New York, The Big Apple, Fashion Capital of the World. Every name is more intriguing than the last, and every single one is every bit true! An opportunity to visit any New York attraction is a dream come true for many. The glamor and extravagance of the city are sure to enthrall every heart that pays a visit here. There is a range of attractions and activities for visitors to explore. Or indulge in foods from various cuisines or shop till their guilty content!!
With so many options, it is best to research and plan, and you will face a situation where you may find out only too late that your favorite attraction is closed. Or you may miss out on the best shopping deals.
I recently visited New York as a solo traveler. I planned activities for every day giving time for both fun and relaxation. When it was time for me to return home, I was happy and satisfied. I had covered all the items on my bucket list and had enough time for relaxation too.
This blog will tell you the top New York attractions, how to get there, and the best time to visit. I have included links to official websites wherever applicable. These links will make it easy for you to book tickets or plan your itinerary.
We know New York as the fashion capital of the World. Therefore, a trip is incomplete without some shopping. I have included a section on where to shop.
These New York attractions provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to get a taste of the city. But, unless someone has unlimited time and resources on hand, it is difficult to complete everything in one visit. So, it is best to select attractions based on our preference and availability.
In this blog, I have listed descriptions of the most popular attractions and activities in New York.
Central Park
This symbolizes New York, just like The Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. It is a massive chunk of parkland that stretches from West 59th Street to West 110th Street and between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. It has several walking routes, picnic spots, game areas, and its own zoo and castle, among other things. The park has no entry fee, but attractions may have fees. Also, the Information Centers located at the North and South end of the park give visitors free maps of this New York attraction. You can also get free maps at various locations inside the park.
This place has so much to offer that visitors need several visits to cover this New York attraction. But, since most of us don’t have unlimited time, I recommend allowing a whole day to visit and enjoy the highlights.
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
Central Park is in Manhattan and stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street. And between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West.
To visit this New York attraction, you can take the subway A, B, C, D, N, R, Q, 1, 2, 3, and 4. The bus number M1, M2, M3, M4, M10, AND M72 will also bring you here.
For more information on directions, opening hours, restrooms, and trip planning, visit their official website at Plan a Visit | Central Park Conservancy
Empire State Building
In 1931, The Empire State Building ranked as the Tallest Building in the World. The Chrysler Building had owned it till then. After that, in 1972, the One World Trade Center claimed the title. The Empire State Building is an icon and landmark for the city. It is another must-visit New York attraction. There are several exhibits apart from the observation decks on 86th and 102nd floors. WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS BUILDING and KONG are a few of the most popular ones among visitors. Since 1994, it has held a contest for couples to win a wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day. The location being the 86th-floor observatory!! It is also known as the world’s most romantic building. It has special packages should you want to pop the question here!
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
It is in midtown Manhattan at 34th Street and Fifth Avenue. Every year millions of people visit here. If you are taking the subway, you can take the 123, ACE, NQRW, BDFM, 456, or 7 lines.
Check out their webpage for information on how to get here, tickets, and packages. NYC Observatories & Exhibits | Empire State Building
Top Of The Rock Observation Deck – Rockefeller Plaza
Rockefeller Plaza is another iconic building. It is in Manhattan on 50th Street and between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Here also, we can get a sweeping view over the city and the Central Park.
The ideal time to visit is during the evening hours during sunset. The entrance fee varies as per the time of day.
If you want to choose which or both New York attractions to visit, consider this; one gets unbeatable views of the Empire State Building atop the Top of the Rock. And impressive views of the Rockefeller Building from the top of the Empire State Building. So, if you want to see the Empire State Building, do so from on top of Rockefeller Plaza. And if you wish to have excellent views of the Rockefeller Plaza, visit the Empire State Building.
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
You can take trains B, D, F, M, 6, 1, N, Q, or R. Buses M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M50, or M7 will also bring you here.
Tickets cost $40 for adults, $34 for children(6-12), and $38 for senior citizens (62+).
For more options and tour packages, visit, https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/top-of-the-rock-observation-deck/plan-your-visit/tickets/
For more information on Tickets, timings, and how to get there, visit https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/top-of-the-rock-observation-deck
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is an icon for America and a must-visit New York attraction. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island. The island is home to a park, a museum, and America’s symbol of promise and freedom, The Statue of Liberty. Please note that there is only one vendor authorized to access Liberty Island. Other operators will take tourists around Liberty Island on the Hudson River only.
A ticket includes a round trip on the ferry, which stops at Liberty Island and Ellis Island. It is inclusive of the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Also included are audio guides in 12 languages. You can pick them up on each island.
You can purchase tickets from the ticket booths on-site or online. Cruises start at given hours from Battery Park. There is an airport-level security screening before visitors get to board the ferry. Also, these are timed tickets. So, visitors should plan their time accordingly.
