In New York, there’s always something to do, no matter what time of day it is. The city offers a mix of must-see sights and more local experiences, making it easy to go from a famous landmark to a lively neighborhood in just a few blocks.
With all the parks, museums, and tourist attractions, it’s impossible to get bored—but it can be hard to choose from all these options. In this article, we’ve put together a selection to help you have an unforgettable stay!
For most of these activities, an admission ticket is required. It’s best to book in advance to ensure you can access the venue and avoid waiting in line.
1 - Museums
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
It is one of New York’s most famous museums and a global leader in modern and contemporary art. Located in the heart of Manhattan, it houses iconic works that many people are familiar with even if they haven’t seen them in person.
As you wander through the various galleries, you’ll discover paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations by major artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and Dalí. The museum blends styles and eras, making the visit very diverse and accessible even for those who aren’t art enthusiasts.
A tip: go as soon as it opens and head straight to the exhibits that interest you to avoid the crowds.
American Museum of Natural History
Probably one of the most famous museums in the world and a must-see in New York. Located right next to Central Park, it impresses visitors with both its size and the diversity of its collections.
Inside, you move from one world to another: massive dinosaur skeletons, taxidermied animals, meteorites, the ocean floor, and even halls dedicated to space and world civilizations. Every floor offers something spectacular, making the visit just as interesting for adults as it is for children.
The museum is also known for its vast lobby, dominated by a gigantic suspended whale that has become one of its symbols. With its blend of scientific discovery, immersive displays, and rich exhibitions, it’s a place where you can easily spend several hours without noticing the time passing.
For movie buffs, you’ll surely recognize certain scenes from the “Night at the Museum” franchise.
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is one of New York City’s most striking landmarks. Located on the site of the former World Trade Center towers, it pays tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks in an atmosphere that is both solemn and deeply moving.
Outside, two massive pools have been built on the exact site of the former towers. The water flows into a central void, creating a quiet, contemplative space amid the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The names of the victims are engraved all around, lending a deeply human dimension to the memorial.
The museum, located below, recounts the events through testimonies, artifacts, and images that help visitors understand the scale of the tragedy and its impact on the city and the entire world. The visit is intense, but it is one of the most powerful and memorable experiences to have in New York.
2 - The Skyscrapers
Empire State Building
Without a doubt one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. With its unmistakable Art Deco silhouette, it has towered over Manhattan for decades and is an integral part of the city’s image.
The most memorable experience is the ascent to the observation decks, which offer a spectacular view of the skyscrapers, Central Park, the bridges, and the entire city of New York. Day or night, the panorama is breathtaking, with that unique feeling of being at the heart of a vast, ever-changing city.
Inside, the building also retains much of the charm of its era, with elegant lobbies and an atmosphere reminiscent of the golden age of American skyscrapers. A visit to the Empire State Building remains an unmissable experience for discovering New York from its most iconic vantage point.
Top of the Rock
Located within Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock, at the top of the main building, offers one of the most stunning views of Manhattan. Unlike other observation decks, it allows you to see both Central Park and the Empire State Building in the same panoramic view, making it a must-see experience in New York. If there’s one building to choose, this is the one!
Rockefeller Center is one of New York’s most iconic complexes, known as much for its architecture as for its lively atmosphere year-round. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, it brings together several buildings, shops, restaurants, and public spaces in an elegant Art Deco style.
The site is particularly famous for its ice rink and its massive Christmas tree in winter, which attract visitors from all over the world. But Rockefeller Center is also a lively place on a daily basis, with its plazas, terraces, and television studios contributing to the neighborhood’s energy.
One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center is now New York City’s tallest skyscraper and a powerful symbol of Lower Manhattan’s revitalization. Built on the site of the World Trade Center, it dominates the skyline with its sleek, modern silhouette, visible from much of the city.
Inside the building, visitors ascend to the Observatory, located high above Manhattan. The immersive elevator, which traces New York’s evolution over the centuries during the ascent, is already part of the experience. Once at the top, the panoramic view is spectacular, offering an unobstructed vista of the skyscrapers, bridges, the bay, and the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
The site also holds significant symbolic importance. Combining contemporary architecture, historical memory, and an exceptional panorama, One World Trade Center embodies both New York’s recent history and its current energy.
Edge
Edge is one of New York’s most impressive observation decks. Located in the modern Hudson Yards neighborhood, it stands out for its platform suspended in mid-air, offering a spectacular view over Manhattan.
The outdoor terrace literally juts out into the sky, with slanted glass walls and a glass floor that lets you see the city beneath your feet. The experience is both dizzying and deeply immersive, especially at sunset when the lights begin to illuminate New York.
From the top, the view stretches over the skyscrapers of Midtown, the Hudson River, and all the way to southern Manhattan. More modern and futuristic than other observation decks in the city, Edge offers a very different way to experience the New York skyline.
3 - Things to Do
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly New York’s most famous symbol. Located on Liberty Island, it welcomes visitors arriving by boat from Manhattan. As you approach, you can better appreciate its scale and imposing presence against the city skyline. It is a place steeped in symbolism, associated with welcoming immigrants and the idea of freedom.
Right next door, Ellis Island perfectly rounds out the visit. It was here that millions of immigrants passing through the United States between the late 19th century and the mid-20th century arrived. Now transformed into a museum, the site traces these life stories through archive rooms, artifacts, and personal accounts.
