22 BEST Places to Visit in New York (2024)

If Midtown isn’t quite your vibe, the capital of the world has more where that came from. Be sure to check out where to stay in New York to get the full low down on all our favourite areas before adventuring into the list below!

There are so many things to do in New York that you’re going to want to place yourself in the best location. Get your hostel, hotel or Airbnb in New York’s best neighbourhoods for the most convenient way to see it all.

BEST AREA IN NEW YORK

View on Airbnb

Midtown

Midtown is the neighbourhood at the center of Manhattan. Stretching from the Hudson River to the East River, this neighbourhood is home to famous architecture, vibrant streets, and world-renowned landmarks. Midtown has hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and even New York Homestays to choose from.

PLACES TO VISIT:

• Visit the iconic home of Broadway and watch an incredible play or musical performance.
• Stand at the center of Time Square, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of New York City.
• See unbelievable works of art at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

View on Airbnb

Whatever your budget and whatever your interests, there’s never a dull moment in vibrant New York. Whether you have 4 days in NYC or 4 weeks, you can count on something interesting happening just about every day.

Have a great time by day and by night, visiting cultural icons, world-renowned architectural masterpieces, museums, art galleries, shopping areas, parks, skyscrapers, amusement parks, and many more amazing tourist attractions.

With a truly global dining and drinking scene and a wealth of excellent accommodation to suit every taste, you really can cram every moment of your New York adventure with fun. It’s a must on any USA backpacking trip.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Please leave this field empty.


Please leave this field empty.


Please leave this field empty.

Name*

Email*

I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers Privacy Policy (Required)

Sign Me Up!

Δ

#1 – Statue of Liberty – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in New York

Why it’s awesome: She’s been welcoming New York travelers and immigrants for over 150 years now. The Statue of Liberty needs little introduction—it is one of the world’s most recognisable monuments. The famous statue was a gift from France to the USA in the 1880s and has stood proudly on Manhattan’s Liberty Island ever since. Once used as a lighthouse, it was one of the first things that early immigrants saw on their arrival to the US and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in NYC.

In her other hand, she holds a tablet inscribed with the date of the US Declaration of Independence. The broken chain around her foot as she strides forward is another strong symbol of freedom. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited places on the planet and one of the most important historic landmarks in the country.

What to do there: Ride the ferry across to Liberty Island from Battery Park, admiring the mighty statue rising up into the sky. The boat ride provides great opportunities to snap some terrific pictures. Take time to admire the statue from the base and read the various inscriptions and plaques. See the original 1886 torch in the lobby and visit the display related to the changes made to the torch.

Learn more about the world-famous statue in the Statue of Liberty Exhibit, which details the statue’s creation and history, symbolism, and status. You can also see a variety of historic artefacts, photos, and documents. Climb the 354 steps up to the crown for awesome views and a real sense of achievement! Do note that you are recommended to purchase your tickets for the crown well in advance as places are limited and tickets sell out quickly.

#2 – Coney Island – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in New York

Why it’s awesome: The seaside Coney Island was once the biggest amusement area in the USA. Interestingly, the area was also responsible for several innovations and technological advances in the past, including baby incubators. Although Coney Island went into decline for a period it is again today a thriving area for fun. There are rollercoasters and other rides, sideshows, carnival-like games, movies, a museum, and more. Coney Island was once the best place to go in New York for young couples and families, it still holds some charm.

What to do there: Wander along the Coney Island boardwalk and marvel at the huge array of activities and attractions, with all the sights, sounds, smells, and shrieks of excitement of the fair. Bask in the sunshine on the beach and take a refreshing dip in the sea. Play beach volleyball, build a sandcastle, and feast on tempting street food. The hotdogs are especially popular. If the heat gets too much, how about a spot of ice skating?

Feel a rush of adrenaline on rides like Thunderbolt Roller Coaster and Coney Island Cyclone, enjoy great views atop Deno’s Wonder Wheel, challenge your friends on the bumper cars, and feel a sense of nostalgia as you sail around on the carousel. Brave the parachute jump, watch movies on the beach, explore the underwater world at the aquarium, and learn more about the area at Coney Island Museum.

