Planning a trip to the Big Apple? In our experience, it’s never easy. After crafting our own NYC itineraries several times over the years, we’ve discovered endless things to do in New York City. And no matter whether we’re visiting for a weekend or a week, there never seems to be enough time to jam it all in!
On a NYC holiday, we always spend plenty of time perusing its cultural attractions, including some of the world’s finest art collections at The Whitney or The Metropolitan Museum of Art. We love walking along the High Line to soak up skyline views among the flowers and greenery. Of course, no visit to New York City is ever complete without seeing the city from above, whether from the 102nd floor of the One World Observatory or the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.
We know firsthand how overwhelming planning a NYC holiday can feel. In this guide, we’ve narrowed down our favorite places to visit in New York and added our own tips to help you plan a smoother itinerary.
Our favorite places to visit in New York City, NY
Central Park
In the center of Manhattan lies one of New York City’s iconic landmarks: Central Park. Sounds of sirens and traffic fade away into 843 peaceful acres of chirping birds, shady paths, and outdoor fun.
Central Park feels like an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The activities we’ve discovered while visiting Central Park vary depending on the season. (Do you prefer a winter wonderland or a grassy green atmosphere?)
In the winter, we’d find our way to Wollman Pond for ice skating. Or, for a romantic couple’s getaway, we enjoy embarking on a horse and carriage ride through the park. (In our experience, the perky coachmen are always great storytellers and tour guides!)
In the warmer months, we relish packing up a lunch and enjoying a picturesque picnic with a view of NYC’s skyscrapers peeking out from behind Central Park’s treeline. We also suggest heading to the lakes for a gondola ride or to rent a boat.
If you’re into theater or shows, we’ve noticed that Central Park hosts a number of performances throughout the year, like Shakespeare in the Park, live music, and even magic shows.
Ellis Island
New York City is a melting pot of cultures from around the world, and Ellis Island is one of the most significant symbols of this. On our tour, we learned that Ellis Island was a major port of entry for over 12 million immigrants. Today, its history and the tales of the immigrants seeking the American Dream are preserved in museums and sites on the island.
Embark for Ellis Island by ferry from either Battery Park or Liberty State Park. (Our ferry departed from Battery Park, and we absolutely loved looking back at the Manhattan skyline views as the boat drifted from the shoreline.)
When we arrived, we were able to explore the very building that the original immigrants passed through. Inside lies the National Museum of History. The museum showcases lost or forgotten items of the immigrants, original photos, journal entries, and many more artifacts. (We found this part of the visit especially emotional and moving!)
Ellis Island offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about your own family heritage as well. Visit the American Family Immigration Center for its database of over 65 million records. Discover connections to ancestors and their journey to the New World. Getting a family history lesson is a vacation experience like no other!
Coney Island
Amusement park fun meets rich New York City history at Coney Island. Coney Island is actually an entire neighborhood in Brooklyn. But venture toward New York Bay to discover the beach and boardwalk, where you’ll find old-timey arcades and rides, shows, and delicious carnival food.
Approach the boardwalk and carnival area on Coney Island to hear the dings and whistles of games and rides around you. Take your pick from classics like bumper cars, roller coasters, and a Ferris wheel with an incredible view of the Big Apple from the top.
You’re never too old for the circus! Get astounded by the family-friendly sideshow performers at the Coney Island Circus Sideshow. (The season runs from May to September; tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for kids.)
When you’re ready to eat on a Coney Island adventure, check out Nathan’s Famous (1310 Surf Ave). We loved the vintage atmosphere here and their unique loaded hot dogs. (Think: chili cheese-style dogs! Yum!)
The High Line
Typically, train tracks and public parks don’t go together. But the High Line in Manhattan’s West Side proves this pairing can equal a beautiful collision of history and nature. (Well, granted, the tracks are out of commission.)
The raised freight rail was converted into an urban oasis in 2009. The High Line features restaurants, outdoor art, and stunning landscaping, and is among our favorite tourist attractions in New York City. We think it’s such a unique experience!
Atop the converted rails, we loved wandering through pathways with flowers, trees, and bushes all around us. Admire the sprinkling of modern artwork and sculptures.
Grab a snack from the open-air food court, then relax on the benches made from original wood from the train tracks. Take in the stunning views of the West Village and the Hudson River.
The High Line’s design honors the history of the tracks. The location of the Diller-Von Furstenberg Sundeck and Water Feature was chosen because it’s where water used to accumulate on the original tracks. Today, we can see children splashing around in the sprinklers and fountains.
