theatre District
Times Square is one of the best attractions in New York City that is famous for its blinding billboards, around-the-clock energy and frenetic crowds. It is a must-see, particularly at night when the neon lights up the city. Immediately adjacent to Times Square is the fabled Broadway Theatre District, where international-class musicals and plays come to life.
Catching a Broadway musical is a classic New York experience; book advance tickets for hit shows. Times Square is also good for street performers, gargantuan flagship stores and people-watching. Love it or hate it, it is one of the most identifiable spots on the planet.
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Tips For Tourists
The exhilarating experience of visiting New York City is one that you will remember for a lifetime. A trip to New York City can be thrilling but a little foresight goes a long way. Begin your days early in order to avoid long lines at popular sites and always purchase tickets beforehand, particularly for the Statue of Liberty, Broadway productions and viewing platforms. The NYC subway is the quickest mode of transport, so purchase a MetroCard or use contactless payment for convenient travel.
Wear sensible shoes, you will do more walking than you think! Avoid peak time, both on transport and at tourist attractions and double-check opening times as some museums shut one day a week. Finally, store your belongings securely in crowded areas and do not fear to ask for directions from locals; New Yorkers are nicer than their quick pace would suggest.
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New York Travel Guide
If visiting New York is on your bucket list, exploring the above-mentioned places to visit in NYC should be on your list for a lifetime experience. Whether you are here for a weekend or a whole week, let the city’s energy, history and culture establish the rhythm for your adventure. Regardless of the number of times you have visited this wonderful city, New York never runs out of new things to look at.
