New York City is the kind of place that doesn’t just welcome you—it consumes you. The energy hits before you’ve even left the airport, and suddenly, everything feels larger than life: the food, the skyline, the crowds, and even the pigeons. It’s a city that has inspired countless songs, movies, and dreams, and somehow, it still manages to surprise every visitor who sets foot on its streets.
There’s no shortage of things to do, see, and eat in the Big Apple. From timeless icons like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building to local gems like DUMBO and the High Line, the city blends history and innovation like no other. This guide takes you through ten of the best attractions New York has to offer—along with tips on how to get there, where to stay, and what experiences you shouldn’t skip.
So grab a MetroCard, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to explore the city that never sleeps.
Top Hotels & Experiences
Planning your stay in New York can be half the fun. Whether you want a skyline-view suite or a cozy brownstone loft, the following hotels and experiences will make your trip unforgettable.
Hotels
- The Langham, Fifth Avenue – Modern luxury in Midtown, ideally located near Bryant Park and the Empire State Building.
- The Bryant Park Hotel – Boutique charm meets city buzz right in the center of Manhattan.
- PUBLIC Hotel NYC – Trendy, vibrant, and perfect for travelers who want culture and nightlife at their doorstep.
- 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – Sustainable luxury with jaw-dropping Manhattan skyline views.
Experiences
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour – Includes ferry transport and profound historical insight.
- Manhattan Helicopter Tour – Soar above skyscrapers for a once-in-a-lifetime view.
- One World Observatory Skip-the-Line Ticket – Get breathtaking 360° views without the wait.
- Circle Line Best of NYC Cruise – A relaxed way to see the skyline, bridges, and iconic landmarks.
1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
How to Get to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Start your day at Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Ferries depart throughout the day, and your ticket generally covers both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Book your guided tour and ferry ticket in advance to save time and enjoy live commentary during the trip.
Where to Stay
If you’re planning an early morning departure, staying near the Financial District or Battery Park is ideal. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers waterfront views and easy access to ferry terminals via the Brooklyn Bridge.
Best Things to Do
On Liberty Island, visit the museum inside the pedestal and, if you’re lucky enough to score a reservation, climb to the crown for a view you’ll never forget. Ellis Island’s museum offers an emotional glimpse into America’s immigrant heritage through personal stories and artifacts. Allow at least three hours to do both islands justice.
2. Central Park
How to Get to Central Park
Central Park runs from 59th to 110th Street and is easily accessible via subway, bus, or bike. You can enter from numerous gates—though the southern end near 59th Street is the most popular starting point.
Where to Stay
Hotels near Midtown and the Upper West Side provide quick access to the park. The Langham, Fifth Avenue and The Bryant Park Hotel are both within walking distance, offering style and comfort.
Best Things to Do
Rent a bike or rowboat, take a carriage ride, or stroll through scenic spots like Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and The Mall. In winter, you can ice skate at Wollman Rink; in summer, catch an open-air concert or Shakespeare in thParkrk. It’s the city’s backyard—where locals and visitors share a rare slice of calm.
3. Empire State Building
How to Get to the Empire State Building
Located at 34th Street and Fifth Avenue, this icon is easily reached by subway, bus, or foot if you’re already in Midtown. Many sightseeing passes include admission here, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Midtown hotels like PUBLIC Hotel NYC make it easy to explore both the Empire State Building and nearby attractions like Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal.
Best Things to Do
Head to the 86th floor for the classic open-air view, or upgrade to the 102nd floor for a more exclusive perspective. The building is magnificent at sunset. And for photography lovers, you might prefer visiting Top of the Rock or Edge at Hudson Yards to capture the Empire State Building in your skyline shots.
4. Times Square & Broadway
How to Get to Times Square & Broadway
You’ll find Times Square where Broadway meets Seventh Avenue at 42nd Street. Nearly every subway line stops nearby. Just follow the glow of the lights—you can’t miss it.
Where to Stay
Stay right in the heart of the excitement at The Bryant Park Hotel or nearby Midtown properties for easy access to theaters, restaurants, and attractions.
