Location: New York City
Top Things to do in New York City
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in New York City, New York (NY)
Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
Restaurants in New York City
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54,604 reviews
At New York City's most visited museum and attraction, you will experience over 5,000 years of art from around the world. The Met is for anyone as a source of inspiration, insight and understanding. You can learn, escape, play, dream, discover, connect.
Reviewed By cmasb - Rickmansworth, United Kingdom
We have wanted to visit here for ages and finally made it. It did not disappoint. There is no way you can see everything in any museum of any stature such as the Met. Choose what you are interested in and focus on just a few items. Our passions include European paintings from the 15th to early 19th centuries and we were indulged: incredible works by Velasquez, Goya, David, Brueghel, Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer etc etc. You cannot be disappointed. We also visited the Graeco-Roman and Egyptian galleries, which were also fascinating. It was busy even on a Monday in schooltime. We booked tickets ahead, which saved us time queuing, so it might be worth your time doing the same thing. We had a nice but rather expensive lunch in the cafeteria in the basement. Sandwiches at $15? They didn’t even have caviar in them (but were tasty).
2. Manhattan Skyline
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21,260 reviews
Reviewed By 91JC - London, United Kingdom
You can get an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn or if you jump on the free Staten Island ferry the view is brilliant, it will also go past the Statue of Liberty so you can get some great photos. The ferry runs 24 hours a day and leaves about every 30 mins. The night time or sunset view is fantastic too.
3. World Trade Center Memorial Foundation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,266 reviews
Reviewed By brentthenurseryman - Merimbula, Australia
This is a must see on your visit to NYC. It was raining on the day that we visited but it is majestic and moving in any weather conditions. Make sure you check out the Survivor Tree - the Pyrus tree that survived 9/11 - very awe inspiring. Looking forward to seeing the memorial again on our next visit, but this time lit up at night.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,207 reviews
Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge provides passage between Brooklyn and Manhattan for motorists, trains, bicycles and pedestrians. One of the primary symbols of New York City, it is a marvel of design and provides spectacular views of the city's skyline.
Reviewed By PAVMAN70 - Ashford, United Kingdom
Great walk across the epic/iconic bridge great views of the sky line also Ellis island n Statue of Liberty about 30 minute walk each way dress warmly as the wind can be very “biting”
5. Grand Central Terminal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44,259 reviews
Grand Central Terminal is the most extraordinary public space in New York City. Opened to the public in 1913, this historic train terminal is a world-famous landmark in Midtown. Its rich history is a story of immense wealth and great engineering. Grand Central is one of the busiest train stations in the world, with approximately 750,000 visitors every day. It is the home of Metro-North Railroad, a subway station, iconic restaurants, shops, and the world's most alluring Apple Store. Some of the highlights to see along your tour of Grand Central include the opal-faced clock, valued at $20 million, above the Information Booth, the Largest Tiffany Glass Clock in the World below the 48-foot, 1500-ton Transportation statue overlooking 42nd Street at Park Avenue, and the mystifying acoustics of the Whispering Gallery in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Audio and guided tours are available for those with a passion for history. More information regarding tours and ways to plan your visit can be found on the Grand Central Terminal website.
Reviewed By TheCuriousCowgirl - Dallas, United States
Because thousands of commuters pass through Grand Central Terminal every day, there's a market, filled with delicious pre-prepared foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and even a small outpost of the EAT Gifts. As a tourist, this is a GREAT place to pick up delicious goodies for an impromptu picnic in Central Park, or snacks for midnight cravings in your hotel. If you have a little more time, consider having a meal at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. First opened in 1913, this restaurant is a true NYC gem, offering up over twenty varieties of fresh oysters, a large menu of fresh, grilled and fried seafood choices, and an ambience and history that makes The Oyster Bar a very fun dining experience! Just outside the entrance to the Oyster Bar, is a space with a high vaulted ceiling. The four corners offer a bit of magic. If you and a friend will stand on opposite corners, you can speak directly into the wall, and the geometry of the space will carry your message up the wall, across the ceiling, and to your friend on the other side, earning the area the informal title of "the whispering walls." It's a ton of fun, and kids will get a HUGE kick out of sending and receiving messages! If cocktails are more your speed, The Campbell Apartment is a super swanky spot. The space was first rented out in 1923 by William Kissam Vanderbilt II, whose family built the terminal. It was once the ornate private office of early 20th century railroad exec and financier John Williams Campbell, andlater a studio for CBS Radio and a jail used by Metro-North Railroad. Today, it's a step back in time, and a little hard to find, making cocktail hour both glamorous and a little mysterious. If pure history is what you are after, take some time to admire the the zodiac mural on the ceiling of the Grand Concourse, one of New York City’s most beloved pieces of public art, created by French pastelist and etcher Paul César Helleu in 1912. The signs of the zodiac from October to March are outlined in gold leaf and modeled with nearly 2500 tiny, stippled gold leaf stars.Be sure and walk outside to 42nd street, and admire the gorgeous facade, particularly the imposing sculptures of Mercury, Hercules, and Minerva at the top. I never tire of the view, both during the day and at night, and few sites make me feel more truly in the heart of Manhattan than time spent in Grand Central Terminal.
