Top 27 Best Tourist Attractions in New York City in 2024

New York City is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It’s not a surprise that the city attracts hordes of tourists every year, and who can blame them? New York offers the best places and environments to expand your horizons historically, culturally, and entertainment-wise. 

Some people come to enjoy the Broadway shows; others come to shop, and many come simply to see the tourist attractions. We all know the staple tourist attractions of NYC, like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. So, let’s explore some of the other famous tourist attractions in New York that you will fall in love with!

Why Should You Visit NYC?

1. The Five Boroughs

The thing that makes New York so special is all five of its boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. If you’re getting around New York, you can’t miss these. Each borough has unique attractions and experiences.

In The Bronx, you can visit the New York Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo. Queens is known for its international culinary scene, and Manhattan is the heart of the city. You can find some of the best cultural landmarks in New York and popular hotels here.

Brooklyn is a trendy borough where you’ll find fashion, art, and green spaces. Staten Island is home to the Staten Island Ferry, which offers scenic views of the city’s sights and waterways. All five of these places combine to give you the best tourist experience. 

2. History, Culture, and Art

New York is known for its artistic prowess and impressive museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the must-see places in New York. It’s known for its remarkable collection. The Guggenheim Museum has modern art and an intriguing architectural design. For history and science enthusiasts, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum gives the best experience for exploring different vessels.

3. Culinary Delights

New York City is famous for its diverse and delicious food. From classic New York pizza to pretzels, hotdogs, burgers, and Michelin-starred restaurants in neighborhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown, there is a wide range of cuisines to indulge in throughout the city. The portion sizes are generous, and trying different foods is highly recommended during your visit. You can introduce your taste buds to dishes from all across the world. 

4. Shopping Sprees

New York City has one of the best shopping experiences in the world. You can find all kinds of stores here, from upscale boutiques and famous department stores to trendy flea markets. Fifth Avenue is known for its stores like Armani, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Saks, Cartier, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Macy’s is a huge 10-level department store. Other shopping destinations include the Brooklyn Flea Market, Century 21, and Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg. If you’re due for a shopping spree, you need to check these out.

5. Remarkable Architecture

New York City has a very impressive architecture. The city blends modern skyscrapers with Art Deco and Gothic revivalist buildings. Some famous architectural landmarks are the Grand Central Terminal, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, the Flatiron Building, and the Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan. Each structure has its own unique architectural style and charm.

6. Undying Energy

You’ve probably heard of New York City’s vibrant energy. NYC has earned its reputation as the city that never sleeps. The city holds endless possibilities and a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from any other. You can immerse yourself in the nightlife scene, experience Broadway shows, enjoy drinks at clubs, and dance the night away.

So, why wouldn’t you want to visit?

Where To Go In NYC As A Tourist?

Now that you’re in NYC, what can you do here as a tourist? If you’re planning a trip to New York, here are some places you need to visit: 

7. Coney Island

Coney Island is located in Brooklyn and is a very popular tourist attraction. This island is known for its amusement park. It has famous rides like the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster and the Parachute Jump Tower ride. Don’t miss the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest held in July. It’s definitely one of the most fun places in NYC to go with friends!

8. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum pays tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The memorial has reflecting pools on the site where the Twin Towers once stood. Surrounding the pools are bronze panels with the names of the victims.

The museum is located nearby and provides a comprehensive look at the events of 9/11. It’s a good visit if you’re interested in history, and it provides a very nice sheltered space to take in all of the sites. 

9. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is a historic railway station in midtown Manhattan. Its Beaux-Arts architecture is worth seeing. Inside, you’ll find a grand main concourse with a striking clock and constellations on the ceiling. The terminal serves as a major transportation hub for commuters. You can go here for a train ride or simply to take in the beautiful structure. 

10. American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is a well-known museum for families. It recently opened the Richard Gilder Center for Science, which has an insectarium, butterfly conservatory, research library, and more. The museum even offers educational opportunities and is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

11. The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an architectural marvel connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Spanning the East River, it offers breathtaking views of the city. Thousands of pedestrians and vehicles cross the bridge daily. It’s a very popular attraction and a great place for a long walk. You get to take in the whole city from here. You can even learn some fun facts about Brooklyn Bridge while you’re here.

12. High Line

The High Line is an urban walking trail built on a former rail line. It stretches along Manhattan’s West Side and has views of the city and beautiful plantings. The park has art installations, benches, and lookout points, which provide a different perspective of New York City’s architecture. This is another great place to take a long stroll and take in the beauty of the city. 

13. Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is an Art Deco-style skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. It was once the world’s tallest building and is still recognized as one of New York’s most famous landmarks. Don’t miss the impressive lobby adorned with aluminum, marble, and granite.

14. Fifth Avenue

Another place for the shopaholics! Fifth Avenue is one of the best places for shopping in New York. It’s a shopping street that is home to flagship stores of top designers. You can find Cartier, Tiffany, Apple Store Fifth Avenue, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more here. Even non-shoppers can enjoy a stroll along this posh avenue, especially between 60th Street and 40th Street.

15. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre oasis in Prospect Park. Here, you can explore the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden, Cranford Rose Garden, and Steinhardt Conservatory to experience nature in the heart of Brooklyn. This is one of the most serene and peaceful places to visit in NYC. 

16. Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center is a hub for performing arts, including ballet, symphony, opera, and more. It hosts numerous indoor and outdoor stages, and during the summer, it offers free events as part of the Summer for the City series. Famous institutions like The New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, and Metropolitan Opera are located here.

17. Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village, often hailed as one of the best small towns in New York, is a delightful neighborhood brimming with boutiques, restaurants, and hidden treasures. You can visit Washington Square Park, explore Bleeker Street, or enjoy live jazz at venues like the Village Vanguard and Blue Note. It’s a great place to visit for some downtime and to explore deep corners of the city. 

18. One World Observatory

The One World Observatory is set at the top of One World Trade Center. It gives you breathtaking views from the city’s highest observation deck on floors 100, 101, and 102. The elevator ride provides a visual journey, showing New York City’s transformation over the years. The distinctive glass building is a distinctive feature of the Manhattan skyline.

19. Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is a popular food hall in the Meatpacking District. It offers a variety of international cuisines and is also home to local art galleries and shops where you can find souvenirs to take back home.

20. The Frick Collection (Frick Madison)

The Frick Collection is a museum housed in an early 1900s mansion. While the original mansion is closed for renovation, a temporary location called Frick Madison displays artworks by classical artists like Monet, Rembrandt, and Bellini. This area is very rich in culture, and the atmosphere is just magical. 

21. SoHo Shopping

Soho is one of the best shopping destinations in New York. It’s a chic neighborhood known for its stores, specialty boutiques, and vintage shops. It’s a great place to shop and explore art galleries, artist studios, and historic cast-iron buildings. Another great gem in the heart of NYC!

22. Wall Street

Wall Street is a famous street in the Financial District. It’s home to important exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. You can also find Trinity Church, Federal Hall, and the iconic Charging Bull statue here. This is more of an economic and historical hub. 

23. Dumbo

Dumbo, short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” is made up of cobblestone streets lined with galleries, cafes, and boutiques. You don’t want to miss Jane’s Carousel, Empire Stores, and the stunning views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges that you can find here.

24. Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is a historic entertainment venue located near Rockefeller Center. This theater hosts musical performances and films and is the home of the famous dance company The Rockettes. It is a designated city landmark and hosts major events like the Grammy Awards and Tony Awards. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

25. Nolita

Nolita, short for “North of Little Italy,” is a neighborhood within Little Italy. It has gained popularity for many reasons. The main attraction is St. Basilica Church and its Catacombs. After exploring, you can enjoy a meal at one of the highly-rated nearby pizzerias.

26. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a great example of Gothic Revival architecture in New York. It has bronze doors, a white marble façade, towering spires, the Great Organ, a rose window, a bronze baldachin, and a seating capacity of 2,400. The cathedral attracts millions of tourists annually.

Drawing millions of tourists each year, it was originally built in 1879 and recently underwent a meticulous $200-million renovation, completed in 2016, to uphold its historic charm and significance, reflecting what New York is known for.

27. Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a popular destination, especially on summer days. It offers a pleasant setting with monuments, gardens, and a carousel called “Le Carrousel.” For a small fee, you can also enjoy playing chess, checkers, and backgammon in the games area.

You can bring your own skates or rent a pair from the concession stand. Don’t worry if you’re not skilled at skating; rental skating aids are available. For a special treat, consider visiting on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 12:40 pm when the Ice Theater of New York performs artistic skating routines.

Conclusion

If you’re not planning a visit to the Big Apple, then what are you doing? If you love traveling, history, art, and cultural sites, then these places to visit in New York are perfect for you!

Frequently Asked Questions