There are so many things to visit in New York that it’s sometimes hard to know where to start. Here are our top must-see attractions for a first visit to the Big Apple and our advice so you don’t miss out on anything.
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Times Square
Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting this legendary square in the heart of the city?
Don’t miss out it between Broadway and 7th Avenue.
You’ll be dazzled by its bright neon lights, its street entertainment and its massive shops.
The Empire State Building
The building made famous by King Kong has an observatory on the 86th floor. The view over the whole island of Manhattan is incredible. Buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues. An interactive tour will help you pass the time while you wait for the next elevator. And if you’re not the patient kind, choose an Express Pass, and skip the line !
Top of The Rock
Another classic New York viewpoint. This observatory has a clear advantage over the one at Empire State and that’s its view of the Empire State and Central Park. Plus, it’s convenient because it offers queue jumping tickets. That means you buy a time slot for the observatory and you won’t have to wait for hours.
Central Park
Nicknamed the city’s lungs, the park is located uptown and is a must-see whatever the season, whether winter, spring, summer but especially in the fall. It stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street in Harlem.
Grand Central
This famous train station in the heart of Midtown is well worth the detour due to the architecture in its main hall and ceiling depicting the Milky Way. There’s also its food court on the basement floor and many other secrets waiting to be revealed.
Around 42th Street and 5th Avenue
A stroll along 42nd Street from the United Nations in the East to Times Square and you’ll explore many iconic New York locations, such as the Chrysler Building or Bryant Park and its library.
Go up 5th Avenue towards Central Park and you’ll walk past the windows of luxury boutiques like, Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Bergoff Goodman… all the way along to the famous Apple Store. On 50th Street stands the Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Statue of Liberty
Miss Liberty was gifted by the French to the Americans and welcomed immigrants who came to the United States to live out their American dream. Next door’s Ellis Island is worth a visit for its immigration museum.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge was a true feat of technology at the time of its construction in 1883 and used to be the longest suspension bridge in the world. Linking the Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods, it can be crossed on foot or by bike. It’s well worth it for the amazing view of the city over Wall Street.
9/11 MEMORIAL & ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
Known for a long time as Ground Zero after the fall of the Twin Towers in 2001, this neighborhood has been given a face lift in recent years with a memorial dedicated to the victims of the September 11 attack and a new tower, formerly known as the “Freedom Tower”, but now called the One World Trade Center. The memorial is free and the observatory at the top of the tower has been open since May 2015. Also remember to swing by the Oculus – an incredible feat of architecture that houses a high-end shopping center.
MET – Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you had to do only one museum, the Metropolitan Museum is undeniably the one you shouldn’t miss. If you fancy checking out more of New York’s museums, here are some of the must-sees: Moma, Whitney Museum of American Art, American Museum Natural History (great for kids) and the Guggenheim.
The NY of your dreams
What does your New York look like? Let us know! Our team helps you to plan what you’d like to see and do so you have the perfect trip.
Our friendly local guides share stories and take you to the best places in town so you can experience New York to the fullest. Whether it’s a nice place for a romantic dinner, or the funniest activity for the kids, they’ll be happy to give you the greatest advice.