6. Statue of Liberty
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43,439 reviews
The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.
Reviewed By TinaH73 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
We have been up to the Statue of Liberty on a previous visit but only sailed by on a boat. The island visit is definitely worth it, we went across from Battery Park on the ferry and went on to Liberty Island, the views of Manhatten are fantastic and seeing the Statue of Liberty so close up is amazing. Definitely worth a trip.
7. Chrysler Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,046 reviews
This Art Deco masterpiece is actually no longer the property of the auto manufacturer.
Reviewed By michaelsM3853UC - London, United Kingdom
Dramatic architecture completed in 1930.Fantastic decorative details in stainless steel art deco style referencing stylized chromed motor car components:such as winged radiator caps and wheels.Fantastic crowning spire.The grand lobby can be visited and features multicoloured marble and granite,a beautifully painted ceiling with scenes of 1920’s transportation,wonderfully decorative elevator doors and art deco metalwork.
8. Flatiron Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,403 reviews
This Daniel Burnham design got its moniker because, as you might guess, it resembles an iron.
Reviewed By iluckiep - New York City, United States
I decide to write a review because when people don't know the truth behind something, they just write, wrong reviews, people should know! Before write anything, It is like say something without thinking. First of all this building is amazing! Specially because It was built in 1902, so If you carefully look at it, It is a piece of art! the shape of it was made under the need of the land shape, It is where 2 street begins, for this you need to know, now you know the shape is the main attraction of this building and artist during a century, photographed and painted it, here is where popularity ranked higher Building has arquitectural influences from France and Italy, specially renaissance art, no one can say It doesn't worth unless you ignore the importance of this art current The Flatiron building is the right sample of what expects don't like but who believed in its own projects never mind do and become a success New York is known mainly by its tall building, culturally speaking, If you are in the same page of visit place by its story, there you are! This is the most beautiful building I have ever seen, worth the stop by, to admire the shape and getting closer to admire the detail too!!!
9. Ellis Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,211 reviews
Visitors can retrace the steps of their ancestors at this famous landing point that welcomed millions of immigrants to the United States.
Reviewed By cinnamoncc - Hollidaysburg, United States
I visited Ellis Island because the boat travels there after visiting the Statue of Liberty but it turns out Ellis Island is somewhere you could spend an entire afternoon. We visited the cafe for hot chocolate and met a mock “immigrations officer” that told us stories of the islands history and the islands immigration process. We then visited the immigration museum but did not have time to visit all the exhibits. We will definitely be going back!
10. Empire State Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91,562 reviews
The Empire State Building is the World's Most Famous Building. It rises 1,454 feet from ground to antenna & features the only 360 degree open-air vantage point of Midtown Manhattan. The 86th & 102nd Floor Observatories are open daily from 12PM-9PM. On a clear day you can see up to 6 states. The brand-new 2nd floor museum (included in all ticket options) offers guests 10,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits that invite visitors on a journey beginning from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture. The 102nd Fl Obs features floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass elevator with sound & light experience. It is the jewel of NYC. All signage, audio & exhibits in the building are available in 9 languages. We offer free Wi-Fi. The 34th St Lobby entrance features a grand staircase with a 2-story architectural model of the bldg & a high-tech LED exhibit that celebrates lighting ceremonies performed by famous, celebrity guests. Express guests receive red carpet VIP treatment.
Reviewed By PictureThisNYC - New York City, United States
Amazing experience to visit the Empire State Building for sunrise with a very small group of people for a safe & unsurpassed experience, Well worth the money, amazing views & tons of space on the observation deck that is usually very crowded. Friendly, helpful & welcoming staff made for a wonderful experience and so may great photos! Highly recommended.
