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A Cruise Down Canal Street in New York City’s Chinatown
Chinatown is a must-see for any trip to New York City. It’s rich in history, and it’s a gateway to Little Italy and…
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So you’re ready to explore New York!
Whether you’re planning for a weekend or you’ve been here for years, there’s so much to see that you’d need a lifetime to do it all. Besides Times Square, it seems there’s never a definite answer as to where exactly your time should be spent in this massive urban jungle.
Is it worth it to see this? Do I have time for that? These questions are difficult for any traveler to answer, but especially here in New York. As a longtime NYC guide, I’m here to help make your planning just a little bit easier with this handy list of must-visit spots in the city, from famous monuments to incredible neighborhoods.
Here are 12 attractions that you absolutely must see when you visit New York City.
1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The top spot on this list may not be a surprise, but there’s no doubt that both of these attractions are a must when you’re in New York.
The Statue of Liberty is the symbol not just of New York but of America. And Ellis Island represents our nation, too — after all, almost half of Americans can trace their ancestry back to this one island.
There are many options for viewing the statue from the harbor, but I recommend taking the time to go to Liberty Island to see it up-close. You can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and climb the pedestal for incredible views. From there, it’s a quick ferry ride over to Ellis Island to explore the immigration museum and learn more about this gateway to America.
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Both islands have a unique experience to offer that you should discover for yourself at least once. You can always visit the statue on a Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour to make your visit that much richer — adding in historical context and local insight — but however you choose to visit, these two deserve top billing on your NYC bucket list.
2. Broadway
The Theater District is home to over 40 Broadway theaters, which is why New York offers some of the best live theater on the planet. Whether it’s a new musical, the latest smash-hit or the long-running classic, seeing a Broadway show transports you out of your seat and into a new reality. That’s the magic of Broadway!
One of our guides shared lots of great insider tips for exploring the area in our Broadway behind-the-scenes blog post. He has a few suggestions for tickets, but know that although prices may be steep, there are ways around it. For example, you can visit the TKTS booth in Times Square or sign up with TodayTix for discounts on the go.
You can also tour Broadway with a real-live NYC actor to learn more about the stories and secrets that make NYC’s Theater District unlike anywhere else in the world.
3. Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is an easy, fun adventure and the perfect excuse to visit Brooklyn. The views are unparalleled, and the bridge itself is a wonder to experience on its own.
If you want the best views, start off on the Brooklyn side and walk towards Manhattan. It keeps the view in front of you and starts you off with less crowds. This gives you more of an opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Guide tip: If the weather is nice, consider taking your stroll as the sun sets and you’ll see the skyline of Manhattan glitter to life one building at a time.
4. Observation decks: Empire State, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Edge
New York City has an amazing urban skyline, and we’ve got the observation decks to go with it. The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Edge, and the One World Observatory are four of the best. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be guaranteed an amazing view and an unforgettable experience.
However, doing all four isn’t worth the time and money for most people, so I suggest choosing one and taking lots of photos. Each has its own benefits. Here are some highlights at a glance, but I’ve linked each one to an in-depth blog post about that attraction so you can read more and decide which one works for you.
- Empire State Building: This one is undoubtedly the most famous, and it’s a classic. It’s also open the latest, allowing you more flexibility to fit it into your schedule.
- Top of the Rock: This viewing platform isn’t as high up as the one at the Empire State Building, but it features clear views of Central Park, and you can get a photo that includes the Empire State Building. Top of the Rock also has multiple levels to give you more viewing options where you’re less crowded.
- One World Observatory: Sometimes called OWO, this observation deck encompasses three floors and 125,000 square feet. It’s also popular because its downtown location at the One World Trade Center allows for views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.
- Edge: At 1,100 feet in the air, this is not only New York’s tallest outdoor sky deck — it’s the tallest in this hemisphere. You can view NYC as never before through its glass floor and tilted outer windows. In one corner, a single person can stand surrounded by only glass and sky. It’s incredible.
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It’s hard to pick a favorite, but Edge is probably the best. You can easily visit Hudson Yards at the same time, which is an absolute must, and it’s like walking in the air. Pretty cool.
5. Central Park
There’s nothing that beats a sunny day in Central Park. Definitely save this one for a nicer day — rainy weather doesn’t allow you to truly enjoy the beauty that is essentially New York’s backyard.
Take a stroll through The Ramble, pay tribute at Strawberry Fields, go skating at Wollman Rink, picnic in Sheep’s Meadow — you have plenty of options, and you’ll see other New Yorkers out here doing the same. Visiting Central Park is a great way to get a glimpse of authentic NYC life.
While rain might get in the way of a good time at the park, don’t let cold weather stop you. Central Park in the snow is classic New York fun, and ice skating here in winter is magical.
Tip: There’s so much more here when the weather’s chilly. Check out our guide for things to do in December in NYC.
