Come with us to visit magnificent New York, which lies on the American East Coast. This city has an absolutely unmistakable atmosphere and belongs among the most populous in the world. New York is a modern city where you can spend weeks and still have so much to do, and we truly fell in love with New York. Here is our list of the best places to visit in New York.
The city of New York was founded by the Dutch in the 17th century and was already a significant trade route at the time. Now it belongs among the world’s most important business and finance centres. Wall Street in Manhattan is well known as the place which houses the U.S. stock exchange. New York is also one of the most influential cities in terms of international relations and diplomacy, as the OSN has its headquarters here. This city, which truly never sleeps, is the main centre of fashion and has played a significant role in several films as well. It attracts more and more visitors from all over the world every day. Maybe you are asking what is so interesting about concrete, steel constructions and glass skyscrapers? New York has its own unmistakable charm and unique atmosphere that will make you want to keep returning again and again.
If you are planning to visit New York, make sure to think ahead and decide which places you’d like to see. We spent exactly three days in New York during our first visit, and over that time, we managed to walk over 60 kilometres. We felt we would have to spend much time there in order to see all the interesting places and try out all the activities that New York can offer. Definitely plan everything about your trip in advance and plan it well because you truly won’t be bored in NYC. In the following article, you’ll read about the most interesting places to visit in New York. Do you want to save some money in New York? We recommend using a city pass for more attractions – check out our tips on how to use New York SightseeingPass.
1. The Statue of Liberty
This magnificent sculpture, known all over the world, has been welcoming immigrants from Europe for centuries. The statue was, in fact, a gift from the French, who helped the U.S. settlers during the struggle for American independence. The Statue of Liberty was an expression of mutual sympathies between the two countries and became a symbol of the newly-independent world. The statue’s designer is Bartholdi, and the inside construction was designed by the famous French builder Eiffel himself.
This 93-meter sculpture is seen by thousands of visitors every day, and we definitely recommend that you purchase tickets well ahead through the official website: statueoflibertytickets.com. It is important to mention that the statue stands on a small island and visitors need to be transported by boat to get to it. However, this runs at very regular intervals and is completely free of charge. Visitors can take a look inside the pedestal, where a museum is located, and enjoy the guided tour as well as the souvenir shop. Only a few lucky ones are able to climb all the way up to the crown itself. Due to the limited space, only a couple of dozen people are allowed to visit daily, and places are reserved several months ahead. However, it is definitely worth it to wait. You can also get a ticket to the Statue of Liberty included in the New York Pass or Sightseeing Pass New York. This pass will save you a lot of money, we count it.
Statue of Liberty in all its beauty
Interior design of the statue built by Eiffel
2. Ellis Island
The island was the gateway for all incoming immigrants between the years 1892 to 1954. More than 12 million immigrants have passed through it. Nowadays, more than 100 million Americans can trace their origins back to the immigrants that passed through Ellis Island. The island is located near the Statue of Liberty, and a regular ferry route connects the two islands. It’s ideal to buy a bulk ticket and visit both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty on the same day.
An enormous hall is located on the island into which all immigrants were admitted at one point. An extensive museum is also a part of the building and is separated into several parts. It informs the visitors about the history of the settlement of America and the lives of local Native Americans. The entire exhibition is so extensive that walking through it all might take an entire day, so if you’re interested in this topic, make sure you have enough time. Ellis Island offers a magnificent view of entire Manhattan, so be sure to take a break to simply enjoy the view of this magical city.
Wonderful views of the entire Manhattan
An entrance hall that welcomed immigrants from around the world
3. Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge is among the oldest suspension bridges in the United States and connects the two parts of New York – Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its construction was completed in 1883, and at that time, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world. The Brooklyn Bridge is a typical New York City landmark and offers every visitor a splendid view of the surrounding area.
Shortly after the bridge’s construction was completed, news began to spread that the bridge couldn’t handle the weight of the large onslaught of people walking on it and would collapse. Upon hearing the news, people on the bridge panicked, and 12 people were trampled to death during this incident. The situation calmed down only after 21 elephants crossed the bridge.
Brooklyn bridge
The bridge has a beautiful view of the surrounding area
4. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
After the terrorist attack on the WTC, it took a long time to decide what to build in their place. In 2013, a skyscraper known as the Tower of Liberty, which actually exceeds the height of the original Twin Towers, was constructed. Memorials were built in the place where the buildings used to stand with the names of the dead victims inscribed on them – over 2,700 people died during the attack. Trees and a large park surrounds the monuments, which look like two large pools with running water. Nearby, there is a museum where visitors can recall the sad events of the day of the terrorist attack.
