NYC Attractions

Our Map of Attractions in New York City

We’ve marked the best places to visit in New York on a map, so you can get a quick overview. Maybe you already know where your hotel in New York is located?

The 10 Most Famous Places in New York City

Are you in the Big Apple? Then you can’t miss these 10 NYC attractions:

Statue of Liberty New York

What you need to know: The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and was dedicated in 1886 as a gift from France. A powerful symbol of freedom and democracy, it has welcomed millions of visitors and immigrants — and is one of the most famous places in the world.

Is it worth it? Even if you don’t go all the way to the crown, visiting the Statue of Liberty is absolutely worth it. It’s a must-see highlight in New York City.

Our tip: We recommend a trip to Liberty Island and Ellis Island to see Lady Liberty up close and learn more about the city’s immigration history.

Read more here:

Empire State Building

What you need to know: The Empire State Building on 5th Avenue is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world. It held the title of tallest building for decades. You can visit the 86th and 102nd floors for amazing city views.

Is it worth it? Definitely. Even with taller buildings now in NYC, the Empire State Building is a must-visit. The view is breathtaking, and the exhibit inside is very well done.

Our tip: The Empire State Building is one of the best places to visit in NYC, so it’s very popular. Be sure to allow at least two hours, especially during busy times.

Additional tip: We took a helicopter tour over New York — a unique way to get close to the Empire State Building and see the city from above!

Book Your Empire State Building-Ticket Online

Also read our experience report:

9/11 Memorial & Museum

What you need to know: The 9/11 Memorial and the underground museum honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The footprints of the original Twin Towers now hold two large reflecting pools, engraved with the names of the victims. The memorial is free to visit; the museum requires a ticket.

Is it worth it? Yes, absolutely. The memorial is one of the most powerful places in the city. While emotional, it’s one of the most important attractions in New York. The museum is among the best museums in New York.

Book Your 9/11 Museum-Ticket Online

Brooklyn Bridge

What you need to know: The Brooklyn Bridge has connected Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River since 1883. At the time, it was seen as a technical marvel. Today, it’s a favorite route for both pedestrians and cyclists, and a classic spot to explore in the city.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must — it’s free, offers amazing views of the skyline, and you’ll find plenty of great spots to snap a photo.

Our tip: The walkway can get very crowded during the day. If you want to enjoy the bridge in a quieter setting, early morning is the best time to go.

Central Park

What you need to know: Central Park is the city’s green oasis. Stretching 4 kilometers long and 800 meters wide, it’s home to popular spots like the Reservoir, the Central Park Zoo, and the John Lennon memorial at Strawberry Fields.

Is it worth it? Definitely. Central Park offers a peaceful escape with plenty to explore — from nature and quiet paths to lakes, bridges, and cultural spots. It’s ideal for relaxing, taking a boat ride, or biking around.

Our tip: If you’re short on time, start in the southern part of the park. You can rent bikes right at the entrance, and bike tours are also included in some sightseeing passes — a great way to see more in less time.

Read more here:

Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

What you need to know: Located in Midtown, Rockefeller Center is especially famous during the holidays for its Christmas tree and skating rink. But you can visit the Top of the Rock viewing deck all year long — with amazing views over Central Park and the Empire State Building, all without glass panels.

Is it worth it? For sure. Top of the Rock is one of the best viewpoints in New York. The open-air deck offers stunning photo opportunities, especially of the Empire State Building and the city skyline.

Our tip: It’s usually a bit less crowded than the Empire State Building and has more space to enjoy the view. Plan for about one to two hours, especially if you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Book Your Top of the Rock-Ticket Online

Also read our experience report:

The Edge

What you need to know: The Edge is the highest outdoor observation deck in the western hemisphere. Standing 335 meters above the ground, it extends 20 meters from the building and offers incredible views of Manhattan, all the way to New Jersey. A section of the floor is made of glass, so you can look straight down from the 100th floor — an unforgettable experience among the top attractions of New York.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The Edge is our favorite viewing platform in the city. The view is stunning and the glass floor adds an exciting twist. One of the best places to visit in NYC, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Book Your The Edge-Ticket Online

Also read our experience report:

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

What you need to know: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the newest observation deck in New York and one of the most unique attractions in NYC. Located 300 meters above the city, it features glass balconies that feel like you’re floating above Manhattan, plus immersive art installations throughout the space.

Is it worth it? It’s a very popular spot and definitely one of New York’s standout highlights. However, when we visited, it felt too crowded, which took away from the overall experience a bit.

Our tip: For fewer crowds, go in the late afternoon before the sunset time slots. That way you’ll get the view — and photos — without all the people around.

Book Your SUMMIT-Ticket Online

Also read our experience report:

Times Square

What you need to know: Times Square is one of the most famous places in New York City, known for its bright billboards and energy — especially after dark. The square got its name in 1904 when The New York Times opened its office here. What used to be a quiet corner of town is now the center of Broadway and one of the best places to visit in NYC.

Is it worth it? Times Square is a must if you want the full NYC experience. Just be prepared — it’s almost always packed with people. We only stayed long enough to take a few pictures before moving on.

