THE 30 BEST Places to Visit in New York City (UPDATED 2024)
Places to visit in New York City

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Places to Visit in New York City

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What travellers are saying

  • Anthea S
    New York City, NY1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    spent a lazy afternoon lounging on the grass, people-watching, and soaking in the sun. It's a massive green oasis in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. Perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely bike ride!
    Written 1 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KMKD00
    Columbia, SC120 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a wonderful but very emotional visit. We did a walking tour and we purchased our tickets directly through the museum, not a third party. I HIGHLY recommend doing this organized tour through the museum.

    We started outside and our guide gave us headsets. His microphone talked directly into our headsets. We had a 10am start time and the place was already busy, so I was thankful I could easily hear the guide. It also enabled me to take the headset off when it was a little too much to remember from that day. We walked around and he shared about the outdoor memorial, the survivor tree, and much more.

    We then skipped the big line and went into the actual museum through a tour entrance with our own security line. This was really nice and much faster than the line we passed! After everyone had time to get through security and take a bathroom break, the tour continued in the museum. We had a fantastic guide and I learned so much that I would not have learned without the guide! The tour took about 2 hours and then we had time to walk through exhibits at the museum as we wished.

    I cried a lot. I read a book once where it said " it takes courage to take a place where something awful happened and make it peaceful" That is how I felt. Something horrendous happened here and it was hard to relieve it, but I think it is tasteful and very well done to teach what happened and remember those that were lost.

    And just my personal opinion.... I do not recommend taking young children. I also don't recommend taking smiling touristy selfies. In my opinion, it is just poor taste to taking big smiling tourist selfies in place that is designed to honor and remember a solemn event- it just seemed disrespectful.
    Written 27 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RachL2407
    Rainbow Beach, Australia45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spent almost five hours exploring The Met and could have spent many more hours taking it all in. There was so much to see - a huge range of incredible, world-class art. I will definitely go back next time we're in New York.
    Written 7 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Louis C
    New York City, NY4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Paronama views. I recommend going up around sunset hours to enjoy lights. Worth paying for the express ticket to skip the queues both up and down.
    Written 5 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RaleighFrench
    Raleigh, NC263 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our hotel was located a few blocks from the center of the High Line, so we walked south one day and north another day. We walked the entire trail and loved every bit of it. The plantings are magnificent and some of the art work spectacular. We also enjoyed seeing the adjoining buildings up close. Someone really had great vision when they transformed this rail line into a wonderful pedestrian space.
    Written 6 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kate L
    San Jose, CA32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely amazing! The talent is unbelievable, and the storytelling is genius! The band, the dancers, and the actor playing Michael were just incredible. This show is amazing.
    Written 27 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TeWe
    Helsinki, Finland1,136 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great way to see some spectacular views of New York. Probably the best view over Central Park. There is a new attraction called The Beam but unfortunately it was out of order when we visited.
    Written 15 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,385 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brooklyn Bridge was the world's first steel wire suspension bridge; we took a quick trip from North Slope neighborhood and walked across Brooklyn Bridge to New York. Brooklyn Bridge was a good walk, it takes around a mile or so between the two New York boroughs, Brooklyn and Manhattan. There's a hiker-biker path for public use. Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883. There are six lanes for vehicles -- no trucks!
    Written 5 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jemlnlx
    Bronx, NY5,378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great visit to the Statue of Liberty.

    Access to the Island only available via Liberty Cruises from ports at Battery Park City in Manhattan, or Jersey City in New Jersey. Having visited from both ports, the Battery Park City port is much more busier. Lines to get through security can be upwards of an hour there due to the crowds. The Jersey City port has much less crowds and you can make it through security in about 5-10 minutes on most days.

    Adult fare, which includes access to both Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty) and Ellis Island (Ellis Island Museum), is about $32. The fare is the same for general admission, pedestal access and crown access...it just depends on which ticket you want and what is available for the day you want to visit.

