Top Attractions
No visit to New York City is complete without experiencing its most celebrated landmarks. These iconic destinations define the city and draw millions of visitors each year.
Central Park
Spanning 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is the green lung of New York City. Stroll along the Mall and Literary Walk, rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse, or catch a free performance at the Delacorte Theater during Shakespeare in the Park. In winter, the Wollman Rink offers ice skating with a stunning skyline backdrop.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. Its collection spans 5,000 years of art from every corner of the globe, from ancient Egyptian temples to contemporary American paintings. The rooftop garden offers breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a quintessential New York experience. The 1.1-mile pedestrian walkway delivers panoramic views of the East River, the Statue of Liberty, and the downtown Manhattan skyline. Start from the Brooklyn side for the best views and finish with a slice of pizza at Grimaldi's in DUMBO.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Take the ferry from Battery Park to visit Lady Liberty up close. Reserve crown tickets well in advance for the climb to the top. Ellis Island's Immigration Museum tells the powerful story of the millions who entered America through its doors.
Food & Dining Scene
New York City's food scene is arguably the most diverse on the planet. Every cuisine imaginable is represented, from Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy to beloved corner bodegas.
Must-Try NYC Foods
- Dollar Slice Pizza: Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village and Prince Street Pizza in NoLita are local favorites for a classic New York fold-and-eat slice.
- Bagels: Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side has been serving hand-rolled bagels with lox and cream cheese since 1914. Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown is another top pick.
- Dim Sum in Chinatown: Head to Nom Wah Tea Parlor on Doyers Street, the oldest dim sum parlor in the city, for dumplings, turnip cakes, and egg rolls.
- Halal Cart Food: The Halal Guys cart at 53rd and 6th Avenue serves legendary chicken and gyro over rice with their famous white sauce.
Neighborhood Food Crawls
Explore Jackson Heights in Queens for some of the best South Asian and Latin American food in the country. Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a hotspot for craft cocktails and farm-to-table dining. The West Village remains a classic destination for intimate Italian restaurants and cozy wine bars.
Outdoor Activities
Despite its concrete reputation, New York City offers surprising amounts of green space and outdoor recreation.
The High Line
This elevated park built on a former freight rail line runs from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. The High Line's 1.45-mile greenway features native plantings, public art installations, and stunning views of the Hudson River and Chelsea neighborhood.
Running & Cycling
Join thousands of New Yorkers on the loop around Central Park (6.1 miles) or along the Hudson River Greenway, a 12-mile protected bike path running the length of Manhattan's west side. Prospect Park in Brooklyn offers a 3.35-mile loop popular with runners and cyclists.
Kayaking on the Hudson
The Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 offers free kayaking on the Hudson River during summer weekends. It is a unique way to see the city from the water with the skyline towering above.
Nightlife & Entertainment
The city that never sleeps lives up to its name with a nightlife scene that ranges from glamorous rooftop bars to underground jazz clubs.
Broadway & Off-Broadway
Catch a show in the Theater District — the TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day discount tickets to top productions. For something edgier, explore Off-Broadway venues like the Public Theater or St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn.
Live Music & Jazz
The Village Vanguard in Greenwich Village is the most legendary jazz club in the world, hosting live performances since 1935. For rock and indie, check out Brooklyn Steel in Williamsburg or Bowery Ballroom on the Lower East Side.
Rooftop Bars
Westlight atop the William Vale hotel in Williamsburg offers 360-degree views and craft cocktails. 230 Fifth in the Flatiron District is famous for its direct Empire State Building views and igloos in winter.
Hidden Gems
The Cloisters
Tucked away in Fort Tryon Park at the northern tip of Manhattan, The Cloisters is a branch of the Met dedicated to medieval European art and architecture. The building itself incorporates elements from five medieval French cloisters and offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades.
Roosevelt Island Tramway
For the price of a MetroCard swipe, ride the aerial tramway from the Upper East Side to Roosevelt Island. The four-minute journey delivers spectacular views of the Queensboro Bridge and the East River, and the island itself features the haunting Smallpox Hospital ruins and the serene FDR Four Freedoms Park.
Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn
This 478-acre National Historic Landmark doubles as a sculpture garden and arboretum. Green-Wood Cemetery's Gothic Revival entrance gate is a masterpiece, and the rolling hills offer some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor outside of a boat.