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Top 10 Attractions in New York City

This guide details the top 10 attractions in New York City that belong on every visitor’s itinerary. From the Statue of Liberty to the neon buzz of Times Square, we provide key details and visiting tips for these must-see landmarks to help you plan your perfect NYC visit.

Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Top Attractions in New York City

Key Things to Do in NYC at These Historic New York City Attractions

The Statue of Liberty is America’s most iconic symbol of freedom and one of New York City’s top attractions. Gifted by France in 1886, Lady Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Visitors can take a ferry from Battery Park to explore the pedestal museum, book crown access for panoramic views, and learn about its history. The same ferry stops at Ellis Island, where the moving Immigration Museum chronicles the arrival of over 12 million immigrants to the United States. Together, these landmarks offer a powerful glimpse into America’s past and breathtaking skyline photo opportunities.

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Central Park: Top Things to Do in NYC’s Iconic Urban Oasis

Exploring Central Park – A Premier New York City Attraction

Central Park is an 843-acre urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan and one of the world’s most famous public parks. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, it offers year-round activities including rowing on the lake, visiting the Central Park Zoo, and exploring attractions like Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields. In winter, enjoy ice skating at Wollman Rink; in summer, catch free performances at the Delacorte Theater. Its winding paths, meadows, and scenic bridges provide a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and families.

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Times Square: A Must-See Among New York City Attractions

Best Things to Do in NYC: Experience the Energy of Times Square

Known as “The Crossroads of the World,”Times Square dazzles with massive digital billboards, Broadway theaters, and vibrant energy day and night. This iconic Manhattan intersection is famous for the New Year’s Eve ball drop, flagship stores like the Disney Store and M&M’s World, and pedestrian plazas perfect for people-watching. Visitors can purchase discounted Broadway tickets at the TKTS booth, dine at themed restaurants, or simply soak in the neon-lit spectacle. It’s a sensory overload that embodies the excitement and pace of New York City like no other place.

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Empire State Building: Iconic Things to Do in NYC for Skyline Views

Visit a Top Attraction in New York City: The Empire State Building Observatory

Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is a quintessential Art Deco skyscraper and one of NYC’s most beloved landmarks. Its 86th-floor open-air observatory offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, while the 102nd-floor indoor deck provides a higher vantage point. Interactive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors detail its history and construction. Visiting at sunset is highly recommended, as you can watch the city transition from day to night. An enduring symbol of ambition and architecture, it remains a top attraction for first-time and returning visitors.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Premier New York City Attractions for Art Lovers

Essential Things to Do in NYC: Explore The Met’s Collections

Located on Fifth Avenue along Museum Mile, The Met is one of the world’s largest and finest art museums. Its vast collection spans 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Temple of Dendur to European masterpieces by Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Must-see sections include the American Wing, the Arms and Armor galleries, and the Costume Institute. The museum’s rooftop garden offers seasonal cocktails with Central Park views. With something for every art enthusiast, The Met requires several hours to fully appreciate its global treasures and special exhibitions.

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Broadway & The Theater District: Top Attractions in New York City for Entertainment

Unmissable Things to Do in NYC: See a Broadway Show

Broadway is synonymous with world-class live theater and is the heart of New York City’s entertainment scene. The Theater District around Times Square features 41 professional theaters hosting long-running musicals like The Lion King and Wicked, as well as groundbreaking new plays. Catching a show is a quintessential NYC experience. For discounts, visit the TKTS booths for same-day tickets. The area also boasts pre-theater dining, historic venues, and behind-the-scenes tours. Whether you’re a theater buff or a first-time attendee, Broadway offers unforgettable performances and dazzling production value.

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9/11 Memorial & Museum: A Solemn and Important New York City Attraction

Meaningful Things to Do in NYC: Paying Respects at the 9/11 Memorial

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a moving tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The Memorial features two reflecting pools set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, surrounded by bronze panels inscribed with victims’ names. The underground Museum houses artifacts, personal stories, and historical exhibits that convey the scale and impact of the tragedy. Located at the rebuilt World Trade Center site, it’s a place for reflection, education, and remembrance, framed by the soaring One World Trade Center nearby.

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Walking the Brooklyn Bridge: Top Things to Do in NYC

The Brooklyn Bridge – Historic New York City Attractions with a View

Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering and a popular pedestrian walkway. Opened in 1883, its Gothic stone towers and steel cables offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the East River. Walking across (about 1.3 miles) is a free and memorable activity best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Cyclists and photographers frequent the elevated wooden walkway, which is separate from vehicle traffic. The bridge remains a symbol of innovation and a must-do scenic experience for every NYC visitor.

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The High Line: Unique Things to Do in NYC

A Modern Top Attraction in New York City: Strolling the High Line Park

The High Line is an innovative public park built on a historic elevated freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side. Stretching 1.45 miles from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards, it features landscaped gardens, art installations, seating areas, and unique vantage points of the city and Hudson River. This urban renewal success story passes through neighborhoods like Chelsea, where you can view galleries and the famous Chelsea Market. Free to access and open year-round, the High Line is a prime example of adaptive reuse and offers a serene, elevated stroll away from street-level traffic.

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Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock: Iconic New York City Attractions

Top Things to Do in NYC for Skyline Views: Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Rockefeller Center is a sprawling Art Deco complex in Midtown Manhattan famous for its seasonal attractions—the Christmas Tree and ice-skating rink in winter, and flower gardens in summer. Beneath the golden Prometheus statue, visitors can tour NBC Studios, shop at flagship stores, and dine at the concourse. The Top of the Rock Observation Deck on the 70th floor offers unparalleled, unobstructed views of Central Park and the Empire State Building. Less crowded than some other observatories, it provides three indoor and outdoor levels for photography and skyline appreciation day or night.

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