#3 – First Street Garden – One of the most incredible free places to go to in New York

Why it’s awesome: First Street Garden is a beautiful and thought-inspiring community garden in New York’s Lower East Side. There’s no charge to enjoy the garden when it’s open and, even if the gate is locked, you can still admire the interesting artwork through the railings. Established as a garden in the 1980s, striking murals were painted on the walls. What makes these art pieces different to many other artworks, however, is that they all honour influential women who made a difference in America.

What to do there: If the garden is open you can sit on a bench and enjoy the serene ambience, perhaps losing yourself in a good book for a while and enjoying the respite from the chaotic city streets. Take time to appreciate the diverse paintings and pay your respects to the strong ladies from throughout America’s history. It’s one of the top places in New York to experience the beat spirit.

You’ll see people like Rosa Parks, the famous female activist who contributed to the civil rights movement in the United States of America, Dorothy Day, a social justice fighter and journalist, Shirley Chisholm, the first black lady to be elected into the US Congress, Sojourner Truth, a staunch women’s rights advocate and abolitionist, and Susan B. Anthony, a women’s rights activist who played a major role in the suffragette movement.

#4 – Central Park – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in New York

Why it’s awesome: Central Park is one of New York’s most famous places and one of NYC’s top attractions. Covering some 843 acres (341 hectares), the city center park has been a popular place for leisure, sports, and relaxation since it first opened in the mid-1800s. Today a National Historic Landmark, there are many statues and monuments scattered throughout the park. There are diverse natural features too, including hills, meadows, lawns, lakes, ponds, and gardens.

Lots of fauna call the park home, and you’ll also see a wide variety of flora. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities and entertainment, and there are plenty of play areas where little ones can let off steam. No matter the season, you’ll find lots of ways to enjoy being outdoors in Central Park. Central Park is also the best place in New York to come for a run.

What to do there: Take a walk through the large park spotting the various statues and sculptures such as Angel of the Waters, Cleopatra’s Needle, the Duke Ellington Memorial, Strawberry Fields, and the Alice in Wonderland Margaret Delacorte Memorial. See the remains of the 1814 Fort Clinton, enjoy the rides and other attractions at the Victoria Gardens amusement park, watch an enchanting performance at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, and ride the whimsical carousel.

Admire Bethesda Fountain, go ice skating, marvel at the Gothic and Romanesque folly of Belvedere Castle, and take kids to more than 20 play areas around the park. Play croquet or volleyball near Sheep Meadow, row across the lake, pound the running track, look for birds in the Ramble, enjoy a picnic, watch a band, and much more.

If you’d like to stay in the area, some of New Yorks best hostels are dotted around Central Park…because it’s, well, right in the city center!

Looking for other parks? Check out Battery Park and Bryant Park too!

#5 – Metropolitan Museum of Art – A great place to visit in New York if you are alone/traveling solo

Why it’s awesome: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (often known as simply The Met) is the biggest art museum in the USA and one of the most-visited museums in the world. It first opened in 1872  and is amongst the best places in New York for art lovers. Spread between different areas, the Metropolitan Museum contains pieces from all over the world, with collections covering all time periods from classical antiquity to the present day.

The Metropolitan Museum showcases many of humanity’s finest achievements, with spectacular exhibits that include Renaissance art, an Egyptian tomb, Islamic art, furnishings, clothes, weapons, and more. A fantastic place for all lovers of art, you can spend hours exploring the vast museum without barely scratching the surface.

What to do there: Take plenty of time to fully appreciate the many marvels in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Be dazzled in the two-level Greek and Roman Sculpture Court, home to ancient statues from ancient civilisations. Travel overseas in the Asian Art Collection, a quiet part of the museum that is perfect for reflection and admiration as you view works from across the continent.

See an exceptional private collection in the Robert Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum, travel through the history of American art, explore the world of fashion of clothing culture in the Costume Institute, see around 5,000 musical instruments, and be impressed by the striking photography collections. If you want to explore the iconic New York City museums, this is the place to start!

#6 – St Patrick’s Cathedral – One of the best places to see in New York

Why it’s awesome: Built in the mid-1800s, New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the biggest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in the USA. It was named after the patron saint of Ireland because of the large numbers of Irish immigrants in the city. The huge place of worship can seat around 2,400 people at any given time and the gigantic spire rises 100 metres (330 feet) into the air. It’s certainly amongst the best places to visit New York to make your confession.

