24 Must-See Attractions in NYC

There’s perhaps no better way to experience New York than by climbing to the top of the Empire State Building. The Art Deco skyscraper, completed in 1931, soars 1,454 feet into the sky, and it was the first building to have more than 100 floors. Each night, the tip of the building glows with a colorful light show – during major holidays, such as Christmas, the lights flash green and red. Although the Empire State Building has long served as an office building, it also welcomes 3.5 million tourists per year. Skip the massive lines to get in and fly straight to the outdoor 86th floor observation deck, where you’ll see panoramic views of New York City, and several surrounding states (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts), from 1,050 feet up. Recommended by Amy Schulman

Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is as iconic as it is crowded with street vendors, police security, and selfie stick-wielding tourists. Plan your next walk for the less-congested Williamsburg Bridge, which offers similarly stellar views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines. Running between Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, the bridge promises walkers plenty of restaurants, bars, and parks at either end of their journey.

It should come as no surprise that one of the best flea markets in New York City was born and bred in the borough of Brooklyn. Every weekend since 2008, Brooklyn Flea has brought hundreds of top vendors of vintage clothing, furniture, antiques, and more to New York City shoppers. Trust the multiple major publications who’ve ranked the Flea as one of the world’s top markets, and save your shopping for Saturdays and Sundays in Brooklyn, New York.

Located 102 floors up the shining blue Freedom Tower – the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere – is the One World Observatory. The tower officially opened in 2014, complete with a memorial for the Twin Towers below. Tickets allow visitors to skip the line and go directly to the observation deck after a 47-second elevator ride. The three floors of the indoor observatory showcase 360-degree views of New York City’s skyline, New Jersey and Brooklyn, plus offer a number of activities, like an audiovisual experience in the See Forever Theater, opportunities to ask experts about New York City history, and a chance to hop on top of the Sky Portal to walk above the city streets. There are also a few cafés and restaurants, in case you need a snack or want to have a drink 100 flights up. Recommended by Amy Schulman

The World Trade Center, once home to the Twin Towers, is now the site of the Freedom Tower, 9/11 Memorial, 9/11 Museum and the Oculus, a subterranean shopping center. Beneath the sailing tower are two cavernous pools − placed in the same spots that the towers once stood − etched with the names of all the victims who perished in 9/11. Nearby is the 9/11 Tribute Museum, which shares the stories of September 11, 2001 and celebrates the survivors and first-responders through artifacts, first-hand stories and videos. Take a guided tour of the World Trade Center Complex, learning about 9/11 and the heroes who saved so many lives. Tickets also come with access to the 9/11 Museum. Recommended by Amy Schulman

One of many ethnic enclaves in New York City, Koreatown stands out for the unique offerings of its shops and restaurants. K-beauty boutiques, Korean bookshops, and spots serving up bubble tea, Korean pastries, and more line this one block-stretch of over 100 small businesses.

A trip to New York is hardly a trip at all without seeing a story come to life on a Broadway stage. The hub for both Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals is Times Square, home to more than 40 theaters in Theater District. Some shows have graced the stage for years – like The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera – while others, such as Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, have made headlines for their recent awards and popularity of tickets. Make sure to book in advance – shows often sell out quickly. Recommended by Amy Schulman

This payday, forego Fifth Avenue in favor of the more bohemian Artists and Fleas, a shopping destination showcasing diverse independent businesses. Emphasizing local talents, the bazaar hosts sellers of vintage clothing, artisan bodycare products and home goods, hand-crafted jewelry, and more. With outposts in Williamsburg, Chelsea, and Soho, shopping small is easier— and more stylish— than ever before thanks to Artists and Fleas.

Follow a local New Yorker through one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Grand Central Terminal. Learn all about this buzzy transportation hub and marvel at the architecture along the way. The history of the station stretches back more than 100 years, and there’s plenty to learn from your knowledgeable guide on this unique tour. Recommended by Amy Schulman

Established 160 years ago and welcoming 25 million guests each year, Central Park is a New York City attraction that never goes out of style. There’s no shortage of sights to see in the park, which houses nearly 50 famous fountains, sculptures, and monuments, 36 bridges and arches, and 192 species of winged-residents.

Housed on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty remains one of New York City’s most emblematic attractions. The statue was a gift to the Americans from the French, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel. The teal statue was first constructed in France before it was shipped over, then assembled and dedicated in 1886, complete with a ticker-tape parade. With her torch raised above her head (symbolizing lighting the way to freedom), Lady Liberty still greets visitors who arrive to the island by ferry from the bottom of Manhattan. General admission tickets give visitors access to both Liberty and Ellis Island. There are other ticket tiers, supplying entry to the statue’s pedestal, Liberty Island Museum and observation deck. Book far enough in advance and you’ll gain access to Lady Liberty’s crown, which delivers unparalleled views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Recommended by Amy Schulman

Never one to be considered a top New York City attraction, Staten Island is not the draw of the Staten Island Ferry. Traveling between Manhattan and the borough of Staten Island, the ferry provides picture-perfect views of New York Harbor, a glimpse of the famous Ellis Island, and a front-row look at Lady Liberty herself. The best part? Riders may enjoy all of this plus the 25-minute ride itself completely free of charge.

