This time, filled with anticipation and curiosity, I arrived in New York City, a vibrant and charming metropolis. New York is a city full of diversity and surprises. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered. In this article, I’ll share with you six classic must-visit attractions in New York.
1. Statue of Liberty: Symbol of Liberty and Witness to History
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, a symbol of friendship from France to the United States. This world-renowned landmark has stood since 1886, symbolizing freedom and democracy, and serving as the first visual impression for countless immigrants arriving in America.
Liberty Island can be reached by ferry from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. Whether you arrive from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark airports, it’s convenient to reach Battery Park by taxi, subway, or bus. The ferry service, operated by Statue Cruises, shuttles between Liberty Island and Ellis Island every 30-45 minutes.
Ticket options for the Statue of Liberty include standard tickets, crown tickets, and museum tickets. Standard tickets cost approximately $25 and include round-trip ferry tickets and access to the island. Crown tickets, slightly more expensive at around $29, require advance booking due to limited daily slots. Museum tickets, around $28, include admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum. I highly recommend purchasing crown tickets if you have the time. The view from the crown overlooking New York Harbor is unparalleled and breathtaking.
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of New York City and a must-visit for first-time visitors. Standing beneath the statue, you can feel its grandeur and the weight of history. Climbing to the crown offers a breathtaking view of the entire New York Harbor. The sense of freedom and hope it embodies is truly powerful.
It’s advisable to book tickets through the official Statue of Liberty website or authorized ticket platforms like Statue Cruises to ensure a smooth island visit. Given its popularity, especially crown tickets, it’s wise to book several weeks in advance. While on the ferry, opt for a window seat to capture the beauty of the statue during the journey to Liberty Island.
2. Empire State Building: Best View of New York City
The Empire State Building, located at 350 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, has been an iconic skyscraper since 1931. It’s not only one of the tallest buildings in the world but also offers one of the best views of New York City from its observation decks.
Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the Empire State Building is easily accessible. From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Penn Station in Manhattan, then walk approximately 10 minutes to reach the building. Alternatively, you can take the subway lines 2 or 3 to 34th Street – Penn Station and walk from there. Its central location makes it convenient for tourists to plan their itinerary, with many other attractions and shopping centers nearby.
Ticket options for the Empire State Building include observation deck tickets and VIP tickets. Observation deck tickets cost about $42 and allow access to the 86th-floor observation deck. For a higher vantage point, you can purchase tickets for around $58 to access the 102nd-floor top deck. VIP tickets, priced around $75, offer fast-track entry, saving you time waiting in line. Visiting at night offers a spectacular view of the city lights and is an unforgettable experience.
As one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, the Empire State Building is a must-visit for tourists. Whether during the day or at night, the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck is indescribably beautiful. The dazzling cityscape, especially at night, will leave you mesmerized. Every time I stand on the observation deck, I feel the pulse and vitality of the city, deepening my love for New York.
It’s recommended to book tickets through the official Empire State Building website or travel platforms like Viator and TripAdvisor to avoid queuing on-site. Especially during peak tourist seasons, ticket demand is high, so booking online in advance is a wise choice. Remember to bring a jacket, as it can get chilly on the observation deck even in summer. Additionally, try to visit on a clear day to ensure the best views of the cityscape.
3. Central Park: New York’s Green Oasis and Urban Sanctuary
Central Park, spanning from 110th Street to 59th Street and from Eighth Avenue to Fifth Avenue, is a sprawling 843-acre urban park in the heart of Manhattan. It serves as New York’s green lung and a refuge for both city residents and visitors.
Located centrally in Manhattan, Central Park is easily accessible. From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Manhattan and transfer to subway lines A, B, C, or D to reach 59th Street – Columbus Circle station, where park entrances are located. With multiple entrances scattered throughout different neighborhoods, you can choose the most convenient entry point.
Central Park is open to the public free of charge, but some facilities and activities may require fees, such as zoo admission for about $13 and rowboat rentals for around $15 per hour. The park offers many free and paid activities suitable for various types of visitors. Whether leisurely strolls, jogging, or yoga classes, Central Park caters to a variety of interests.
Central Park is New York City’s “green lung” and one of my favorite places to visit. Whether it’s morning runs, bike rides, or picnics, it’s an excellent choice for any activity. The park’s natural landscapes and artificial lakes, combined with the changing beauty of the four seasons, always offer new surprises with each visit. From cherry blossoms in spring to lush greenery in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and serene snowscapes in winter, each season presents its unique charm. I love biking through the park, soaking in the fresh air and the essence of nature. Central Park isn’t just a favorite among tourists; it’s an integral part of local life. Here, you can witness the daily routines of New Yorkers and immerse yourself in the city’s rhythm.
Central Park doesn’t require advance booking, but if you plan to participate in specific activities within the park, consider booking in advance through the Central Park website or platforms like Eventbrite. I suggest bringing along some snacks and water to leisurely spend an afternoon in the park. For first-time visitors, purchasing a park map or downloading a navigation app on your phone can help you explore this vast park more efficiently. Additionally, weekends and holidays tend to be the busiest times, so if you prefer to avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or afternoons.
