Known for its diversified culture, a plethora of entertainment, splendid history and scenic beauty, New York is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the USA and in the world.Home to over eight million people across its five diverse boroughs,New York is the largest and the most populated city in the USA, and is often called the “city that never sleeps” because it is constantly buzzing with activity.New York captivates both domestic and international travelers with its sprawling national parks, beach communities, Broadway shows, luxurious lifestyle, shopping, dining, and to explore the historic neighborhoods, and numerous world-famous museums.Many of the best places to visit in New York are just a short ride away, making this city a delight for sightseeing.So, what are you waiting for? Check below our list of some of the best places to visit in New York City as part of your USA tour packages.
Statue of Liberty
The most iconic sight of America, the Statue of Liberty, is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York City, United States. A visit to this site is at the top of every first-time visitor’s list of things to do in New York. Gifted to America by France in 1886, this colossal copper statue stands at over 300 feet tall and is one of the largest statues in the world. With a weight of approximately 450,000 pounds, the statue is not only a world symbol of freedom, but this national monument is also a welcoming beacon to immigrants who come to America seeking opportunities. You can see the statue from land, with particularly good views from Battery Park, on the southern tip of Manhattan. However, to truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, the best thing to do is to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island from Battery Park. Visitors can climb the statue’s spiral staircase, with 162 steps joining the lady’s feet to the crown, from where one can get a breathtaking view of lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Verrazano Bridge, and Staten Island. Tickets to go inside the statue sell out early, so advance booking is a must during the high season.
Central Park
One of the most popular tourist attractions in New York, Central Park is the largest and most important public park located in the centre of Manhattan. Sprawling over an area of 840 acres, it is the first public park in the United States of America and also a perfect place to lounge and relax as part of your New York Tour Packages. The park features six miles of paved roads open only to joggers, bicyclists, skateboarders, and inline skaters. Also, the park has a fascinating Central Park Zoo housing the exotic local species of birds and animals of North America. Visitors can also enjoy the wonderful sight of the lake or go boating with family and friends. This is one of the best places for those who are looking to take a break from the big city, as relaxing in the Great Lawn or a walk along the extensive paths throughout the park can offer a much-needed respite.
Times Square
Times Square in New York state is the world’s most visited tourist attraction With over 39 million visitors annually. Often referred as “The Crossroads of the World”, it is located in Central Manhattan at the intersection of Broadway and the Seventh Avenue. The area is Lined with huge, brilliantly lit billboards and screens. Dotted with plethora of restaurants, cafes, theatres, and other entertainment facilities, Times Square is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas in New York, and is a major center of the world’s entertainment industry. Also, the area is best known for shopping as the stores being open till 2 am in the night including the city’s favorite Forever 21 store. Besides, it is one of the great places to witness the distinct New Year’s Eve ball dropping at midnight and marks the beginning of a fresh year filled with hope, energy and celebration.
Empire State Building
A trip to New York is incomplete without visiting the iconic Empire State Building. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper and is one of the most famous landmark buildings in New York. Opened in 1931,the 381-meter-tall, 102-storey building was the tallest in the world until the first World Trade Center tower rose higher in 1972. The building was completed in 410 days by utilizing seven million hours of work.There are two observation decks – one on the 86th floor and the other on the 102nd floor, both offer astounding views of the city, and the surrounding regions.One can get express passes either on the website or through a travel agent to avoid waiting in long queues.
Rockefeller Center
Covering 22 acres between 48th Street and 51st Street, Rockefeller Center is a large entertainment and shopping complex consisting of 19 commercial buildings located in Midtown Manhattan, New York. This vast entertainment and shopping complex is home to NBC-TV and other media, but the centerpiece is the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Plaza, an Art Deco skyscraper that offers awesome views over Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck.The observation deck includes three floors, located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Visitors can buy a Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket in advance that come with a flexible voucher redemption policy, so you can change the date if your plans change or the weather doesn’t cooperate.One can experience the NBC Studios tour that gives them a chance to glimpse the sets of their favorite NBC shows. Also, one can visit the Radio City Music Hall or skate on the iconic ice rink.
