New York City: 15 Sights You Must See

Big Apple, Empire City, City of Superlatives, the city that Never Sleeps – the variety of nicknames reflects the dynamism and vibrant life of this metropolis.
So, we want to tell you right from the start: don’t be frustrated if you can’t see all the sights of New York during a single stay – it’s simply impossible.

To help you make the most of your time in this exciting city, we have compiled 15 must-see attractions for your first visit.
We also share valuable tips to consider before your trip, as well as practical information on how best to get around the city. Let’s make the most of your stay in New York!

1. THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

The Empire State Building is arguably the city’s most iconic landmark and is one of its top tourist attractions.
Every year, around four million visitors flock to this 443-meter-high skyscraper in the heart of Manhattan.
It’s no wonder, as the view from the Empire State Building is not only breathtaking but also offers a unique perspective on the city that you won’t soon forget.

A high-speed elevator whisks you past floors mostly used as offices until you reach the observation deck on the 86th floor.
The popularity of the Empire State Building is not only due to its spectacular views but also its many appearances as a film backdrop in classics like “King Kong”, “The Day After Tomorrow”, and “James Bond”.

A special highlight, which you can only admire from outside the building, is the three-tier illuminated tip of the Empire State Building.
On holidays and special occasions, the building is lit in the colors of the event.

Fun fact: Due to its impressive size, the Empire State Building even has its own zip code. Since its completion in 1931, the tip has served as a broadcasting mast, currently transmitting signals for nineteen radio and twelve television stations.

Plan to spend at least an hour and a half there. The Empire State Building is open daily from 8:00 am to 2:00 am, with the last admission at 1:15 am.
We recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance, as the tickets are valid for specific time slots, and you’ll otherwise have to contend with very long waiting times.
Entry is included in some New York City passes.

Our tip: For an even more spectacular view, visit the Empire State Building either early in the morning right after opening or about 30 to 40 minutes before sunset.
If you’re there during sunset, you’ll have the opportunity to see New York at night and capture some stunning photos.

2. THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER – TOP OF THE ROCK

The Rockefeller Center is an impressive building complex in the heart of Manhattan, housing a television studio, the Radio City Music Hall, an underground shopping mall, and numerous restaurants and cafes. A top highlight is the “Top of the Rock” observation deck, located 259 meters above the ground.

From the Rockefeller Center observation deck, you’ll have the best view of Manhattan and Central Park. The view of the Empire State Building is particularly impressive.
The so-called “Sky Shuttle” takes you to the 67th floor at lightning speed.
Be sure to look up at the ceiling and have your phone or camera ready, as you’ll discover interesting details about this spectacular building!

For the last few floors, you either take a second elevator or walk up a staircase to the 70th floor, where the observation deck is located.
Once you’re up there, you’ll be pleasantly surprised: people are generally well-spread out on the spacious Top of the Rock platform, so you can enjoy the view without the crowds.
It’s a unique experience that we won’t soon forget!

Another advantage: Top of the Rock has fewer visitors compared to the Empire State Building, resulting in shorter wait times, and it’s at least as worthwhile – if not more impressive.

In winter, the Rockefeller Center’s Lower Plaza transforms into a popular ice rink, cherished by both tourists and locals.
From late November to early January, you can also admire the famous, brightly lit Christmas tree right behind the rink.

Plan to spend at least an hour and a half here. Top of the Rock is open daily from 8:00 am to midnight, with the last entry at 11:15 pm. We recommend booking your ticket online in advance as the tickets are valid for specific time slots. Otherwise, you might encounter very long waiting times. Entry is included in some New York City passes.

Our tip: To top off the already spectacular view, visit Top of the Rock either shortly after opening in the early morning or about 30 – 40 minutes before sunset!
If you’re there at sunset, you’ll have the chance to see and photograph New York at night afterward.

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to the USA, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world.
You can find a suitable adapter here: Travel Adapter USA.