A short train ride from Midtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, Long Island City has put the borough of Queens back on the culture vulture’s map. Boasting a number of incredible museums and exhibition spaces, from MoMA PS1 to the Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City is a great neighborhood in which to spend an artsy afternoon. Due to the subsequent rise in tourism, LIC is now home to a whole slew of trendy bars and restaurants. Recommended by Michael Manukian

Living up to its reputation as an outdoor hub for New York artists, Washington Square Park may be the best city park for people-watching. Located in historic Greenwich Village – the neighborhood known as the birthplace of the East Coast’s Beat movement and the one-time home of Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Walt Whitman, and more. The park’s iconic arch and fountain continue to provide inspiration for a new generation.

In a city with a pizza place on every corner, a slice has got to be pretty special to consistently earn block-long lines and over 2,000 reviews on Yelp. Trust us and your fellow foodies: the best pies in New York City are served at Roberta’s. Locals from every borough flock to this Bushwick hotspot for a taste of pies like the Lil’ Stinker, which comes topped with aromatic Parmigiano, Pecorino, and a double helping of garlic; the Good Girl, served with kale, pork sausage, and Taleggio; or the menu all-star the Bee Sting, which provides an unexpected yet welcome blend of hot chili and sweet honey.

The world’s first museum dedicated to the work of 20th and 21st-century American artists, the Whitney Museum is a trendsetter within the global art community. Focusing on works by living American artists, the Whitney is known for exhibiting before-they-break talents and their creations. Housing more than 22,000 works, the Whitney’s stunning new building features a striking design and multiple outdoor spaces, making the facility an attraction in itself.

The Strand’s slogan ’18 miles of books and counting’ is no exaggeration: the world-famous bookshop currently holds over 2.5 million titles, including new, rare, and used books. Also offering a highly-curated selection of literary gifts as well as an events calendar bursting with book club meetings, signings, and author-led conversations, the Strand is a must-visit attraction for lit-lovers everywhere.

Experience more than 5,000 years of global art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Whether you choose to climb the famous front steps of The Met Fifth Avenue, lose yourself in The Met Cloisters’ serene environment, or explore fresh modern art at the recently-debuted Met Breuer, you’re sure to see why The Met is one of the most-visited museums in the world.

A perfect destination for date night, happy hour, and Friday night drinks, the Frying Pan is a not-so-well-kept secret among locals. Permanently docked on the Hudson River, this historic vessel offers gorgeous views of the city skyline and a menu of Cape Cod-approved offerings that make even the most ordinary day feel like a vacation. Those who brave the infamously-long entrance line are rewarded with Old Bay-spiced french fries, fresh lobster rolls, and buckets of ice-cold beers.

Bibliophiles rejoice: the New York Public Library (NYPL)’s famous Rose Main Reading Room has been reopened to the public after a lengthy restoration period. Well-worth the wait, the stunning room boasts a 52-foot ceiling decorated with murals, access to over 4 million NYPL items, and two city blocks worth of space where locals may work, study, or simply escape from the bustle of the streets. An iconic intellectual site, on any given day the room hosts the next great authors, entrepreneurs, and scholars.

Only Nitehawk Cinema could consistently tear crowds of movie-loving locals away from Netflix each night. Playing a mix of cult-favorite flicks, indie films, and blockbusters, the quirky entertainment at this Williamsburg hotspot is only half the fun. Offering over 20 varieties of beer and wine, a wide array of liquors, and gourmet snacks, including lamb sliders, homemade jerky, and truffle-butter popcorn, Nitehawk revives the old-school tradition of dinner and a movie.

Tourists and locals alike can agree on the High Line, an elevated park bursting with greenery, reclining patio chairs, and an array of on-site eateries serving up wine, small plates, and gourmet desserts. Offering prime real estate for city sunbathers as well as gorgeous views of the sunset, the park is the perfect place to wile away a warm New York day.

The American Museum of Natural History hosts some of the city’s most iconic exhibitions, such as the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs and the Human Origins and Cultural Halls. In addition to these permanent offerings, the museum has also been celebrated for its buzz-worthy ¡Cuba! exhibition, beautiful Butterfly Conservatory, and its immersive Dark Universe space show narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Captivating the imaginations of children and adults alike, the American Museum of Natural History is a must-visit destination for self-described ‘geeks’ of all ages.

Tourists may come to Katz’s Delicatessen to glimpse the site of When Harry Met Sally’s most infamous scene, but they’ll stay for the deli’s superior hot pastrami sandwich. In addition to the two-handed, high-piled sandwiches, Katz’s cooks up crispy potato latkes, lokshen noodle pudding, and mouth-watering knishes for anyone hungry for a taste of classic New York City. Visit this iconic delicatessen with a group, order a spread to share, and thank us later.