New York State is a powerhouse of American culture, history, and natural beauty, anchored by New York City—the most visited city in the United States. From the iconic skyline of Manhattan to the thundering Niagara Falls, the tranquil Adirondack wilderness, and the rolling vineyards of the Finger Lakes, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Whether you seek world-class museums, outdoor adventure, farm-to-table dining, or vibrant nightlife, New York State delivers on every front.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in New York.
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1
Empire State Building
This iconic 102-story Art Deco skyscraper defined the Manhattan skyline when it opened in 1931 and remains one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors offer sweeping 360-degree views of New York City and, on clear days, up to 80 miles into neighboring states.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip the long line · Visit on weekday evenings for fewer crowds · The 102nd floor top deck is worth the upgrade on clear days
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2
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Gifted by France in 1886, Lady Liberty stands 305 feet tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and remains America's most powerful symbol of freedom and immigration. Ellis Island, just a short ferry ride away, processed over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954 and now houses a world-class immigration museum.
Tip: Book crown access months in advance — slots fill up fast · Bring a picnic to enjoy on the island grounds · Allow time for both Liberty and Ellis islands
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3
Central Park
Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux's masterpiece of urban landscape design spans 843 acres through the heart of Manhattan, offering New Yorkers and visitors a green sanctuary amid the city's relentless energy. The park contains 36 bridges, 21 playgrounds, a lake, a reservoir, a famous zoo, and the Great Lawn where free concerts attract hundreds of thousands.
Tip: Rent a rowboat on the Lake for $20/hour · Don't miss Bethesda Fountain and the Bow Bridge · The Ramble is excellent for birdwatching
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4
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The largest art museum in the Americas, the Met houses over two million works spanning 5,000 years of world culture across 17 curatorial departments. Highlights include European paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer, ancient Egyptian artifacts including a real Temple of Dendur, and the American Wing's period rooms.
Tip: Download the Met app for self-guided tours · The rooftop bar (seasonal) offers stunning Central Park views · The Egyptian Wing and Temple of Dendur are unmissable
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5
Niagara Falls State Park
America's oldest state park, established in 1885, encompasses the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and stunning views of the massive Horseshoe Falls—whose combined flow of 3,160 tons of water per second makes it the most powerful waterfall in North America by flow rate. The Maid of the Mist boat tour brings visitors to within feet of the thundering cascade.
Tip: Wear a waterproof layer for the Maid of the Mist · Cave of the Winds puts you right next to Bridal Veil Falls · Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds
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6
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Opened on the footprints of the Twin Towers, the 9/11 Memorial features two acre-large reflecting pools with the names of all 2,977 victims inscribed in bronze. The underground museum presents a deeply moving account of the attacks and their aftermath through artifacts, personal stories, and multimedia installations.
Tip: Book museum tickets online in advance · The memorial pools are free and open to the public · Allow extra time — the museum is emotionally rich and extensive
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7
Brooklyn Bridge
Completed in 1883 after 14 years of construction, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and remains one of New York's most beloved and photographed structures. The 1.1-mile pedestrian and bike path across the bridge offers spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the East River.
Tip: Walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn for the best skyline views · Lock your bike during peak hours — pedestrian path can be crowded · Stop at Grimaldi's or Juliana's Pizza in DUMBO afterward
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8
Adirondack Park
Larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Olympic national parks combined, Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States at 6.1 million acres. It contains 46 High Peaks over 4,000 feet, more than 3,000 lakes and ponds, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and charming resort towns like Lake Placid.
Tip: Register at a trailhead register before hikes over 4,000 feet · Book campgrounds well in advance for summer weekends · Lake Placid town is the best base for High Peaks exploration
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9
Times Square
The neon-lit heart of New York City and one of the most visited tourist destinations on Earth, Times Square buzzes with Broadway marquees, giant digital billboards, and the constant flow of millions of pedestrians from all over the world. The area is home to dozens of Broadway theaters, the TKTS discount booth, and the iconic New Year's Eve ball drop.