3. TIMES SQUARE

Visiting New York City without walking through Times Square? Unthinkable! With over 360,000 visitors daily and more than 131 million per year, Times Square is one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions. Regardless of the time of year, there’s always something happening at Times Square.
Numerous restaurants, stylish bars, theaters, and a wide range of shopping options make this place so attractive and invite you to linger, watch, and marvel.

In any other city, such an overloaded area with advertisements might seem out of place – but not in New York. Here, Times Square is synonymous with sensory overload.
Hardly a square meter of the facades is untouched by neon signs and digital ad screens. Even the facades of older buildings were straightened to make room for additional ad space.

Take your time, go with the flow, and observe the street performers, people, and especially the flashing billboards at this unique spot.
Technically, you can cross the area around the square in just 15 minutes. However, we recommend planning at least an hour or two, as there are other sights nearby, like Madame Tussaud’s, the Disney Store, M&M World, or the Hard Rock Café, which are worth a look inside.

Fun fact: Apart from those who work there, New Yorkers tend to avoid Times Square. To them, it doesn’t represent the authentic New York, so you’ll mostly encounter tourists.
The one exception? New Year’s Eve, when the square transforms into party zone number one, and even locals join in.

A great view of Times Square can be enjoyed from the red steps at the Times Square Ticket Stand.
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Our tip: Visit Times Square both during the day and at night, as the atmosphere changes drastically.
Especially in the evening, when all the billboards are brightly flashing and glowing, Times Square captivates its visitors.

4. THE ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY

Can’t get enough of admiring the city that never sleeps from dizzying heights? Then pay close attention!
Towering impressively at 541 meters, New York’s tallest building rises from the city’s skyline.
The One World Trade Center (One WTC), opened in 2014, was built at Ground Zero, near the site where the Twin Towers once stood until September 11, 2001.

The building mainly houses offices, with floors between 386 and 406 meters high open to visitors.
In just about 30 seconds, you’ll be whisked up to the visitor observation decks on floors 100 to 102 by a high-speed elevator. Once up there, you’ll have a truly magnificent view over NYC.
You can’t go outside like at the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, but the floor-to-ceiling windows and glass fronts still offer a sensational 360° view.

Until 2020, the One World Observatory was New York’s highest observation platform. After that, the platform was overtaken by the “The EDGE Hudson Yards” observation deck, now holding the title of highest viewpoint. Nonetheless, a visit is no less spectacular, and we highly recommend it.

Plan to spend at least an hour and a half here.

The One World Observatory is open daily from May to September, from 9:00 am – 10:00 pm, and from October to April, from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm. The last admission is 45 minutes before closing. Tickets should preferably be booked online in advance, as they are valid for specific time slots. Entry is included in some New York City passes.

5. THE NATIONAL 9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

The site that gained worldwide sorrowful fame on September 11, 2001, is located in southern Manhattan. Where the two 415-meter-high twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood, there are now two enormous black water basins where water flows down walls nine meters deep – the National 9/11 Memorial.

This moving memorial on Ground Zero honors the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the worst terror attack in United States history.
Their names are engraved into the rim of the massive monument, leaving a profound emotional impact.

Right next to the 9/11 Memorial is the accompanying Memorial Museum. This underground museum provides comprehensive information on the events and background of September 11, 2001.
Original audio and video recordings, accounts from those affected, debris, and numerous relics provide an intense depiction of the horrific scale of the attacks.
Our visit was an extremely emotional and moving experience.

A special touch: If you find a white rose by one of the engraved names, it means that person would have celebrated a birthday that day. Volunteers bring fresh flowers daily to honor these individuals.

The National Memorial Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can book your tickets in advance here. Entry to the museum is included in some New York City passes.

Our tip: Visit the 9/11 Memorial in the evening when it’s beautifully illuminated and less crowded.