    Once you arrive to Liberty Island, there is the cafe which sells a variety of items including pizza ($14), chicken fingers ($11), fries ($6) and burgers ($12). There are also a few pre-made sandwiches, candies ($5), chips, cookies and beverages ($4) for purchase. Outside, there is a smaller stand that sells ice cream ($6) (soft serve vanilla and chocolate) and lemonade ($6). There are lots of tables and seating in this outdoor area.

    There is the small gift shop further up.

    The museum is to the left as you want through the main plaza area. Lots of interesting exhibits in there...including the original torch. There is an open area on the second floor which offers some great views of the plaza and statue.

    Those who have pedestal or crown tickets can make their way toward the statue base. There are lockers there ($ 0.25) where you can store your bags and other items. You can also park your strollers there. Be sure to look at their website to see the restricted items before going as you will have to go through a TSA-style screening before accessing the statue.

    After passing through security, you end up in the main lobby where you can view a few museum-style exhibits on the second floor, proceed to the elevator to go up to the pedestal, or take the 192-step walk up to the pedestal.

    The views at the pedestal are great although the outdoor space there is very tight. From there, you can continue onto the 162-step walk to the crown if you have those tickets. There is no elevator service to the crown.

    On the way back you can stop off at some larger areas below the pedestal which offer some great views.

    The space surrounding the statue offers some amazing views of the statue, New Jersey and Downtown Manhattan.

    Overall we had a great visit to the Statue of Liberty. For for the modest price for ferry rides and access to both islands, I think this is a must for most. You can easily fill up an entire (if not most of a) day.
    Written 6 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stacy G
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Grand Central Terminal is simply amazing. I had visited the main concourse before but was pleasantly suprised to find so much more throughout the terminal corridors, including shopping, dining, and excellent quick bites.
    Written 3 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ellie K
    Birmingham, UK362 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Manhattan Skyline is a very impressive view and reminds me of when New York features in films and tv shows. It was great seeing this view for free from the Staten Island Ferry.
    Written 16 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sturobbo73
    Warrington, UK90 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Times Square ! I’ll start by saying we first travelled via the metro, having only just arrived.
    Although we later found we could walk from our hotel down 48th Steet within 20 minutes…!
    The place is amazing ! Lights, billboards, attractions, shops and restaurants. It’s so busy, like leaving a football game in the UK all the time…!
    Your head is on a constant swivel, looking at the illuminated signs, crossing the roads, watch out for e-bikes and Electric scooters they go so fast.

    Please bear with me, as I’m not anti drugs, in some form or other.
    However the overwhelming stench of weed gets a little uncomfortable almost immediately.
    We’ve travelled many a place in USA and Europe, including Amsterdam where it has been legal for a long time, however we’ve never experienced the smell we encountered in TS. There aren’t just pockets where you can tell it’s being smoked, say like near a coffee shop in Amsterdam.
    it’s literally everywhere. We visited twice, during the day and evening. It’s more noticeable in the evening.
    We even witnessed workers smoking, some of them wearing construction gear.
    It kinda spoils it.

    No wonder New Yorkers have become so laid back.

    Having said that it is an amazing place to visit and tick off your bucket list. Despite the moan, we”d (not weed) definitely go back again soon.

    If you’re travelling soon, don’t have a good day, have a great day !
    Written 1 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stuart w
    Airdrie, UK10,341 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is only a ferry but it has to be one of the best in the world for the views leaving and approaching Manhattan

    And it is free, lovely way to spend an hour or 2 in NYC
    Written 2 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FLHarlock
    Tavares, FL4,827 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Checked out Bryant Park while waiting for the library to open. Beautiful green space in the middle of midtown. Worth a visit if you’re in the area. Definitely recommended.
    Written 6 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BatchFam
    Yukon, OK1,139 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You need to go to see it at least once. The Rockettes are around the corner. There’s shopping, food, people watching. Fun to see!
    Written 31 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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