The glorious building has plenty of striking features inside and out, including ornate stained glass, arches, many shrines, an ornate altar, bells, tombs, and a huge organ. Each shrine is named after a different saint. An active place of worship, the cathedral has been featured in several films and TV shows and a number of prominent funerals have been held there.

What to do there: While you can visit St Patrick’s Cathedral independently, a volunteer-led guided tour is an ideal way to learn more about the mighty building’s construction, purpose, and place in society, as well as about Catholicism in New York in general. The self-guided audio tour also provides tons of interesting information. Gaze up at the magnificent church from the outside, taking in the many splendid details carved into the marble.

See the stunning rose window and all the other opulent and detailed stained glass windows, complete the Stations of the Cross, admire eye-catching religious art, and be blown away by the sheer size and grandeur of the building. Sit for a while in peaceful contemplation right in the heart of the busy city center.

The Future of the SIM Card is HERE!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.

Grab an eSIM!

#8 – Theatre District – Great place to visit in New York for couples!

Why it’s awesome: New York’s Theatre District has everything you need for a great night out, and it’s an especially top place to visit with that special someone. Located in Manhattan right in the heart of the city center, the area has a number of terrific restaurants that serve a variety of global cuisines and various entertainment establishments. Though it is best known for its top-class theatres and stage productions.

The area has been a magnet for theatres since the 1880s and it was one of the first places in the USA to have electric street lighting. Locals have called the area by various names over the years, including, The Rialto, The Street, and the Main Stem—all refer to the same great destination.

What to do there: Visit Theatre District in the daytime to see grand statues. See all the billboards and promotional materials for all manner of shows. Enjoy a classy dinner in one of the area’s restaurants and watch as the area transforms at night time, with illuminated billboards and theatregoers hurrying to take their seats.

Watch a fabulous Broadway show with your beloved; whether you opt for a classical musical or a more contemporary production, there’s something to suit most tastes. How about a long-running favourite, like the Phantom of the Opera, Lion King, Chicago, Mama Mia, or Cats? Alternatively, watch an art-house production, a comedy performance, or a drama if you’re not in the mood for a musical.

#9 – Empire State Building – One of the most amazing places in New York!

Why it’s awesome: With 102 floors and standing proudly at 443 metres (1,454 feet) tall, the iconic Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for some 40 years. Completed in 1931, it took fewer than two years to design, plan, and build the mighty tower. Almost synonymous with the popular 1930s movie King Kong, the tower has appeared in more than 250 films and TV shows since its creation. It’s possibly the best place to go in NYC for a view and a bit of vertigo.

It is often said to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The Art Deco tower is home to numerous offices as well as indoor and outdoor viewing decks, an observatory, a broadcasting station, exhibitions, gift shops, and restaurants.

What to do there: Marvel at the colossal structure before stepping through the revolving doors to enter the main lobby, where you’ll find bronze depictions of the crafts used to build the tower. Browse in the shops and maybe pick up some souvenirs, enjoy a tasty meal in one of the iconic building’s restaurants, step back in time at the historical Dare to Dream exhibit, and ride one of the elevators to the 86th floor to soak up spectacular views from the highest outdoor observation deck in all of New York.

Circled around the spire, you can enjoy one of the best skyline views of New York City seeing landmarks like Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty. Then, go even higher and soak up the views from the indoor observation deck, located on the 102nd floor. Don’t miss seeing the tower in the evening, when it is gloriously illuminated, standing as a colourful beacon against the inky skies – it’s one of the best places to see New York lit up.

If you want an alternative view of the New York skyline then consider a trip to Jersey City.https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/empire-state-building-l2608/skip-the-line-empire-state-building-observatory-tickets-t6195/

#10 – Times Square – A must visit place to visit in New York on the weekend!

Why it’s awesome: Times Square is a major retail, commercial, and entertainment area in New York. One of the world’s busiest pedestrianised zones, 330,000-odd people walk through the square every day. Often referred to as The Centre of the Universe and the Crossroads of the World it’s a thriving part of an already hectic city. Numerous advertisements and billboards line the busy square and many street performers provide enchanting entertainment right on the pavements for free. Times Square is amongst the best places in New York for people-watching.

