In a nutshell
- We’ve been to New York many times and have truly fallen in love with the city. We’ll show you our top 25 attractions and highlights — so you won’t miss a thing.
- Short on time? Our top 10 picks let you experience the most important sights in New York even on a tight schedule.
- Whatever you do, don’t miss the Empire State Building, The Edge, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
- We also share practical sightseeing tips for New York — from buying tickets in advance to whether a city pass is worth it for you.
- Check out our New York pass comparison to find out how to save money on attractions.
Top Sights in New York on a Map
We’ve marked the best sights in New York on a map for you. This gives you a solid overview before you start planning.
If you haven’t sorted your accommodation yet, check out our hotel recommendations in New York and tips for budget places to stay in New York.
Our Top 10 Sights in New York
Statue of Liberty New York
What you need to know: The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island and was dedicated in 1886 — a gift from France to the USA. As a symbol of freedom and democracy, she’s been welcoming visitors to New York Harbor ever since and is one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! You don’t need to climb all the way up to the crown, but a visit to the Statue of Liberty is simply one of those highlights of New York City you have to experience.
Our tip: We recommend a trip to Liberty Island and Ellis Island — you’ll get up close to Lady Liberty and the history behind her is fascinating.
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. For decades it was the tallest structure on earth. You can visit the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
Is it worth it? 100%! Even though taller buildings have since appeared on the skyline, the Empire State Building is a must for us. The view is among the best in the city, and the exhibition inside is genuinely impressive.
Our tip: This is one of the top highlights of New York City and gets correspondingly busy. Plan around two hours, especially if you’re going during peak hours.
Bonus tip: We also took a helicopter flight over New York — you get seriously close to the Empire State Building from the air!
Book Empire State Building tickets online
Also read our firsthand account:
9/11 Memorial & Museum
What you need to know: The 9/11 Memorial and the museum beneath it commemorate the attacks of September 11, 2001. Where the Twin Towers once stood, you’ll now find two reflecting pools with the names of the victims engraved along their edges. The museum powerfully documents the events of that day. The memorial is free; the museum requires a paid ticket.
Is it worth it? Definitely. The visit can be emotionally intense, but the memorial is one of those places in New York that really stays with you. The museum is one of the most moving and impressive museums in New York — don’t skip it.
Book 9/11 Museum tickets online
Brooklyn Bridge
What you need to know: The Brooklyn Bridge has connected Manhattan to Brooklyn across the East River since 1883. When it opened, the cable-stayed bridge was considered an engineering marvel. Today it’s one of New York’s most popular attractions and a classic route for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a New York classic — totally free, with a fantastic view of the skyline and plenty of great photo spots along the way.
Our tip: The pedestrian walkway gets really crowded during the day. If you want to experience the bridge in peace, go early in the morning — it’s a completely different atmosphere.
Central Park
What you need to know: Central Park is the green heart of New York. Stretching four kilometers long and 800 meters wide, it’s a massive urban oasis packed with things to see — the Reservoir, the Central Park Zoo, and the memorial to John Lennon among them.
Is it worth it? Central Park is one of the top must-sees in New York and offers far more than just greenery. It’s the perfect place to take a breather from the city, rent a rowboat, or go for a bike ride.
Our tip: Short on time? Focus on the southern part of the park. You can rent bikes right next to it — bike rental is included in some New York passes — and the ride through the park is seriously fantastic.
Read more here:
Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
What you need to know: Rockefeller Center in Midtown is famous at Christmas for its giant tree and ice skating rink. The rest of the year, head up to the observation deck Top of the Rock for a sweeping view of Central Park and the Empire State Building — with no glass walls in the way.
Is it worth it? Definitely! Top of the Rock is one of the best observation decks in New York. The unobstructed open-air view makes for perfect photos. If you want the definitive shot of the Empire State Building, this is your spot.
Our tip: Top of the Rock is often less crowded than the Empire State Building and has a larger, more relaxed observation terrace. Plan around one to two hours for your visit.
