The best attractions in New York
New York is full of attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From iconic landmarks and observation decks with sweeping skyline views to world-class museums, boat tours, and unique experiences such as a helicopter flight or a bike tour through the city.
On this page, you’ll find an overview of the best attractions in New York, clearly organized by category. This way, you can see at a glance which attractions suit your trip, how much time you’ll need, and whether it’s smart to book in advance.
I’ve put together this selection based on my own visits to New York and the experiences of other travelers. Having visited the city multiple times, I’ve looked at each attraction in terms of who it’s best for, how much time it takes, and whether it’s especially interesting for a first visit or a return trip. Through the links, you’ll find detailed pages with practical tips and ticket information.
On this page you’ll find, among other things:
• Iconic landmarks in New York
• Viewpoints and observation decks
• Museums in New York
• Attractions and unique experiences
• Attractions in New York for kids
• Tours and transportation in New York
• Discount passes for attractions
Iconic landmarks in New York
For many travelers, the iconic landmarks are the starting point of a visit to New York. These are the places you recognize from photos, movies, and television, and that are inseparably linked to the city.
A classic example is the Empire State Building. This building has been a symbol of New York for decades and is often chosen by visitors for their first view over Manhattan. The Statue of Liberty is also a must for many people on their first city trip. The statue symbolizes freedom and immigration and is often combined with a visit to Ellis Island.
Another important site is the 9/11 Museum, a place that leaves a deep impression on many visitors. The museum tells the story of the September 11, 2001 attacks and is, for many travelers, a meaningful and reflective part of their visit to the city.
These iconic landmarks attract large numbers of visitors every day. It is therefore wise to decide in advance which places you want to visit and whether you want to combine them with other attractions in the immediate area. Below, you’ll find a separate page for each landmark with practical tips, additional information, and ticket details, helping you choose what best fits your travel plans.
Views and observation decks in New York
One of the most popular attractions in New York is seeing the city from above. Spread across Manhattan, you’ll find several observation decks, each offering its own view and experience. While one deck focuses on a classic panorama, another offers a more modern or interactive experience.
The Empire State Building is the most iconic observation deck in the city and is often chosen for a first visit to New York. From here, you look out over Midtown and a large part of Manhattan. Another popular viewpoint is Top of the Rock, best known for its views toward Central Park and the skyline, with the Empire State Building itself in sight.
For those looking for a more modern experience, there are newer observation decks. The Edge is located at Hudson Yards and visibly extends out over the city, featuring a glass floor and an open outdoor platform. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt combines views with mirrors, light, and art, creating a very different experience from the classic viewpoints.
In Lower Manhattan, you’ll find One World Observatory, located in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. From here, you have impressive views over Manhattan, the rivers, and on clear days even far beyond the city.
Which observation deck suits you best depends on what you’re looking for: a classic view, a modern experience, or a combination of both. Many travelers choose one observation deck during their trip, but it’s also possible to compare multiple viewpoints.
Below, you’ll find a separate page for each observation deck with explanations, differences, practical tips, and ticket information.
Museums in New York
New York has an enormous variety of museums spread across the city, ranging from world-famous art collections to museums focused on science, history, and current events. For many travelers, museums are a core part of a city trip, especially if you’re staying in New York for several days.
One of the most well-known museums is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Here you can see works by artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. The museum is located in Midtown, making it easy to combine with other attractions in Manhattan.
On the eastern side of Central Park is the Guggenheim Museum, which is known not only for its art collection but also for its distinctive circular building. This museum focuses mainly on modern and contemporary art and is popular with visitors who want to combine art with architecture.
The American Museum of Natural History also attracts millions of visitors each year. This museum focuses on nature, science, and history and is located right next to Central Park, making it easy to combine a museum visit with a walk through the park.
A museum that leaves a deep impression on many travelers is the 9/11 Museum in Lower Manhattan. This museum tells the story of the September 11, 2001 attacks and is an important and reflective part of the trip for many visitors.
In addition, there are museums with a very different focus, such as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which is housed on a former aircraft carrier along the Hudson River.
Below, you’ll find a separate page for each museum with explanations, practical tips, and ticket information.