SHOPPING AT THE WESTFIELD WORLD TRADE CENTER

Right next to the 9/11 National Memorial lies “The Oculus”, an impressive white structure whose spiky steel ribs resemble a dinosaur skeleton.
This futuristic architecture is surprising, as it hides more than just an impressive photo opportunity.

In addition to the subway station, “The Oculus” also houses the Westfield World Trade Center, Manhattan’s largest shopping mall.
This shopping paradise spans an impressive 34,000 square meters and offers around 1,000 stores with a wide range of products and brands.
Shops are open seven days a week, although hours may vary by store.

Photo tip: For the best overview and breathtaking photos, head to the Brookfield Place entrance on West Street. From here, you’ll have an excellent view of the architectural beauty of “The Oculus”. If you want photos of the building’s exterior, you’ll find the best angle on West Street.

By the way: Essential tips and information you need to know before your trip to NYC are in our blog post New York City: The Best Tips for Your Trip.

6. THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

The Statue of Liberty, a world-famous symbol of freedom and the American Dream, stands on Liberty Island, a small island off New York City.
This green iron statue, also affectionately known as “Lady Liberty”, has been there for over 130 years. It was once the first thing immigrants saw when arriving in New York by ship.
Afterward, they were registered and underwent medical examinations on Ellis Island before they were allowed entry into the USA.

Today, you can visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on a guided tour. Even though the statue appears smaller up close than expected, it remains impressive.
Ferries depart from Battery Park in southern Manhattan. Even with a City Pass, allow some time for security checks, as these often cause long queues.

However, we found that the view from the water is especially beautiful and instead opted for the free Staten Island Ferry.
It runs regularly between Manhattan and Staten Island and takes about 25 minutes. The ferry departs from Whitehall Ferry Terminal, easily accessible from the South Ferry subway station.
Thanks to the frequent schedule, you usually don’t have to wait long for the next ferry.

7. THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Every day, approximately 120,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians, and 3,000 cyclists cross the six lanes on the upper level of the Brooklyn Bridge to commute between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Given these numbers, it’s no surprise that New York’s most famous suspension bridge is both an official city landmark and a historical landmark of the USA.

Interestingly, the Brooklyn Bridge was initially named the “East River Bridge,” as it spans the river of the same name. It wasn’t until 1915 that it was given its current name.
When it opened in 1883, after 14 years of construction, it was considered the “eighth wonder of the world” and held the record as the longest suspension bridge in the world for a long time.

A walk across the bridge takes about 30 minutes, but you should allow at least an hour to enjoy the fantastic view and take photos.
A visit to New York City wouldn’t be complete without a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge!

If you’re starting from Brooklyn (which we recommend), take the subway lines A, C, or F and get off at York St (F) or High St (A, C) stations.
From Manhattan, you can use the Brooklyn Bridge City Hall (4, 5, 6) or Chambers St. (J, Z) stations.

PHOTO TIP

Regardless of the season, the Brooklyn Bridge is always a popular photo spot, so it’s usually quite busy. If you want to take photos without many people in the background and capture the best light, we recommend visiting the bridge around sunrise. This time gives you the best chances for quiet moments and spectacular lighting.

Sunset also offers a beautiful atmosphere, but you’ll have to deal with many more people in your shots.

A great view of the Brooklyn Bridge can be enjoyed from the Brooklyn Bridge Park. From there, you can see both the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.

THE ICONIC DUMBO PHOTO SPOT

In Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood (“Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”), you’ll find another iconic photo spot between old factory buildings.
From the York St subway station (line F) or High St station (lines A, C), you can walk to Washington Street.
Here, you’ll find the famous view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by historic buildings – a photo opportunity not to be missed.

