Location: Midtown
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Things to do in New York City, New York (NY): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. 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.
2. Fred F. French Building
3. General Electric Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Art Deco style abounds inside and out at the GE building.
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
Comcast acquired this skyscraper in 2015, but most people still refer to it as the General Electric Building or simply 30 Rock. The 66-floor structure forms the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center and is the home for NBC Studios. Whatever one calls this 1933 Art Deco gem, it always is on my itinerary when I visit New York City. As an architecture buff, I never tire of the details, inside and outside, and I enjoy browsing in shops on the Concourse level. Prominent exterior features include a simple limestone facade with a stunning crown, and attractive carved renderings at the East entrance of Wisdom, Sound and Light. The crown displays a lighting bolts motif and is illuminated at night. Because of the building's 850-foot height, however, I can only study this crown with binoculars. The lobby features massive murals. "American Progress" by Josep Maria Sert shows allegorical scenes of men constructing modern America. But I find the lobby to be fairly dark and not conducive to looking at art. More airy are the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and the 65th floor's Rainbow Room. I do not recommend trying to get a photo of this skyscraper up close unless capturing details. It fills 22 acres, occupying an entire block between Sixth Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza. A nice photo op exists of its East side, however, at the start of the Channel Gardens at Fifth Avenue.
4. Rockefeller Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,302 reviews
Rockefeller Center is a national historic landmark in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Home to Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall and much more. Shop, dine and explore at one of New York's most inspiring locations.
Reviewed By joys919 - Morgantown, United States
Rockefeller center has great architecture, great shops, restaurants, ice skating, movie scenes from Home Alone, murals on the ceilings and an underground passageways to help you get back and forth and stay warm!
5. 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.
6. Fifth Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,536 reviews
Famous street offering some of the most expensive and fashionable shops in the city.
Reviewed By IAmEve7 - Lexington, United States
Fifth Avenue is all that you've heard it to be...and more. We visit during the holidays which makes it even more festive because of the crowds of people, as well as the outstanding store windows, decorated to the HILT. This is where you stroll and dream, without necessarily spending a dime, as you walk by Cartier, Tiffany, Henri Bendel, Bulgari, Prada, Valentino, Lord & Taylor, Armani, Cole Haan, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, and many others. St. Patrick's Cathedral is also on 5th Avenue and a must-see.
7. Times Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55,987 reviews
Central area in NYC that has many shops, restaurants, office buildings and flashing billboards around it.
Reviewed By 920paigea
Amazing place to visit and so different from everything I am used to, great to see in the day as well as at night, with lots of street performers to make the experience even more enjoyable!
8. Radio City Music Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,230 reviews
Tours run daily starting at 9:30 AM
Reviewed By an0nym0us444 - San Antonio, United States
Attended the 2019 Holiday show, and was so impressed. The integration of tech graphics, the orchestra, live animals, the chorale singers, and of course the phenomenal Rockettes, into the sets was perfect. I hadn't been to Radio City in years, and it was as exceptional as I remembered.
9. Meatpacking District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 686 reviews
Located on the outskirts of the West Village, this area is becoming more upscale and gentrified.
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
In NYC, nothing stands still. Up until the 1970s, the main industry in the Meatpacking District was slaughtering animals . Now its a mega trendy neighbourhood, full of top-end boutiques and fancy bars. The Whitney American art museum is a notable addition to the area. A fun way to get to the Meatpacking District is to take the High Line linear park, an old elevated railway line. The Meatpacking District is in the far west of Manhattan. It runs from the Hudson River east to Hudson Street, and West 14th St south to Gansevoort Street.
10. St. Patrick's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,933 reviews
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of New York and the seat of its Archbishop. Built by contributions large and small, it remains emblematic of the ascendance of religious freedom in the New World. As such, this international landmark is a beacon of hope for those who share the Catholic faith and a source of inspiration to the more than five million visitors of every religious denomination welcomed here each year. St. Patrick’s Cathedral has stood strong, overlooking 5th Ave, since 1879. The vibrancy of its windows, the beauty of its music and the purpose of its charitable outreach call us to respond to our shared humanity. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is a must see destination when visiting New York. Our tour has been crafted to capture the essence of the church. It addresses the rich history of the past and the incredible art and architecture that makes it one of a kind. Timothy Cardinal Dolan, narrates the tour with Monsignor Robert Ritchie.
Reviewed By troydhorton - Celina, United States
While visiting NYC for our son's 12th birthday, we had the great pleasure of attending Sunday mass at the Cathedral, then came back the next day for a formal tour of this beautiful church. After mass on Sunday, we took a bit of time to stroll through the facility to look at the art, statues and relics housed there. On Monday morning we returned for the guided audio tour that we'd purchased online. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a kind gentleman named Tony who explained how it all worked, issued us some electronic devices and headphones and we were off. Tony was extremely helpful and very personable. I would highly recommend purchasing the audio tour that explains the history and significance of many of the statues, altars and artifacts within the Cathedral.
