Places to Visit in New York: Tourist Attractions in New York

Introduction

With so many exciting places to see in this country, it isn’t easy to choose the best one to visit when planning for travel and vacation. The United States is home to fantastic places and cities on earth, including New York State, with its iconic City that never sleeps as it continues to win the hearts of tourists and travelers across the world. Indeed, there are many famous places in New York.

New York, the original United States capital, has remarkable iconic places written in human history. Beginning from the Statue of Liberty and down to the memorable World Trade Center, New York has many things to tell and to offer. Travelers from other parts of the world can witness the Broadway shows, dine and shop, or enjoy sightseeing at the many ideal places in New York. The famous Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, historic sites, landmarks, and museums are popular choices for travelers who are up to make unforgettable life events.

When trying to decide to visit New York, get ready to face two fundamental choices. Money or memorable experience? The latter is priceless, so don’t settle for less. Pack your travel bag, pick up a map, go, and get ready to see for yourself the best places to visit in New York. Welcome to the big apple!

Best places to visit in New York

 New York State provides spectacular places with a dominant or vibrant appeal, such as amusement parks, caves, beaches, castles, golf, drive-in theaters, brewery, mountains, and many more. However, individuals have preferences for what is best for them to feel and indulge themselves. In no particular order, here are the top-rated attractions or places to visit in New York State. Which do you think are the ones that will top your taste like the best tourist attractions in New York?

1. New York City

New York City is a busy place for entertainment, food, and art, as it radiates with vibrant energy. It’s a city that never sleeps.

To make your stay in the City livelier and more fun, here is the list of unique places in New York that you should not miss out on your trip. Below is the list of New York City tourist attractions.

Never forget your first selfie at New York City with the Statue of Liberty in your background. That should be one of the first places to visit in New York City as you hunt for the best places to visit in New York City. The statue is America’s most iconic sight. You surely would love to flaunt your photo opportunity to have the Statue of Liberty invigorate your contagious smile on your social media as if inviting your friends to come over to try the places to visit New York City themselves. The Statue of Liberty was a historic gift of France to the United States in 1886. Today, the statue is an emblem of freedom and remains one of the top attractions in America.

The statue weighs 450,000 pounds and standing at a height dependent on how one measures it. It’s 305 feet with the pedestal and foundation included in the measurement. However, it’s only 151 feet tall from the base to the torch. 

Are you wondering about your following itinerary? Add Central Park to your list.

Central Park makes New York one of the most beautiful and livable cities on the face of the planet. Experience a minor nature with Central Park and avail of the other attractions within its borders that are primarily free. Visit the most popular places like Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, Central Park Zoo, and the Lake. Grab your map and get ready to explore the beauty of the area.

After indulging your eyes with the fresh look of a bit of nature at Central Park, get ready for your next stop.

The city life in New York is not complete without Rockefeller Center at the heart of Manhattan. Experience the beauty of Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck of the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The deck is on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views either by day or night. But your fun doesn’t end there. You can also enjoy an outdoor skating rink at the base of the tower. During December, a massive Christmas tree towers and fronting the skating rink. Another exciting sighting in the area is the famous bronze

sculpture of Atlas, a favorite subject among photographers.

The fun continues as you stay, marveling at what is best inside that New York City has to offer.

If you are an art enthusiast, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will never fail you. Established in 1870 and contains more than two million works of art that date back 5,000 years, this museum is among the famous museums in the United States. The Met Fifth Avenue centerpiece highlights American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, and more. The Met Cloisters, another branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, houses and showcases medieval art and architecture of Europe.

Moving forward to staging art and humanities, New York City offers the finest entertainment globally with its Broadway theater venues in the Theater District along Broadway street. Enjoy the show at the Shubert Alley, a famous pedestrian-only alley where historically, aspiring actors looked for opportunities to perform. 

Talking further about entertainment, the Empire State Building and its 86th Floor Observatory, the highest open-air observation deck in the City, is familiar because of its countless appearance in movies and T.V. shows. Make sure not to miss this place out on your city trip.

If you have set your feet in New York City, don’t forget to pay respect to the souls of almost 3,000 people killed during the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001. The 9/11 Memorial Museum stands around the remnants of the World Trade Center. The twin 110-story towers are no longer there, but the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a moving tribute to those killed in the attack.

On the opposite side of Greenwich Street is the Westfield World Trade Center, Oculus Plaza. If you are in the mood for shopping in high-end stores, you are at the right place. But getting there not for shopping is worth the experience as let alone, you might enjoy the eye-catching architecture of the structure.

If you want to experience a more modern feel, you may walk at the exciting High Line, a rail line before, but today is an urban walking trail above the busy city streets. This urban walking trail has glass railings making it possible for you to see the outstanding views of the City. There are benches somewhere for a peaceful retreat in the absence of surrounding traffic.

As the City never sleeps, New York has Times Square that stages urban life as the place shines with arrays of massive, brilliantly lit billboards and more conspicuous screens during the night. This modern attraction depicts New York City that a tourist should never miss. As a tradition, during New Year’s Eve Celebrations and ball drops, the square, and its surrounding streets are full of people at midnight, a spectacular event to look forward to.  