You’ll even see people dressed up as popular Disney characters and other well-known characters from cartoons and movies. (Do note that you’ll need to tip if you want a picture.) There’s stuff for families, couples, and groups of friends to enjoy here and, while busy on all days, it is especially vibrant at the weekends. The energy is electric and it’s a place that you can’t forget in a hurry.

What to do here: Indulge in a spot of people watching; Times Square is one of the best places in the world for seeing all kinds of people from all walks of life. There are several famous landmarks around the square. See the Paramount Building, which was once home to the Paramount Theatre, famous for Frank Sinatra fans swooning and passing out. Make sure you’re outside just before midnight when all of the signs are synchronised for a huge show of digital art. Just be careful of pickpockets in Times Square, especially after dark.

#11 – New York Botanical Garden – Certainly one of the most exotic places to see in New York!

Why it’s awesome: New York Botanical Garden is home to more than 1 million plants spread over 250 acres (100 hectares). A national historic landmark, the beautiful garden also plays a major role in education, research, and conservation. There are diverse landscapes to explore with some 50 different gardens to admire. You’ll find forests, a waterfall, wetlands, a library, laboratories, and a conservatory too.

There are walking trails as well as rest areas and there are places to eat and shop inside the extensive grounds. The huge selection of plants from various parts of the globe makes this one of the most exotic and picturesque places in all of New York City. This is the best place to visit New York for lovers of fauna.

What to do there: Discover the various beautiful gardens that make up the extensive complex, including the Rose Garden, Lilac Collection, Tree Peonies, and Azalea Garden. Inhale the sweet scent of magnolias, follow the Wetland Trail, stroll along the Seasonal Walk, admire the large waterfall, explore the old-growth forest, and feel instantly relaxed as you unwind next to the water lilies and lotuses.

Learn more about local flora in the Native Plant Garden, travel overseas in the Japanese Rock Garden, and enjoy the nation’s largest herbarium. See the beautiful Fountain of Life on the grounds of the historic Stone Mill, located alongside the banks of the Bronx River, discover the attractive Haupt Conservatory, and see birdlife and other creatures in the wetlands.

#12 – Rockefeller Center – Cool place to see in New York with friends!

Why it’s awesome: Built in the 1930s (with later additions), the Rockefeller Center is an extensive complex of buildings in Midtown Manhattan. There are 14 Art Deco buildings around a private street and square, along with five buildings that were added to the complex at later periods. A National Historic Landmark, the Rockefeller Center is home to the Radio City Music Hall, offices, a cinema, restaurants, shops, an ice rink, and more.

What to do there: Take a tour of the Rockefeller Center, learning all about the interesting art and history as you explore the main buildings, squares, and gardens. Soak up stunning city vistas from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. The underground passageways connect all of the complex’s buildings and there are many well-known brands to peruse as well as myriad places to eat and drink.

Enjoy a sense of tranquillity in the pretty Channel Gardens and look out for superb art installations around the centre. There’s a large mural in the lobby of 30 Rockefeller Plaza that depicts Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, a huge metal relief over the entrance to 50 Rockefeller Plaza, a statue of Atlas facing Fifth Avenue, and a golden statue of Prometheus in the sunken plaza. It’s one of the must-see spots in Midtown Manhattan.

Small Pack Problems? 😉

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Get Yours Here Read Our Review

#13 – Try To Escape From The Escape Game!

Why it’s awesome: If you are after something challenging, immersive but totally then then the New York Escape Game may be just what you are looking for. The Escape Game features a variety of different rooms which participants (that’s you and your crew) must try to escape from by working as a team, solving clues and completing puzzles.

What To Do there: All of the the Escape Game NYC games are designed to be suitable for everybody, from first-time players to experienced escapologists. No matter which one you decide to play, you’re sure to have an absolute blast!

#14 – Tenement Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in New York

Why it’s awesome: The Tenement Museum is spread over two large former housing tenements. The apartments were still used as living quarters up to the year 2011. They were first used as accommodation in 1863 around 15,000 people once lived in the buildings, with occupants from various parts of the globe. Today it’s a museum. There are restored homes and shops, complete with historic items and archives. The museum shows how immigrants to New York lived and seeks to promote tolerance and understanding. For me, this is one of the great places to go in New York for a real sense of the cities history.