Book Top of the Rock tickets online
Also read our firsthand account:
The Edge
What you need to know: The Edge is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. At 335 meters up, it juts 20 meters out from the skyscraper and delivers a stunning panorama of Manhattan all the way to New Jersey. Part of the floor is glass, so you can look 100 stories straight down to the streets below.
Is it worth it? The Edge is our favorite observation deck in all of New York City! The views are fantastic and the glass floor gives you a real thrill. It’s also one of the best spots if you’re visiting New York with kids — they absolutely love it.
Also read our firsthand account:
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
What you need to know: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is New York’s newest observation deck, with breathtaking views 300 meters above street level. The standout features are the glass balconies — which genuinely make you feel like you’re floating above Manhattan — plus the rooms with art installations woven throughout.
Is it worth it? The platform is super popular. When we visited it was way too crowded, which dampened the experience a little.
Our tip: To dodge the crowds, try coming in the late afternoon just before the sunset time slots. That way you can actually enjoy the views without fighting through the masses.
Also read our firsthand account:
Times Square
What you need to know: Times Square is a true New York icon — the glowing billboards at night put on an unforgettable spectacle. The square was named after the New York Times building that opened here in 1904 and was once just a small village square. Today it’s the beating heart of Broadway.
Is it worth it? Times Square is a must for the full New York experience. But honestly, it’s usually pretty packed. We snapped a quick photo and moved on — the hustle and bustle was a bit much for us.
Our tip: If you prefer it a bit quieter, go early in the morning or later at night — it’s noticeably less crowded then. Or come for a show. Book tickets in advance online to avoid the queues.
Grand Central Station
What you need to know: Grand Central Station is one of New York’s most famous film locations. The stunning main concourse with its iconic central clock is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world — and with 67 tracks, also the largest.
Is it worth it? Definitely! Grand Central isn’t just a functioning train station — it’s a genuine New York standout. The architecture is breathtaking, and there are all kinds of hidden corridors and nooks to explore.
Our tip: Don’t just admire the main hall — wander through the vestibules and side corridors too. A real highlight is the Whispering Gallery, where the unique acoustics let you be heard from the opposite corner. Give it a try!
More Things to See in New York
Want to explore even more beyond the top ten? Here are more highlights of New York City that are well worth your time:
One World Observatory
What you need to know: The One World Observatory sits atop One World Trade Center, the tallest building in New York. The views are incredible, though it’s an indoor platform. Right nearby you’ll also find the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and the Oculus Mall.
Is it worth it? Yes — the One World Observatory is worth the admission price. There’s no higher vantage point in New York, and the location carries real meaning. Personally, we preferred the outdoor experience at The Edge, and the glass panels here do make photography a bit tricky.
Our tip: One World Observatory isn’t included in all New York passes. If you’re buying a single ticket, book online in advance to save time at the door.
Book One World Observatory tickets online
Also read our firsthand account:
Flatiron Building
What you need to know: The Flatiron Building is one of New York’s most distinctive structures, sitting at the intersection of Broadway and 5th Avenue. Its clothes-iron shape is how it got its name. Since 2019 the facade had been hidden behind scaffolding — but as of April 2026, all the scaffolding has finally come down!
Is it worth it? The Flatiron Building is worth seeing for its historical significance alone. Its distinctive triangular shape makes it a great photo subject and a genuine piece of New York history.
Our tip: For the best view of the Flatiron in all its glory, head up to the Empire State Building observation deck — you’ll see it perfectly from up there.
High Line
What you need to know: The High Line is a free park built on a former elevated freight rail line in Manhattan. It stretches over two kilometers through the southern part of the city and opens daily at 7:00 AM.
Is it worth it? The High Line is one of the coolest free activities in New York. The views of the city are unique, and it’s a wonderfully relaxed way to enjoy some greenery amid the high-rises.
Our tip: Plan about an hour to walk the full route from north to south.
Staten Island Ferry
What you need to know: The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry running from Manhattan to Staten Island. The ride takes about 25 minutes and offers great views of the Statue of Liberty and the southern Manhattan skyline.
