Places to visit in New York: the ultimate guide

If there’s one city that’s famous around the world, it’s definitely New York. Dear traveler, welcome to another adventure. This time we’re heading to the Capital of the World. Pack your bags, because in this article, we’ll show you the best places to visit in New York. We’ll tour the most iconic and award-winning spots in one of the most visited cities on the planet. Ready to join us?

New York is a dream city for millions of people worldwide. Historically, its seaport has welcomed migrants from every corner of the globe, shaping one of the city’s defining traits: multiculturalism. It’s such an eclectic place that on every corner you’ll hear a different language while getting familiar with all kinds of customs. This, combined with its stunning architecture and countless famous landmarks, makes NYC a must-visit destination for any traveler. Without further ado, let’s begin our journey!

Tourist attractions in New York

New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world and the busiest in the United States. Every year, the Big Apple is estimated to welcome nearly 60 million travelers. As a result, tourist attractions are everywhere, no matter which part of the city you explore. In this article, we’ll tell you which spots you absolutely can’t miss on your trip to the city that never sleeps. Welcome to the best places to visit in New York

Times Square: discover the heart of Manhattan

Let’s kick off our adventure in the heart of the city: Times Square welcomes you! This cluster of streets, always alive and glowing, stretching from Sixth to Eighth Avenue, is one of New York City’s greatest symbols. It embodies many of the metropolis’s defining traits: hustle and bustle, huge crowds, a vibrant atmosphere, multicultural energy, and nonstop commerce. If you’re in New York, visiting this place is absolutely a must!

One of Times Square’s most distinctive and unmistakable features is the giant advertising screens that cover its buildings. It’s the place where brands from all over the world want to be seen. Today, all the skyscrapers in this iconic area are required to display illuminated signs because, beyond advertising, they also contribute to safety in the neighborhood. Did you know the first electric sign in Times Square was installed in 1917? From then on, history was made, and anything promoted or showcased in this setting quickly becomes a hit.

Central Park: a natural oasis hidden among towering skyscrapers

Let’s continue our adventure. In the same Manhattan neighborhood and just a 10-minute walk from Times Square, you’ll experience a dramatic change of scenery. Central Park, one of the most popular urban parks in the world, is an impressive natural, cultural, and recreational space in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s undoubtedly another iconic symbol of the Big Apple. Covering 341 hectares, its strategic location makes it a favorite spot for both tourists and locals looking to take a quick break from the fast pace of New York life.

In Central Park, wide lawns, majestic trees, and duck-filled ponds take center stage. The fresh, natural atmosphere here is indescribable and wonderfully peaceful. It’s also an important cultural venue where a wide variety of events and activities are held year-round. This impressive park is a true paradise for the city’s athletes, featuring multiple courts for various sports. Central Park is open all year, and depending on the season you visit, you’ll enjoy a unique and memorable experience. It’s definitely one of the best free places to visit in New York!

Statue of Liberty: an enduring symbol of freedom

At the mouth of the Hudson River lies Liberty Island, whose main attraction is one of the most popular and iconic monuments in the world: the Statue of Liberty. This legendary landmark was unveiled in 1886 as a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, with the purpose of strengthening the friendship between the two nations and commemorating the declaration of independence of the United States.

For many years, this monument was the first thing European immigrants saw when arriving in the United States, so it also came to symbolize a warm welcome to foreign cultures and social justice. Today, nearly 5 million people visit this towering 93-meter statue each year. If you’d like to be one of them, you can take a ferry from Manhattan and enjoy this iconic experience. May freedom always be with you, traveler.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: an artistic beacon in the heart of the city

One of New York’s defining traits is its powerful artistic spirit, so we’ll continue our journey at one of the most important museums in the city and in the world: The Met. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in Manhattan and first opened its doors to the public in 1872. Its collection holds more than 2 million works of art, making it one of the leading cultural institutions today. Among the artists represented are timeless masters such as Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez, Picasso, and Van Gogh.

At The Met, you’ll find artistic expressions from all over the world, with multiple galleries dedicated to showcasing the best of different cultures. Along with the American art wing, you can explore outstanding works of Asian, Egyptian, European, Roman, African, Islamic, Greek, and Medieval art, among many others. This museum welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year and is undoubtedly one of the city’s and the world’s most important artistic treasures. Don’t miss the chance to nourish your mind during your trip with one of the best things to do in New York!