4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Feast of Art and Culture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located at 1000 Fifth Avenue adjacent to Central Park’s east side, is one of the world’s largest art museums. From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Manhattan, then transfer to subway lines 4, 5, or 6 to reach 86th Street station, followed by a short walk to the museum. Admission for adults is $25, $12 for students, and children under 12 enter free. New York State residents or students from New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey can pay what they wish for admission. As one of the largest art museums globally, the Met houses over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of history. It features collections from various cultures worldwide, including paintings, sculptures, antiquities, furniture, decorative arts, technology, and photography, showcasing the evolution and diversity of human civilization.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is conveniently located on Manhattan’s east side, easily accessible from JFK Airport via subway. Take the AirTrain to Manhattan, then transfer to subway lines 4, 5, or 6 to reach 86th Street station, a few minutes’ walk from the museum.
Admission to the Met is reasonably priced, with adult tickets around $25 and discounted rates for students. Additionally, children under 12 enter free of charge. New York State residents or students from New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey can pay what they wish for admission. The museum ticket includes access to all exhibits on the same day, allowing you to explore various sections at your leisure.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a feast for art and culture enthusiasts. Every exhibit embodies rich history and cultural significance, offering insights into diverse civilizations worldwide. I particularly enjoy wandering through the museum, immersed in its vast collection and the stories behind each artwork. From ancient Egypt to modern art, from paintings to sculptures, each visit enriches my knowledge and emotions.
It’s recommended to book tickets through the official Metropolitan Museum of Art website or travel platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide to skip the on-site queues. Especially during peak tourist seasons, demand for tickets is high, so booking in advance can save you time. When visiting the museum, plan ahead which exhibitions and artworks interest you the most, as the museum’s offerings are extensive, and you may need several hours or even a full day to explore fully. Additionally, photography using flash is prohibited inside the museum, so adjust your angles and lighting accordingly to avoid disturbing other visitors’ experiences.
5. Times Square: Glittering Heart of the City
Times Square, located at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Broadway in Manhattan, is one of New York City’s iconic landmarks. This bustling commercial square is surrounded by neon lights and billboards, attracting visitors and sightseers from around the world.
Times Square’s central location in Manhattan makes it easily accessible from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark airports via taxi, subway, or bus. From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Manhattan and then choose from various subway lines or buses to reach stations near Times Square.
Times Square is synonymous with New York City’s non-stop energy. As night falls, the square lights up with countless neon signs and billboards, creating a vibrant atmosphere. It’s home to numerous shopping centers, theaters, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it one of the city’s most dynamic and lively areas. Whether shopping, sightseeing, or dining, Times Square has something for everyone. I enjoy strolling through the area, soaking in the city’s pulse and vitality, surrounded by the kaleidoscope of neon lights that feels like stepping into a magical dream.
Times Square is a charismatic destination that draws crowds of tourists and sightseers every day. Consequently, it can get very crowded during peak times, so visitors should be mindful of safety and avoid carrying too many valuables. Additionally, Times Square is surrounded by many renowned department stores and malls. If you plan on shopping, it’s a good idea to map out the stores and brands you’re interested in to avoid spending too much time commuting. At night, Times Square’s neon lights are even more dazzling, offering an unforgettable spectacle. If you wish to admire the square’s nighttime scenery, it’s best to visit in the evening.
6. American Museum of Natural History: Exploring the Mysteries of Nature and Science
The American Museum of Natural History, situated on the west side of Central Park, is one of the world’s largest natural history museums. This museum boasts a rich and diverse collection of natural and human artifacts, showcasing the evolution and diversity of life on Earth.
The American Museum of Natural History is centrally located in Manhattan, making it easily accessible. From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Manhattan, then transfer to the subway or bus to reach the museum. With multiple subway lines and bus routes near the museum, visitors can choose the most convenient mode of transportation.
Admission prices to the American Museum of Natural History are relatively affordable, with adult tickets priced at around $23 and discounted rates for students and children. Additionally, the museum offers various promotional activities, such as free admission days and discounted rates for special exhibitions. Purchasing tickets online can save you time and avoid queuing at the entrance.
The museum is a place of curiosity and exploration, where you can learn about the origins, evolution, and diversity of life on Earth while uncovering the mysteries of the natural world. With a wide range of exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, ancient civilizations, geology, and astronomy, the museum caters to visitors of all ages. I particularly enjoy exploring the dinosaur fossils and artifacts from ancient civilizations, immersing myself in the mysteries and charm of ancient cultures.
The American Museum of Natural History is a popular attraction, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, it’s advisable to visit on weekdays. When exploring the museum, remember to maintain quiet and order, respecting the exhibits and other visitors. Additionally, food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum, but there are restaurants and cafes nearby where you can dine. If you want a deeper understanding of the museum’s exhibits and history, consider joining guided tours or lecture events offered by the museum, adding an extra layer of enjoyment and enrichment to your visit.
Whether it’s your first time in New York City or you’re a frequent visitor, these attractions are must-visit destinations that represent the city’s culture and history, filling you with lasting memories and allowing you to experience the charm and vibrancy of the city.
