updated on May 6th, 2018
Top Sights In New York City
Central Park
Central Park sees about 40 million visitors a year, and you should be one of them. Filling 843 acres, you can sight-see, take a horse-drawn carriage, jog, bike, ice skate (in the winter), ride the carousel, visit the zoo, or even catch a marionette (puppet) theater. Or, like many NYC natives, you can just take a picnic lunch and enjoy this piece of nature in the middle of the huge city.
Statue of Liberty
If you see New York, you have to visit the Statue of Liberty. Build by the same person who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this monument was a gift to the USA from France in 1886. Lady Liberty rises above Liberty Island, just south of Ellis Island, which was the initial port of entry for millions of immigrants to the United States. Your trip won’t be complete without a visit.
Empire State Building
Ruling as the world’s tallest building for 40 years, the Empire State Building is one of the multiple high-rise towers on New York City’s skyline. If you visit, make sure you check out the observation deck on the 102nd floor for incredible views of the city. According to Wikipedia, the building makes more money from tourist entrance fees than it does from renting office space.
Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 high-rise buildings surrounding a square where a yearly Christmas tree is famously displayed. Here visitors will find headquarters for NBC, Time, and many other news agencies. You’ll also find Radio City Music Hall, home of the famous Rockettes dancers. If you’ve ever wanted to appear in the crowds of The Today Show, this is where you’ll do it.
Times Square
Sometimes called “the center of the universe,” Times Square is one of the busiest intersections in the world. Nearly every movie based in New York seems to have a scene that shows Times Square. New Year’s’ Eve is on televisions around the globe as the famous ball drops to count down the seconds until the next year. Although it’s crammed with people, it’s still worth a visit!
High Line Park
High Line Park has an interesting premise: it’s a park elevated about 30 feet above the city, meant for a rail line, pedestrian walkway, and open greenspace. This is a perfect place for a picnic lunch and people-watching.
Bryant Park
The origin is a little spooky: this space was originally used as a graveyard for the poor, until 1840 when the bodies were moved to a nearby island and the area began to be planned for a public park. In 1847, it became known as Reservoir Square, and over the years went through several name changes until it became the now-popular Bryant Park. Now featuring a fountain, sprawling greens, and an “open-air library,” it’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
One World Trade Center
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, many plans were submitted to memorialize the former World Trade Center. David Childs eventually planned the final design for One World Trade Center, and the building, along with the memorial pools, are a somber reminder of what happened on the fateful day in 2001. The tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the 6th tallest building in the world.
Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is one of the biggest art museums in the world. Containing books, films, sculptures, and paintings, this museum sees around 2.5 million visitors every year. There is a special emphasis on contemporary and modern art.
Bronx Zoo
Are you an animal lover? The Bronx Zoo is the biggest zoo in the US! This zoo even has several free exhibits for the public. The Bronx Zoo is one of the most varied zoos in the world and is well-known for their conservation efforts.
The Battery
After you took the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, make sure you visit the Battery. This incredible park faces both islands and provides great photo opportunities of the city. Originally used as a fort to protect the city, this park is now a great tourist destination.