Below, you can see where the Metropolitan Museum of Art is located:

Brooklyn Bridge: a masterpiece of engineering

New York is a metropolis that has always been at the forefront of major moments in modern history, and the Brooklyn Bridge is a clear example of that. Opened in 1883, this massive structure was built to connect the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by land. For several years, it held the title of the longest suspension bridge in the world and became an icon of both civil engineering and the Big Apple.

To this day, it remains a key hub in the city’s transportation system, with around 200,000 vehicles crossing it daily, successfully linking two of New York’s busiest areas. Before the bridge existed, residents had to cross the East River by ferry or small boats, risking their safety and spending far more time on the journey. As a result, this suspension bridge played a crucial role in the city’s urban and economic development, especially considering Manhattan’s importance as a major employment center.

In short, the Brooklyn Bridge is much more than a physical link between two New York boroughs. It’s a symbol of connection, innovation, and human achievement. Visit it, you can walk across it!

Fifth Avenue: the dream destination in a dream city

The ultimate expression of elegance in a city of dreams. Dear adventurer, are you planning to go shopping? Then let’s continue our tour along one of the city’s main avenues, where you’ll find every kind of store imaginable. Fifth Avenue is one of Manhattan’s main arteries and a powerful symbol of New York’s economic prosperity, so much so that it has been ranked as the most expensive street in the world.

Along this avenue, you’ll see luxury apartments and exclusive jewelry and fashion boutiques, where prices can reach astonishing levels, as the world’s most prestigious brands choose to set up shop here. Fifth Avenue is one of the most expensive places in the world to live and shop, but strolling along it is free. It’s also located in a prime, highly touristic area, close to other must-see spots, such as Central Park and Times Square. In addition, some of the city’s most famous buildings are nearby, including the Empire State Building and the New York Public Library.

We highly recommend taking a walk along this opulent avenue and, if you have the means, treating yourself to a purchase. You’re sure to find a treasure.

High Line: an elevated park in the heart of the city

The High Line is a natural oasis high above Manhattan. It blends the city’s industrial past with urban beauty, as it’s built on former New York railroad tracks. Stretching for more than 2 kilometers, it offers panoramic views of some of the metropolis’s most iconic urban landscapes. It’s a wonderful place to stroll, featuring garden paths, public art installations, and peaceful spots to relax in the middle of the city.

One of its greatest features is that it’s free to visit. It has multiple access points from the surrounding streets and includes elevators for visitors with disabilities. The park is open to the public every day from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., except in winter when snow and ice can make the wooden paths unsafe. We highly recommend experiencing this unique place. After all, how often do you come across an elevated park? It’s without a doubt one of the best free places to visit in New York!

New York Public Library: one of the Big Apple’s cultural treasures

Welcome to one of the largest and most important public libraries in the world. Founded in 1895 and employing more than 3,000 people, this institution stands as an intellectual beacon and a haven for lovers of reading and learning. The New York Public Library ranks third among the world’s largest public libraries and boasts majestic, imposing architecture that makes it unmistakable among the many buildings along Fifth Avenue.

It holds more than 53 million items, ranging from books to academic texts, essays, manuscripts, maps, and photographs. The library also hosts a wide variety of cultural events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and literary fairs. Its most famous reading room, the Rose Main Reading Room, is inspired by classic New York architecture and is one of the best cultural experiences you can have in the city. In short, the New York Public Library is an invaluable intellectual treasure that you absolutely must visit on your journey through the city. Let yourself be inspired by knowledge!

Empire State Building: one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world

That’s right, the Empire State is just as beautiful and majestic as it appears in the countless movies and TV shows it has featured in. Standing over 380 meters tall, this giant building, which was the tallest in the world until 1971, is a true emblem of the city and a defining icon of Art Deco architecture. Every day, thousands of tourists and locals visit to admire its façade, lobbies, elevators, and breathtaking city views. It’s one of NYC’s most iconic landmarks!

Visiting this skyscraper is a truly unique experience. Beyond the stunning panoramic views from its observation decks, you’ll find a variety of exhibits along the way where you can learn about the building’s history and the impact it has had on New York culture. As you make your way up to the top floor, you’ll pass through museum-style displays, as well as famous restaurants and lavish lobbies designed to welcome the thousands of visitors who arrive at the Empire State each day. Because of its popularity, it’s common to encounter large crowds, but trust us, it’s worth it. We recommend visiting at night if you want to see Manhattan glowing with lights or if you’re in the mood for something romantic!

