From experiencing a breathtaking world-class theatrical show on Broadway to indulging in a classic hot dog as a tourist milestone, New York presents an exhilarating cultural experience packed with a variety of activities and sights to explore.
Whether you’ve visited the Big Apple before or have imagined it through the narratives of others, you probably have a vivid picture of New York’s captivating landscape.
Ranging from its opulence to its struggles, New York has been portrayed in countless artistic representations. So, how do you begin crafting your agenda for your upcoming trip to this iconic city?
The journey by ferry to the Statue of Liberty from New York Harbor is a quintessential American adventure, instilling a sense of patriotic pride for many tourists. Aside from the close encounter with Lady Liberty, New York has an abundance of attractions for visitors of every age.
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On your way to Liberty Island to admire the Statue of Liberty, the ferry offers a stop at Ellis Island. This site provides not only breathtaking views of the New York City skyline but also offers a historical experience that showcases the immigrant journey that shaped the U.S. into what it is today.
Whether your perfect New York excursion includes a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant followed by a show on Broadway or a quick bite from a favorite food cart after strolling through Central Park, here are some essential destinations across New York’s landmark boroughs and neighborhoods.
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States by France in 1886. (Historical Society/Getty Images)
Manhattan
No visit to New York is complete without exploring Manhattan. The famous sights, such as the Empire State Building and Times Square, provide ample reason to prioritize Manhattan on your must-visit list.
For an unforgettable panoramic view of the Statue of Liberty, make sure to check out One World Observatory, the closest viewing platform to Liberty Island.
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A trip to Central Park is always a highlight and may become your favorite part of the adventure. Known for more than just stunning landscapes, it offers attractions for the whole family, including the Central Park Zoo, carriage rides, educational centers, and performance venues.
Consider timing your visit to coincide with the events calendar to catch performances like Shakespeare in the Park or a yoga session.
Over 1 million people gather in Times Square each New Year’s Eve to witness the ball drop in New York City, according to balldrop.com. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
After a day filled with exploration, dining choices reflect the essence of New York City just as vividly as the bright lights of Broadway. With nearly 25,000 restaurants across the city, per the Office of the New York State Comptroller, it’s easy to share a delightful meal with fellow travelers in Manhattan. For those aiming for an upscale dining experience, don’t forget to make reservations well ahead of your visit.
Brooklyn
Many visitors flock to Manhattan first, but Brooklyn has an array of hidden treasures in addition to well-known attractions like Coney Island and the Brooklyn Bridge. If food is your top concern, Brooklyn’s diverse culinary scene will delight you, with everything from chic cafés to classic pizzerias.
This borough has something for everyone.
As the most populated borough in New York City, Brooklyn boasts over 70 neighborhoods, many of which are perfect for tourists to explore. Williamsburg is a standout neighborhood, featuring Domino Park—developed on the site of a former sugar refinery—alongside the Brooklyn Bowl, which offers live music, bowling, and dining, plus the Brooklyn Brewery. Make sure to finish your Williamsburg adventure with a visit to the trendy bars, delightful cafés, and quirky shops lining Bedford Avenue.
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DUMBO, which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a popular area among tourists, celebrated for its dining, shopping, and stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, as highlighted by NYCtourism.com.
This borough truly provides experiences for everyone, with attractions ranging from the Brooklyn Flea—Brooklyn’s largest flea market—to the Brooklyn Museum for those seeking a cultural adventure.
Lombardi’s Pizza, established in 1905, is considered the first pizzeria in the United States and continues to operate today. (GraphicaArtis/Getty Images)
Queens
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the New York Hall of Science, and Queens Botanical Garden are prime attractions in Queens.
With nearly half of Queens’ residents being foreign-born, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough boasts one of the most diverse food scenes in New York, featuring ethnic restaurants and food markets scattered throughout its neighborhoods.
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Visitors flock to Queens for its genuine global cuisine, cultural institutions such as the Queens Museum, and numerous hidden gems that give travelers a unique view of New York beyond the typical sights.
The Bronx
Sports enthusiasts and culture lovers will appreciate a trip to the Bronx, New York City’s northernmost borough. Known as the birthplace of rap and hip-hop, the musical heritage from the 1970s persists in the neighborhoods today.
The Bronx also showcases a striking collection of Art Deco buildings. Iconic Yankee Stadium, home to the New York Yankees, adds to the borough’s appeal, attracting visitors year-round.
Other noteworthy attractions are the Bronx Zoo, vast green spaces like Van Cortlandt Park, Poe Cottage—the last home of Edgar Allan Poe—and the New York Botanical Garden.
Notably, the Bronx is unique as the only borough directly connected to the mainland without needing to cross water, accessible from Manhattan via bridges and tunnels, making it a quick trip from both Manhattan and Queens.
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After a busy day, a plethora of delicious dining options await. The Bronx is famed for its lively Latin American community, which delivers authentic flavors, alongside a range of other international cuisines.
A trip to the Bronx is incomplete without visiting Arthur Avenue, recognized as one of the “Great Places in America” by the American Planning Association. This street exemplifies rich Italian heritage with its array of restaurants and shops.
Yankee Stadium includes Monument Park, an open-air museum behind the left-center field fence honoring exponents of the New York Yankees. (Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Staten Island
Staten Island is home to cultural experiences, including historic attractions like Richmond Town and Fort Wadsworth. You can also visit the 9/11 memorial “Postcards,” which pays tribute to Staten Island residents lost in the attacks.
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The island is also known for its many green spaces and the Staten Island Zoo.
What to see off the beaten path
This travel guide focuses mainly on attractions within New York City. However, there’s much more to explore across the state.
If you venture to Poughkeepsie, do not miss the chance to walk across the Walkway Over the Hudson, recognized as the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, according to New York State Parks, Recreation & Preservation.
Culinary enthusiasts can delight in experiences offered by students at the Culinary Institute of America, the leading culinary school located in Hyde Park.
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Additionally, the Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, New York, serves as an open-air museum featuring large-scale sculptures and land art set against a beautiful natural backdrop.
