The Ultimate Guide to Sightseeing in New York City

New York City is a bustling metropolis, full of exciting attractions and activities for locals and visitors alike. From the iconic Statue of Liberty to the charming streets of Greenwich Village, there are countless sightseeing adventures to be had in the Big Apple. One of the most popular attractions in New York is Central Park. This iconic green space is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, and it's also one of the most filmed locations.

Locals and visitors alike can enjoy walking through the park, relaxing after a busy day in the city, or even taking a bike ride. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is another beautiful spot in New York City. This waterfront walkway offers stunning views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Nearby, you can visit the charming streets of the West Village, explore Riverside Park's piers and trails, or take a stroll through the New York Botanical Garden.

For a truly unique experience, take a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. This full tour takes about four hours and includes a visit to the Statue of Liberty as well as a tour of Ellis Island. The Rockefeller Center is another must-see destination in New York City. This complex of 19 buildings includes Top of the Rock, an observation deck with spectacular views of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan.

You can also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, located on Fifth Avenue in front of the Rockefeller Center. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) is one of the most famous museums in the world. It's located on Fifth Avenue and houses an impressive collection of art from around the world. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is another renowned museum located on 53rd Street.

MoMA also has a branch in Queens called MoMA PS1, which is dedicated to contemporary art. Greenwich Village was once home to countercultural movements and the modern LGBT movement. Although it has since been gentrified, it's still a wonderful place to explore. Another great spot for sightseeing is The Edge at Hudson Yards, which offers amazing views of Manhattan from its 100th floor observation deck. The Edge also has an indoor and outdoor observation deck with a glass floor for an even more thrilling experience. The Chelsea Market is one of the best places in Manhattan to grab a bite to eat.

Nearby, you can take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, which crosses the East River and connects Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan. This iconic bridge offers stunning views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan. Brooklyn Bridge Park is another great spot for sightseeing in New York City. This 80-acre park offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline as well as plenty of activities such as biking, jogging, basketball, boules or soccer, kayaking or bouldering. Dumbo (which stands for “below the Manhattan Bridge”) is another great spot for sightseeing in New York City. Here you can get an iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge as well as take a high-tech elevator ride and watch videos at Forever Theater. Battery Park (also known as The Battery) is another great spot for sightseeing in New York City.

This 25-acre park offers beachfront views, gardens and trails as well as a carousel and treasure hunt for children. Finally, don't forget to take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry for some incredible views of both Manhattan and Staten Island. You can also grab a bite to eat at Momofuku Ssäm Bar, Capo Capo Café or Big Gay Ice Cream before heading up to Pier 17 for concerts during summer months or dinner and movie at IPIC during winter months.

Grace Hanisch
Grace Hanisch

Extreme internet fanatic. Proud music expert. Infuriatingly humble food scholar. Lifelong tea advocate. Lifelong twitter geek. Total internet specialist.