Go World Travel is reader-supported and may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this piece.
There is something magical about New York City. From the hustle and bustle of Times Square to the iconic skyline, NYC is a city like no other. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the hundredth time, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for a reason to visit the Big Apple, here are the top 10 reasons to make the trip. From world-class museums to unbeatable cuisine to the incomparable nightlife, these are just some of the reasons to visit NYC. Get ready to explore the best of the city, from the iconic landmarks to the hidden gems.
10. Grand Central Terminal
The beauty of this famous Beaux Arts building in New York City is not to be missed, whether you arrive by rail or not. Built between 1903 and 1931, Grand Central Terminal is stunning. Take a tour to learn of its history, including its near destruction and restoration.
9. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Lincoln Center in NYC is the world’s largest performing arts center (16.3 acres / 66,000 m²) and home to 12 resident arts organizations, including the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Opera and New York City Ballet. Go watch a performance and also make time for a tour of the center itself.
Read More: 13 Top Restaurants in New York City Not to Miss
8. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
A unique and fun winter tradition is to take a whirl on the rink at Rockefeller Center, or just watch the skaters glide by while you sip on hot chocolate.
7. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building in a New York City icon. The classic Art Deco architecture of the 102-story Empire State Building makes this yet another icon of NYC. Go up to the 86th floor outside observatory for views of up to 80 miles (130 km). Be sure to bring your camera.
6. Take a Food Tour in New York City
There is no doubt that New York City is the mecca of amazing, diverse food. Why not sample some of the best food in New York City with a food tour? Like a Local features an amazing three-hour tour with six tastings which is plenty for lunch.
The tour guide is a knowledgeable local with phenomenal stories to tell. The tour begins in Chelsea Market with an exciting selection of foods with rich history. You will also visit Market 57 at Pier 57, High Line and Hudson Yard Views. Specific foods include pizza, tacos, mini tarts, doughnuts, dumplings, and boba tea.
Planning a last-minute trip to New York?
Top Experiences and Tours in New York:
Where to stay and transportation in New York:
5. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
The symbol of political freedom and democracy is a must-see. Located on 12-acre (48,500 m²) Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924.
Ellis Island was incorporated as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument on May 11, 1965. Between 1892 and 1954, approximately 12 million steamship passengers entered the United States through the port of New York at Ellis Island.
4. Theater in New York City
There are 39 theaters in operation on Broadway today, most packed in a small area called the “Great White Way.” Any visit to the city should contain at least one theater show, whether it’s seeing an edgy new work or a classic piece. Look for discount theater tickets, which are often available.
Read More: Don’t Miss These Top Broadway Shows Running in 2024
3. Museums in NYC
Where to begin? The world-class museums of NYC all clamor for your attention. To start, there’s the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art and, of course, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A lifetime of visits would still leave you wanting to visit more.
2. Times Square
This revitalized area of the city was once a place to avoid. No more! Now the heart of NYC is a safe, bustling hive of activity, with huge electronic billboards and lots to do. Visit Toys R Us, Lazer Park, MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL), Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum or the Hard Rock Cafe. Other nearby attractions include the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the doll store American Girl Place and the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.
1. Green Spaces in New York City
Contrary to what you might think, New York City is the greenest city in America. The 843-acre Central Park, the most famous park in the city, is actually only the 5th largest. Jog, walk, bike, in-line skate, horseback ride, ice skate, rent row boats, play basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, enjoy special events and festivals in the city’s 1,700 parks and playgrounds, or just kick back and people-watch.
For discounted sightseeing, get a New York City Pass
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
Go World Travel Magazine is a digital magazine for world travelers. Our editorial content is produced by a dedicated team of travel journalists who know the regions they cover. We cover travel in more than 90 countries.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)
if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);
if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;
n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,’script’,
‘
fbq(‘init’, ‘508388611737401’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’);