8. THE DIVERSE DISTRICTS OF MANHATTAN

New York City is so large that it’s divided into five boroughs:

1. Manhattan – The bustling core and cultural heart of the city
2. Bronx – The vibrant northern borough, home of Yankee Stadium
3. Brooklyn – The creative and diverse hub
4. Queens – The largest and most ethnically diverse borough
5. Staten Island – The suburban retreat with natural beauty

For most travelers, Manhattan will be the most exciting borough, as it houses most attractions and is where most of the time is spent.
Manhattan itself is divided into several areas: Uptown (north), Midtown, East and West Side, and Downtown (south). These areas are further divided into various neighborhoods.
Here, we focus on three of the most interesting and significant neighborhoods.

SOHO

SoHo stands for "South of Houston Street", named after the Houston Street marking the northern boundary of this vibrant neighborhood. From there, SoHo extends down to Canal Street, where you’ll find everything a shopping lover’s heart desires: from big brands and individual boutiques to vintage stores, department stores, and popular fashion chains.
SoHo is a modern, trendy shopping district, especially popular with tourists. If possible, visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.

Besides shopping, many galleries, trendy bars, and restaurants invite you to enjoy a cool drink and watch the lively street scene.
At night, SoHo transforms into a vibrant party district with options for every taste.

Another highlight: SoHo is just 100 meters from Chinatown, so you can immerse yourself in a completely different world within a 5-minute walk.

CHINATOWN

Alluring scents from afar, vendor crates full of exotic fruits and vegetables, shops with foreign characters, and countless replicas of luxury brands – welcome to Chinatown in New York.
In many restaurant windows, you’ll see ducks roasting under red lights. More than ten Buddhist temples, ornate dragons, colorful lanterns, and artful statues add to the exotic atmosphere.

Chinatown is one of the most colorful and densely populated neighborhoods in New York. Since the 1980s, it has expanded towards Little Italy, leaving only a narrow strip around Mulberry Street – the rest has gradually been taken over by the Chinese community.

The heart of Chinatown is around Canal, Mott, Pell, and Doyers Streets in the southern part of the Lower East Side and draws many tourists. We think a visit here should be on your list.
Chinatown is especially enchanting in the evening when the main streets are bathed in a sea of glowing Chinese neon signs.

If you want to explore the area in more depth, consider booking a guided tour with one of the many providers.

LITTLE ITALY

Once the home turf of Italian immigrants and the birthplace of the Sicilian mafia in America, Little Italy has largely lost that reputation today. In the main street, Mulberry Street, you’ll find relatively few traditional Italian restaurants offering pizza and pasta, as well as cozy cafes that invite you to indulge in la dolce vita.

Large parts of the neighborhood have been absorbed by Chinatown, so you might not always be served by an authentic Italian as you might expect.
However, Little Italy still greets visitors with its distinctive illuminated sign and building facades painted in the colors of the Italian flag, preserving some of its Italian-American charm.

If you happen to be here in September, don’t miss the week-long San Gennaro Festival, held in honor of the Bishop of Benevento.
Thousands of people of Italian descent and their families come to Little Italy to celebrate with lively music and delicious food.

9. WALL STREET

Wall Street is considered one of the most important financial centers in the world and a symbol of economic power. Located in the Financial District, this iconic street is home to the New York Stock Exchange and several major financial institutions. Unfortunately, public access to the interior of the stock exchange has been restricted since the 9/11 attacks, so visitors must settle for an exterior view of the building.

However, you can admire Wall Street’s famous landmarks: the Charging Bull bronze statue, symbolizing aggressive financial optimism and success, and the Fearless Girl statue facing it.
Due to the popularity of these statues, it’s often very crowded, so it’s advisable to come early in the morning if you want photos without other tourists.

Plan to spend no more than an hour here, as you can only view the buildings from the outside.

Photo Tip: A good photo perspective of the stock exchange building can be found from the steps of the Federal Hall.

10. FIFTH AVENUE

When people talk about the world’s most famous shopping street, most immediately think of Fifth Avenue. Over the years, numerous department stores and boutiques from established brands and emerging designers have set up shop along this 10-kilometer-long street in the heart of Manhattan.

