10 Awesome Places to Visit in New York – Trip Ideas: Are you looking for the perfect trip ideas to explore New York? Look no further! There are plenty of incredible sites, attractions, and activities to make your visit to the Big Apple memorable. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems, this list of 10 awesome places to visit in New York will have you packing your bags in no time.
1) The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most iconic attractions in all of New York City. Situated on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the museum is home to over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history. Visitors to the museum can explore a range of different permanent collections including American, Ancient Egyptian, European, and Islamic art, as well as rotating special exhibitions. With galleries and halls dedicated to everything from painting and sculpture to musical instruments and armor, it is a must-visit for any art lover. There is also a variety of educational programs, lectures, and events available for visitors to enjoy. The Met offers free admission to New York City residents with valid IDs, making it an ideal place to visit on any budget.
2) Central Park
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is one of New York’s most iconic and beloved landmarks. As the city’s largest green space, it covers 843 acres and includes more than 26,000 trees, plus a variety of ponds, lakes, meadows, and hills. During the summer months, locals flock to the park for outdoor activities like biking, rollerblading, and even horse-drawn carriage rides. The park also hosts many popular attractions such as Belvedere Castle, the Central Park Zoo, and the Bethesda Fountain. And if you’re looking for a place to grab lunch or dinner, you can find plenty of restaurants and food vendors in the area. Whether you’re exploring the park on your own or taking a guided tour, Central Park is one of the top destinations in NYC and should not be missed.
3) Times Square
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square is one of the most iconic places to visit in New York. Known as the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a bustling hub of activity, offering something for everyone. From the giant billboards and neon lights to the street performers and entertainers, Times Square is an attraction like no other. The sights and sounds of the place are sure to leave you mesmerized.
Not to be missed in Times Square is the iconic TKTS Booth, where you can purchase tickets for Broadway shows at discounted prices. If you’re looking for souvenirs, then you can head to the M&M Store or Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can pick up some sweet treats. There are also plenty of other stores, restaurants, and cafes for you to explore.
If you happen to be in Times Square at night, then you can witness the world-famous Ball Drop, which happens every New Year’s Eve. You can also catch a free show put on by the Naked Cowboy or take part in one of the many cultural events that take place here throughout the year. So, make sure you make a trip to Times Square and soak up all its energy!
4) The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from the people of France to the United States in 1886. Standing at 151 feet tall, it’s easy to spot from anywhere in the harbor. The statue is made of copper and covered with a green patina caused by oxidation.
Visitors can take a ferry to the island for a closer look. Inside the base of the statue is a museum where visitors can learn more about its history. There are also guided tours available to the top of the pedestal or to the crown, both of which offer breathtaking views of New York City and the harbor. For those that don’t have time for a tour, there are plenty of other ways to take in this magnificent landmark. From the shoreline, you can get great views of the statue, as well as take photos or simply enjoy the view.
5) Rockefeller Center
Located in midtown Manhattan, the Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic places to visit in New York City. Built-in the 1930s, the complex consists of 19 buildings that are home to shops, restaurants, offices, and a number of art galleries and performance spaces.
The centerpiece of Rockefeller Center is the 70-story Art Deco GE Building, which houses Radio City Music Hall and its famous Rockettes. Other highlights of the complex include the Top of the Rock observation deck, where visitors can enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Manhattan; the Rockefeller Plaza, with its seasonal ice skating rink; and an array of fascinating public art installations throughout the complex.
If you’re looking for an exciting day out in New York City, then Rockefeller Center should definitely be on your list. From its world-class restaurants to its beautiful art deco architecture, there’s something for everyone here.
6) Brooklyn Bridge
The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City. Spanning the East River, the bridge connects Brooklyn and Manhattan, making it an essential part of NYC.
Built-in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the first suspension bridge constructed in the United States. It was designed by German immigrant John Augustus Roebling, who is often called the “Father of Suspension Bridges”. The bridge was made of steel cables and cast iron, and is almost 1800 feet long!