Tip: Keep an eye on your pockets in the dense crowds · Pick up half-price Broadway tickets at the TKTS booth · Avoid Times Square restaurants — walk a block for better food and value
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10
High Line Park
Built on a historic 1930s elevated freight rail line on Manhattan's West Side, the High Line is a 1.45-mile linear park threading through the Chelsea and Hudson Yards neighborhoods. It showcases innovative landscape design, rotating public art installations, and stunning views of the Hudson River and city streets below.
Tip: Walk from south to north ending at Hudson Yards and The Shed · Stop at Chelsea Market underneath for food and shopping · The 10th Avenue Square is a great spot for people-watching
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Empire State Building
Iconic 102-story Art Deco skyscraper with sweeping 360-degree city views
Statue of Liberty
America's symbol of freedom on Liberty Island in New York Harbor
Brooklyn Bridge
Historic 1883 suspension bridge with a celebrated pedestrian walkway
Times Square
The neon-lit entertainment and cultural hub of Midtown Manhattan
Grand Central Terminal
Beaux-Arts masterpiece with a famous celestial ceiling and soaring Main Concourse
One World Observatory
Views from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,776 feet
Rockefeller Center
Art Deco complex with Top of the Rock observation deck and NBC Studios
Boldt Castle
Six-story Rhineland castle on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands
Museums
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Largest art museum in the Americas with 2 million works spanning 5,000 years
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
World-class modern art including Starry Night and Les Demoiselles d'Avignon
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Powerful memorial and museum built on the footprints of the Twin Towers
Guggenheim Museum
Frank Lloyd Wright's spiraling masterpiece housing Impressionist and Modern art
American Museum of Natural History
45 exhibition halls covering dinosaurs, space, and human evolution
Brooklyn Museum
NYC's second-largest museum with exceptional Egyptian and feminist art collections
National Baseball Hall of Fame
Cooperstown shrine to the sport with the world's largest baseball collection
Ellis Island National Immigration Museum
Restored immigration station that processed 12 million arrivals
Nature
Adirondack Park
6.1 million acres of wilderness with 46 High Peaks and 3,000+ lakes
Niagara Falls State Park
America's oldest state park, home to the most powerful falls in North America
Central Park
843-acre urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan
Watkins Glen State Park
19 waterfalls along a dramatic mile-long gorge carved through solid rock
Letchworth State Park
The 'Grand Canyon of the East' with a 17-mile gorge and three major waterfalls
Montauk Point State Park
Dramatic ocean cliffs and New York's oldest lighthouse at the tip of Long Island
Cultural
High Line Park
Elevated linear park on a historic freight rail line through Chelsea
Finger Lakes Wine Country
130+ wineries in a stunning glacial lake region specializing in Riesling
Saratoga Springs
Victorian resort city famous for thoroughbred racing and mineral springs
Hudson Valley
Gilded Age estates, farm-to-table dining, and Hudson River School art heritage
Broadway Theater District
The world capital of musical theater with dozens of shows running year-round
Lake Placid
Twice Olympic host city with winter sports facilities and Adirondack charm
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most major attractions open 9AM–6PM; NYC museums typically close one day per week
- Fees
- Average NYC museum entry $20–$30; many offer free nights or pay-what-you-wish periods
- Best Times
- Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds at popular sites
- Booking
- Book popular attractions (Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Museum) online at least 1–2 weeks in advance
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
The NYC CityPASS ($138) covers admission to 5 major attractions including the Empire State Building and American Museum of Natural History
Free attractions include Central Park, the High Line, the Brooklyn Bridge walk, and the Staten Island Ferry (with views of the Statue of Liberty)
IDNYC cardholders get free or discounted admission to dozens of NYC cultural institutions
Many museums offer free admission one evening per week — check individual websites for current schedules
The New York Public Library's main branch on Fifth Avenue is a spectacular free attraction in its own right
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in New York?
Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) for pleasant weather; summer for most activity but highest crowds and prices
Are guided tours available for New York's attractions?
Available at most major sites, typically $20–$50; free tours at some institutions and free walking tours throughout NYC
Can I take photos at attractions in New York?
Permitted at nearly all outdoor attractions; flash typically prohibited in museums; drone use requires permits in NYC
How much time do I need for New York's main attractions?
New York City alone warrants 4–5 days minimum; allow 7–10 days to add Niagara Falls and one upstate region