What to do there: Take a tour of the Tenement Museum, looking into restored apartments and shops, to gain a greater understanding of immigration in the wider citywide and nationwide perspective. Hear real-life stories about people who once lived in the buildings, learning about the dreams of immigrants, the challenges they faced, and how they helped contribute towards making America what it is today.

The Under One Roof exhibition looks at the lives of a Chinese migrant family, an immigrant family from Puerto Rico, and a family of refugees fleeing the Holocaust. The Hard Times exhibition shows how two families coped in times of extreme economic hardship, Irish Outsiders looks at Irish immigration, and you can learn about two families who worked in the clothing industry in the Sweatshop Workers exhibition.

See the wide collection of artefacts to really help bring the past to life, with clothes, household items, toiletries, documents, furnishings, and more, and feel a sense of connection and empathy as you look at the large collection of photographs of people from times gone by.

#14 – The High Line – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in New York

Why it’s awesome: What better way could there be to make use of a disused railway line than by turning it into a cool public park? Open since 2009, the High Line sits on an old 1.4 mile long (2.3-kilometre-long) section of track in Manhattan. There’s lots of lush greenery and the elevated position offers terrific views over the surrounding areas.

A masterpiece of modern urban architecture, the park has brought a whole new lease of life to the area, helping to raise property prices, providing a place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy being outdoors, and helping to instil a sense of local pride in nearby residents. There are various things to see and do in the park and it has been featured in several TV shows and films.

What to do there: Walk along the elevated park and admire the views of the Hudson River and the cityscape, and pause to relax at one of the benches as you enjoy the vistas. Your stroll will lead you through different gardens, including the enchanting Diller – von Furstenberg Sundeck, complete with its enticing water feature that is great for a quick paddle to cool down on a warm summer’s day.

Spot the various art pieces in the park, including the colourful window art called The River That Flows Both Ways at an old loading dock. Other eye-catching pieces include the steel and wood sculpture that attracts birds and butterflies, the colourful mural of the Statue of Liberty, and a piece called Broken Bridge, which is made from recycled mirrors and tin cans.

If you want to support the great work carried out by the park you can adopt a plant. At dusk, you can watch informative videos in 14th Street Passage. Feeling peckish? Grab a bite to eat from one of the mobile vendors or from the stalls in Chelsea Manning Passage.

#15 – SoHo – A great place in New York if you love to shop!

Why it’s awesome: Located in Lower Manhattan, SoHo (South of Houston Street in Downtown Manhattan) earned a reputation for being a cool and arty part of the city. While there are still a good number of artists’ lofts and galleries, the area is more famous for shopping today offering almost everything you could ever want to buy! Establishments cater to all budgets and tastes. The architecture is pretty unique too; SoHo has the biggest amount of cast-iron buildings of anywhere in the world! Going back in time, the land was once farmland given to freed slaves, and it was the first free settlement of black people in Manhattan.

What to do there: Walk around the neighbourhood, today featured on the National Register of Historic Places, and see the numerous cast-iron buildings. Admire the intricate and decorative details, such as lavish window frames and railings. Discover the area’s art heritage and enjoy a bite to eat in one of the excellent eateries before hitting the shops. Give your credit cards a workout as you hop between the chain stores and boutiques. Take a walk along Spring Street, Broadway, and Prince Street and browse the stalls brimming with knickknacks, cheap t-shirts, souvenirs, and accessories.

#16 – Chinatown, Manhattan – A must-see for foodies!

Why it’s awesome: Manhattan’s Chinatown provides a glimpse into a different world. The rich history, heritage, culture, and traditions blend to create an enchanting and captivating place.  It’s a top place to try an assortment of mouth-watering Chinese fare and pick up unusual items such as herbal remedies, amulets, and stress relievers. Located in Downtown Manhattan, it’s a great break from all the suits and gentrification!

What to do there: Wander along Chinatown’s narrow, busy lanes to see a different side to the Big Apple. Learn more about the Chinese diaspora at the Museum of Chinese in America and absorb the spiritual air in the Mahayana Buddhist Temple. Call into a tea house for a quick pick me up and browse in stores that sell everything from traditional Chinese remedies, lucky amulets, and a wide selection of loose teas to trinkets, cheap electronics, gold, and imported ingredients.

