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Things to Do in New York City

Places to Visit in New York City - New York City Must-See Attractions

Things to Do in New York City

Start with sightseeing NYC’s greatest hits: Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and spend the rest of your time checking out neighborhood gems. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at New York City.

Top Attractions in New York City

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Reflective memorial and museum dedicated to honoring the victims of a national tragedy. Features twin reflecting pools, poignant exhibits, and personal stories, rooted in historical significance.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Showcase of global art spanning ancient to modern times, with a strong collection of European paintings and the largest array of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Iconic landmark with panoramic views, historical exhibits, and an interactive King Kong exhibit. Features multiple observation decks and a recommended express pass for efficient visitation.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Elevated park on repurposed rail tracks provides a tranquil stroll with art, greenery, and city views, blending nature with the industrial past. Includes a stop at Chelsea Market.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Observation decks across multiple levels present panoramic views of iconic landmarks and Central Park, with extended evening hours and a tranquil plaza. Ideal for photography enthusiasts.
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Spanning the river, this historic walkway presents panoramic views of iconic landmarks, with educational signage and vendors enlivening the stroll.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lively theater district with a spectrum of plays and musicals that cater to diverse tastes, nestled in a vibrant area known for its pulsating energy and cultural significance.
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Museum with an extensive collection of dinosaur bones, fossils, and a renowned gem exhibit. Features a planetarium and a diverse array of natural wonders, with a well-stocked gift shop.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Hender D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went there and walked around central park. NYC has a lot of park but this is my favorite park. Surrounded by nature made me so calm.
    Written January 14, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jack Shrek
    Berlin, Germany16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What's an amazing museum with great history.This is a must if you are a history lover.it was great experience. You can spend some hours.
    Written January 5, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sarah A
    San Francisco, CA15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I could have spent hours there. We were on a quick trip but we made time to stop by and see the amazing artwork. I loved every minute
    Written January 17, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • swiftcloud14
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend the ESB! It was so cool to see the museum-like beginning historical narrative of the ESB being built over the years, then it was even cooler to go up to the 86th and 102nd floors! The 86th floor is already super high and offers an amazing outdoor view, but I also recommend the 102nd floor because you can see even further and watch the beautiful skyline from above. Staff is very friendly and the journey through the ESB has many interactive moment (eg. King Kong pictures!), so it is worth your time to do it! The ONLY reason it's not a 5/5 stars is that it's quite pricey of an experience, but if you are willing to spend that extra bit of money then I recommend it!
    Written January 13, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christophe B
    Quebec City, Canada1,028 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easily my favorite free activity and urban walk in NY. I started up north the path all the way to Chelsea. A 30min, easy walk with great views of the buzzing city. Well worth your time.
    Written January 14, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sherwood C
    New York City, NY6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We marveled at the stunning outdoor viewing decks, soaking in panoramic city views. The historical artifacts added a unique touch to our experience. Plus, the private event space looked perfect for celebrations. A must-visit
    Written December 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CTBCalifornia
    Groveland, CA1,954 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The ultimate inspiration view, Lady Liberty standing tall with the Manhattan sky line and Verrazano Narrows bridge in the distance.
    1. Always buy your tickets from the authorized ticket agency, NEVER buy them from someone on the street and be sure to use the one official website.
    2. If it's your first time, take a tour. I've been several times in my life, so I just like to walk around and take in the view and the good vibes Lady Liberty shares with all.
    3. Ellis Island is awesome, worth the time, if you do both Liberty Island and Ellis Island you could easily spend almost all day visiting these amazing sights. Take your time, read everything, learn stuff, absorb the history of these amazing landmarks, they represent the best of our country's past.
    Written January 14, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christophe B
    Quebec City, Canada1,028 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It never ceases to amaze. While it's WAY too packed and crowded with tourists, mascots and scammers, it is still a must see for 15min if you are in NYC.
    Written January 14, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travel Blog Anna Blunschi
    558 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    XOXO Gossip Girl. Another popular film location in New York is the Grand Central Terminal. It is the largest train station in the world and is in the heart of Manhattan. The station hall is enormous and not without reason has it appeared in numerous films. Especially striking is the elegant station clock, which draws all eyes to it. The artistic ceiling vault displays the starry sky in impressive detail.

    Today, around 750,000 people pass through the station daily.

    Of course, we couldn’t miss this visit, especially because of the series Gossip Girl, which I watched in my youth. The iconic opening scene of the show, where Serena van der Woodsen dramatically appears at the terminal just before her return to New York, is perhaps the most famous moment of the series.
    Written January 14, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CTBCalifornia
    Groveland, CA1,954 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The last time I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge it was with my husband, he's been dead for 20 years now so this was a "revisiting memories" trip for me. Our favorite places in NYC, which of course included walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

    My outing started with a subway ride from Central Park to the bridge area, a quick hotdog before heading across the span, and then a bit of a struggle finding a subway stop on the Brooklyn side to get back to my hotel near JFK airport. A very long day, almost 9 miles total between the park and the bridge, but totally worth it.
    Written January 14, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sonsli U
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If i was rich, I’d live there. Superb? I felt as if Fred Astaire were on my arm, or Gene Kelly dancing me down the street—just dancing, or singing in the rain.
    Written January 14, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.