The Best Attractions to Visit in New York: A Local's Guide
New York City, the city that never sleeps, is a place where you can find almost anything you can think of. From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, New York has it all. As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I've had the chance to explore all that this city has to offer. In this guide, I'm sharing my top picks for the best attractions to visit in New York. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there's something for everyone in the Big Apple.
The Best Attractions to Visit in New York: A Local's Guide
New York City, the city that never sleeps, is a place where you can find almost anything you can think of. From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, New York has it all. As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I've had the chance to explore all that this city has to offer. In this guide, I'm sharing my top picks for the best attractions to visit in New York. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there's something for everyone in the Big Apple.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The iconic statue, which was gifted to the United States by France in 1886, stands at 151 feet tall and is a symbol of freedom and democracy. You can take a ferry to Liberty Island to get an up-close look at Lady Liberty and her torch. Ellis Island, which served as the main entry point for immigrants to the United States from 1892 to 1954, is located nearby and is now a museum where you can learn about the history of immigration to the US.
Central Park
Central Park is a massive oasis in the middle of the city, spanning over 840 acres. It's the perfect place to go for a jog, have a picnic, or just take a stroll and enjoy the scenery. Some of the must-see attractions in the park include the Bethesda Fountain, the Central Park Zoo, and the Conservatory Garden. In the summer, you can catch a performance at the Delacorte Theater, which hosts free Shakespeare in the Park productions.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The iconic statue, which was gifted to the United States by France in 1886, stands at 151 feet tall and is a symbol of freedom and democracy. You can take a ferry to Liberty Island to get an up-close look at Lady Liberty and her torch. Ellis Island, which served as the main entry point for immigrants to the United States from 1892 to 1954, is located nearby and is now a museum where you can learn about the history of immigration to the US.
Central Park
Central Park is a massive oasis in the middle of the city, spanning over 840 acres. It's the perfect place to go for a jog, have a picnic, or just take a stroll and enjoy the scenery. Some of the must-see attractions in the park include the Bethesda Fountain, the Central Park Zoo, and the Conservatory Garden. In the summer, you can catch a performance at the Delacorte Theater, which hosts free Shakespeare in the Park productions.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. It houses over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of world culture. Some of the must-see exhibits include the Egyptian wing, the Greek and Roman galleries, and the American wing. The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions throughout the year.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in New York. Standing at 1,454 feet tall, it was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1931. You can take an elevator up to the 86th floor observatory for stunning views of the city. For an even higher view, you can take a separate elevator to the 102nd floor.
The High Line
The High Line is a unique public park that's built on an elevated freight rail line. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, and offers amazing views of the city along the way. The park is lined with gardens, art installations, and seating areas, making it the perfect place to go for a leisurely walk.
Times Square
Times Square is one of the most famous and busiest commercial intersections in the world. It's known for its bright lights, billboards, and bustling crowds. It's a must-visit destination for anyone coming to New York. You can catch a Broadway show, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area, or just people-watch.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. It houses over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of world culture. Some of the must-see exhibits include the Egyptian wing, the Greek and Roman galleries, and the American wing. The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions throughout the year.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in New York. Standing at 1,454 feet tall, it was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1931. You can take an elevator up to the 86th floor observatory for stunning views of the city. For an even higher view, you can take a separate elevator to the 102nd floor.
The High Line
The High Line is a unique public park that's built on an elevated freight rail line. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, and offers amazing views of the city along the way. The park is lined with gardens, art installations, and seating areas, making it the perfect place to go for a leisurely walk.
Times Square
Times Square is one of the most famous and busiest commercial intersections in the world. It's known for its bright lights, billboards, and bustling crowds. It's a must-visit destination for anyone coming to New York. You can catch a Broadway show, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area, or just people-watch.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a poignant and moving tribute to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The museum tells the story of the events of that day and the aftermath, and features artifacts and exhibits that pay tribute to the victims and the first responders who worked tirelessly to save lives.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark that connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. It was completed in 1883 and was the first suspension bridge to be built with steel cables. Walking across the bridge offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. You can also rent a bike and ride across the bridge for a unique experience.
Coney Island
Coney Island is a historic amusement park and beach located in Brooklyn. It's been a popular destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike since the late 1800s. Some of the must-ride attractions include the Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster that's been in operation since 1927, and the Wonder Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that offers incredible views of the ocean.
The New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre oasis located in the Bronx. It's home to over 1 million plants, making it one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. Some of the must-see attractions include the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which houses a collection of tropical and desert plants, and the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, which features over 4,000 rose plants.
The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world, spanning over 265 acres. It's home to over 6,000 animals from over 700 species, including lions, tigers, and bears. Some of the must-see exhibits include the African Plains, which features giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, and the JungleWorld exhibit, which is home to a variety of primates and birds.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a poignant and moving tribute to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The museum tells the story of the events of that day and the aftermath, and features artifacts and exhibits that pay tribute to the victims and the first responders who worked tirelessly to save lives.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark that connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. It was completed in 1883 and was the first suspension bridge to be built with steel cables. Walking across the bridge offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. You can also rent a bike and ride across the bridge for a unique experience.
Coney Island
Coney Island is a historic amusement park and beach located in Brooklyn. It's been a popular destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike since the late 1800s. Some of the must-ride attractions include the Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster that's been in operation since 1927, and the Wonder Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that offers incredible views of the ocean.
The New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre oasis located in the Bronx. It's home to over 1 million plants, making it one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. Some of the must-see attractions include the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which houses a collection of tropical and desert plants, and the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, which features over 4,000 rose plants.
The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world, spanning over 265 acres. It's home to over 6,000 animals from over 700 species, including lions, tigers, and bears. Some of the must-see exhibits include the African Plains, which features giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, and the JungleWorld exhibit, which is home to a variety of primates and birds.
New York City is a city that's full of life and energy. With so many amazing attractions to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do first. Whether you're interested in art, history, or just taking in the sights and sounds of the city, there's something for everyone in New York. As a local, I hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next trip to the Big Apple.
New York City is a city that's full of life and energy. With so many amazing attractions to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do first. Whether you're interested in art, history, or just taking in the sights and sounds of the city, there's something for everyone in New York. As a local, I hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next trip to the Big Apple.