6. Little Italy and Chinatown
One of the many wonderful things about New York is its diversity, and that is what you’ll experience when you visit Little Italy and Chinatown. The best part? These two completely different neighborhoods are right next door to each other. That’s the beauty of New York: You get to enjoy two equally fascinating but totally different neighborhoods within mere blocks of one another.
Lots of people visit both these neighborhoods in the same trip. We do for our NYC neighborhood tour. Since they’re so close, you can get a taste of each in under an hour.
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Local tip: SoHo is another cool neighborhood right by Little Italy and Chinatown that’s worth checking out while you’re in Lower Manhattan.
Of course, you can stay a lot longer if you want to have lunch or dinner here. Little Italy has seemingly endless options for pasta, pizza, and pastries plus a few annual celebrations that really bring the neighborhood to life.
Coming from the Italian flavors of Mulberry Street, you’ll cross over Canal Street, the heart of Chinatown. Chinatown is like a city within a city. Chinese food, shopping, medicine, decor — you’ll find it all here.
7. Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York is chock-full of fascinating and historical museums, but the Metropolitan Museum of Art manages to stand out among the others.
It’s the largest art museum in the United States and among the top visited museums in the world. The permanent collection alone has over 2 million works. Its halls are filled to the brim with art and culture, so you can spend a day here and not see it all (though in this guide to the Met, we try to cover everything you should see while you’re here).
Our tip? Go with a guide who can show you to the can’t-miss highlights — famous pieces and hidden gems — as well as share the stories behind the artwork. It’s those stories that you’ll take away with you and remember long after you leave.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is also conveniently located at Central Park, so it’s near another must-visit attraction on this list.
8. Grand Central Terminal
Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in all of New York, Grand Central has come a long way from its opening in 1913.
About three quarters of a million people pass through this place each day, making it one of the biggest and busiest stations in the entire world. Its size is impressive, but its architecture is worth admiring, too.
The highlight is the main concourse ceiling, which soars 125 feet above you, showcasing a mural of gold-leaf constellations. Be sure to take some time to stop outside, as the facade of the building is equally beautiful, a standout among the shiny, modern towers of midtown.
9. The High Line
One of New York’s most unexpected attractions is tucked away on the west side of Manhattan. It winds back and forth along 10th Avenue and soars 30 feet above ground. Welcome to the High Line.
The park was completed in 2016, so it’s fairly new to the tourist circuit (and honestly, still not on most tourists’ travel itineraries). Stretching from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District all the way up to 34th Street, the park is built on a former industrial railroad.
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As you walk up and down the paths, you’ll notice various species of plants and the original tracks themselves snaking in and out of view.
10. 9/11 Memorial
More than any other city in America, the events of September 11th impacted New York in a way that’s still felt today. But rather than linger on the tragedy of the event, the 9/11 Memorial reflects on our healing and growth as a city following the day.
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A moving piece of artwork called “Reflecting Absence,” two memorial pools stand in the footprint of the towers, surrounding the museum on either side. And around the memorial, you can’t help but notice all the amazing new buildings that have been created to rebuild what was lost. The 9/11 Museum is one of these, another must for your visit if you have the time.
Both peaceful and somber, the 9/11 Memorial and the 9/11 Museum are both no doubt emotional to experience but is ultimately a beautiful tribute worth visiting.
11. Financial District
Don’t let the name fool you. There’s so much more to this neighborhood than money.
The Financial District has a richer history (pun not intended but kind of nice) than any other neighborhood in New York. Here are just a few of the landmarks here you can’t miss:
- New York Stock Exchange
- Wall Street
- The Charging Ball
- Federal Hall National Memorial
- Trinity Church (and its famous churchyard)
- Battery Park
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Guide tip: While you’re in the area, stop and grab a bite to eat at Stone Street, an entire block reminiscent of the Dutch architecture that once covered Lower Manhattan.
Easily walkable, full of history and home to the beginnings of American government, the Financial District may just be the highlight of your trip.
12. Greenwich Village, SoHo, and West Village
While you’re here, you have to take some time out for local New York.
These three neighborhoods — Greenwich Village, SoHo, and West Village — are brimming with life and allow you to experience the real city, the way us locals do every day. It’s the energy of these neighborhoods that really make New York the amazing city that it is.
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While time may be limited, and you may not get a chance to visit all three, definitely make sure to include at least one in your trip. Go shopping in SoHo, catch a comedy show in Greenwich, or grab a bite in the West Village. Each is fun in its own way, and experiencing local culture is a necessary part of any good vacation.
The Top 3,841 Things to Do In NYC
So I didn’t have enough time to include everything on this list. A lineup of 12 attractions is manageable as a place to start. But this is New York City, and there’s a lot more to take in here — another 3,829 (give or take) amazing experiences beyond the dozen listed here.
From Hudson Yards to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, we’d love to show you around our city. We can share some of these top attractions plus unique insights from a local’s perspective in our NYC tours. Just because you’re in the big city doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get an insider’s view of these iconic sights. See you in NYC!
A Cruise Down Canal Street in New York City’s Chinatown
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