Visiting the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do for anyone visiting New York City. The bridge has spectacular views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as a great view of the Statue of Liberty in the distance. You can either walk or bike across the bridge and take in its historic beauty.
Nearby you can explore the charming Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a walkway that provides stunning views of lower Manhattan and the East River. There’s also a variety of great restaurants and bars in the area if you’re looking for a bite to eat after taking in all the sights.
Whether you’re in town for a visit or a local New Yorker, the Brooklyn Bridge is a great place to explore and experience a piece of history.
7) SoHo
SoHo, or South of Houston, is an area of Manhattan known for its vibrant art scene and chic shopping. The district is bordered by Houston Street to the north, Canal Street to the south, Sixth Avenue to the west and Lafayette Street to the east. It’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, with visitors flocking here to check out the galleries, trendy stores, and cafes.
One of the main draws of SoHo is its architecture. The area is filled with cast-iron buildings, all of which are brightly painted in shades of yellow, pink, blue, and green. These iconic structures date back to the late 1800s when they were first built to accommodate the growing garment industry in New York City. Today, many of these buildings have been repurposed as upscale restaurants and boutiques, making them perfect places to shop and grab a bite to eat while exploring the area.
There are also plenty of galleries in SoHo where you can admire works from local and international artists. Some of the more notable venues include Lehmann Maupin Gallery, Marianne Boesky Gallery, and De Buck Gallery. Additionally, the area hosts a variety of events throughout the year such as open-air markets and street art fairs.
SoHo is a great place to spend a day or two. Whether you’re a fan of art, shopping, or just looking for a unique area of New York City to explore, SoHo has something for everyone!
8) Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest urban zoos in the world and is located in the northernmost area of New York City. It offers a vast array of exhibits and activities to explore, as well as several educational programs and conservation initiatives. Visitors can see lions, tigers, giraffes, gorillas, and much more in the African Plains area. There are also interactive exhibits such as the World of Reptiles, where you can get up close and personal with the creatures of the reptile world. The Butterfly Garden is another popular attraction where visitors can enjoy a tropical paradise with live butterflies. The zoo also offers educational programs on topics such as wildlife conservation, zookeeper talks, and many more. With its diverse range of experiences, the Bronx Zoo has something for everyone.
9) Queens Museum
Located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the Queens Museum is a must-see destination in New York. Home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of contemporary art and artifacts, the museum houses more than 5,000 objects and works by more than 500 artists.
The Queens Museum also features a range of interactive displays and educational programs that appeal to people of all ages. Visitors can take part in workshops, guided tours, and other special events throughout the year. The museum also offers a variety of lectures, screenings, and performances.
One of the highlights of the Queens Museum is its Panorama of the City of New York. This stunning model has been updated every year since it was built in 1964, and it covers all five boroughs of New York City. The Panorama provides visitors with an incredible view of the city and serves as a great way to orient oneself in New York.
Other popular attractions at the museum include the sculpture garden, the terrace café, and the gallery shop. The Queens Museum offers something for everyone, from art enthusiasts to families looking for a fun day out. A visit to this unique museum is sure to leave you with plenty of lasting memories.
10) Coney Island
Located in Brooklyn, Coney Island is a beloved and iconic amusement park that has been delighting visitors for over 150 years. Whether you’re looking for thrilling roller coaster rides, classic carnival games, or a pleasant day at the beach, Coney Island has something for everyone. Some of the park’s most popular attractions include Deno’s Wonder Wheel, a 15-story Ferris wheel; Luna Park, a modern amusement park with thrilling rides; and the New York Aquarium, which showcases over 8,000 aquatic creatures. Don’t forget to try some of Coney Island’s classic food while you’re there – there’s Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, fries and cheese fries from Totonno’s, funnel cake from Ruby’s Bar & Grill, and much more! No matter what you do, make sure to leave time to explore the history of this incredible destination.