Best Things to Do
Catch a Broadway show, snap photos in the sea of neon, or grab a late-night slice of pizza while street performers entertain the crowds. For something new, check out the immersive RiseNY attraction that takes you “flying” over the city in a motion simulator. And if you visit near New Year’s Eve, you’ll see the square that hosts the world’s most famous countdown.
5. One World Observatory & 9/11 Memorial
How to Get to One World Observatory
Head to the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. Subway lines E, R, and one stop right at the Oculus terminal, a striking piece of architecture in itself.
Where to Stay
Choose a downtown hotel within walking distance. From the 9/11 Memorial, you’re only steps away from Battery Park, Wall Street, and Brookfield Place’s dining terrace.
Best Things to Do
Start at the Memorial pools, etched with the names of those lost in 2001, then visit the 9/11 Museum for a moving journey through personal stories and recovered artifacts. End your visit by taking in the views from One World Observatory, where the city stretches endlessly beneath you.
6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
How to Get to The Met
The Met is at 1000 Fifth Avenue, on the border of Central Park. Subway lines 4, 5, and 6 will get you close; buses also run frequently up Fifth Avenue.
Where to Stay
Upper East Side or Midtown hotels make the perfect base. Staying at The Langham, Fifth Avenue means you can easily pair your museum visit with a stroll through Central Park.
Best Things to Do
Explore ancient Egyptian temples, Renaissance masterpieces, and the museum’s rooftop sculpture garden for a view of the park. If you’re visiting in spring or summer, the rooftop bar is a perfect spot to unwind. Plan to spend several hours here—every gallery is worth lingering in.
7. Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
How to Get to the Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
You can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge starting from City Hall in Manhattan. The crossing takes about 25 minutes and gives you a spectacular skyline panorama. Once you’re on the Brooklyn side, you’ll find yourself in DUMBO.
Where to Stay
For the best skyline views, stay at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. It’s right by the waterfront, with an easy walk to the park and restaurants below the bridge.
Best Things to Do
Photograph the Manhattan Bridge through DUMBO’s cobblestone streets, ride Jane’s Carousel, and walk along Brooklyn Bridge Park as the city lights up across the river. The pizza from Grimaldi’s or Juliana’s nearby is legendary—don’t miss it.
8. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
How to Get to MoMA
MoMA is located between 53rd and 54th Streets, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Subway lines E and M stop nearby, and it’s a short walk from most Midtown hotels.
Where to Stay
If you’re staying in Midtown, you’re minutes away. The Bryant Park Hotel and PUBLIC Hotel NYC are both easy to reach on foot for a morning or afternoon visit.
Best Things to Do
See modern masterpieces like Starry Night, Campbell’s Soup Cans, and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. MoMA’s sculpture garden is a quiet retreat amid the Midtown rush, and the museum shop is an art lover’s dream.
9. The High Line & Hudson Yards
How to Get to the High Line & Hudson Yards
The High Line runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District up to Hudson Yards. Enter at any point and walk north for stunning architecture and views of the Hudson River.
Where to Stay
Hotels in Chelsea or Midtown West offer easy access. A short cab or subway ride from any Midtown property will get you there.
Best Things to Do
Wander the elevatePark’s’s gardens, grab lunch at Chelsea Market below, and end your walk at Edge at Hudson Yards, where glass walls and floors make you feel like you’re floating above Manhattan. The nearby Vessel and public plazas offer more great photo ops.
10. American Museum of Natural History
How to Get to the American Museum of Natural History
Find it on the Upper West Side at Central Park West and 79th Street. The B and C subway lines stop right outside.
Where to Stay
Hotels on the Upper West Side are ideal for families and those wanting a quieter neighborhood while remaining close to Central Park and Midtown.
Best Things to Do
The dinosaur fossils and the giant blue whale model in the Hall of Ocean Life are must-sees. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is an architectural marvel housing the Hayden Planetarium. Don’t rush—the museum’s exhibits deserve time and wonder.
Final Thoughts
Every visitor to New York leaves with a different story—maybe it’s the first sight of the skyline, a Broadway curtain call, or a quiet moment in Central Park. Whatever it is, the city gives back exactly what you put into it.
So explore widely, eat boldly, and look up often. Between the skyscrapers and street corners, you’ll discover the New York that feels like it was made just for you.