Planning a trip to New York City and wondering where to go?
New York City, the most populous city in the United States, is a top destination for many around the world, thanks in part to its frequent appearances in popular films. Visiting the places you’ve seen on screen can be incredibly exciting. Spend a few days exploring iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Empire State Building, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, Fifth Avenue, and more. You’ve probably seen these places on TV and have a good idea of what to expect. Visiting New York City should definitely be on your list of things to do in the USA. Are you planning a trip soon? Here’s some inspiration to help you out!
One of the must-visit places in New York City is Fifth Avenue. This major street in Manhattan stretches 10 kilometers from Washington Square Park to West 143rd Street. It’s not just a shopping haven with many high-end international stores but also a great spot for sightseeing. Fifth Avenue is home to famous landmarks like the Empire State Building and the unique, triangular Flatiron Building. It also has a section called “Museum Mile,” which runs from 82nd to 110th Streets and houses nine museums. Additionally, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a stunning Neo-Gothic style church, is located here. Fifth Avenue is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in the city.
The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island, is an iconic symbol of New York and the United States. To visit, you’ll take a ferry that also stops at Ellis Island, the historic immigrant inspection station. Alternatively, the free Staten Island ferry offers excellent views of the statue. You can also catch great views from spots like Battery Park in Lower Manhattan.
The Empire State Building is another iconic skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. Standing at 443.2 meters with 102 stories, it was the tallest building in the world until 1970. Its viewing platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors provide incredible views of the city. If you want to see the city skyline along with the Empire State Building, head to the Top of The Rock at Rockefeller Center.
Central Park, situated in the heart of Manhattan, is the most famous park in NYC and one of the most visited in the country. Although it’s not the largest park in the city, it covers 843 acres and features artificial lakes, waterfalls, gardens, meadows, hills, wooded areas, a zoo, and various monuments and buildings. Exploring Central Park can take at least two hours and it’s particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color. Visiting Central Park is a great activity in New York City, especially in autumn.
Times Square is another must-see landmark, known for its bright lights and billboards. This bustling commercial intersection is one of Manhattan’s most exciting places and one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas. Covering five blocks, Times Square has upscale restaurants, bars, stores, and boutiques but is best known for its theaters as it’s the hub of the Broadway Theatre District. It’s an excellent place to visit in the evening.
The Vessel, opened in early 2019, is a recent addition to NYC’s landmarks. This futuristic, honeycomb-like structure is located in Hudson Yards Public Square and features 16 stories with 154 flights of stairs. Nearby, you’ll find The Shed, an art and cultural center with a unique retractable shell, also opened in 2019.
Brooklyn Bridge Park offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan. The trendy Dumbo neighborhood, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, also provides one of the city’s most famous views—an iconic scene of the Manhattan Bridge framed by historic brownstone buildings. Pebble Beach in the area offers excellent sunset views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.