The visit is highly immersive and offers insight into a significant part of American immigration history. Blending emotion and remembrance, Ellis Island adds a special depth to the experience of discovering the Statue of Liberty and the history of New York.
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous venues in the world and a true temple of entertainment in New York. Located in the heart of Manhattan, right above Penn Station, it hosts both concerts and major sporting events throughout the year.
Above all, it is a landmark for American sports, particularly with basketball games featuring the New York Knicks and hockey games featuring the Rangers. The atmosphere during events is electric, with the audience right in the thick of the action, making every game or concert particularly lively.
The venue is also known for having hosted historic artists and events, giving it an almost mythical status. Tours of the arena are organized regularly, offering a glimpse into the extensive organization behind such a venue.
Yankee Stadium
Attending a game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx is a quintessential New York City experience. The atmosphere is both family-friendly and passionate, with loyal fans who have followed the team for generations. Even for those who aren’t very familiar with baseball, the stadium’s energy and atmosphere make the experience accessible and entertaining.
The New York Yankees are one of the most iconic baseball teams in the world and a true sporting symbol of New York. Known for their exceptional record and rich history, they embody a large part of American sports culture.
The Yankees are also associated with numerous sports legends, which reinforces their legendary status. Through a blend of tradition, performance, and popular culture, they occupy a central place in New York’s sporting identity.
4 - Must-See Places
Central Park
Central Park is the true green lung of New York City. Right in the heart of Manhattan, this vast park offers a breath of fresh air amidst the skyscrapers, with its expansive green spaces, lakes, trails, and wooded areas.
You can walk, bike, have a picnic, or simply sit down to enjoy the peace and quiet. The park’s atmosphere changes completely with the seasons: bustling in the summer with rowboats and outdoor performances, it becomes almost magical in the fall with the colors of the trees, and serene under the snow in the winter.
Be careful, though—the park is very large, and it’s very common to underestimate the distances within it, so don’t be afraid of the miles!
Times Square
Times Square is one of New York’s most famous landmarks, known worldwide for its giant screens, bright neon lights, and constantly bustling atmosphere. Located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue, it’s a hub where the city’s energy is at its peak, day and night.
As you stroll through the area, you’ll be surrounded by illuminated billboards, Broadway theaters, shops, and street performances. The place can get very crowded, but it’s precisely this hustle and bustle that is part of its identity.
Don’t hesitate to visit at different times of the day to experience the various events taking place there. There are often impromptu concerts or outdoor musical rehearsals.
Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is one of New York City’s most recognizable skyscrapers. Located at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue, its slender triangular shape gives it a unique, almost sculptural appearance that immediately catches the eye.
Built in the early 20th century, it is one of the city’s first major skyscrapers and remains a symbol of classic New York architecture. Despite its modest size compared to modern towers, it retains a strong presence in the urban landscape.
The Vessel
The Vessel is one of New York’s most original structures. Located in the modern Hudson Yards neighborhood, it immediately stands out for its giant honeycomb shape composed of interconnected staircases and platforms.
As you walk through it, you go up and down constantly, with perspectives that change at every level. The interplay of reflections, angles, and heights creates an almost labyrinthine impression, where the city gradually reveals itself around you.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City’s most iconic bridges. Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, it offers one of the city’s most pleasant crossings on foot or by bike, with spectacular views of the skyscrapers and the East River.
As you cross it, you’ll be struck by its large stone arches and suspension cables, which give it an instantly recognizable silhouette. Walking along the elevated walkway allows you to fully enjoy the panoramic view, especially early in the morning or at sunset.
Once you arrive in Brooklyn, the DUMBO neighborhood offers one of the most beautiful views of Manhattan and the bridge itself. It’s a must-do experience in New York—simple, accessible, and visually stunning.
Little Island
Little Island is one of New York’s most unique public spaces. Perched on stilts above the Hudson River, this small artificial island features a suspended park with striking contemporary architecture and a design that immediately catches the eye.
As you stroll through it, you’ll discover winding paths, artificial hills, green spaces, and viewpoints overlooking the river and the Manhattan skyline. The space is designed as a place for relaxation, but also for culture, with outdoor performances and events on sunny days.
Little Island is particularly pleasant in the late afternoon, when the light of the setting sun reflects off the water and the skyscrapers. It is a modern, quiet, and surprising place that reveals another side of New York—one that is more creative and focused on urban well-being.
The Oculus
The Oculus is one of New York City’s most futuristic buildings. Located in the World Trade Center district, it serves as both a transportation hub and a shopping center, but what stands out most is its spectacular architecture.
Designed as a white structure with very open lines, the interior resembles a vast modern cathedral bathed in natural light. Looking up, you almost feel as though you’re in a dynamic space, blending design, technology, and minimalism.
Columbia University
One of the most prestigious universities in the United States and a member of the Ivy League. Located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of New York City, it is distinguished by its campus featuring classical architecture, with its grand stone buildings and open spaces that contrast with the energy of Manhattan.
Walking around campus, you can feel a rather unique atmosphere—both calm and intellectual—with students from all over the world. The Low Memorial Library and the campus’s grand staircases are among the most iconic features of the place.
Columbia is also deeply rooted in research and international academic life. It has educated many influential figures in diverse fields such as politics, science, literature, and economics. It is a place that perfectly embodies the blend of academic tradition and New York City’s vibrancy. At the visitor center, you can pick up a map to help you find your way around the campus, which is fully equipped to welcome visitors.