Our tip: For a calmer experience, visit early in the morning or later in the evening. You’ll avoid most of the crowds. Or come here to see a Broadway show — just be sure to book your tickets ahead of time.

Book Your Aladdin Musical-Tickets Online
Book Your Wicked-Tickets Online
Book Your Hamilton-Tickets Online

Grand Central Station

What you need to know: Grand Central Station is one of New York’s most famous movie sets. The impressive concourse with the famous clock in the middle is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. With 67 tracks, it is also the world’s largest station.

Is it worth it? Definitely! Grand Central Station is not only a functional station, but also a real highlight in New York. The architecture is simply breathtaking and there are many hidden corners and corridors to discover.

Our tip: don’t just look at the main concourse, but also explore the many vestibules and corridors. A real highlight is the Whispering Gallery – a place where you can be heard through the special sound of the walls at opposite corners. Be sure to try it out!

More Places to Visit in NYC

Would you like to explore even more besides the top attractions in New York? Then here are more highlights that are well worth a visit:

One World Observatory

What you need to know: One World Observatory sits atop One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the city. It’s an indoor viewing platform with sweeping views. Nearby, you’ll also find the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as well as the Oculus shopping center.

Is it worth it? Definitely. It’s the highest observation point in New York and carries a lot of meaning. That said, we personally preferred the open-air feeling at The Edge. The glass panels here make photography a bit tricky.

Our tip: Not all New York passes include this observatory. If you’re buying a single ticket, it’s best to book online in advance to skip the wait.

Book Your One World Observatory-Ticket Online

Also read our experience report:

Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building is currently scaffolded due to renovations until 2026! A visit is therefore not worthwhile at the moment.

What you need to know: The Flatiron Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in New York. It’s located where Broadway and 5th Avenue meet and is shaped like a flat iron — which is how it got its name.

Is it worth it? Mostly for its historical charm. With its unique design, it’s a great photo spot and a piece of the city’s architectural story.

Our tip: To really enjoy the view of the Flatiron, head to the Empire State Building. It offers a great vantage point, especially while renovations are ongoing.

High Line

What you need to know: The High Line is a public park built on a former elevated rail line. It runs for more than 2 kilometers through Manhattan and opens daily at 7:00 am.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. It’s one of the best free things to do in NYC. You’ll enjoy peaceful views, modern architecture, and a bit of nature above the streets.

Our tip: Give yourself about an hour to walk the full length from north to south.

Staten Island Ferry

What you need to know: This free ferry connects Manhattan with Staten Island. The 25-minute ride offers great views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.

Is it worth it? For sure! The scenery is amazing. Just try to avoid peak hours if you want a more relaxed trip.

Our tip: You don’t have to explore Staten Island — just hop off and board the next ferry back for a free boat ride in NYC with skyline views.

Little Island

What you need to know: Little Island is a floating park in the Hudson River, built on concrete pillars. On 12,000 square meters, you’ll find green spaces, an amphitheater, and walking paths with fantastic views.

Is it worth it? Definitely. It’s a peaceful escape from the city, and the design is really eye-catching. A great place to relax and recharge.

Our tip: Open daily from 6:00 am to 1:00 am. After 12:00 pm, you need a (free) reservation. Check the official website for details.

Vessel

What you need to know: The Vessel is a massive interactive sculpture made of 154 staircases. It’s located next to the Edge and offers tickets both on-site and online.

Is it worth it? The entry fee is a bit steep, but the structure looks impressive. Even just seeing it from outside is worth the visit.

Our tip: Come early in the day to avoid crowds.

Book The Vessel ticket online

Bryant Park

What you need to know: Bryant Park is a peaceful spot in Midtown, tucked behind the New York Public Library. You’ll find open lawns, a café, and even a free skating rink during winter.

Is it worth it? Definitely. It’s less touristy than Central Park and loved by locals. Especially in summer, the park hosts many events, making it a great hangout.

Our tip: Grab some snacks from a nearby shop and enjoy a relaxed picnic on the grass.

Wall Street

What you need to know: Wall Street is the heart of global finance and home to the New York Stock Exchange. While the trading floor is off-limits, the area remains a popular photo spot.

Is it worth it? That depends on your interests. If you enjoy economic history or iconic buildings, it’s worth a look. Otherwise, it might feel underwhelming.

Our tip: Head over to Bowling Green Park early to snap photos with the famous Charging Bull before it gets crowded.

Cool Neighborhoods in NYC

If you’re on a trip to New York, you should also stroll through a few neighborhoods. Here are our recommendations for you:

Chinatown & Little Italy

What you need to know: Don’t miss Chinatown and Little Italy. In Chinatown, Mott Street and Columbus Park are full of street food, shops, and authentic flair. Just a few steps away, Little Italy offers cozy eateries and old-world charm.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Chinatown is vibrant, colorful, and full of energy. Little Italy may be small, but it’s the perfect place for a bite and a taste of history. Great for a casual walk with food stops.