Although Fifth Avenue is primarily known as a shopping street, you’ll also find many sights unrelated to shopping here, including:

• Times Square
• Broadway
• Chrysler Building
• Rockefeller Center
• Central Park
• Empire State Building
• Flatiron Building
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

A stroll along Fifth Avenue should definitely be on your New York City sightseeing itinerary. Depending on whether you want to sightsee or shop, plan half a day to a full day for this.

11. CENTRAL PARK – NEW YORK’S GREEN LUNG

Had enough of towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and noisy traffic?
Then it’s time for a break in New York’s green lung! Central Park is worth a visit in any season, and New Yorkers love it.

With a total length of 4 kilometers, the park stretches from 59th to 110th Street and from Fifth to Eighth Avenue.
Although it may not look that large at first glance, the green space is quite extensive. Many tourists find it challenging to explore the entire park on foot during their stay.

In good weather, consider renting a bike to cover more ground quickly.
Whether you’re on foot or by bike, you’ll be surprised at how much peace and relaxation you can find amid the noisy city.

Central Park offers vast lawns, shade-providing trees, picturesque lakes, and impressive statues. In summer, you can rent rowboats, while in winter, there are ice-skating rinks.
Year-round, there are free concerts and events.

Here are four highlights you shouldn’t miss:

1. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir: The park’s largest artificial lake and New York’s main freshwater reservoir offers great views.
   The smaller The Lake in the center of the park is especially idyllic. At Loeb Boathouse, you can rent rowboats for a fee.
2. Central Park Zoo: The zoo is home to about 130 animals, including lions and monkeys, and a petting zoo for children.
   The entrance is on Fifth Avenue at the corner of 63rd Street. More info on prices and opening times can be found on the Central Park Zoo website.
3. Die Brücken im Central Park: Around 13 beautiful bridges grace the park, including the romantic Bow Bridge and Gapstow Bridge over “The Pond”. All bridges make excellent photo spots.
4. Bethesda Terrace und Fountain: Located at the heart of the park, the terrace offers a lovely view of the lake and the Bethesda Fountain.
   The acoustics under the stairs often attract street musicians who add to the ambiance.

Plan at least an hour for your visit. Central Park is open year-round from 6:00 am to 1:00 am, and entry is free.

12. HIGH LINE PARK

Once a railway, now a green oasis: the former elevated railway line stretches over 2.3 kilometers and offers unique views of skyscrapers, residential buildings, and streets, surrounded by greenery. Along the park, you’ll find charming flower beds, water features, art installations, street art, and food stands. In good weather, you can relax in one of the seating areas and enjoy the lively scene.

High Line Park is located on Manhattan’s west side, stretching from Gansevoort Street through the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues.
There are several access points:

• Gansevoort Street
• 14th Street (elevator)
• West 16th Street (elevator)
• West 18th Street
• West 20th Street
• 23rd Street (elevator)
• West 26th Street
• West 28th Street
• West 30th Street (elevator)
• West 34th Street (elevator)

Plan for a walk lasting between one and two hours.

A visit to the High Line also takes you to two popular attractions: Chelsea Market and The Vessel, both right by the trail.
Chelsea Market offers delicious food, small shops, and unique souvenirs.
The impressive Vessel, a steel structure with around 2,500 steps, is a real eye-catcher that you shouldn’t miss.

13. GRAND CENTRAL STATION

You may already recognize the grand hall of Grand Central Terminal from blockbuster movies, admired from the comfort of your theater seat or your couch.
The largest transportation hub in Manhattan and home to the most platforms of any train station in the world, it is a must-see for any New York visitor.

Officially called “Grand Central Terminal”, it’s a symbol of the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.