Empire State Building
Ready for a bird’s-eye view of the Big Apple? Sitting in the center of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building features a 360-degree view of the city. Even if you only have one day in NYC, we think a visit to the Empire State Building is a way to experience New York from a whole new perspective.
Take the elevator up and make your way through the exhibits detailing the construction of the Empire State Building and what life was like in New York in the 1930s. Here’s where you’ll begin queuing for the two observation decks.
Spend as long as you like on the 86th-floor outdoor deck appreciating the spectacular view of New York City. Look closely in the distance to see the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. (We’ve visited the Empire State Building on two trips to the Big Apple, and the views astounded us equally both times!)
For an extra special experience, we recommend taking the glass elevator up to the 102nd floor for an even more impressive view!
Bryant Park
Hunting for the perfect al fresco dining atmosphere in New York? Or maybe you’re looking for artisanal shopping, outdoor shows, or an escape to nature from the concrete jungle of NYC? Bryant Park has all of this—and more!
Located along 42nd Street, mere blocks from Times Square, Bryant Park is a great spot for families. When we first visited the park, we saw that it had plenty of open space to frolic, play, or picnic. Your little ones will love to swing, crawl, and slide the day away at the Funkytown Playground.
There seemed to be something interesting going on every day when we walked through Bryant Park: From a juggler’s meet-up to dance classes and live performances. Join in or sit back and watch!
The shops around the outskirts of Bryant Park sell hand-crafted jewelry, New York-themed souvenirs, and artwork. If you’re looking for a bite, we recommend the Bryant Park Cafe (1065 6th Ave #2400), known for its phenomenal food and a fantastic happy hour. Grab BBQ pork sliders finished off with carrot cake or a sorbet to cool down.
PRO TIP: As much as we enjoy the lovely location of Bryant Park Cafe, the prices are, even for Manhattan, a tad steep. For a more “down-to-earth” meal, walk a block west on W 40th Street to Broadway and snag a slice of classic New York-style pizza at Joe’s Pizza Broadway (1435 Broadway).
Top of the Rock
One of the best spots we’ve found for a breathtaking NYC view is Top of the Rock in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center. The building’s Art Deco style reminds visitors of its inception during the Great Depression. We think it’s the perfect atmosphere to immerse yourself in NYC history before taking in views of the city as it is today.
The 67th and 69th floors are sprinkled with art and exhibits. We were mesmerized while walking along the Radiance Wall, full of dazzling crystal clusters and asymmetrical blown-glass panels.
In the Beam Walk exhibit, you’ll have a chance to recreate the famous photo of workers perched on a beam above the city. Then, climb over to the 70th-floor observation deck for an unobstructed, breathtaking 360-degree view of the city
PRO TIP: We recommend visiting the Top of the Rock an hour before sunset to see the brilliant daylight views of the city transform into sparkling city lights by night!
One World Observatory
The One World Trade Center is famous for being the tallest building in the United States and for the attractions found throughout its many floors. One of them is the One World Observatory. After spending time gawking at the city from above in several spots, we think this might be the perfect place to view the New York City skyline!
Spanning the 100th and 102nd floors of the One World Trade Center, the One World Observatory delivers jaw-dropping views, gourmet dining, and entertainment.
Take the lightning-fast sky pod elevator to the 100th floor and begin your One World experience with the See Forever Theater. This walk-through audiovisual presentation captures the pulse of New York and culminates in the first view of the skyline.
Grab a coffee at the Illy Cafe and enjoy the views of New York’s horizon further, making your way to the other floors.
PRO TIP: For a one-of-a-kind dining experience above the city that never sleeps, make reservations at the One World Observatory’s restaurant, One Dine. Have a toast to New York City as you dine 101 floors up above the city. This meal will surely be unforgettable!
Statue of Liberty
She’s tall, green, and symbolizes freedom: Any guesses? If you guessed the Statue of Liberty, you’re correct! As one of the most famous landmarks in the world, visiting this historic statue on Liberty Island is a must for any New York City itinerary—even if a tad cliche!
Soak in the history of Liberty Island and Lady Liberty herself at the Statue of Liberty Museum. When we visited the museum, we enjoyed browsing interactive exhibits like the virtual simulator that brings visitors through the inside of the statue, memorabilia, and the original torch.