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
Take trains 1, 4, 5, R, or W to get to this New York Attraction. You can also take the M1, M6, or M15 bus to get here.
For detailed directions, booking tickets, and tour packages, visit:- https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/tickets
9/11 Memorial Park and Museum
The site of the erstwhile World Trade Center is a memorial and museum. It tells the story of the day and the attack. The primary feature of the memorial plaza is the two man-made pools. These are in the footprint of the North and South Towers. Water cascades down from the perimeter of these pools, making them the largest man-made waterfalls in the world. It names all those who lost their lives in the attack or first responders who lost their lives in trying to save others. We see white roses on some names. It signifies that today is their birthday.
It also houses the 9/11 museum. The museum’s design signifies the collapsed towers. It has on display artifacts to reflect on the events of the day and the victims.
It is a solemn site and a must-visit item on the list of New York attractions.
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
To reach by subway:- Take trains A, C, E, J, R, Z, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
To reach by bus:- Take buses M55, M20 or M22.
Visit https://www.911memorial.org/visit/about/getting-here for detailed directions.
See Visit the Museum for tickets, tour packages, and The Memorial for more information.
Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
Does viewing the insides of an aircraft carrier excite you? Would you like to see the flight deck from which fighter aircrafts took off during wartime? Would you like to glance into the life of the crew on board an aircraft carrier? If the answer to all these is yes, then The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum is for you.
The naval ship is a museum and a prominent New York attraction. It provides a unique opportunity to visit a decommissioned aircraft carrier.
The Intrepid has had a long service history from World War II, the Cold War, then the Vietnam War. It also served as a recovery vessel for NASA during the 60s. The government decommissioned it in 1974. Now it is part of the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum in New York.
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
It is in Manhattan on Pier 86, 12th Ave. & West 46th Street. You can take the A, C, E, N, S, 1, 2, 3, or 7 trains to get here. Or else, if you are coming by bus, you can take the M42, M34, or M50.
For detailed directions, museum closures, time schedules, and tickets, visit https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/Plan-Your-Visit
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History (abbreviation- AMNH) is one of the world’s best museums on the subject and a top New York attraction. It takes up an expansive area of 4 city blocks, 26 buildings, through 45 exhibition halls, and displays 34 million artifacts. The displays, namely, Rose Center for Earth and Space and interactive exhibits on the Land, the Sea, or Outer Space, are particularly recommended. Also hugely popular are the dinosaurs, the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe. The visit is incomplete without a stop at the Butterfly Conservatory. Nearly 500 butterflies live here (this is accessible from November to May). Also worth visiting is the cafeteria.
Does this sound overwhelming? You are not alone! The free Explorer app for your smartphone (Explorer – AMNH NYC) can help. It gives directions and highlights for navigating the museum.
When to visit and Tickets
This New York attraction is hugely popular and hence always busy. Visit during weekdays or late winter or spring to avoid crowds. It is open daily from 10 am until 5:30 pm except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. All tickets must be reserved online in advance and in time slots. Tickets costs are Adult $28 | Student (with ID) $22 | Senior (Ages 60+) $22 | Children (3–12) $16 | Members Free. Residents of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey can take part in “pay what you wish.”
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
You can take the B or C train to 81st Street or the 1 to 79th Street. For more details, visit the MTA website.
Or by bus number M79 bus which stops next to the Museum. Or the M7, M10, M11, M86, and M104 buses also stop near the museum. For complete bus information, visit the MTA website.
Address: American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West
New York, NY 10024-5102
Phone: 212-769-5100
For tickets, visit https://tickets.amnh.org/select
Broadway
If you are on a short trip to the Big Apple, consider spending your time watching one or more shows or strolling down nearby Times Square. You can soak up the vibe and essence of the city here. This factor makes it at the top of the list of New York attractions for people on a short visit. Broadway is the place to be if you like musicals and theatrical performances. It is also called the Great White Way because of the electric white lights on the theater marquees and billboard signs illuminating the street.
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
Several trains make a stop here. These are A, C, E, B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, S, and 7. Only the Lincoln Center Theater is on the Upper West Side. It is accessible from the 1 train to 66th Street.
Visit Broadway.com for the complete listing of show schedules and tickets. But, the ticket prices may not suit all pockets. In that case, considering an off-Broadway show is a good option. Off-Broadway theaters are located all across the city. They run the same performances but charge much less for tickets. Find a list of Off-Broadway theaters here.
