Visit the Statue of Liberty
No trip to NYC is complete without seeing Lady Liberty up close. Take a ferry to Liberty Island and explore the grounds surrounding this iconic monument.
Reserve your tickets well in advance to ensure you get a spot to climb inside the statue pedestal for views looking out over the city skyline. A visit to see the torch and tablet is an inspiring history and culture experience.
Explore Central Park
Central Park's 843 acres of green space provide a nature oasis amidst the bustling city. Stroll along curving paths, rent a boat to paddle on the lake, play a game at Heckscher playground, or relax on the lawn taking in performances and people watching.
Don't miss seeing sites like Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo. Have a picnic on Sheep's Meadow on a sunny day. Wander and discover something new around each corner.
Take in the Views from Top of the Rock
For staggering city vistas, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center offers an incredible perspective. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide 360 degree views from the 67th to 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Views stretch for miles around landmarks like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park. Visit at night for a glittering landscape of city lights. Purchase timed tickets in advance online for a specific date and time.
Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art
With over 2 million works spanning 5,000 years, the Met provides endless opportunities to experience art from ancient to contemporary. The expansive museum houses world-famous pieces like Egyptian Temple of Dendur and European masterpieces.
Wander through rooms showcasing everything from Renaissance sculptures to modern photography. Dine at the Roof Garden Café with scenic Central Park views. Don't miss the Temple of Dendur illuminated at night.
Take in a Broadway Show
A Broadway show is an essential NYC experience. Classic shows like The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago have entertained audiences for decades. Newer award-winning hits include Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Arrive early to snap photos with theater marquees on the famous strip. Book ahead for the hottest shows which often sell out months in advance. The theater district buzzes with excitement before the curtains rise.
Stroll the High Line
This one-of-a-kind elevated park built along a historic train line provides a fresh vantage on the city. Walk the 1.5 mile long High Line to enjoy gardens, art exhibits, food vendors, and views between 10th & 30th streets along Manhattan's West Side.
Descending staircases seamlessly connect the above-ground walkway to streets below. Relax on reclining lawn chairs under the sunset. Grab ice cream and snap photos above the traffic.
Take a Ferry Ride
A boat ride offers unique vantage points on the NYC skyline. Hop on the free Staten Island Ferry for a quick harbor cruise with Statue of Liberty views. Or take longer rides from Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
Enjoy passing close by Ellis and Liberty Islands, the Statue of Liberty, and the expansive bridges. Capture photos of iconic buildings framed by the surrounding waters. See NYC from these new water perspectives.
Visit One World Observatory
At One World Trade Center, an elevator ride up to the 102nd floor Observation Deck provides stunning 360 degree city views. Look out floor-to-ceiling windows pointed in all directions from this tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Advance timed tickets permit watching sunrise and sunset from a towering perspective. The multimedia exhibits provide historical context. Grab a drink at the atmospheric bar overlooking the city.
Shop and Dine in Soho
For an afternoon of browsing, feasting, and exploring, head to the Soho neighborhood known for boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Trendy storefronts line streets like Prince, Greene, and Spring.
Stop into designer clothing stores and sample cheeses at Dean & DeLuca. People watch from an Italian cafe over cappuccinos. Let yourself wander and discover this vibrant district's offerings.
Go for Panoramic Views at Hudson Yards
The newly opened Hudson Yards megadevelopment on Manhattan's West Side offers visual delights and epic views. Ascend to the 100th floor outdoor observation deck "The Edge" for thrilling scenery looking out from transparent walls 1100 feet up.
Take in 360 degree panoramas from this unique vantage surrounded by skyscrapers. For amazing outdoor perspectives, grab lunch on the terrace at Mercado Little Spain then stroll the 25 acre public square and gardens.
See a Game or Show at Madison Square Garden
Called the "World’s Most Famous Arena", Madison Square Garden hosts star-studded concerts, major sporting events, and seasonal shows. Watch the NHL's New York Rangers skate up and down the ice. Experience a glittery production of the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
Don't miss seeing a legendary act like Billy Joel or Elton John illuminate the stage. An event at this iconic indoor venue makes for an unforgettable NYC memory.
Conclusion
From world-famous landmarks to stunning theaters, top museums, parks, and observatories, New York City delivers an incredible diversity of attractions. Use this list to experience the top sights and activities on your NYC trip itinerary and make the most of your visit to this dynamic city.