Relax and watch the world go by in Columbus Park, popular with locals looking for a place to unwind, socialise, and practice a variety of skills. You may see fortune tellers, dance troupes, acrobats, opera singers, tai chi practitioners, and groups of people playing games like mah-jong. China town is amongst the best spots in New York to eat -relish things like dim sum, bowls of steaming noodles and soups, and the ever-popular Peking duck.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Please leave this field empty.


Please leave this field empty.


Please leave this field empty.

Name*

Email*

I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers Privacy Policy (Required)

Sign Me Up!

Δ

#17 – Greenwich Village – One of the nicer places in New York to sightsee!

Why it’s awesome: Greenwich Village is a bustling neighbourhood in Lower Manhattan. In contrast to the rest of the city, you won’t find soaring skyscrapers here; instead, you’ll find leafy residential areas, tree-lined streets, pretty parks, and several olde-worlde buildings. Known as the city’s Bohemian heart in times gone by, the area gave birth to several counterculture movements and was also home to the city’s gay movement.

In earlier times the area was home to New York’s first prison. It also boasts the city’s longest-running off-Broadway theatre. Each year, Greenwich Village hosts the biggest Halloween Parade in the world. There are many interesting landmarks throughout the area and plenty of establishments where you can eat, drink, shop, and have fun.

What to do there: Walk around Greenwich Village and you’ll likely notice that, unlike many other parts of the city, streets have names rather than numbers. See major landmarks, such as the Church of St. Luke in the Fields, Isaacs-Hendricks House (the area’s oldest remaining home), the eye-catching Greek revival homes, the Cherry Lane Theatre, the Hotel Albert, the Tenth Street Studio Building, and the old Jefferson Market Courthouse.

Walk along the cobbled streets and past the townhouses in the historic Meatpacking District. Visit the Stonewall Inn, the cradle of the gay rights movement and the scene of the Stonewall riots. Admire art in the Grey Art Gallery. Pose for a selfie in front of the Washington Square Arch and soak up the eclectic vibe in the green park. You may spot street performers of all types and it’s a top place for people watching. Kids are sure to love the different playgrounds throughout the park.

#18 – The Irish Hunger Memorial – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in New York!

Why it’s awesome: The Irish Hunger Memorial is located in Manhattan. Built in the early 2000s, the memorial remembers the large amounts of Irish people who starved to death in the mid-1800s during The Great Irish Famine. More than one million people lost their lives during this period. A peaceful and scenic spot where you can pay your respects, the memorial contains stones from all of Ireland’s 32 counties (including those in both Eire and Northern Ireland).

The earth and plants were moved to the site from the western coast of Ireland, lending even more authenticity to the area. It’s certainly not the best place to go in New York but those with Irish ancestry (like me) should pay a visit.

What to do there: Absorb the peace and tranquillity as you remember those who lost their lives through starvation. If you have Irish heritage or an interest in immigration, it is especially moving. Visit the 19^th-century Irish cottage, donated to the park by the Slack Family. Admire the vistas, made to look like rural Ireland, complete with dry-stone walls, potato fields, and plants that are common in the wetlands of Connacht.

#19 – Ellis Island – An awesome place to visit in New York for half a day!

Why it’s awesome: Ellis Island was the busiest immigration entry point in the USA for a number of years, acting as the first place that new arrivals saw upon entering the nation. Some 12 million people entered the USA through this port, with up to 5,000 people arriving per day at the busiest periods. In the 1920s, with the reduction in the number of immigrants arriving in the USA, the island was largely used as a detention and deportation centre.

It was also used as a prison to detain wartime prisoners. Although the southern side of the island isn’t open to the public it is possible to visit the old hospital as part of a tour. Today part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, Ellis Island is most popular today for its interesting immigration museum. Its one of the top places to go in New York for a sense of history.

What to do there: Catch the ferry over to Ellis Island and spend a few hours seeing the various displays and exhibits in the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Within the main building of the previous immigration centre, you can learn more about the millions of people who moved to the USA and entered through Ellis Island. Hear inspirational and moving personal tales on the audio tour and uncover more of the island’s history.