The pool faithfully duplicates the Floor plan of Twin Towers
The Tower of Liberty replaced the Twin towers
5. High Line Park & Hudson Yards
One of the most popular and untraditional attractions in New York is the High Line park, a railway from 1934. Factories have transported a variety of production here for about 50 years. The track is 21 km long, and after its closure, the city had been looking for a way to open unused railway to the general public. The High Line has been open to the public as a green city park since 2011, offering a breathtaking stroll through part of Manhattan. You can admire the city from a completely different perspective from the elevated track. The path is lined with up to 120 species of plants and ornamental trees. A walk on the High Line is also an unusual cultural experience, as you can admire installations of artworks along the track, some of which are even located on the facades of neighbouring houses.
We recommend beginning the walk at Hudson Yards, where there are countless skyscrapers. In the middle of the area is the artistically designed Vessel viewing platform, which is worth a visit. It offers interesting city views, although it’s not too high. It is also worth mentioning the freshly opened Edge, a high-rise building with an outdoor platform with 360-degree views. It is one of the highest outdoor viewing platforms in the world. All these places are very Instagrammable.
The High Line is very unique park like no other
6. Times Square
Times Square is a large crossroads, located between the famous Broadway and 17th Avenue. It’s mostly known for its numerous neon signs and commercials on large screens that are moving and changing all the time. It got its name from the Times Building, which houses the famous New York Times newspaper. The atmosphere of this place is absolutely unique, so you should visit it at least twice – once during the day and then after sunset when the street is lit up so bright, it seems like it’s midday.
At all times of day, there are numerous street artists, living sculptures and posing film heroes with whom you can take a picture. Stores packed with souvenirs are bursting at the seams, and you will need to push through crowds of people. Even so, this place has an unmistakable specific charm.
Times Square at night
7. Empire State Building
Upon completion of its construction, this renowned skyscraper became the world’s tallest building and held its position as one for more than 40 years. Originally, the tallest part of the building was designed to anchor airships; this plan was, however, abandoned after several failed attempts. Currently, the Empire State Building is an office building, which also has considerable revenue from admissions to the lookout terrace. Visitors are able to admire a magical view of Manhattan from the skyscraper, one that should not be missed. There is also a small museum with photos of the construction of the building. Fast line ticket is also included in the New York Pass – so you won’t have to wait for the elevator.
Since 1978, a running competition on the stairs from the ground floor to the 86th floor has been taking place every year. The runners have to run up 1576 steps and conquer a height difference of up to 32 meters. Currently, the cyclist Pavel Crake, who was able to run up the stairs in 2003 in 9.33 minutes, holds the record.
View of extensive Manhattan
Empire State Building – one of the first skyscrapers in the States
8. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Manhattan offers plenty of interesting museums. We decided to visit a decommissioned aircraft carrier, the USS Intrepid (CV-11), which served in the years 1943-1974 and participated in the operations during the Second World War. USS Intrepid also served in the mid-1960s during the Vietnam War. When it was decommissioned, the ship was supposed to be scrapped. In the end, however, a different decision was made.
Today, the ship is anchored in New York, and visitors are able to visit some of its premises. Various types of aircraft are exhibited inside (including the Concorde supersonic aircraft from British Airways), and, at the time of our visit, a “Space Exhibition” was taking place at the ship. The Space Shuttle Enterprise was part of the exhibition on which test flights to space were conducted. Also, a ticket for this museum is included in the New York Pass or Sightseeing Pass New York.
Aircraft USS Intrepid
The Space Shuttle Enterprise
What about other places to visit in New York?
As we wrote at the beginning, New York is huge and can offer many great places and activities. This is our list for first-timers in New York, but if you want to see more places, don’t miss The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, some Broadway show, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), High Line Park, and much more. So how is it really visiting New York? You can see in this blogger’s post.
What are your favourite places to visit in New York? Let us know in the comments.
Liked this post? PIN IT FOR LATER!!
The images which you have shared are amazing! Didn’t know there was so much to explore in New York. It’s such an interesting place and should be on every traveler’s list planning to visit US. Thanks for sharing these information with us, enjoyed reading this blog a lot!
Hi estaservice, thank you for nice comment. I am very much happy you like our post and also pictures.