Your visit to New York City is never complete without seeing or passing some of its iconic landmarks. The famous Brooklyn Bridge is the world’s first steel suspension bridge completed in 1883 and is renowned for its Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables. Take an hour and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and experience the beautiful views over Manhattan, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty.

Care to experience shopping galore in the City of New York? Fifth Avenue is New York’s premier shopping area. It is home to top designers and their flagship stores such as Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, Apple Store Fifth Avenue, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Get ready for your next stop, Grand Central Terminal. This terminal for subway and train stations opened in 1913. As a famous destination, New York City has a fantastic Beaux-Arts building, Grand Staircase, the restored ceiling depicting an eye-catching celestial scene, retail shops, and restaurants. 

Tourists love New York City for all types of experiences it provides and the iconic places its offers. Tourists must consider the following ideal suggestions: the One World Observatory, Frick Collection, New York Public Library, Wall Street, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, Bryant Park, and many more.

Be sure to check the website of your chosen destination and secure your tickets in advance when considering a visit to these places and the fantastic attractions of New York City.

2. Niagara Falls

In North America, Niagara Falls is one of its natural wonders, manifested by millions of visitors each year. It is along the border of Canada and the United States and consists of three waterfalls in its park, namely, Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. As the widest and the tallest, Horseshoe Falls is dropping 167 feet tall from a 2,700-foot-wide ledge.

There is an observation tower for a better view of the three falls. Others may also use the popular Hornblower boat tour into Horseshoe Falls.

There is nighttime illumination in the park, and on special occasions, fireworks displays will be remarkable.

For souvenir items, the visitor center offers a gift shop.

3. Lakes 

There are lakes in New York that are at the center of attractions among visitors and tourists.

Finger Lakes is one on the list. Numerous lakes make up Finger Lakes that offer an array of outdoor opportunities in a stunning landscape.

Along the lakeshores are towns and resorts that are busy during the summer months. If you want to explore more, pick the Cayuga Trail, The Seneca Lake Trail, and the Keuka Trail.

The town of Corning houses the living history museum Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes, including The Rockwell Museum featuring the Harriet Tubman House, the Seward House Museum, Willard Chapel, and the Fingerlakes mall. At Branchport is Finger Lakes Museum, the Sonneberg Gardens, and Mansion State Park add to the attractions.

Below Whiteface Mountain is the resort of Lake Placid, a world-renowned winter sport that hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. This lake is a major tourist destination because of its natural surroundings with lakes and hills. On top of that, Lake Placid is famous for skiing. It also offers shops and restaurants.

The incredible scenic Mirror Lake, one of the most beautiful in the state, is also a centerpiece of the town of Lake Placid.

Count into the list Lake George, a major tourist destination in the summer. Its many islands are famous for camping and are popular with motorcyclists.   

On Beach Road is Million Dollar Beach that provides swimming, picnic facilities, and volleyball courts.

For sightseeing cruises from Prospect Mountain, the lake offers beautiful views of its natural surroundings. Never forget to visit the historical places in the lake like the Lake George Battlefield Park and the Fort William Henry Museum.

4. Cooperstown

At the Southern tip of Otsego Lake in central New York state is Cooperstown, heard as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Here, baseball enthusiasts can take a look at the sport’s legends and memorabilia. At the Hall of Fame lies the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum, ideal for photo opportunities.

Cooperstown also offers cultural attractions such as the Fenimore Art Museum and the Alice Busch Theater with its Glimmerglass Festival, an annual international opera event.

Historic sites are also available, such as the Hyde Hall, a sprawling colonial state before, and The Farmer’s Museum brings the Lippitt Farmstead and historic village life to life.

5. Thousand Islands

Thousands of tiny islands star all over a 50 mile stretch of the St. Lawrence River. These islands provide a venue for vibrant scenic beauty at all times of the year, especially during foliage season.  

Boat tours are the main activities in the islands that lead to the most impressive sights, the stunning Boldt Castle that dates back to 1900.

6. The Adirondacks

In upstate New York stretches the Adirondack Mountains, a mountain range containing one hundred peaks from over 1000 feet to over 5000 feet high. This area stages its splendor when autumn leaves show off their vibrant colors. However, the Adirondacks remain a great place to visit and for year-round activities like hiking, canoeing, camping, and its lakes are suitable for fishing and boating. The area also provides plenty of fun during winter. Never forget to add this to the places to visit in upstate New York.  

7. The Catskills 

Experiencing nature in New York State is not complete without going to another popular destination, the Catskills. It is a place showcasing rugged countryside of rolling hills and serene lakes ideal for mental health. Like any other similar place within the state, the Catskills is famous for biking, canoeing, hiking, and relaxation provided by top resorts in the area.

Catskills transforms into a snowy wonderland during winter.

8. Letchworth State Park

Another home to incredible waterfalls in New York State is Letchworth State Park along Genessee River Gorge. The Middle Falls is the largest, a 107-foot drop. Forest surrounds the Gorge, which vertical cliff walls line. The cliff is also called the “Grand Canyon of the East.”

