Iconic Places You Must Visit in New York City

New York holds a special place in my heart.  I can’t even explain what it is that captivates me about it and why!  But somehow, New York managed to steal my heart since the very first time I was there.  Everything about it keeps you coming back.  Despite the dirty and busy feel of the city, it has a charm that I don’t usually find in most big cities.

When visiting new places, I like to try off-the-beaten-path places and then recommend them.  But New York City isn’t New York City without a visit to those iconic places that make it the Great Apple.  New York City is the city where visiting touristy places is perfectly fine.  Seeing the top attractions is a must to understand why people love this city so much.

Iconic places you must visit in New York City

Times Square

You’ve seen these lights on t.v. for New Year’s Eve, you’ve seen it in the movies, and you’ve probably considered receiving a New Year here someday.  This iconic area captures the energy of the city, the one that never sleeps.

With its beautiful bright lights, the numerous stores and restaurants, and the massive amounts of people, Times Square should be seen both in the day and night-time.  This is a perfect hangout despite the crowds.  But if you prefer fewer crowds, past midnight is a good time! Just around the corner, you can catch a Broadway show.

Central Park

It’s pretty hard to separate New York from the movie images that play in my head, especially when it comes to Central Park.  This is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, where one can escape to relax in nature.  It is also the place to ride a bike, go for a jog, visit museums, practice photography, fall asleep, catch a free concert, or go on a carriage ride.   For me, this is perhaps one of the best places to go in the city.  It has it all!

Statue of Liberty

Considered a national symbol of freedom, I can say it feels special to visit the Statue of Liberty.  Lady Liberty is located on Liberty Island and is only a short ride away from the city.   You can experience it by riding the free State Island Ferry without a stop on the island or through tours that stop at Liberty Island and Ellis Island.  Ellis Island is where they have a museum focusing on those who immigrated into the country.  It’s an interesting stop.

Empire State Building and Top of the Rock

If you can visit both, do so!  Each building is incredible.  Though the Empire State Building is the most famous one, my favorite is Top of the Rock because you can view the Empire State Building in front of it.  However, I also loved the city’s night view from the top of the Empire State Building.

National September  11 Memorial & Museum & Ground Zero

I’ve had the chance to visit Ground Zero four times during different stages of construction following the events of September 11th.  Each time I saw the One World Trade center a few stories higher.  On my final visit, I finally saw the memorial fully built.  All three times were special because of its significance.

Grand Central Terminal

I don’t consider myself a movie person, but I have to say this is another place that reminds me of many movies.  Do you know all those cheesy romantic chick flicks where the main characters find each other at Grand Central Terminal? They will come to mind.  On another note, this is such a great place to experience life underground and the city hustle.

Subway Ride

Since we’re on the topic of underground life, you should not do new York City without experiencing a subway ride.  Yes, I know this is not technically a place to visit, but it sure feels like it is.  Some terminals have shopping, others have performers, and others are just plain busy and show what New York City life is really like.

Museums

I’m not the biggest fan of museums, but somehow I always end up visiting and enjoying them. New York City has quite a few that are worthy of a visit.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Modern Art are just a few of the ones I got to visit and loved.  It’s a New York thing you must do!

Brooklyn Bridge

An icon and a National Historic Landmark, the Brooklyn Bridge is famous for its design.  A walk or a bike ride is a  perfect way to experience the bridge.  Not only do you get to walk on this iconic bridge, but you also get a fantastic view of the skyline.

If I were to take someone to New York, these would be the top places I’d take them to see.  However, New York has an endless amount of things to do, and I still have so many more on my list.  What are your favorite things to do in New York?  What are your favorite touristy things to do in the city?

Head over to  Instagram for more pictures of the places we visit!