Greenwich Village & SoHo

What you need to know: These two areas are among Manhattan’s most atmospheric. Greenwich Village charms with quaint streets, historic buildings, and a cozy, almost European vibe. SoHo (short for South of Houston Street) is known for its elegant cast-iron buildings, art galleries, and trendy shops.

Is it worth it? For sure! Both neighborhoods give you a break from the skyscraper buzz and let you experience a more relaxed, local side of NYC. Ideal for a casual stroll with coffee in hand—and perfect photo ops.

Brooklyn

What you need to know: Brooklyn is one of NYC’s five boroughs and lies just across the East River from Manhattan. It’s made up of distinctive neighborhoods like Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Bushwick. Once a hidden gem, Brooklyn is now known for its creative scene, street art, and food culture.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Brooklyn has a different energy—more laid-back and artsy than Manhattan. Spend a day exploring local cafés, murals, indie shops, and take a walk over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Our tip: Don’t miss Pebble Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park. It offers a breathtaking view of Manhattan and the bridge—especially magical at sunset.

Museums in New York

In addition to the famous landmarks, New York also boasts some incredible museums. These four are our top picks:

Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met)

What you need to know: The Met is one of the world’s leading art museums, with over 3 million works spanning centuries. It’s located on 5th Avenue along Central Park’s east side. The collection is vast—so it’s smart to focus on the areas that interest you most.

Is it worth it? No doubt. Even if you’re not big on art, the museum’s range is awe-inspiring. From Egyptian relics and European classics to medieval armor—it’s a must-see.

Our tip: Set aside a few hours for your visit. A guided tour is a great way to get the highlights without getting overwhelmed.

Book Your Met New York-Ticket online
Book a Guided Tour of the Met online

Admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is included in all New York Passes.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

What you need to know: MoMA is home to one of the world’s best collections of modern and contemporary art, featuring big names like Warhol, Picasso, Matisse, and Frida Kahlo. It’s located right in Midtown Manhattan.

Is it worth it? If you’re into modern art—or even just curious—then yes. It’s a manageable size, and many of the works are instantly recognizable, even for newcomers to art.

Our tip: Admission is free on Fridays from 4 to 8 pm, but it gets crowded. Great if you’re on a budget, but if you prefer a quieter experience, come earlier or on a different day.

Book Your MoMA New York-Ticket online

Read also:

Guggenheim Museum

What you need to know: The Guggenheim Museum sits along 5th Avenue in the Upper East Side. It’s known for its unique architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright and hosts rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

Is it worth it? If you’re into modern art or eye-catching buildings, absolutely! The design alone makes it one of the most memorable attractions to visit in New York City.

Our tip: You can check out the impressive spiral-shaped lobby without buying a ticket — perfect if you’re just passing by and want a quick look.

Book Your Guggenheim Museum-Ticket online

American Museum of Natural History

What you need to know: This museum is located on the west side of Central Park and is one of the most iconic and largest natural history museums in the world. It’s famous for its massive dinosaur skeletons and engaging wildlife displays spread across four floors.

Is it worth it? Definitely! It’s a hit with kids thanks to its hands-on exhibits, but adults will find plenty to love too. It’s one of the best places to visit in NYC for all ages.

Our tip: Plan to spend at least three hours here — there’s so much to explore. If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss the Discovery Room where they can get hands-on with science.

Book Your American Museum of Natural History-Ticket online

Read also:

General Tips: How to Visit the Attractions in NYC Stress-Free

Now that you know our 25 top highlights in New York, we’d like to give you a few tips to help you make the most of your time in New York.

#1 Buy tickets for attractions in advance

Sightseeing in New York can get a bit hectic. Most top attractions of New York involve waiting in line: buying tickets, going through security, waiting for elevators. It’s smart to plan for this ahead of time.

Good to know: In most cases, you can skip the ticket lines by booking online in advance. It often saves you money too — and plenty of time once you’re there.

Read more about how to get tickets for NYC attractions

#2 Save time and money with City Cards

Many visitors choose one of the city cards for New York. These passes include entry to many famous places in New York City. If you’re planning to see a lot, they can be cheaper than buying individual tickets.

There are 5 different city cards available for NYC.

Our top pick is the New York Pass. It’s super easy to use and can save you quite a bit on entrance fees to popular attractions.

We’ve used it ourselves and can truly recommend it.

#3 Plan your visit to the sights in the best possible way

New York is a huge city, so it really helps to plan ahead. It’s best to map out which places to visit in New York City on which days.

We’ve created a detailed day-by-day itinerary for a week in New York. You can easily adapt it for 3, 4 or 5 days.

To get around, the subway is usually your best bet. We also have a helpful guide on how to use the New York subway system and the Metrocard.

#4 Using hop-on hop-off in New York

If you want to explore at a relaxed pace, a hop-on hop-off bus is a great choice.

These flexible city tours let you get off and back on at different stops, giving you a fun way to see the best highlights in NYC at your own pace.

Our favorite is Big Bus Tours.

Read more about it here:

These were our top highlights in New York City

What are your favorites? Which NYC attractions do you think are unmissable? Let us know in the comments!