Broadway: the mecca of American theater

In the heart of Manhattan lies a stretch of streets that represents a dream destination for millions of people who fantasize about becoming performing artists. Traveler, welcome to Broadway, New York’s theater district! The origins of this artistic hub date back to the 19th century and remain just as vibrant today, to the point that New York has often been called the world capital of theater, a title it shares with the city of Bogotá.

If you’re a fan of the performing arts or want to discover them, there’s no better place than Broadway. Across its iconic stages, you’ll find the best selection of plays and musicals, ranging from dramas and comedies to the most experimental stories and performances in the industry. Many of today’s legendary actors began their careers in Manhattan theaters, so you might just get the chance to see the next Marlon Brando or Anthony Hopkins in their early days.

In short, Broadway is more than just entertainment. This artistic scene symbolizes the exceptional talent of those who dare to face the judgment of a demanding New York audience. Every night, actors, musicians, dancers, and theater professionals come together to create a magical experience that transports the audience to imaginary worlds, stirs deep emotions, and sparks reflection. Without a doubt, it’s once again one of the best places to experience in New York!

Recommendations for your visit to New York

Now that we’ve shared some of the top things to do in New York, let’s go over a few tips that will always come in handy to enhance your travel experience in one of the most visited cities in the world. If it’s your first time in the Big Apple, these tips will be your allies in discovering the best places to visit in New York. Pay close attention and take notes.

Don’t worry if you don’t speak English

We know you’ve seen New York in your favorite movies and TV shows, and everyone seems to speak English there, but don’t worry, reality is different. As we mentioned before, New York is one of the most eclectic cities in the world, and if you speak Spanish or Portuguese, you won’t have any trouble communicating. On almost every corner you’ll find someone who speaks your language, so relax and focus on enjoying yourself. Remember, you’re not in the Tower of Babel!

Keep the time of year in mind when you travel

New York is a city that experiences all four seasons, and that’s something important to consider when planning your trip. The good news is that any time of year is great to visit the Big Apple, so don’t worry! The season you choose will depend on what you want to experience and what you enjoy most. For example, if you want to recreate the New York of Home Alone, go in winter. The city and the snow are a perfect match, and you’ll find plenty of activities tailored to that season. If you’re not a fan of the cold, we recommend spring. And if you’re a big fan of the summer sun, then you definitely have to go in summer. Tell us, which season do you prefer?

Discover the best way to get around the city

New York offers several transportation options, and the best choice will depend on your preferences. If you want complete freedom to plan your routes and visit places whenever you feel like it, we recommend renting a car with Viajemos. The traffic isn’t as bad as people make it out to be, so don’t be afraid! This option also lets you explore beautiful spots near the city and even take a road trip along the East Coast.

On the other hand, if you’d rather enjoy the city’s more urban side, you can use the public bike-sharing system. And finally, if you want the full movie-style experience, take the subway. It may not be the most comfortable option, but it will let you soak in the true urban spirit of New York.

Book your accommodation in advance

Choosing where you’ll stay is a key part of any trip. If you want to save money, we recommend securing your lodging at least six weeks ahead of time. Trust us, you’ll notice the price difference. And if you want to go even further and score unbeatable deals, Viajemos offers some of the best hotel rates on the market. Stretch your budget and spend it on memories in NYC!

Don’t forget about tipping

One of the unwritten rules of American culture is that tipping is expected, and trust us, it’s taken very seriously! We know it can feel strange to get used to it, especially when money is involved, but it’s important not to overlook it, as it’s simply assumed. If you’re not sure how much to tip, we recommend leaving between 18% and 20% of the total bill. In practice, something that costs $10 will usually end up costing about $12.

Take care of your personal belongings

New York is a safe city, so don’t be alarmed! What we mean by this tip is simply to be a little cautious in crowded places like Times Square, the subway, or Central Park. The chances of being mugged in the city that never sleeps are very low, but in busy areas, there are always more opportunities for valuable items to get lost. Stay alert and avoid unpleasant experiences while you explore the best places to visit in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Dear traveler, our adventure through NYC has come to an end! Now you know the best places to visit in New York. We hope this post becomes your greatest ally as you plan an unforgettable trip to the city. See you on the next adventure!