Attractions and experiences in New York
In addition to the well-known landmarks and museums, New York also offers many attractions and experiences that let you see the city in a different way. These activities are often less traditional, but especially popular with travelers who want to add something extra to their city trip.
A good example is City Climb at Edge. During this experience, you climb the outside of a skyscraper at Hudson Yards while securely harnessed. This activity is especially suitable for travelers looking for excitement and a unique view over Manhattan.
At Top of the Rock, in addition to the classic observation deck, you can also choose special experiences such as the Beam Experience, where you are photographed sitting on a beam high above the city, and the Skylift, a rotating platform that takes you slightly higher than the regular viewpoint.
For those who prefer to experience New York at street level, there are attractions such as a pedicab ride or a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. These activities are less focused on speed and instead give you the chance to see the city at a relaxed pace while receiving explanations from a guide.
There are also well-known attractions outside Manhattan. Luna Park, located in Coney Island, is a classic seaside amusement park that is especially popular in spring and summer. Here, you can combine rides with a visit to the beach and the boardwalk.
Which attractions you choose mainly depends on your travel style. Some travelers plan one special experience, while others combine multiple attractions with sightseeing and museums.
Below, you’ll find a separate page for each attraction with detailed explanations, personal experiences, and practical tips.
Attractions in New York for kids
New York is also a great destination for families with children. In addition to the well-known landmarks, there are many attractions that are especially suitable for younger visitors or where kids can easily entertain themselves for a few hours.
Think of zoos, interactive museums, parks, and attractions where children can not only look but also actively take part. Many of these places are easy to combine with other sights and are spread throughout the city.
Because a city trip with children often requires a slightly different pace and planning, I’ve created a separate page for this. There, you’ll find which attractions are suitable by age, practical tips to keep in mind, and how to plan your days in the best way.
Read more about New York with kids
Tours and transportation in New York
In addition to individual attractions, many travelers choose to explore New York through a tour or in a way that lets you see a lot of the city along the way. This is especially convenient if you have limited time, or if you prefer not to plan everything yourself and would rather relax and take in the sights.
A popular option is the hop-on hop-off bus. These buses travel past New York’s most famous landmarks in Manhattan and sometimes other parts of the city as well. You can get on and off as often as you like at designated stops, allowing you to decide where and how long you stop. Especially for a first visit to New York, this is an easy way to get a good overview of the city.
Boat tours are also a favorite way to experience New York. During a cruise on the Hudson and East Rivers, you’ll see the Manhattan skyline from the water, pass under the Brooklyn Bridge, and sail past the Statue of Liberty. If you want to experience the city in a special way, you can choose an evening cruise, when the skyline is illuminated and the atmosphere feels very different from daytime.
For those who prefer a more active option, biking and bike tours are a great choice. You can rent a bike and explore Central Park or ride along the Hudson River at your own pace, or join a guided bike tour where a guide shares stories about the city, its neighborhoods, and its history along the way.
These ways of exploring are especially suitable if you want to combine sightseeing with convenience and a clear overview. Instead of visiting a single attraction, you get a broader impression of New York in a relatively short amount of time.
Discount passes for attractions in New York
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in New York, a discount pass can help you save significantly on total costs. Instead of buying individual tickets, you pay one fixed price and get access to a selection of popular sights and attractions across the city.
A discount pass is especially useful if you already know you want to visit several attractions, such as observation decks, museums, or boat tours. In many cases, a pass works out cheaper than purchasing all tickets separately. It also means less planning and organizing on the spot, making your trip more relaxed.
Which discount pass suits you best depends on how long you’re staying in New York and how many attractions you want to visit. Some passes are based on a fixed number of attractions, while others are valid for a certain number of days. On my dedicated page, I clearly explain the differences and help you see which pass best fits your travel plans.
New York Info
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced New York enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited the city multiple times and explored it from north to south. On New York Info, I share my own experiences, practical tips, and honest recommendations to help you plan your city trip to New York. Do you have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, I may receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This helps me maintain New York Info and continue sharing up-to-date travel tips.
Last updated: January 20, 2026
