New York City, often called “The Big Apple,” is a hub of culture, history, food and entertainment. Whether you are planning your first visit or returning to explore more, NYC offers a wide variety of experiences for every type of traveler. Here is a list of the top 10 must-visit attractions in New York City, with practical tips and links to help plan your trip.
Top 10 New York City attractions
1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Location: Liberty Island, New York, NY. Access: Ferries depart from Battery Park (Manhattan) and Liberty State Park (New Jersey). Tip: Book Crown Access tickets well in advance; they are limited and in high demand (verify how far ahead they open). Website: Statue City Cruises.
2. Times Square
Location: Broadway & Seventh Avenue, Manhattan, NY. Tip: Visit after sunset for the full LED-lit view and street performances.
3. Central Park
Location: Spans from 59th Street to 110th Street in Manhattan. Tip: Rent a bike or take a guided tour to see Bethesda Terrace, the Great Lawn and Loeb Boathouse.
4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Location: 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028. Tip: New York State residents, and students from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, can pay what they wish for admission. Highlights include the Temple of Dendur and the European paintings galleries. Website: The Met.
5. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Location: 180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007. Tip: Reserve museum tickets online and consider a visit to the nearby One World Observatory. Website: 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
6. Top of the Rock & Empire State Building
Top of the Rock: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY. Website: Top of the Rock.
Empire State Building: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY. Tip: A Sunrise Experience on select mornings has included early access, coffee and pastries (verify current dates). Website: Empire State Building.
7. Fifth Avenue
Location: Stretches from Washington Square Park to Harlem, Manhattan, NY. Tip: Visit during the holidays to see the Saks Fifth Avenue window displays. Well-known stops include the Apple Store and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
8. Culinary spots of NYC
Must-visit spots:
Tip: Join a local food tour in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side or Williamsburg.
9. Broadway & the Theater District
Location: Centered around Times Square, Manhattan, NY. Tip: Use TodayTix for discounted advance bookings or visit the TKTS booth at Duffy Square for same-day discounts.
10. Brooklyn Bridge
Starting point: City Hall Park, Manhattan. Tip: Walk at sunrise or sunset for the best views. After crossing, explore DUMBO and eat at Juliana’s Pizza or Grimaldi’s.
New York City travel essentials
- Transportation: Use the MTA subway system. Tap a contactless card or phone at the turnstile with OMNY. MTA Info
- Attraction passes: Consider CityPASS NYC for bundled attraction savings.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available in many parks, cafes and subway stations.
- Safety: NYC is generally safe, but stay aware, especially at night in less busy areas.
Final thoughts
From the skyline to small local spots, New York City offers plenty to explore. Whether you are taking in a Broadway show, walking through Central Park or eating pizza in Brooklyn, there is something for everyone. Plan your visit with this guide and enjoy the energy, culture and variety of one of the most exciting cities in the world.
Traveling as a group? CharterMyBus can arrange a charter bus with a driver for your NYC trip; see our New York City charter bus page or call (929) 831-5150.