Is it worth it? Definitely! The views are great. The ferry does get pretty crowded during rush hour, so try to avoid those times if you’d prefer a more relaxed ride.
Our tip: Once you arrive at Staten Island, you can simply hop off and catch the very next ferry back. Effectively a free boat tour in New York.
Little Island
What you need to know: Little Island is a park in the Hudson River built on concrete stilts. Spanning 12,000 square meters, it features green spaces, an amphitheater, art installations, and walking paths with a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline.
Is it worth it? Totally! The park is a great way to take a real break from the city buzz, and the architecture is a highlight in itself. An ideal spot to recharge.
Our tip: Little Island is open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. From 12:00 PM onward, you need a free reservation. Find all the details on the official website.
Vessel
What you need to know: The Vessel is a massive, climbable art installation with 154 staircases. You’ll find it right next to The Edge observation deck. Tickets are available on-site and online.
Is it worth it? We think $10 for admission is a bit steep. But from the outside, The Vessel looks really cool — so if you’re in the area anyway, it’s worth a look.
Our tip: Early in the day is when it’s least crowded.
Book The Vessel tickets online
Bryant Park
What you need to know: Bryant Park is a peaceful green space in the heart of Manhattan, right behind the New York Public Library. It has large lawns for relaxing, a café, and even a free ice skating rink in winter.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Bryant Park isn’t as well known as Central Park, which makes it more of a local favorite. Lots of events happen here too, especially during the warmer months. Really lovely.
Our tip: There are several shops nearby where you can grab snacks for a picnic on the lawn.
Wall Street
What you need to know: Wall Street is the center of the global financial market and home to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). You can no longer tour the exchange itself, but the surrounding area is a major draw for visitors.
Is it worth it? It depends. If you’re into financial history, the Wall Street area will likely impress you. For us personally, the visit wasn’t all that exciting.
Our tip: Make a quick detour to the Charging Bull (Wall Street Bull) in Bowling Green Park. Go early in the morning and you’ll get unobstructed photos with the statue.
New York Neighborhoods Worth Visiting
On a New York trip, you really should wander through a few neighborhoods. Here are our top picks:
Chinatown & Little Italy
What you need to know: Two neighborhoods you shouldn’t miss: Chinatown and Little Italy. Chinatown is packed with Chinese signage, street food stalls, and authentic shops — especially around Mott Street and Columbus Park. Just to the north, Little Italy serves up great pizza and a warm Italian atmosphere.
Is it worth it? Yes! Chinatown is super lively, colorful, and genuinely authentic. And even though Little Italy is small, the food is good and it gives you a real taste of New York’s Italian past. Perfect for a stroll with snack stops along the way.
Greenwich Village & SoHo
What you need to know: Greenwich Village and SoHo are among the most charming neighborhoods in Manhattan. Greenwich Village has narrow lanes, pre-war buildings, and an almost European feel. SoHo (South of Houston Street) is known for its beautiful cast-iron facades and stylish boutiques — where art meets shopping.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Both neighborhoods are perfect for experiencing the more “real” side of New York — no wall-to-wall skyscrapers in sight. Grab a coffee to go and just wander. Also amazing for photos.
Brooklyn
What you need to know: Brooklyn isn’t just a neighborhood — it’s one of New York’s five boroughs. It sits directly across from Manhattan, separated by the East River, and is made up of many exciting areas like Williamsburg and DUMBO. Once more of an under-the-radar pick, Brooklyn is hugely popular today.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Brooklyn has its own distinct vibe — more laid-back, more colorful, and somehow more authentic than Manhattan. Plan a full day to wander through the neighborhoods, discover street art, find great coffee, and of course walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Our tip: If you have time, make your way over to Pebble Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park. From there you get an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge — especially at sunset, it’s just wow.