Learn about the origin of the Statue of Liberty as a gift from France around the 19th century. The gift celebrated America’s centennial of signing the Declaration of Independence and the (then recent) abolition of slavery. The torch, sunbeam-like crown, and broken shackles at her feet take on a whole new meaning when you understand the rich history of Lady Liberty.
PRO TIP: Ellis Island and Liberty Island share the same ferry route. Both could be visited on the same day if you come early enough. (In our experience, it’ll take about 5 to 6 hours to visit both, as there’ll be unavoidable line-ups throughout the day, particularly at the ferry.)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York City is a major hub of international art and culture. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a perfect example. Its permanent collection alone features two million pieces, and the rotating exhibits include millions more. Whether you’re a seasoned art critic or someone who just enjoys appreciating interesting, historical, or beautiful masterpieces (like us), the MET has a style of art to suit anyone.
Weaving through the pristine halls and many exhibits of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we discovered art from different times and places throughout world history. Admire the astonishingly well-preserved Emperor’s Twelve Symbol Festival Robes from China. Gaze upon the bronze statue of Eros Sleeping from the 3rd century BC Greece. Appreciate the Native American Yup’ik mask from 1900.
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To see some of the more well-known works, check out Emanuel Leutze’s enormous Washington Crosses the Delaware, and works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Vincent Van Gogh, and Claude Monet. Among our favorites are the 1887 Neo-Impressionist Self Portrait with Straw Hat by Van Gogh and the 1899 Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies by Monet.
Washington Square Park
Make your way to Greenwich Village, and you’ll come across Washington Square Park. The feeling here is lively and upbeat, with street performers and musicians livening the atmosphere.
Whenever we’ve walked around Washington Square Park on our NYC vacations, we see many people are out and about, some lounging by the fountain and others playing chess. Take a leisurely stroll through the park to see who and what you can discover.
The Washington Square Arch is the iconic marble archway towering over one entrance to the park. Enter under it to take a closer glance at the fine details carved into the marble. It’s quite a sight to behold in the evening, as it’s lit up! We found the pure white marble to be gorgeous against the dark night sky with the city lights glittering behind it.
Whether you come to Washington Square Park for a picnic, a show, or sightseeing, we guarantee you’ll find something uniquely New York here.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
After spending all day in museums, you might be ready to enjoy New York City’s outdoor scenery. We recommend heading to Brooklyn Heights to stumble into Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park’s 85 acres of land are made up of sprawling fresh green spaces, sports fields, and its namesake iconic landmark: the Brooklyn Bridge.
Walking through the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park, we see families, older couples, joggers, dog walkers, street performers, and more. It’s everyone’s favorite park to visit in Brooklyn, thanks to its impeccable maintenance.
Look in the distance to marvel at the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most famous suspension bridges in the world. From across the waters of the East River, you’ll have the perfect photo op to get a shot of this landmark!
PRO TIP: Head to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza on the eastern side of the park to capture the finest shots of the Brooklyn Bridge with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
Madison Square Garden
If you’re into live music or sporting events, Madison Square Garden may find its way onto your New York trip itinerary. Built in 1879, Madison Square Garden is a historically significant venue with something to offer every style of traveler.
Madison Square Garden hosts massive names each year, from hip-hop artists like Chris Brown to alternative singers like Twenty One Pilots or classics like Billy Joel. Big-time sports teams, like the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, also play at MSG.
When we visited MSG on our first trip to NYC, we caught a Cirque de Soleil performance at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. (We were shocked at the size of the theater and the fact that it was located below the actual venue. This place is huge!)
Scope out the events being held in Madison Square Garden while you’re in town. It may have something interesting happening while you’re on holiday!
American Museum of Natural History
Old or young, we think everyone will find something of interest at the American Museum of Natural History. This world-renowned museum lines four city blocks and borders Central Park West. We found its size impressive, but it only makes sense considering how many treasures it holds. Within the walls of this legendary museum are wonders of our natural world on Earth and of the extraterrestrial world.
Enter the main lobby to get face-to-face with its world-famous huge fossilized T Rex. Once you’ve snapped a few shots for your Instagram account, begin your adventure through the immaculate and fascinating exhibits.
Astronomy enthusiasts will want to head to the Hayden Planetarium Space Show. Archaeologists will be intrigued by the prehistoric-themed sections of the museum, while marine biologists may scurry off to the aquatic life area.
In the American Museum of Natural History, the immersive and lifelike recreations of the animals (extinct or not) bring the experience to life. The in-depth explorations into the solar system and the mysterious world of the deep blue sea are vivid and understandable through the museum’s exhibits.