Brooklyn Bridge
Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most ancient and longest suspension bridges in the United States. Spans the East River and connects the two boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, it is one of the top places to visit in New York. With its Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York that has inspired many poets, songwriters, and painters. Made of limestone, granite and cement, the bridge is crossed by more than 120,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians and 2,600 bicyclists every day. The 2 km (1.3 mile) stroll across the bridge offers splendid views of the New York skyline. The bridge looks more beautiful when it is well lit up at night that lures thousands of visitors.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the United States and among the most popular in the world. If you are an art lover and an aspiring artist, then it is one of the must visit places while holidaying in New York. The museum houses over two million works of art spanning over 5,000 years of world history and culture. Although the museum has three sites, the centerpiece is The Met Fifth Avenue. The exhibition includes work from prehistoric times to very recent times and from every part of the world. The highlights of the collection include American decorative arts, paintings, sculptures, Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, historical artifacts, costumes, and ornaments. Avoid lines by purchasing tickets online, which are available at the same price on the website.
One World Observatory
One World Observatory is an observation deck at the top of the newly constructed One World Trade Center Building in New York. Standing tall at 1776 ft (541m) height, this glass building can be seen from all over the city which is a unique structure on the Manhattan skyline with distinct appearance. Take a Sky Pod to the 102nd floor to stare at the scenic view, stroll all the three levels of the Observatory, stop by the cafe to refill your energy, experience a guided tour, and relax at the One Mix Bar are some of the top things to do in One World Observatory. The tower appears pyramidal if you stand near the base and look straight up. Attracting thousands of visitors every year, it is one of the must-visit places in New York.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a fascinating gothic-style Roman Catholic Cathedral church in the Midtown Manhattan, New York. Erected in 1879, the cathedral is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. It features massive bronze doors, rose window, white marble facade, 2,400 seating capacity, 330-foot spires, the Great Organ, bronze baldachin, and the statue of Pieta at the side of the Lady Chapel. The cathedral has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence, including a $200-million renovation that was completed in 2016. It is one of the prominent landmarks of New York City that is visited by thousands of tourists as well as locals.
Modern Art Museum
Situated in Midtown Manhattan, Modern Art Museum, or MoMA is one of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world. Be it a paintings, photographs or sculptures, this museum plays a major role in showcasing the world’s most extraordinary collections of modern and contemporary art. With a total of 6 floors and 150,000 pieces, the most renowned modern art includes Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, the Dance by Matisse and Picasso’s iconic Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Besides, the cafe at the 5th floor is known for having an open view of the Sculpture gardens. It is one of the best places to visit in New York, especially for art and history buffs as part of New York Tour Packages.
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Known as the National September 11 Memorial, the museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions in New York. Located on the south side of One World Trade Centre, it is built in honor of 2,977 people who killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks, and also the six people who killed in 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The museum exhibits artifacts, photos, and videos, presenting the story of 9/11, as well as the aftermath and impacts. Surrounded by trees and grass, the memorial is a curving glass building with stunning architecture, between the two pools. There are bronze panels with the names of all those who are killed in the attacks around the pool. This memorial is operated by a non-profitable institution that aims to raise funds, program, and manage at the World Trade Center site.
Bryant Park
Often referred to as Manhattan’s Town Square, Bryant Park is a 9-acre public park located in the Midtown Manhattan, New York. Privately managed, the park consistently showcases its beauty with the seasonal gardens, free of cost activities, fresco dining areas, ice skating rink, a reading room, a carrousel, chess and gaming areas with Ping-Pong tables and fields. Known for its calming nature and world-famous dining areas, the park is opened all-round the year for locals as well as tourists and ranks as the most celebrated tourist places in New York.
Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous shopping streets in America and the prime shopping area of New York City for visitors with a taste of luxury. Stretches north from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to West 143rd Street in Harlem, it is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. Lined up with high-end shops including designer showrooms and flagship stores like Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store that attracts luxury people for shopping during their trip to New York.