Times Square
Among all New York attractions, Times Square is a must-visit. It is the intersection of roads between 42nd to 47th Streets, from Broadway to Seventh Avenue. It is most popularly known for its glittering and massive LED billboards. Worth mentioning here is the world’s largest one on NASDAQ measuring 37 feet in height!! The area has numerous theaters along Broadway, Lincoln Center, and Theater District. It is also the New Year’s Eve’ Ball Drop’ site. It is a ceremony that marks the start of the new year. Times Square gets some of the largest numbers of visitors per year.
Location and how to do this New York attraction
Getting to 1 Times Square is easy as it is connected by several trains and busses. The following are the details for the same.
Bus: BM2, BXM2, BXM4, M55, Q32, QM10, QM20, QM24
Train: HUDSON, PATH, PORT WASHINGTON BRANCH
Subway: 1,2,3, A
There are no fees for visiting Times Square. But, one has to be ready to face crowds as it is busy all year round and gets more visitors during special occasions.
Shopping at 5th Avenue OR Visit an Outlet Mall
New York is called a shoppers paradise. Therefore shopping at one of these destinations would be top of the list among all New York attractions for shopaholics. More specifically, shopping on 5th Avenue is something every visitor to New York City looks forward to. 5th Avenue runs the whole distance from north to south of Manhattan. New York’s most expensive shopping outlets have retail outlets here. No doubt that the street has the world’s most expensive retail spaces. One can find brands like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Apple Store, and stores like Saks Off 5th and Bloomingdale.
But this is only for some pockets.
It is an excellent option to visit an outlet mall for people looking for bargains and discounts. The nearest two outlet malls to Manhattan are the Woodbury Commons Premium Outlet Mall and the Mills at Jersey Gardens.
Woodbury Commons Premium Outlet Mall
Woodbury Commons Premium Outlet Mall is a sprawling outdoor shopping destination. There are 250 premium high-end designer brand outlets. Bottega Veneta, Celine, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Burberry, Nike, The North Face, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Coach are just a few. Every store here offers attractive daily discounts ranging from 25% to 65%. It has several dining options, including grab-and-go outlets like Pinkberry, Melt Shop, Chipotle, McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc.
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
It is on Route 32 in Central Valley, NY. One hour north of New York City. For detailed directions on how to reach here, visit:- https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodbury-common/about
The Mills at Jersey Gardens
The other outlet mall near New York City is the Mills at Jersey Gardens. Jersey Gardens is the largest outlet in New Jersey. It is an indoor venue with over 200 retail outlets offering value deals to shoppers. You will find brands like Michael Kors, Coach, PUMA, Kate Spade New York, Polo Ralph Lauren, True Religion, Victoria’s Secret, etc., offering irresistible discounts. Top it all is that there are no taxes on shoes and clothes bought here!!!!
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
For detailed directions, visit:- https://www.simon.com/mall/the-mills-at-jersey-gardens/about
Visit www.njtransit.com for updated schedules. And from Newark: NJ Transit Bus 40. For people coming from Orange/Elizabeth/Newark: Coach USA #24
Grand Central Terminal
A railway station as a top New York attraction? Surprised? Grand Central Terminal is a railway station housed in a beautiful neoclassical architecture building. Before entering, click some pictures of this beautiful ornate beaux-arts neoclassical façade. The interior has glimmering marble floors, gold and nickel-plated chandeliers, and a sky-themed ceiling. Also, the Whispering Gallery, Information Booth clock, and Grand Central Market, a European-style food market that sells produce, gourmet ingredients, and treats, are worth a look.
There are a lot of shopping options. But you will find the stores a notch more expensive than outlets elsewhere.
Location and how to get to this New York attraction
The Grand Central Station is in midtown Manhattan, and the 4, 5, 6, 7, or S trains stop here. The station is open daily from 5:15 am to 2 am.
There is no entrance fee for this New York attraction.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
This museum is the most celebrated in the United States. It ranks high on the list of New York attractions to visit. Travelers adore it. Also, just like the city, it needs several visits to explore fully. As a first-timer, you can start with the permanent collection of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art. Otherwise, it is an excellent option to explore their website to plan.
I recommend dining at one of the museum’s top-rated restaurants to complete your visit. During sunset, you can also enjoy a photo opportunity from the rooftop garden bar.
Tickets
Tickets for General Admission cost $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $17 for students. It is free for Members, Patrons, and children under 12.
For planning how to get here and upcoming exhibits, visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Summary
This list is certainly not an exhaustive list of New York attractions, and there is much more that the city has to offer. However, to make the most of the time here, you can choose from this list as these are undoubtedly the most popular destinations in the city.
I hope you find the details helpful. So, plan on, and good luck with your next trip to New York!!!!
About the Author
The author loves to travel and share her experience through her blogs. She believes in independently researching her destination and making complete travel plans and booking before traveling. Helping others to make their travel plans is also her passion.
She is currently following a course on Content Writing from ECT
Contact her at minakshimoitra@gmail.com