10 Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in New York City

There is no other city like New York City in the world. New York City is home to many tourist spots in the USA. So much so that citizens and tourists alike come to the city to tick off items on their travel bucket list. New York City is one of those few places that everyone should visit at least once. The city is worth visiting again and again.

Being one of the world's largest cities and leading metropolises for art, food, fashion and entertainment, New York City should be on everyone's travel bucket list. Whether you come to spend a weekend or a month in NYC, with so many options, you can never run out of things to see and do in NYC.

While New York State has a lot of beautiful areas (Saratoga, Adirondacks, Niagara Falls), New York is definitely the hotspot to go to. Having such attractions like Times Square, Grand Central Station, Broadway, Central Park, Battery Park, museums and art galleries, it’s definitly the cultural center of the US. In addition to the world-famous NYC landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge, there are many hidden gems around every corner. Basically, there is something amazing for every age (and budget), which makes the Big Apple one of the world's greatest tourist destinations.

New York City is a mixture of old, and new architecture. During the 19th century it showed the whole world what the human being can build. New York City is thundering. Those buildings make you feel like a little ant. It is what people in the past dreamed about what a city in the future would look like.

New York is one of the glamorous cities of the world. Walking in its streets is similar to walking in a movie set. The instagrammable places in NYC worth seeing are Chrysler Building, Times Square, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Building, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. With so many incredible landmarks like The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Central Perk, Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, 5th Avenue, Broadway, Macy's and many more it has established itself as the world's most photographed city according to Google Maps.

After a Broadway show go for shopping and then relax over a delicious meal. Apart from the iconic attractions, tourists love the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo in the Bronx, the amazing ethnic restaurants in Queens, the burgeoning Brooklyn neighborhoods of Greenpoint, Williamsburg and Red Hook, and the Staten Island Museum in Snug Harbor, just to name a few. There are enough reasons to start packing your bags.

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1. The Statue of Liberty

Among the tourist attractions in NYC, the colossal Statue of Liberty remain undaunted for more than a hundred years at the port of New York. The statue was given by France to the United States on the occasion of the centenary of its independence. Statue of Liberty stands tall on Liberty Island.

One of the most iconic symbols that people associate with America and what it stands for is the Statue of Liberty. It's a physical symbol of America's freedom worldwide and what they are most proud of in their country. Interestingly enough, the Statue of Liberty is a gift from France to America. You can even get to Staten Island on the free ferry that departs from Battery Park and cruises by the Statue of Liberty.

The ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty is an attraction in itself because it lets you see the view of New York City and the Statue of Liberty. You can even get up close with the Statue of Liberty for a fee where you can access the pedestal and even get up to the crown. Since you're in NYC, it makes sense that you would stop by such a city icon.

2. Times Square

Another iconic place in New York City that encapsulates the city is the well-known and ever-busy Times Square. It was, interestingly enough, named after The New York Times after the publication moved there. Now, it's famous for being a great and bustling place to see all sorts of massive screens with different presentations and ads.

If you want to or if it's your first time in the area, it might be ideal to go on a walking tour around Times Square as well as the Theater District. It should give you an exciting and unique insight into the area you wouldn't have otherwise. Times Square might also be the spot for you for shopaholics, given the many stores and shops surrounding the area.

Yes, it’s overpriced. Yes, there are scammers and weirdos everywhere. But it’s still visually interesting and it is an iconic NYC site. Just don’t spend all your time there and you’re golden.

3. Empire State Building

When it comes to tourist attractions in New York City, the Empire State Building will likely be a prevalent one. At one point in history, the Empire State Building was the tallest skyscraper in the world, and even though it no longer holds that title, it still manages to keep its popularity. Therefore, you need to go there early and expect long lines ahead.

With a height of 381 meters, the Empire State Building held the title of the tallest building in the world until 1972 in NYC. The most popular thing to do when visiting the Empire State Building is to go to the observatory and admire the city from there. Depending on how much you are willing to pay, you can go up to the 86th floor, the observation deck, or the 102nd floor.

4. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

September 11, 2001, marks the date of one of the greatest tragedies that New York City has ever experienced. And these tragic events and how people were able to rise from them are commemorated in the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Before going there, make sure that you are respectful of the place. Although cameras are allowed inside, you still need to be mindful of what you're doing there. Aside from that, make sure that you get your tickets in advance at their website. You can pick up a copy of the Memorial Commemorative Guide to get a better idea of all the things you see around the museum.

5. Central Park

Are you going to New York City for a weekend? You can't miss the numerous things to do in Central Park as it is the most cinematic place for a weekend in New York City. It is the stage where some of the great kisses of celluloid history have been shot. If you're in New York City on a bright, sunny day and you're in the mood for something leisurely, you have to go and enjoy a day at Central Park.

Central Park has been the bright, green spot in New York City and is quite a star in itself since it's been in many films, TV shows, songs, and many more.

Besides enjoying the park, other amenities elevate Central Park to a whole new level. There's a zoo inside with a more diverse set of animals in there than you'd think. You can go there with your kids or without and enjoy these exciting creatures. Sometimes, there are live theater performances there, but you have to pay a fee for both the zoo and the auditorium. The park by itself, though, has no entrance fee that you need to pay.

6. Brooklyn Bridge

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and free attraction to go to New York City, consider crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is also a cliché tourist thing to do, and it's just something you have to do at least once in life. Just do it. It's a great way to see a different angle on New York's cityscape, but it's also good to admire the bridge itself.

It's also become more popular over the years for tourists to walk on, but it's not too crowded either.

You can enjoy walking in the shadows of the Manhattan skyline, and then cross the Brooklyn Bridge and sightsee the vibrant streets of Brooklyn. In Manhattan, don't miss a Central Park picnic, historic Brooklyn Bridge stroll, or free World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial visit (reserve online ahead of time). Bars all over town have extended happy hours, and you can't go wrong with a $2 regular slice from an authentic New York pizzeria.

There are in fact many great places in the outer boroughs, but they are not as densely packed as Manhattan. You have to pick a single destination and go directly to it. In Manhattan there is something to see around every corner. The same is not true of the BBQS.

7. Chrysler Building

New York City is filled with skyscrapers, including the Chrysler Building. This skyscraper is another Art Decor architecture that has a unique and easily recognizable design from the outside. However, the inside is also an Art Deco masterpiece. Feel free to enter the lobby and admire its exciting design and subdued atmosphere, different from the city's bustle outside.

8. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is another historic landmark of the city. Although you can go to Grand Central for free, you can also take a tour. That way, you get to know more about the many interesting bits and pieces that make this not just any old train terminal.

9. One World Observatory

The One World Observatory lies atop the One World Trade Center, where you can also admire the city from above. Aside from observing the city from above, you can also enjoy the restaurants there. You can even do some shopping. Of course, the best time to visit the observatory would be when it's sunny so that your view won't get any obstructions.

10. Niagara Falls

Hugging both New York and Ontario is the lovely and stunning Niagara Falls, three waterfalls together. It's a truly enchanting view, and being close enough to it is something that will have you staring at it for ages. The falls are going to be the spot where you don't want to forget your camera.

The tourist attractions in New York City are just some of the reasons the Big Apple is a must-visit. That's because these tourist spots can give an insight into what makes NYC great and thriving.

Kalyan Panja