The highlights of our visit included the Apex Stegosaurus Fossil in the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium, the massive Blue Whale Model in the Hall of Ocean Life, and the stunning gems and crystals in the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
The American Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is $30 for adults, $18 for children (3 to 12), and $24 for seniors and students.
Whitney Museum of American Art
For visiting a museum with thought-provoking pieces that spark discussion, the Whitney Museum of American Art is at the top of our list of what to do in New York City. The popular art museum often features a mix of classical art and modern art that represents social issues.
Located near the High Line in the Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum has diversely curated collections of art for art lovers to enjoy. The museum holds over 26,000 works of art from over 6,000 American artists.
Currently, the Whitney Museum of American Art is holding its Whitney Biennial exhibit. The latest, Even Better Than the Real Thing, reflects on the experiences of 72 diverse artists navigating society’s most pressing contemporary issues, expressed in their respective art forms.
From film to sculptures, abstract art, dance, and more, the variety of art at the Whitney is astounding. Passing through the quiet halls, you’ll surely find a piece that resonates with you and makes you feel something!
Note that many works of art at the Whitney Museum of American Art discuss graphic or adult topics; if you’re traveling with a family, be sure to keep this in mind.
The Battery
Along the southern tip of Manhattan awaits one of the major New York City points of interest for gardens, art, and gawking at the marvelous skyline. Join the Manhattanites who frequent The Battery seeking out the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
During our NYC visits, we always love escaping the hustle and bustle of the downtown areas in Battery Park. Walking through the landscaped paths, you will literally have a chance to stop and smell the roses.
Take time, pausing every now and then, as you approach the many magnificent statues of the park. Many of these are memorial statues to the Vietnam War and the Coast Guard.
The location of The Battery is ideal for seeing the true New York City horizon, complete with the Statue of Liberty in all of her glory. It’s also near a convenient boarding spot for the Staten Island Ferry.
Got a little thirsty on the journey? Pull up a seat at The View at Battery Park Beer Garten. Soak up the riverside vibes with entrees like New York strip steak or shrimp linguini while enjoying a pint of American craft beer or a signature cocktail like their blood orange paloma.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
When you need a break from the commercial stores lining Fifth Avenue, stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This Catholic church stands out amongst the modern structures and skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan, and was one of the most stunning architectural spots we toured in the city.
Built in 1879, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is home to the Archdiocese of New York. Churchgoers, architecture admirers, and anyone needing an escape from fast-paced NYC life will enjoy a stop here to admire its beautiful design.
The Neo-Gothic architecture is incredibly detailed inside and out. After walking up the steps and entering, we heard sonorous organ music echoing around the cavernous ceilings and could smell incense burning. The gaping archways and vaulted ceilings reminded us of all the Gothic cathedrals on our trips throughout Europe.
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The devout can attend Sunday mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral while on holiday. Or simply stop by to check out the vibrant stained glass, beautiful madonnas, and intricate designs.
Where to stay in New York City for sightseeing
For most travelers, our favorite choices for where to stay in New York City fall within Manhattan. To get close to the city’s top points of interest, we recommend narrowing your accommodation search to areas like Midtown, SoHo, Chelsea, and the Upper East Side.
Hotel Scherman
Set on the west side of Midtown, this family-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms at a price point that we feel is quite reasonable for central Manhattan. Fuel up with a continental breakfast before hitting the streets to explore. The hotel is within walking distance of top attractions like Times Square, Top of the Rock, and Central Park. After a day of sightseeing, relax with a cocktail at the hotel’s rooftop lounge, enjoying views over the city.
citizenM New York Times Square
For staying in the heart of Manhattan, we’ve hardly found a better place to lay down our heads than the citizenM. The sleek 4-star hotel is just steps from Times Square and many other top-notch places to see. Although citizenM’s accommodation model is minimalist, we discovered a handful of cool extra amenities that we dig at this hotel, including a rooftop bar and a gym with skyline views.
The Dominick Hotel
Looking to splurge on your NYC trip? Savor a luxurious stay at The Dominick Hotel, SoHo’s only Five-Diamond accommodations. The 46-story luxury hotel is one of our favorites in the city, featuring four on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a full-service spa. Relax in your luxurious room, delighting in the spectacular views over Manhattan and the Hudson through the floor-to-ceiling windows. NYC sightseeing hotspots like the High Line, Washington Square Park, and Greenwich Village are within walking distance.