Read more here:
New York Museums
Beyond the sightseeing in New York, the city has some truly world-class museums. These are our four favorites:
Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met)
What you need to know: The Met is one of the most important art museums in the world — with over three million objects spanning antiquity to the present day. You’ll find it right on 5th Avenue along the eastern edge of Central Park. The collection is enormous, so it’s worth thinking ahead about what interests you most.
Is it worth it? Yes! Even if you’re not a big art fan, you’re guaranteed to be impressed. Egyptian temples, European masterworks, medieval armor — the Met is simply an experience.
Our tip: Plan at least a few hours and focus on the sections that interest you most. For a quick overview, a guided tour is absolutely worth it — it saves time and offers genuinely fascinating insights.
Book Met New York tickets 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: At MoMA you’ll find world-class modern art — including works by Picasso, Warhol, Matisse, and Frida Kahlo. The museum is conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
Is it worth it? If you’re into modern art: absolutely! Even first-timers often find pieces here they recognize. MoMA isn’t too large either, which makes it ideal for a shorter museum visit.
Our tip: Friday evenings admission is free (4–8 PM), but it also gets really crowded. Great for saving money — but if you want to take your time and really look around, come on a different day or earlier in the day.
Book MoMA New York tickets online
Also read:
Guggenheim Museum
What you need to know: The Guggenheim Museum sits on the Upper East Side on 5th Avenue. It’s renowned for its extraordinary architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright and regularly hosts changing exhibitions of modern art.
Is it worth it? If you love modern art or exceptional architecture: absolutely! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and the spiral layout of the building makes the whole visit feel memorable.
Our tip: The lobby is free to enter if you just want a quick look at the stunning building without buying a ticket.
Book Guggenheim Museum tickets online
American Museum of Natural History
What you need to know: The American Museum of Natural History sits on the western edge of Central Park. It’s one of the largest and most renowned natural history museums in the world, famous for its massive dinosaur skeletons and wildlife exhibits spread across four floors.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The museum is enormous and especially great for families with kids — the exhibits are interactive and genuinely engaging for children. But even without kids, there’s so much here to discover.
Our tip: Plan at least three hours because there is so much to see. Traveling with kids? Make sure to check out the Discovery Room, where young explorers can get hands-on with the exhibits.
Book American Museum of Natural History tickets online
Also read:
General Tips: How to Explore New York's Sights Stress-Free
Now that you know our 25 top picks for sightseeing in New York, here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your time in the city.
Buy tickets for attractions in advance
Sightseeing in New York can get a little stressful. At most attractions, expect to wait in line — buying tickets, going through security, waiting for elevators. Always factor this in when planning your day.
Good to know: At least when it comes to the ticket counter queues, you can skip them in most cases by ordering your admission tickets online in advance. In many cases it’s even cheaper and saves you a lot of time on-site.
Here’s everything you need to know about buying tickets for New York attractions:
Save money and time with city passes
City passes for New York are popular for good reason. They grant you entry to numerous attractions and can sometimes work out cheaper than buying individual tickets — especially if you’re planning to visit quite a few places.
There are five different city passes for New York in total.
Our absolute favorite among the passes is the New York Pass. It can save you a lot of money and is genuinely straightforward to use.
We’ve tried it ourselves and recommend it without reservation.
You can find a comparison of all passes here:
Plan your visits to the highlights strategically
New York is enormous, so it’s really worth planning ahead. Make a list of which attractions you want to visit on which day — grouping nearby spots together saves a lot of time.
We’ve written a detailed itinerary for one week in New York. You can easily adapt the plan for three, four, or five days as well.
For getting between attractions, the subway is usually your best bet. We’ve also put together a guide with everything you need to know about the New York City subway and the MetroCard.
Make use of hop-on/hop-off in New York
If you want to explore the streets of New York at a relaxed, stress-free pace, the hop-on/hop-off bus is a great option.
It’s a flexible sightseeing tour where you can get on and off at various stops as many times as you like — exploring at your own pace and hopping back on the next bus when you’re ready.
Our favorite in New York is Big Bus Tours.
Read more about it here:
