A visit to New York is truly a dream come true. Finally, you can admire the most famous and iconic buildings with your own eyes. With so many structures in the city, it can be quite overwhelming to get a good overview. That’s why we’ve listed the most beautiful attractions in New York for you.
This way, your city trip to New York will surely be an unforgettable journey.
Buy tickets online in advance: Avoid queues and save money
In New York, the following top attractions are absolute must-sees and consistently draw large numbers of visitors. By buying your tickets online in advance, you not only save money but also avoid the notorious long queues, ensuring a smooth sightseeing experience:
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience
- NYC: Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with ferry
- Broadway Shows and Times Square
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum timed-entry ticket
Moreover, the New York Pass offers excellent value for visitors. With this pass, you gain access to 5 top New York attractions over 9 days:
- Access to the Empire State Building
- Access to the American Museum of Natural History
- A choice of access to 3 attractions
If you want to explore the city by bike, we also have plenty of options, from individual bike rentals to guided tours.
The Statue of Liberty
When you think of New York, the image of the Statue of Liberty naturally comes to mind. The number one New York attraction. This majestic statue is the symbol of the city, proudly standing in the harbor. It was here that, starting in 1892, millions of immigrants entered the country to start a new life. The first thing they saw? That was Lady Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty is a gift from France to the United States in honor of the French assistance during the American Revolution. In 1886, the Statue of Liberty, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi, was inaugurated. The iron framework was built by Gustave Eiffel, also known for designing the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
With the Highlights bike tour from Baja Bikes, you can stop at The Battery (Battery Park) where you have a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty.
If you want to visit the island and see the Statue of Liberty up close, book a ticket for a boat tour.
Besides the Statue of Liberty, you can also visit Ellis Island, where the immigration center is located, a truly unique experience. Another budget option is to take the free ferry to Staten Island. It departs every half hour from Whitehall Terminal, and you can just hop on without a reservation.
Central Park
The largest park in Manhattan is, of course, the famous Central Park. This green heart of New York stretches over about 4 kilometers, between 59th and 110th Street — that’s more than 50 street blocks! It’s almost impossible to explore the entire park on foot in one day because there’s so much to see. Think of the iconic Bethesda Fountain, the cinematic park benches, and the tribute to John Lennon at Strawberry Fields.
Don’t want to miss a highlight? Then join the Central Park bike tour from Baja Bikes. A Dutch guide will share fun facts and hidden stories along the way. You’ll cycle at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the view.
👉 Tip: also read our blog about what you really must see in Central Park for more inspiration and practical info.
Empire State Building
The most iconic building in New York, known from many films (King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, Superman), is undoubtedly the Empire State Building. The building opened in 1931 after a short construction period of just one year! It remained the tallest building in the world for decades, standing at 381 meters, until the World Trade Center was built in 1971.
Of course, it’s worth visiting the Empire State Building. Before taking the elevator to the breathtaking view, you can explore many memories from the past in the exhibition spaces. There are many great photo opportunities, and once at the top, the view is, of course, fantastic!
- Reserve now and pay later (Cancel up to 24 hours in advance)
Brooklyn Bridge
Everything is big in The Big Apple, including the bridges. The Brooklyn Bridge was constructed between 1869 and 1883 to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. Previously, the only option was to take the ferry. Building the bridge was quite a challenge. The designer John August Roebling and later his son Washington both died during the construction. Washington Roebling’s wife, Emily Warren Roebling, took over his work and became world-famous as the chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge.
During the opening, New Yorkers were very anxious about stepping onto the bridge. Could this bridge really support all that weight? To prove the bridge’s safety, a rather extravagant stunt was pulled. Circus leader P.T. Barnum had his 21 elephants march across the bridge.
With the Manhattan and Brooklyn bike tour, you’ll cycle across the bridge, but it’s also highly recommended to walk over it. If you’re up early on one of your first days, come here to witness the sunrise.
Times Square
Times Square is the beating heart of Manhattan. For many people, Times Square is also a convenient central point for their city trip due to the abundance of hotels in the area. The square gets its name from the newspaper publisher The New York Times, which built its headquarters here in 1902. The famous 1 Times Square is now the building where each new year is ushered in with the renowned Ball Drop. Crowds gather for this event, where you need to secure a spot early on New Year’s Eve.
You won’t find many locals at Times Square, apart from street vendors and performers. The square is primarily for the entertainment of the many tourists. Large retail chains and intriguing large billboards with the latest high-tech and 3D effects. Around Times Square, there are numerous restaurants, and theater enthusiasts can catch a Broadway show.
Grand Central Terminal
Arguably the most beautiful, but certainly the largest train station in the world is right here in New York, truly a sight to behold. Built in 1913, this stunning train hall boasts the most platforms in the world, with a total of 44. Step inside to admire the impressive main concourse with its beautifully painted ceiling. Take a closer look, and you’ll see it features images of constellations.
In the various wings of Grand Central, you can shop in some charming stores, visit the Food Court in the basement, or dine at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. This unique restaurant also opened in 1913. The restaurant’s beautiful hall was designed by Raphael Gustavino, who became world-famous for his architectural style of building domes with terracotta tiles.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
On the site where a horrific terrorist attack occurred on September 11, 2001, a memorial and museum have been established after years of hard work, at the foot of the new One World Trade Center. You can visit two reflecting pools on the plaza, shaped like the former Twin Towers. Here, you can read the names of the victims on the railing, who are respectfully remembered. On their birthdays, a rose is placed by their name, or you may see that relatives have left an American flag.
In the museum, you will experience the story of the attacks through media, survivors, and the many first responders. The various documentation and artifacts are incredibly moving. Many people visiting New York wish to visit the plaza and museum to pay their respects to the victims.
One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, symbolizes the resilience of New Yorkers and the beauty of the city. During the impressive elevator ride to the hundredth floor, the history of New York’s development flashes before your eyes, and once at the top, you’ll be greeted with a film about the city’s iconic symbols.
It’s not a place of sorrow, but a place of progress and wonder. Here, you’ll have a 360-degree view of the city. If you want to go all out, enjoy a drink at the bar. It’s even more beautiful during a stunning sunset.
Yankee Stadium
Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled at Yankee Stadium. Baseball is the biggest sport in the United States, and the Yankees are the Real Madrid of this sport. If you’re lucky enough to catch a game, be sure to buy a ticket and experience how relaxed and enjoyable Americans find their sporting events. Grab a Yankees cap, a hot dog in hand, and enjoy! The Yankees play about 81 home games in a season.
Coney Island
Coney Island is a peninsula in the south of Brooklyn. The first Dutch settlers named the area Konijneneiland due to the many rabbits, which evolved into the name Coney Island. The pier has long been one of the city’s most popular spots, where New Yorkers found entertainment during weekends. You can enjoy a day at the beach, take a ride on the Ferris wheel in the retro Luna Park, and savor a hot dog at the famous and first Nathan’s restaurant.
Fans of the TV series Mr. Robot should definitely add Coney Island to their list, as many well-known scenes are set here. In the summer, the colorful Mermaid Parade is held here, featuring a carnival-like procession with costumed participants and vintage cars.
Bryant Park
Looking to unwind and enjoy the beautiful nature New York has to offer during your city trip? Then make sure to visit Bryant Park. In the summer months, you can enjoy a picnic in the shade and chill with friends. There are also various food stalls where you can grab a drink and snacks.
Visiting New York in the winter months? This park transforms into a cozy winter market where you can skate and explore various Christmas stalls.
Broadway
The term Broadway is primarily used for the theater district in New York. The various theaters are located around Times Square and Broadway.
Are you a fan of musicals? Then this is definitely a must for you. On Broadway, there are no less than 40 theaters where the biggest musicals are performed. Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, or The Lion King? The choice is vast! Be sure to buy tickets in advance as these musicals often sell out quickly.
Chinatown
In the area formerly known as the Lower East Side, a large community of Chinese settlers established themselves in the 1960s. This quickly made Chinatown New York the largest Chinese community outside Asia. This neighborhood is definitely worth a visit during your trip to New York.
In the colorful streets, you’ll find well-known Wet Markets, where fresh fish is sold at a good price. It’s fun to take a look around. You’ll find many small restaurants in Chinatown, where many locals have their lunch. Here, you can enjoy the most delicious dumplings and noodles. Here and there, you’ll find impressive street art. The most famous and photogenic street is Doyer Street.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is the most famous museum in New York and deserves a spot on this list. If you’re planning to visit some museums, make sure The Met is at the top of your list.
When this museum opened in 1872, it was nowhere near as large as it is now. Over the years, new wings have been added.
Art lovers can easily spend a day here with the many art collections. The museum houses a permanent collection of about two million works of art, with a large portion being Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop for a stunning view of the city.
Highline
Take a walk in this unique park that stretches from the Meatpacking District in the south to Hudson Yards in the north. The Highline is built on an abandoned railway line. The Ninth Avenue Elevated Line was a heavily used railway to supply factories. When truck transport became more prevalent, the railway was closed and the area fell into disrepair. With the help of Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf, the railway was transformed into what it is now, a delightful park.
Visit the adjacent Chelsea Market, which was once the Oreo factory, now converted into an indoor market hall.
Wall Street
In the south of Manhattan lies the most famous trading street of the Financial District, Wall Street. The Dutch played a significant role in the origin of this name when they wanted to protect their community from the English and the original Americans. They built a wall under the orders of Peter Stuyvesant. The wooden remnants can still be found in the current street.
On Wall Street, take a look at the famous New York Stock Exchange, where the sound of the well-known gong can be heard every weekday at 10 AM if you listen closely. Across the street, you can visit the Federal Hall National Memorial, where George Washington was inaugurated in 1789.
Top of the Rock
Just after the opening of the Empire State Building, the pride of the wealthy Rockefeller family, Rockefeller Center, opened in 1933. The complex consists of 19 buildings, one of which is the famous Top of the Rock, an observation deck. Top of the Rock is considered by many to be the best viewpoint in New York. From here, at a height of 426 meters, you have a stunning view of the Empire State Building and Central Park. It’s recommended to visit during sunset. 
These are our favorite New York attractions. We understand it’s impossible to see everything during your city trip. Since there’s so much to see, exploring the city by bike is incredibly exciting. So, take a look at what you want to see and let a Dutch guide show you around, sharing all the details about the city’s charming spots.