See old photos, which help to bring the past to life. Stand in the Great Hall, still buzzing with the energy of hope, excitement, and relief. If your ancestors were among those to move to the Land of the Free you can search for their names in the public records. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

#20 – Flatiron Building – A great place to see in New York if you love architecture

Why it’s awesome: The 22-level Flatiron Building, located in Manhattan, dates back to the early 1900s. Designed in a wedge shape it takes its name from the fact that it looks like an old-fashioned clothes iron. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building features Beaux-Arts designs with elements from Greek and Renaissance architecture. Home to many offices, the inside spaces also have unusual designs, with angular walls and great views towards the Empire State Building.

The signature building has been used in various TV shows and films over the years, including Godzilla, Spider-Man, and Friends. Fun fact: the original elevators in the Flatiron Building were powered by water!

What to do there: Often said to be among the most photographed buildings in the world, one of the main things for tourists to do at the Flatiron Building is to snap plenty of pictures of the building’s unusual form. Enter the grand lobby and admire the interiors. Although visitors aren’t allowed into other parts of the building the nearby area has plenty to keep you busy after you’ve taken lots of photos.

Shop in cute boutiques, satisfy your hunger in a restaurant and call into a speakeasy for a refreshing drink. There are quirky museums close to hand, including the Museum of Sex and the Tibet House US, and you can relax for a while in the leafy Madison Square Park. It’s the best place to visit in New York for quirky architecture.

Save $$$ • Save the Planet • Save Your Stomach!

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress rigorously from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

View on REI Read the Review

#21 – The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – One of the more unique places to visit in New York!

Why it’s awesome: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (often referred to as the Gugg) is a renowned art museum housed within an iconic building. From the vast permanent collections to the eye-catching architecture, there is certainly nothing ordinary about the Guggenheim. An incredibly popular attraction in New York, the museum is now listed as a National Historic Landmark. Although the museum can trace its roots back to the late 1930s the present striking building was constructed in the late 1950s.

The building project was headed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Circular in shape, the gallery follows a spiral ramp inside. Light floods in through the huge skylight highlighting the interesting pieces. Indeed, the museum was said to be a Temple of the Spirit, providing a new way for people to admire art.

What to do there: Before entering, admire the interesting architecture from outside, appreciating the circular form and unusual design. Stand in the atrium, looking up at the balconies with their wave-like form. Then, spend a few hours seeing the large collections in the permanent and temporary exhibitions. Major pieces include those by Paul Cezanne, Marc Chagall, Paul Klee, Albert Gleizes, and Georges Braque.

There are regular film screenings, workshops, lectures, and performances, with art classes for people of all ages to learn new skills and learn more about the world of art. The restaurant is the ideal place to sit and reflect on the glorious works inside one of the most popular tourist attractions in NYC.

#22 – East Village – A great place to visit in New York at night

Why it’s awesome: East Village, located in Manhattan, is known for its Russian, Ukrainian, and Jewish heritage and for its past arts scene and hippie vibe. A place that celebrated differences and promoted tolerance, various subcultures found their home in East Village. Indeed, punk rock was born here. There are many parks and community gardens in the neighbourhood, and you’ll also find interesting landmarks, art galleries, eateries with an international flavour, and a wealth of bars and clubs.

What to do there: During the daytime, there are plenty of interesting museums to keep you busy—the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space, the Ukrainian Museum, and the Museum of the American Gangster are just a few to add to your list. Stroll through Little Ukraine, see the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church, and see a different culture. In Alphabet City, experience Japanese street culture and follow the Mosaic Trail with lampposts adorned with interesting designs.

Shop in quirky stores, thrift shops, record shops, independent outlets, vintage stores, and small boutiques. Enjoy being outdoors in places like Tompkins Square Park, East River Park, and the many community gardens, and admire the details in the marble cemeteries. As nighttime falls the areas bursts into even more life, taking on something of a rock star ambience.

Get insured for your trip to New York!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in New York

Tick off these best places to visit in New York for a fun-filled, action-packed, and memorable time in one of the world’s most exciting destinations. When you’re done with that, consider grabbing a car and checking out some epic road trips in New York.

What is the best place in New York in your opinion? Leave a comment and let us know!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!