The classic slogan is “I Love New York” for a reason. Year in and year out, New York City is one of the top tourist destinations for visitors from all over the world. It doesn’t matter whether you’re drawn to New York City for its museums, restaurants, theaters, stores, historical sites, or all of the above. There’s no shortage of attractions here to fill your New York days and nights with unforgettable memories in the making.
New York City is famous for its visually stunning skyline. As home to some of the most impressive skyscrapers around, it’s not surprising that many guests relish the opportunity to experience the Big Apple from the sky. There are several outstanding observation decks in Manhattan that let you do just that. The Empire State Building—perhaps the most famous skyscraper in the world—has not one, but two observation decks that provide unforgettable views of the surrounding city. Top of the Rock Observation Deck occupies the 70th floor of the iconic Rockefeller Center, and is a can’t-miss experience for many visitors. Edge at Hudson Yards is the latest entrant to the observation deck marketplace. 100 floors above the ground, it features one of the world’s highest outdoor viewing platforms.
Another hallmark of New York City is its rich, diverse assortment of museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an essential stop for many visitors, and the Museum of Modern Art is a mecca for art lovers. Other memorable institutions in the area include the Guggenheim Museum and the American Museum of Natural History, just to name a couple. This just scratches the surface of the many other remarkable museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and galleries found throughout New York.
For a city that’s always on the cutting edge, reinventing itself time and time again, New York is also home to many powerful historical sites. These include such attractions as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which pays moving tribute to the victims and survivors of the World Trade Center attacks, and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where you’ll find a fleet of historical ships, planes, and space shuttles. And, of course, no trip to New York is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The most popular New York City tourist attractions:
Located near Columbia University in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is one of the largest churches found anywhere in the world, even though its imposing structure remains unfinished to this day.
This 265-acre zoo located within Bronx Park has been in operation for over 100 years and is home today to approximately 700 animal species. Its popular attractions include JungleWorld and Congo Gorilla Forest, and guests may partake in experiences like animal feedings and an aerial ropes course.
Vessel is a 150-foot-tall structure designed to serve as a centerpiece attraction for the massive Hudson Yards redevelopment project located on the west side of Midtown Manhattan. It consists of an extensive number of interconnected staircases and landings that provide a variety of bold photo opportunities.
Located in One World Trade Center, New York’s tallest building, One World Observatory is an enclosed viewing platform providing spectacular, 360-degree views from a 102nd floor vantage point. It also features informative exhibits, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
During the first half of the 20th Century, Ellis Island in New York Harbor welcomed over 12 million immigrants to the shores of America. Today it is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, and home to the National Museum of Immigration.
The New York branch of the popular Madame Tussauds franchise is a staple of the Times Square experience. There you’ll find immersive exhibits full of wax figurines of your favorite celebrities, musicians, athletes, and so much more.
Rockefeller Center has been an iconic New York City destination for nearly a century. 30 Rockefeller Plaza is the centerpiece building of this midtown Manhattan landmark, but other Rockefeller Center highlights include Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Radio City Music Hall, and The Rink.
A crown jewel of the Rockefeller Center complex, Radio City Music Hall is one of the most famous live entertainment venues in the world. Renowned for its Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall has hosted the Grammys, Emmys, the NFL Draft, and more.
Best known as home to the NBA’s New York Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous arenas in the world. A New York City institution, it hosts hundreds of live events each year.
This historic Catholic cathedral is a major landmark of Midtown Manhattan, having stood on 5th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets, since 1878. The architect James Renwick Jr. designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and it’s considered a masterwork of the Gothic Revival style.
An iconic element of the New York City skyline since 1883, Brooklyn Bridge is a major historic landmark for locals and visitors alike. It remains today a vital transportation link between Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as a prominent cultural attraction.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 50-acre oasis of plant life located in the midst of bustling Brooklyn. Its numerous popular collections include cherry trees, lilacs, roses, and peonies, and it regularly hosts a variety of educational programming, special events, and more.
Brooklyn Museum is home to 1.5 million artworks drawn from a diverse range of geographic regions, time periods, and styles. Its rich history dates back some 200 years, even as it’s also well-known for curating acclaimed temporary exhibits.
Central Park Zoo is found in the southeastern corner of Central Park, prominently located between Fifth Avenue and Wollman Rink. It’s home to a children’s zoo, a 4-D Theater, and animals as diverse as bears, cranes, penguins, and red pandas.
The Empire State Building is among the most famous buildings in the world. Completed in 1931, at nearly 1,500 feet it stood as the tallest building on the planet for about 40 years. Today it remains an architectural wonder of the world, welcoming millions of visitors each year to its two observation decks.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck is a midtown Manhattan institution. Located on the 70th floor of the sprawling Rockefeller Center complex, it’s a beloved destination for visitors who want to experience the wonders of New York City from a majestic vantage point.
The Statue of Liberty is arguably the most famous landmark in the United States. This 300-foot tribute to freedom has stood watch over New York City for over 130 years, welcoming immigrants, refugees, and visitors alike to American shores. It’s an essential stop for tourists to New York.
New York’s hottest new observation deck is Edge, located at the heart of the bustling Hudson Yards megadevelopment. The highlight of Edge at Hudson Yards is its 7,500-square-foot Outdoor Sky Deck, where visitors can snap photographs of breathtaking scenery in 360 degrees.