Here are 13 interesting facts about Grand Central Station:

1. 44 platforms and 67 tracks: The terminal has two levels for the tracks.
2. Train frequency: A train arrives every 58 seconds.
3. End station: None of the trains pass through the station since it’s a terminal.
4. Visitors: About 750,000 people pass through the station daily.
5. Size: Covering 19 hectares, it’s three times larger than Ground Zero.
6. Ceiling with stars: The main hall’s ceiling has 2,500 stars – painted in reverse.
7. Opal clock: The four-sided golden clock above the information booth is worth $20 million.
8. Meeting spot: Over 1,000 questions about the phrase “Meet at the clock” are answered daily.
9. Chandeliers: Ten golden chandeliers, each with 110 light bulbs, hang in the main hall.
10. Landmark Protection: Grand Central Terminal has been a designated landmark since 1976.
11. Renovation: It was renovated until 1998 for $600 million.
12. Anniversary: In 2013, Grand Central Station celebrated its 100th anniversary.
13. Lost and found: Over 50,000 items end up in the terminal’s lost and found annually.

Plan at least an hour for your visit.
By the way: To help passengers catch their trains on time, the clocks at Grand Central Station are always set one minute fast.

14. THE FLATIRON BUILDING AT MADISON SQUARE PARK

It may be hard to believe, but the Flatiron Building was once the tallest building in the city. That’s long history now. Today, it’s primarily known for its unique shape, resembling an iron.
This 21-story building stands at Madison Square Park, where Broadway and Fifth Avenue meet.

However, the Flatiron Building doesn’t offer much beyond its interesting exterior, as it only houses offices inside, and the building itself cannot be toured.

15. ROOSEVELT ISLAND TRAMWAY

Take advantage of a free ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway! The nearly 3-kilometer-long island in the East River, between Manhattan and Queens, has large parks and is the perfect place for a break from city life.

The unique feature of the tramway is the spectacular view: in up to 80 meters of height, you’ll enjoy a wonderful view of the bustling streets and the East River during the five-minute ride.

Upon arrival at Roosevelt Island, you can take in Manhattan’s impressive skyline, including views of the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center.

If you only want to take the gondola ride, plan about 30 minutes. If you’d like to explore the island, plan for at least one to two hours. Fun fact: the tramway is not only real but also appears in classics like Spider-Man.

The tram station is located at 59th St. near York Avenue. If you have a 7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard, the ride is free; otherwise, you’ll pay the regular single ride fare.

BEFORE YOUR TRIP: TIME & MONEY SAVING TIPS

Are you more of a spontaneous traveler? In New York, this is possible but can get expensive. Here are some tips to save time and money:

1. Buy tickets in advance: Many attractions and museums offer cheaper prices if you buy tickets online through the official website. This also helps you avoid long queues at ticket counters.
2. Use sightseeing passes: Especially on your first visit, it can be worthwhile to buy a sightseeing pass. These passes work like coupon booklets, where you pay a one-time amount that covers entry fees for many attractions. Research the attractions you want to visit and choose the right pass. Often, the price of the pass is significantly cheaper than paying individual entry fees.
3. Create a rough sightseeing plan: Getting from one place to another can take a lot of time in the sprawling metropolis of New York City. It’s helpful to roughly organize your sightseeing by neighborhoods or compass directions to use your time efficiently. Familiarize yourself with the locations of attractions and plan your days accordingly to avoid unnecessary trips. With a rough plan in place, you still have flexibility on-site. Often, you’ll come across interesting spots while walking around that you hadn’t planned for. So keep your schedule a bit loose to allow time for spontaneous discoveries.

Planning a road trip through the USA? Then you might find our following posts interesting:

• Washington D.C.: 12 Must-See Sights in the U.S. Capital
• Washington D.C.: The Best Tips for Your Trip
• New York City: The Best Tips for Your Trip
• Chicago: 13 Highlights & Tips for the Windy City

Enjoy exploring and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• The Right Travel Adapter for the USA
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The Bus & Subway Line Network
• The Best Travel Guides for New York
• Unique Excursions to Experience in USA

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.