There are several facilities that the park offers, including campsites and cabin rentals to trails and swimming, and a playground, and concessions. During winter, the park is famous for its snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobile trails.

9. Darwin D. Martin House Complex

Darwin D. Martin House is a multi-structure complex built during the year 1904. Darwin and Isabelle Martin commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build this structure and considered as the finest work. Located in Buffalo, the house is open to the public with tours that help visitors understand the structure’s design.

10. Watkins Glen State Park

At the southern tip of Seneca Lake within the Finger Lakes State Parks is Watkins Glen. The glen stretches for two miles, falling a total of 400 feet over 19 waterfalls, past 200-foot cliffs that the water carved.

Added to the attraction for the Gorge and its rim trails, tourists find many activities to do in the place such as fishing, hiking, and swimming the park’s pool. The park is open for a picnic for day visitors. Visitors have guide tours in the place.

11. George Eastman House and the International Museum of Photography and Film

In 1905 the George Eastman mansion originally had a stable, garage, barn, five greenhouses, and gardens. Found in Rochester, this mansion underwent restoration to preserve its aesthetic feel and value.

On the other hand, the International Museum of Photography and Film provides many traveling exhibits and movies for those with an affinity for photography. Checking their websites for what is coming up is the best thing to do.

12. Other best places to visit in New York

 There are other best places not mentioned above. The following places and tourists destinations are excellent suggestions.

Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Rochester, Montauk, Syracuse, Saratoga Springs, Narrowsburg, Coldspring, Long Island, Mohonk Preserve, Onondaga Lake Park, Ellis Island, Panama Rocks Scenic Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Poughkeepsie. These travel destinations are a constant inclusion in the itinerary of travelers and visitors to New York.

Travel guide

1. Travel to New York during COVID-19

 With the spread of a new variant, there may be some travel restrictions on short notice. However, it would help if you were up-to-date about the prevailing travel restrictions in New York state and its City as of today and in the coming days. For instance, with the surge of a new variant, on August 17, New York requires proof of vaccination for patrons and employees of the City’s indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment venues. The venues of interest to travelers in the requirement include restaurants, nightclubs, concert halls, museums, performing arts theaters, movie theaters, bowling alleys, arcades, casinos, cabarets, fitness centers, pools, and coffee shops with indoor dining. Therefore, restaurants, movie theaters, and other venues are open, but their indoor spaces can only accept fully vaccinated patrons. Those younger than 12 years old and are not yet eligible for vaccination can go inside with a facemask requirement except when eating and drinking.    

In other words, everything seems back to normal in New York, but some restrictions, especially on the movement of the unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated, take place.

New York state launched the Excelsior Pass, allowing people who have received a negative test or a vaccination in New York state to provide proof of their status. Travelers from another state could use their vaccination card or lab test result to enter.

2. Best time to go

Summer is the best time to go to New York. The outdoor season is in full swing. Free movies and theatrical performances fill the City’s parks, street vendors, and street fairs galore. Summer has many things in store for everyone.

You may also enjoy the vibrant color of the natural park during autumn.

Don’t’ forget to familiarize the weather in New York.

January: 26°F to 39°F
February: 29°F to 42°F
March: 35°F to 50°F
April: 44°F to 60°F
May: 55°F to 71°F
June: 64°F to 79°F
July: 70°F to 85°F
August: 69°F to 83°F
September: 61°F to 76°F
October: 50°F to 65°F
November: 41°F to 54°F
December: 32°F to 44°F

3. Things to know in New York City. 

New York City consisted of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Most tourist attractions are in Manhattan.

Life in New York City moves fast, but thanks to its extensive public transit system. People’s movement flows well, and traffic isn’t much of a problem. The subway is open 24/7. Stand on the right side of the escalator to allow hurried commuters to walk on the left. Step aside to look at your phone.

However, parking is miserable and expensive in New York.

4. Transportation

While in New York, choose for yourself from the following public transportation: trains, buses, ferries, taxis, and rideshare. With your map, manage and schedule your trip and itinerary to optimize the productivity of the transit system and make your time productive.

5. Hotels

There are various hotels, the best of their kind to choose from in New York. There are luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels. Visit their website and arrange for booking. If you can afford more to pay, other luxurious and mid-range hotels that can cater to your needs are ready to serve you in New York City. Below are some suggestions.

• CitizenM New York Times Square Hotel
• The Empire Hotel
• DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
• Arlo Hotel
• Soho Grand Hotel
• The Plaza
• The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
• Yotel New York
• TWA Hotel

6. Restaurants

 If there are best hotels, there are also best restaurants in New York. The following are some restaurants receiving higher ratings.

• Katz’s Delicatessen
• The Halal Guys
• Keens Steakhouse
• Joe’s Shanghai
• Tanner Smith’s
• Serendipity III
• Eleven Madison Park
• Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
• Totto Ramen
• Marea
• H&H Bagels
• Xi’an Famous Foods
• Dominique Ansel

7. Apps to Download

• For restaurant reservations, download “Open Table” for iOs and Android phones.
• For trip planning, service updates, download “MyMTA” for both iOs and Android phones.
• For last-minute discounted Broadway show tickets, download “TodayTix” for both iOs and Android.

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