This Iconic City Is Home to the World’s Most Famous Skyline — and Offers Everything From Historic Landmarks to Hidden Speakeasies
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The top things to do in New York City include marveling at the Empire State Building or exploring Central Park. With so much history, culture, and dramatic scenery, it’s hard not to love The Big Apple.
New York City is one of the world’s largest cities. It’s a stock market hub full of adventurous entrepreneurs and influential businesses. It’s also the home to some of the world’s most famous art, music, and architecture.
Over 60 million tourists visit the city annually to experience epic events such as Times Square’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Even with all its sights and experiences, the city’s true gems are hidden within its neighborhoods and boroughs.
I put together a collection of my favorite sights for first-time visitors, including local recommendations. These destinations are also highly rated on Google and travel sites like TripAdvisor. Below are the 12 best things to do and see in New York City.
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Visit Ellis Island
From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island functioned as the main port of entry for immigrants arriving in the US. Around 12 million people walked through its gates to become citizens of the young country.
Today, the island is a fantastic museum dedicated to the legacy of US immigration. It houses the original documents, books, and artifacts of the era.
Explore the names of the people who arrived and learn about their stories. Watch as other visitors trace their family’s lineage. On top of all the history are the unparalleled views of the New York skyline and Statue of Liberty.
Read also: Must-Visit US Coastal Cities
See the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the world’s most iconic monuments. It was shipped to the US as a gift from the French Government in 1885. In 1886, it was fully assembled to stand over the entrance of the city.
You can visit the statue along with Ellis Island by taking the Statue City Cruises ferry. Don’t miss the chance to walk under the base of the statue and enter the museum. You’ll learn about the construction of the monument and see old photographs and artifacts.
Take the stairs into the monument and gaze out over New York’s iconic skyline. Visit in the morning to miss the crowds and catch the best sunlight for photos.
Read also: US Cities Full of Iconic Landmarks
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s great art museums. Inside is an iconic collection of ancient art from Egypt and Mesopotamia to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It also has an extensive collection of modern and European art.
There are almost 500,000 works of art shown on permanent and rotating exhibits. Enjoy everything from iconic Japanese woodblocks to European masterpiece paintings. You see work by artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Claude Monet.
Visit the museum early to avoid the crowds. Even if you’re not an art lover, you’ll still want to set aside several hours to explore this amazing space.
Read also: US Cities Where History Comes Alive
Explore Central Park
Central Park is New York City’s famous green space. It’s famous for its romantic forest paths, ice rinks, and annual events.
Locals come here to relax and get away from the stresses of the city. You’ll rub shoulders with New Yorkers from all walks of life. Bring your camera and your walking shoes—or ice skates, because you’ll want to spend the entire day here.
See historical monuments such as Belvedere Castle and the Strawberry Fields tribute to John Lennon. Visit the Conservatory Garden and the historical Central Park Zoo or go ice skating in winter. No matter what season you visit, you’ll enjoy endless experiences.
Read also: Greenest Cities in the US
Pay Respects at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial
The 9/11 Museum and Memorial is a must-see monument dedicated to the tragedy of 9/11. The space was built around ground zero, where the two World Trade Center towers fell. Almost 3,000 people died in the tragic event.
Step near the walls of the fountains and read the names of the victims. Then, visit the museum to learn about the tragic event.
The museum and memorial were designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker. Nearby, you’ll see New York’s tallest building, One World Trade Center.
Read also: Unique US Museums
Enjoy New York City’s Chinatown
New York’s Chinatown has a very long and important history. Chinese immigrants formed the neighborhood in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Since its founding, the neighborhood has been ground zero for amazing food, entertainment, and cultural attractions. The neighborhood is home to many famous people, including writer Amy Tan and Fast & Furious Director Justin Lin.
When you visit, you must try the popular dim sum restaurants and locally run cafes. Look for places filled to the brim with locals. Restaurants such as Jing Fong and Joe’s Shanghai are all worth trying. When you’re done eating, visit the Museum of Chinese in America.
Read also: Unique and Must-Visit Places in the US
Take the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is how residents of the Staten Island borough get to and from Manhattan. It’s also where famous movies were filmed and Hip Hop legends like Wu-Tang Clan battled.
From The Dark Knight to Spider-Man: Hoxmecoming, you’ll recognize several important movie moments from the ferry. On top of this are the views. The ferry is one of the best places to observe the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Take the ferry at odd times of the day to avoid rush hour. If you have time, stop off in Staten Island to see the often-overlooked borough.
Read also: US Islands Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
Grab a Pastrami on Rye at Katz’s Deli
Katz’s Deli is New York’s oldest deli. It’s been around since 1888 and is one of the city’s most beloved places for sandwiches. Although expensive, the amount of food you get per sandwich is nothing but impressive.
Besides its sandwiches, it’s been the backdrop of many famous films and TV shows such as When Harry Met Sally. You’ll see all kinds of memorabilia and photos on its walls.
Expect long lines, so try visiting at odd hours. The restaurant has a ton of other options besides sandwiches, so come hungry.
Read also: US Cities Every Foodie Should Visit
Travel Back in Time at the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a must-see museum that tells the story of the planet. You’ll step into a massive space and see towering dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits.
The museum has permanent and temporary exhibits. Learn about the evolution of Hip Hop Jewelry or the Native American heritage of New York. Or, step inside a giant theater to discover the evolution of the Earth.
Time your visit with lectures from some of the world’s top scientists, writers, and speakers. Set aside the day because there’s fantastic food options at the Restaurant at Gilder and several cafes.
Read also: American Cities With a Unique Art Scene
Travel to the Top of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is world famous for being the world’s tallest building from 1931 to 1971. It’s also famous for attracting giant apes to climb it for photo shoots.
The massive tower stands 1,250 ft (381m) above Central Manhattan. From the top, you’ll get an unparalleled view of the city and other landmarks. You’ll even see up to six states if the weather’s decent.
After climbing to the top, take time to see the shops inside. There are incredible pieces of memorabilia from New York’s history.
Read also: American Cities With Unique Architecture
Experience SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a brand new experience that takes observation decks to new heights—literally! It features interactive shows and outdoor glass bottomed elevators that take you to the top of the skyscraper.
Throughout the tour, you’ll witness art by Kenzo Digital and other interactive displays. You’ll step inside rooms full of mirrors that completely distort your sense of space. When you come out, you’ll be surrounded by the city and its landmarks like the Empire State Building.
One of the highlights is looking down at 30,375 square feet of reflective mirrors. This optical illusion is truly breathtaking.
Read also: Must-See US Landmarks
Walk Along the Highline
The Highline is a unique walking path built above the city on a former elevated rail line. The non-profit Highline organization built it as a park that reimagines public spaces.
Walk along its green spaces and gardens and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll see historical buildings and enjoy artwork on display on the path. Native plants cover the entire space as well as herbs and perennials.
Enjoy live music, nearby restaurants, and annual events. Visit in the early morning or evening to catch the most beautiful light and views.
Read also: Walkable Cities in the US
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