Top 10 Attractions to Visit In New York

• By: MFoley
• On: 15/Feb/2010
• In: New York Travel Tips

1.Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world! It is a 102-floor art deco skyscraper, which can be found in the heart of NYC at Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street. For more than 40 years, it was the world's tallest skyscraper and now is the 15th tallest in the world.

A visit to the Empire State Building observation deck is a must for visitors to NYC. It can be found on the 86th floor and has a breathtaking 360 degrees view of the city. The iconic skyscraper can be seen for miles with its enormous spire. It's especially beautiful at night when the top of the skyscraper is all lit up.

For more info visit the Empire State Building official site

2. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is not only one of the most recognisable icons of New York city worldwide - but of the United States. The Statue was the first sight that welcomed many thousands of immigrants that entered New York harbour on ships from all over the world. The monument was a gift to the US from the French Government to celebrate 100 years of American Independence.

This monument (now a universal symbol of freedom) is located on a 12 acre island (Liberty Island) so it is best viewed by boat. Boat trips to Ellis Island leave Battery Park and pass right by the Statue of Liberty.

For more info visit the Statue of Liberty Official Site

3. Ellis Island

Ellis Island is located south of the tip of Manhattan and is mostly accessed by ferry from Battery Park. Ellis Island is a place that will touch every visitor's heart. It was here more than 20 million people passed through immigration as they entered the US between 1892 and 1924.

Walk through the Great Hall of this museum, where thousands of immigrants would have waited their fate to see if they were allowed into the US. View memorabilia, clothing, and original items left behind by passengers. Listen to their stories; watch the audiovisuals and search for your ancestors.

For more info visit the Ellis Island website

4. Times Square

You just can't miss this bustling part of the city with its flashing billboards and bright lights! You can find it between Broadway and 7th Avenue from 42nd to 47th Street. Times Square is the iconic symbol of urban New York where there are hundreds of advertisements vying for visitor's attention. It's also home to some of the city's top theatres and cinemas.

Times Square is definitely the place to go for New Years Eve when hundreds of thousands congregate on the square to watch the famous 'ball drop' at the countdown.

For more info visit the Times Square website

5. Central Park

Central Park is one of the most famous city parks in the world. It occupies 843 acres of parkland right in the heart of bustling Manhattan. It is the perfect place to go to escape the city for a few hours.

Here you'll find some top attractions like; Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, many sculptures and a wildlife sanctuary.

The park was designed by a famous designer and although it looks very natural with ponds, lakes, trees, woods and walking tracks, it is in fact entirely landscaped!

For more visit the Central Park website

6. Rockefeller Centre

The Rockefeller Centre is a complex of 19 buildings in Midtown Manhattan often referred to as a "City in a City". Some of the top buildings here include the Bank of America building, the GE Building and Radio City Music Hall.  On top of the GE Building is where you'll find the 'Top of the Rock' Observation tower. Here visitors can admire panoramic views of the city especially Central Park and the Empire State Building.

For more visit the Rockefellar Centre website
 
7. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal (station) is one of the greatest railway stations in the world. It can be found in Midtown Manhattan between 42nd Street and Park Avenue. The façade complete with Corinthian columns are quite impressive, as is the main concourse in the interior. It has connections for the city's subways and the metro-north railroad line. The station contains lots of bars and restaurants and is a great place to people-watch.

For more info visit the Grand Central Terminal website

8. American Museum of Natural History

This is one of the most famous museums in the world receiving approx 4 million visitors annually! It can be found in the Upper West Side at Central Park West on 79th Street.

The Museum consists of 25 buildings which are interconnecting and house the Hall of Human Biology and Evolution, the Hall of Minerals and Gems, the Hall of Ocean Life, the Hall of Meteorites, the Fossil Halls, the Rose Center, the Planetarium and the Library to name a few. You should really give yourself a whole day at the museum to view all its world-renowned collections.

For more info visit the Museum of Natural History website

9. St. Patrick's Cathedral

While in New York, make sure you take the time to visit the largest Gothic style catholic cathedral in the US! It can be found close to the Rockefellar Centre between 50th and 51st Street on Fifth Avenue. This magnificent cathedral receives over 5 million visits a year that come to both admire and pray.

Things to look out for at the cathedral include; the ornate Lady Chapel, the magnificent stained glass windows, the rose window, the main organ, a tomb of St. Elizabeth (the country's first saint) and the huge bronze door at the entrance which is decorated with important religious figures.

Visitors to the cathedral are invited to pick up a pamphlet at the entrance and do a self-guided tour.

For more visit the St. Patrick's Cathedral New York website

10. Brooklyn Bridge

Another unmissable New York attraction is the Brooklyn Bridge. Completed in 1883, Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US. The bridge is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks and connects Manhattan with Brooklyn across the East River. A footpath runs the length of the bridge and is popular with walkers, joggers and those who just want to admire the breathtaking views of Manhattan from the bridge.

Hope this helps you plan your sightseeing itinerary in New York. If you need help with accommodation, check out our New York Hotels page.