What to see in New York City (and how to save money).
It’s the most exciting city in the world. It’s also Lissette’s hometown.
New York City is a top destination in the world. It has iconic attractions, a rich history, and a vibrant culture. It’s one of those places you have to visit at least once in your lifetime.
But sightseeing in New York City isn´t cheap.
In this post I’ll cover the city’s most famous attractions. I’ll also tell you the best value way of seeing most of them.
The Highlights of New York City
1. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is arguably one of the most famous buildings in the world. From the top of this building, you can get some of the best views of New York City. Open both day and night, the 86th-floor observatory makes it possible for you to have a panoramic perspective of the below. Recommendation: try to see it at night, the lights make the view extraordinary.
The Empire State building is included in My City Pass New York where you can save up to 40% off the ticket cost while also skipping the ticket lines. More on that later.
2. American Museum of Natural History
The largest natural history museum in the world with a collection of over 30 million items. The museum covers the natural sciences: you’ll learn about the Big Bang and the universe, see the fossils of dinosaurs and mammals, and step into exhibits featuring natural habitats and animals around the world. The interactive exhibits are fantastic and make science and history fun – kids love it, making this museum a place for the whole family. A fantastic museum that’s considered one of the best in the world.
3. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
It might be the most iconic site in New York City. This statue became the iconic symbol of freedom while welcoming millions of migrants to the U.S. The grandeur of the statue continues to wow visitors. From Battery Park, you can take a ferry ride to Liberty Island, which will give you a view of the statue up close.
With the New York City PASS (which I’ll detail further below), you also get to visit Ellis Island where the Immigration Museum details the journey of many of the people who passed through this port of entry.
Both attractions are symbols of New York plus you get to see the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline which makes this trip even more special.
4. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum
This site is located where the former Twin Towers were located and the memorial honors the victims of the September 11 attacks. In addition, the museum also provides a comprehensive history of the events that took place on that date. Outside the museum you will find two massive reflecting pools which are located in the footprints of the original towers. On both pools the names of those who lost their lives are engraved, to honor their lives and provide a reminder of the resilience and strength of New Yorkers. An emotional and very moving experience.
5. Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim is an art museum holding a collection of some of the most famous contemporary art in the world. Besides the art, the building (designed by 20th-century architect Frank Lloyd Wright) is unique and controversial. Some have compared it to a giant washing machine.
6. Circle Line sightseeing cruise
Doing the Circle Line sightseeing cruise is something almost everyone does when visiting New York. During this 2 hour and 30 minute cruise you’ll sail along all three NYC rivers, pass under 20 bridges and see over 130 of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Manhattan skyline, Little Island, Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge and downtown Brooklyn, Yankee Stadium, and the George Washington bridge.
The Circle Line is a great introduction to New York City.
7. The Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Plaza
Another great perspective of the city from the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Plaza. This observatory is located in the heart of Manhattan and provides incredible views of some of the most famous sites in the city, including the Empire State Building and Central Park. If you can, visit during sunset when the colors are soft and vibrant.
8. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
This is a military and maritime museum located on a ship (the USS Intrepid) located on the Hudson River. Things you can see onboard: the world’s first space shuttle, a nuclear weapons-carrying submarine, dozens of military aircraft, a supersonic spy plane, and a British Airways Concord (which was retired in 2003).
How to save money visiting the highlights of New York
The attractions above can be visited using the New York City PASS, which is the best money-saving pass in New York (allowing you to save up to 40% off the normal ticket price of New York city highlights).
How it works: You can see 5 of the above sites over 9 days using the pass. There are 2 fixed sites: the Empire State building and the American Museum of Natural History. You chose the other 3 sites from: Top of the Rock, the Guggenheim Museum, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry, Circle Line sightseeing cruise, 9/11 Memorial and Museum and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.
It’s that easy.
More New York City Highlights:
9. Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Central Park is the perfect place to visit to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Within this green oasis you can find scenic walking paths, peaceful lakes, and various historic landmarks. Some of these include the Bethesda Terrace and the Bow Bridge. There are also various activities in the park, including renting a boat on the lake, relaxing on the Great Lawn, or visiting the Central Park Zoo. If you are visiting the city during winter, you can visit the Wollman Rink, where you can go ice skating.
Also known as the Met, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a large and prestigious museum. The museum houses a great collection of art ranging from ancient Egypt to contemporary works. Some of the must-sees at this museum includes the Temple of Dendur, stunning European paintings, and a diverse range of Asian and African art.
10. The Whitney Museum of American Art
If you love contemporary art, then the Whitney Museum is a must-visit for you in the city. The museum is located in the trendy Meatpacking District and features works by the most renowned American artists. The list of artists includes Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol. It is not only worth visiting the museum for its art. The museum’s architecture itself is impressive, with outdoor terraces with beautiful views of the Hudson River.
11. Broadway shows and Times Square
If you want to do something very ¨ New York City¨, you should experience a Broadway show. With long-running classics such as The Lion King, Wicked, and Hamilton, you can experience world-class performances and beautiful music. Every night you will find dozens of shows running.
While visiting a Broadway show, you are right next to the Times Square which is also worth seeing. This square is overwhelming in size and impressions with the many hundreds of billboards and lights lighting up about products, services, events, music, and more. This location is the heart of the city and sums up the excentric and thrilling experience of New York City.
Related: The Top Places to Go in the USA
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