What to do and see in New York City, United States: The Best Places and Tips

July 28, 2017 Roseanne Arnett

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

New York City, NY
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 17 reviews

Manhattan Skyline

Reviewed By shanemoore2018 - New York City, New York

Just looking at the Manhattan Skyline makes me proud to be a Newyorker. The size of the building never fail to impress.

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10028-0198 +1 212-535-7710
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 47 reviews

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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 Kerrie C

I’m not a huge fan of art galleries but I can imagine if this is your thing you will love it. Lots of great displays, sculptures, portraits, landscapes and modern art. Maps available to help navigate this museum with ease. Spent an hour here but you could spend much much longer. Audio guides are available.

3. Central Park

59th to 110th Street, Manhattan Borough, from Central Park West to 5th Avenue, New York City, NY 10022 (212) 310-6600
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

Central Park

For more than 150 years, visitors have flocked to Central Park's 843 green acres in the heart of Manhattan. Since 1980, the Park has been managed by the Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with the public. Central Park is open 6 am to 1 am daily. Visit the official website of Central Park to learn more about Park happenings and activities and to learn how you to help Central Park!

Reviewed By MikeP1515 - Springfield, Massachusetts

The park is big, with beautiful walkways, scenic views of the city, and lots if green space. There are also lots of things to do, like the zoo, ponds, and wildlife watching (mostly birds). We got food at the little place by the sailboat pond, and it was mediocre. All in all a good park, but I think I need to revisit when the weather is warmer to get the full experience.

4. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

180 Greenwich St, World Trade Center, New York City, NY 10007-0089 +1 212-312-8800
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Through commemoration, exhibitions and educational programs, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a nonprofit in New York City, remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks.

Reviewed By Nicolle_H11 - Derbyshire, United Kingdom

This place really hits home with the impact that was suffered that day. Just visiting the memorial itself is an experience but the museum goes into great detail. It had all been done with class and the way they show tribute too the people that tragically died that was very respectful, to the extend that when it is someone's birthday they put a while rose in there name on the memorial, a lovely touch that I am sure the family will appreciate. I would definitely recommend visiting and the museum too and not to rush through it, its a lot to take in.

5. Brooklyn Bridge

New York City, NY 10038
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Brooklyn Bridge

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 Lynn C

There is nothing like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. It's a must do while in NYC. You get amazing skyline pictures of Manhatten from the start of the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side. I recommend doing this walk on a nice day.

6. Top of the Rock Observation Deck

30 Rockefeller Center, Enter on West 50th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues, New York City, NY 10112-0015 +1 212-698-2000
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Top of the Rock Observation Deck, the newly opened, 3-tiered observation deck on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, is New York City's most amazing attraction! The unforgettable experience includes a panoramic 360-degree, unobstructed view from the 70th floor observatory, 850 feet in the sky! Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM - Midnight, last elevator goes up at 11:00 PM.Main entrance is located on 50th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues.

Reviewed By zaheergani - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

We were so worried of visibility during this late winter spell, especially considering the hefty entrance fee.

Fortunately it was clear enough to have adequate vistas of iconic Manhattan and especially the amazing Empire State Building. Chrysler building views were partially obscured though.

Did not have to wait too long, I think less than 30 minutes to the top. Best views from 3rd floor of viewing deck.

A bit disorganized with the purchasing of the photos but I think worth the package price for the memories.

7. St. Patrick's Cathedral

460 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10022-6863 +1 212-753-2261
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Enormous 13th-century-style Gothic church on Madison Avenue, with a seating capacity of 2,200, rose window reaching 26 feet across, pipe organ with more than 7,380 pipes and the graceful twin spires that reach 330 feet into the sky.

Reviewed By Kara24Dutton - Pasadena, California

Was walking around NY and came across St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I took the time to light a virtual prayer candle and reflect.

8. Broadway

New York City, NY
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Broadway

The most famous theater district in the world.

Reviewed By yukiniki - Cincinnati, Ohio

We saw the musical " Beautiful " and it was great ! The actress who played Carole King, sounded just like her! The staging was great and the music played by Orchestra was great! I've seen productions in London and NYC Theatre is the BEST!

9. Grand Central Terminal

89 E 42nd Street, New York City, NY 10017-5503 (212) 340-2583
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Grand Central Terminal

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 zaheergani - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

My second trip to the amazing grand central, the only time I’ve been to a station again without catching a train.

Credit to mrs Kennedy Onassis for her work on preserving this iconic structure.

Great place to just people watch, have a bite to eat or just take in the architecture. Whispering corner is quite fascinating especially for the kids.

10. Bryant Park

between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Ave, New York City, NY 10017 +1 236-565-2365
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Bryant Park

Bryant Park has a French-style merry-go-round, open year-round, plus a well-maintained lawn, with chairs and tables. The outdoor Reading Room has picture books and summertime story times. In winter. Take a spin on the free ice-skating rink. The park also has clean bathrooms, a rarity in midtown.

Reviewed By zaheergani - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Some renovations were being done so not the same peaceful setting in bustling Manhattan I would imagine.

Recommend doing the park stop together with a visit to the adjacent ny public library.

Ample seating in the warm winter sun. Coffee vendors were busy, rides for the kids and a nice atmosphere otherwise.

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