A Guide for the Urban Jungle: 7 Must-See Places in New York
New York City – the city that never sleeps is probably in everyone’s bucket list when it comes to visiting the US. It’s the place that we all think of when someone says „America“, and a place where you’ll find many symbols of the US. If you’re about to visit NYC for the first time, you might find this list useful – we bring you the top 7 must-see places in New York City.
Before we start, be sure to check out our Cultural Places Platform and discover the amazing tours that will help you explore your destinations at your own pace.
Let’s explore New York!
The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building might be the most popular landmark of NYC. It’s 103 stories high building and one of those recognizable skyscrapers that you see on the NYC skyline. Climb up to its observatories on 86th or 102nd floors and admire the view – it’s the moment when you realize how great New York City is! But if you want to take an amazing photo of the NYC skyline with the Empire State Building on it, you should go to nearby Rockefeller Center and climb up to its 70th floor, to Top of the Rock – you will get the best view ever.
Empire State Building
The view over Manhattan and the Empire State Building
Central Park
Central Park is an enormous green surface set in the middle of Manhattan – the heart of the Big Apple. It is free for exploring, so bring a blanket and some food and get ready for exploring all the nooks that it hides. No matter what time of the year you get there it is just lovely – in spring and summer you can wander around or sunbathe, in autumn you’ll be stunned by all the colors around you, and in winter you’ll love the Christmas magic that you’ll find there. Central Park has always been a great filming location, so feel free to explore all the sight that you used to watch in the movies – such as the romantic Bow Bridge.
Central Park
Bow Bridge in Central Park
Times Square
If you’re looking for a loud, chaotic, and colorful place just check out the Times Square – it has it all. This is the commercial and cultural heart of New York City – you’ll find everything there, from dazzling billboards, different performers, to family restaurants and cultural places. While you’re there, check out the amazing miniature world of Gulliver’s Gate, National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey – a place where you can explore the underwater world, or Madame Tussauds’ wax museum, similar to the one that we have in Vienna (which you can check out here). You can spend your entire vacation in this neighborhood, and it would be one fulfilled vacation. Times Square might be the most crowded place in NYC, but it’s definitely worth exploring.
New York Times Square
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge is another official landmark of New York that you cannot miss – you must walk over it and enjoy the view over Manhattan. Once you cross it, be sure to find a nice spot near the bridge, you will get one spectacular view over the bridge and Manhattan skyscrapers in the background – a picture-perfect view. While you’re there, wander around and you’ll get to the most amazing flea market in the world, you’ll find cool vintage clothing, furniture, antiques, and much more.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Staten Island Ferry
Even though Staten Island itself is not much of an attraction, a ferry ride that gets you there is really something special – and it’s free. Staten Island Ferry will give you some pretty amazing views over the New York Harbor, famous Elis Island, Liberty Island, and Lady Liberty herself.
Staten Island Ferry
Wall Street
Walk down Wall Street is one of the best things to do while in Manhattan. This famous street is the home to the famous New York Stock Exchange and the headquarters of many banks. Near the Stock Exchange, you’ll find the famous bronze statue of Charging Bull – the symbol of financial optimism and prosperity.
New York Stock Exchange Building
Charging Bull Statue
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is the most popular museum in NYC. It is home to many extraordinary exhibits on natural history topics – everything from dinosaurs, extinct animals, and biodiversity to human origins and cultural halls, and immersive Dark Universe space show narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Prepare yourself for a whole day in the Museum, there is so much to see and you’ll love it.
The American Museum of Natural History
© Ingfbruno / CC BY-SA 3.0
Dinosaur Exhibit in the American Museum of Natural History
© Don DeBold / CC BY 2.0
New York is a huge city with so many amazing attractions – these 7 are just the tip of the iceberg. We love New York and we love exploring it, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love it, too. If you’re wondering which US cities besides NYC to visit, check out our blog post about 6 cities in the USA that you must visit in your lifetime – you’ll find at least one more that you’ll love.
